The Love Edit: Living with Designers
February 14, 2023
This Valentine’s Day, we polled the loved ones of our architects, interior designers, and administrative team members, to learn what it’s really like to live with them. From preaching the virtues of color theory for getting dressed to obsessing over every decorative detail in the home, these responses illuminate the ways our craft influences how we live and love.
Director of Interior Design Nicole Ficano and her partner, Cristian
What’s the best part of living with a designer/architect? Any funny/charming stories that you’d like to share?
The best part of living with a designer is having access to their creativity in decorating our living space. On the other hand, I don’t get to choose what I can bring into the apartment or where to place things. For example, I’ve been trying to convince Nicole to buy a microwave since we moved in together, but she doesn’t believe it complements the aesthetic of our apartment (whatever that means).
What have you learned from them?
I’ve learned that a lot of planning goes into making places visually appealing and functional. I’ve also learned that a small piece of furniture can cost more than a car.
What’s the most unexpected “designy” thing they do at home?
Nicole likes to judge the colors of my outfit. She sometimes says my colors don’t always complement each other or the tone of my skin. And she’s always putting things away to make our home look a certain way, so I can never find my stuff.
Founding Principal Matt Berman and his husband Jim
What’s the best part of living with a designer/architect? Any funny/charming stories that you’d like to share?
- The best part is that i have very beautifully designed places to live. Every detail is considered, and nothing is haphazard. I even get a significant say in how it looks. The worst part is that it takes forever to design and build. Years of my life have passed waiting for a contractor to get a reveal just right (I’m exaggerating but you see my point). I often tell the story of Matt refusing to buy an outdoor table for the house we were renovating until he found the perfect thing. I just wanted to have people over for dinner and he was looking at zillion dollar tables made with exotic woods from Bosnia. Eventually I just went to Ikea and bought a table for $79. We had it for 15 years. In that same house we needed a guest bathroom faucet that I was ready to just buy at Lowe’s. He was very annoyed and famously said “Jim. We will NEVER have faucets from Lowe’s!” This story made it into our wedding vows.
- What have you learned from them?
- I’ve learned many things but mostly that the suffering is usually worth it but also how to draw lines and put my foot down when necessary to move forward without dampening his enthusiasm or creative energy.
What’s the most unexpected “designy” thing they do at home?
- He insists on A LOT of pillows.
Designer Emily Van Ostrand and her roommates, Isabella and Justine
What’s the best part of living with a designer/architect? Any funny/charming stories that you’d like to share?
Isabella: So many things! If a lightbulb goes out, a shelf breaks, a desk needs to be built, etc. – it’s taken care of! A funny story – Emily has built literally everything in my room – my desk, my nightstand, my bed frame – she’s even created most of the art on my walls (and hung them).
Justine: The best part of living with a designer is the instant sense of home they can so easily bring to your spaces. Without Emily, our apartment wouldn’t be nearly as cozy and inviting. It really makes you realize the impact your spaces can have on your mental health, pride in your home, etc.
What have you learned from them?
Isabella: I’ve grown to love design magazines through a new lens! Now I have a very different perspective on design choices – it’s almost like Em’s design eye has improved mine.
Justine: I’ve learned lots of new terms. Now I like to throw in “credenza” and “sofa” instead of “couch” in any conversation I can so I can show off that I live with a designer.
What’s the most unexpected “designy” thing they do at home?
Isabella: Make floor plans of our own apartment in CAD to plan out our space!!
Justine: She’ll always have a measuring tape handy—and I mean always.
Designer Krista Wiryomartono and her sister, Rae
Best thing about living with a designer:
Buying expensive niche things, that I probably would not myself, but makes our spaces nice! Also, who needs Ikea when she can build me a bed frame.
Worst thing:
Pointing out things in buildings that are “not to code.”
Stories to share?
I bought her the book “I’m neurotic (and so are you).” She did not find it funny.
What have you learned from them?
Curating matters, and it makes a difference.
What’s the most unexpected designy thing they do at home?
She loves to color coordinate her things (i.e. her shower products are pink, her travel bags are red, kitchen items are accented mustard yellow etc.) it’s very aesthetically pleasing.
Senior Designer Peter Kitchen and his partner, Toshika
What’s the best part of living with a designer/architect?
Peter makes me appreciate everyday moments like perfecting the char on fish or putting eucalyptus in the shower.
What have you learned from them?
How useful it is to have a measuring tape in your kitchen when baking.
Director of Marketing & PR Lisa Jasper and her husband, Ari
What’s the best part of living with a designer/architect?
Lisa’s not even a designer, but I am surrounded by beauty and outstanding design at all times…I am very lucky.
Any funny/charming stories that you’d like to share?
When we painted stripes on our living room wall in our old apartment in long island city, Lisa didn’t even give me a roller. The work wouldn’t have met her quality standards.
What have you learned from them?
Patience, and embracing Lisa’s vision- it is always stronger than mine.
What’s the most unexpected “designy” thing they do at home?
Lots of paint chips hung on my walls for extended periods until we pick a paint color for a space.
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