MAGAZINE · INTERVIEW

Brian J. McCarthy

Brian McCarthy is an award-winning American interior designer and founder of Brian J. McCarthy Inc., the New York-based studio he established in 1992 following his time as a partner at the legendary design firm Parish-Hadley. Known for his refined, layered interiors and timeless approach to decoration, McCarthy has completed residences and projects internationally for a distinguished private clientele.

A graduate of Pratt Institute in New York City, McCarthy was commissioned in 2005 by U.S. Ambassador Robert H. Tuttle to redesign the private quarters and refurbish the State Rooms of Winfield House, the official residence of the Ambassador to the Court of St. James in London. His work has been widely featured in publications including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Veranda, Galerie, and The New York Times, and he has been recognized on both the AD100 and Elle Decor A-List.

McCarthy is also the author of Luminous Interiors and co-author of Parish-Hadley Tree of Life with Bunny Williams. In 2020, he received The Albert Hadley Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York School of Interior Design.

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© Francesco Lagnese

“Every home needs to reflect the people who inhabit it. Otherwise it’s soulless.”

INTERVIEW

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    © Thomas Loof
How would you describe your creative process and its influences? How do you get inspired?

It begins very intuitively by getting to know the client and then transcribing it to the creative process. After all, every home needs to reflect the people who inhabit it. Otherwise its soulless.  I’m influenced by so many historical and contemporary references, but also by all the uniquely talented artisans that we work with. And sometimes it might be a particular piece of furniture or work of art, or the architectural characteristics that get the creative juices flowing.

Could you tell us how your journey into interior design started?

After graduating from Pratt University in 1983, I was fortunate to have been hired at Parish-Hadley as Albert Hadley’s assistant.

Do you think there has been a defining moment in your career?

My very first defining moment of my career was when I was made a partner at Parish-Hadley. The honor of being asked to carry on that legacy with such legends in the industry was extraordinary.

What is your favorite type of client/project?

A client who comes with a point of view, a vision, and a collaborative spirit! If you’ve got those three, any project will be successful.

What do you think is the deciding factor in a successful interior design project?

Listening to the clients and transforming their thoughts into their dreams and ultimately their reality.

What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

By far, I would have to say it is client relations and learning to deal with the challenges of the many personalities and characteristics of demanding people.

What would be your advice to beginner interior designers?

Only work for someone you admire and respect, and put the time in to really learn. Jumping around from firm to firm will only confuse the learning process. Also, be curious. Do the research. Educate your eye as well as your mind. And ask questions. The gallerists and dealers are great teachers.

What would be the ideal place to design for you?

Another super yacht.

Could you describe a typical day of your work?

Assessing the day’s schedule and meeting with my teams to review agendas and carry on. And always problem-solving.

How do you choose the specific materials you work with?

Depends entirely on the clients and their lifestyle.

What artists/creatives have influenced you?

Wow, there are too many to choose but for starters, Emilio Terry, Albert Hadley, Henri Samuel, and Jean Michel Frank as design influences. Atelier Meriguet for all their incredible decorative finishes.

What contemporary designers do you appreciate?

Patrice Dangel, Herve van der Stratten, Hubert Legall, Nancy Lorenz, Samuel Ross, Misha Kahn, Bill Sullivan, Nacho Carbonel, Ingrid Donat, and so many more.

If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be?

Artistry.

Are there any books/podcasts you would like to recommend to our readers?

The podcast: Talk Art
As well as recent books I have read: Picasso’s War, Double Vision, 9th Street Women

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    © Thomas Loof

Thank you so much Brian, for this lovely interview!

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