What would be your perfect Maine day? 

My perfect Maine day is a summer Friday. After a hectic week, Friday mornings tend to be quieter—there’s a sense of calm as we wrap things up. At noon, I’d meet my family at Scarborough Beach for an afternoon in the water. As the sun sets, we’d head home to grill dinner and have friends over for a laid-back evening. 

How would you describe your aesthetic in three words? 

Layered, eclectic, and reflecting the zeitgeist. 

Go-to shop or local artisan for unique pieces? 

For some of our larger projects, I love to bring in Christina Watka. Her artwork adds texture and a play of light and shadow that brings an organic warmth to a space. 

Your biggest design influence? 

History. I believe in pushing boundaries and finding new solutions, but looking at the our historic archive is endlessly inspirational. 

One piece of furniture, art, or decor in your space that tells a story? 

My coffee table is one of my absolute favorite things. It is a steel hand platform truck that I acquired off the street in SoHo 25 years ago. It has a patina and has been tagged, but it is the most functional piece in our house. 

How would you describe your creative philosophy? 

My philosophy centers around weaving together the constraints of the project. At its simplest, it’s problem solving and at its best, it’s creating an experience. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of restaurant and hotel design? 

It’s witnessing the owners, operators, team members, and guests walk in and experience a room for the first time. It’s also seeing the space as it comes together and the last layers that go in. It’s really fulfilling when you get to see people physically walk into a vision that you have been working on for so long.

One piece of advice for emerging women leaders in design? 

Learn how things are put together with an architectural education or an apprenticeship in a millwork shop. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.