I believe style is an outcome of many factors, including life experience, exposure, travel and what makes an individual heart palpitate!” —David Schneider, designer

David Schneider’s studio, Schneider Kennedy Design, located in St. Louis, Mo., is an interior design and project management company dedicated to creating environments that reflect the client’s aesthetic sensibility and fit their functional needs. Here, David talks about the latest project at Schneider Kennedy Design and answers the heady question “How does one create meaning in the home?”

GN: First of all, how did you come to develop your style?

David: First, let me say that my style is not what I do for my clients. I believe style is an outcome of many factors, including life experience, exposure, travel and what makes an individual heart palpitate! In my case, having traveled extensively and having been a commercial photographer, I have consistently found myself attracted to bright and energetic spaces—spaces and places with vivid color. I love color.

I think art deco and art nouveau are two of the most beautiful styles in design and building that have ever been created. My personal style is an eclectic mix that is best described as sand and sea—it's akin to South Beach. Finally, my approach to my client’s environments is based on them, not me, not my taste or my style. My job as a designer is to mine and cultivate the client’s taste and to translate their style into their environment.

GN: Tell us about the last project you worked on.

David: I work on several projects simultaneously. The project that we have more recently completed was a complete interior and exterior remodel of a client's home. Our involvement with the decor was primarily limited to wall and floor finishes and selection of rugs. We have not been involved in the furnishings. I love being able to transform a very old and badly worn home into a practically new home.

[Image credit: David Kreut]

GN: What advice would you have for homeowners about hiring and managing contractors?

David: Number one, if you’re going to do any kind of remodeling, hire a designer. If you’re going to add onto your home or build a new home, hire an architect and a designer. In terms of smaller singular jobs, such as painting, flooring and other small jobs, I would use online resources to find reliable tradespeople.

I would ask all contractors and tradespeople to provide certificates of insurance for both liability and workman’s compensation. If you find someone through other resources, go see their work and talk to some of their clients before inviting them into your home.

Finally, define their obligations to you and your obligations to them, preferably in writing, before you get underway. Everything we do for clients involves a written agreement so everyone knows what to expect. Laying out expectations upfront avoids conflict in the future.

GN: What elements account for a comfortable home?

David: A comfortable home is a place where friends and family can gather and the environment enhances the experience.

GN: What is your philosophy on creating meaning in the home?

David: Wow. What a heady question. Candidly, when I think of creating meaning in the home, I don't think of interior design, I think of personal interaction. I do, however, believe that, as Elisabet Ney wrote, “The more our sensibility for the loveliness of things is nurtured and the more lovely our surroundings are made, the more lovely and joyful our souls will grow.”

Schneider Kennedy Design is an interior design and project management company dedicated to creating environments that reflect the client’s aesthetic sensibility and fit their functional needs. Services include design and decor consultation, creation of design, decorating and/or remodeling plans, document preparation including CAD drawings, material selections for both remodeling and redecorating, securing construction permits and construction bids (using a network of expert contractors), management of construction, and comprehensive decorating services upon completion of construction. The company specifies and sells rugs, upholstered furniture, case goods, accessories, art, portable lighting, blinds and custom window treatments and bedding. Located in Wildwood, Mo., Schneider Kennedy Design services clients throughout the major metropolitan area of St. Louis.

[Main image credit: David Schneider]