Thomas Pheasant
“Find your own voice as quickly as possible…it will take you a lifetime to refine it.”
INTERVIEW
Inspiration is not something you can just go out and find. It is something that finds you. I recently traveled to Japan for the first time. I was so overwhelmed by the beauty of their culture and how that culture can be found in every aspect of life and design. Soon after my trip, I was asked by McGuire to create a new collection. This collection was totally inspired by my time in Japan. I didn’t go to Japan thinking it would inspire a collection. I experienced something that lingered inside me, and I had the opportunity to allow it to inspire a collection. That is the beauty of opening your eyes to truly see the world outside of you.
I began my university studies in architecture. During my second year, a professor suggested that I take a few of the interior design classes to round out my studies. That guidance led me to my connection with designing interiors.
I have had many defining moments in my career. I believe that receiving a call from Paige Rense, the former editor of Architectural Digest US, inviting me to lunch to discuss publishing a few of my projects was one of the first. That relationship with AD gave me a voice both nationally and internationally.
I love working with clients who allow me to experiment with new creative ideas. That trust means everything to me.
Baker Furniture came to me in 2001 and asked if I would consider designing a line of furniture for them based on my modern classic vocabulary. Initially, I turned down the offer as I was very focused on my interiors project. Soon they approached me again, and I agreed to create a collection which was launched in 2002. It was a wonderful experience and a very successful collection that led to designing multiple collections for Baker and McGuire. Last fall, I launched my latest collection for Baker, which celebrated our 20th anniversary of collaboration. A few years ago, I launched my own Thomas Pheasant STUDIO Collection. The mission of STUDIO is to find extraordinary artisans and create limited-edition pieces inspired by their craft. It has been personally so rewarding to work one-on-one with these amazing artisans.
Common goals between the designer and the client.
The responsibility of taking creative ideas and bringing them into reality. The trust given to me by my clients is beautiful, but it is a responsibility that I take seriously.
I would love to design a boutique hotel from interiors to staff uniforms. A theatrical & purely creative concept taken throughout all aspects of the project.
The only thing typical is that no two days are alike.
Managing an interiors firm is 75% business and 25% creative.
Richard Serra, Constantin Brancusi, Andrea Palladio, Jean Michel Frank, John Russell Pope, Gio Ponti, and many more.
There are many contemporary designers who have inspired me over the years. Vincent Van Duysen, John Pawson, Renzo Piano, Tadao Ando, Jean Nouvel, and Joseph Dirand are a few that come to mind.
I have a large collection of gilt bronze boxes by Line Vautrin. I have been collecting them over the past 20 years.
Find your own voice as quickly as possible…it will take you a lifetime to refine it.
Classical Evolution.
On my desk right now is The Architecture of Chanel, Peter Marino. I am fascinated by the idea of merging the vocabularies of fashion and interiors.
Thank you for supporting our industry!
Thank you so much Thomas, for this lovely interview!
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