Interior designer and architectural consultant Chad James was recently named the top designer in Nashville, Tennessee. Right after hearing about this impressive distinction, the designer ventured to Dallas Market Center for the fall edition of Dallas Design Week to present a Q&A panel titled “Working with High-Profile and Celebrity Clients.”
Arch-Interiors designer and House Tipster host Christopher Grubb spoke exclusively with James in the Currey & Co. showroom to hear about his whirlwind road to success in the design business – and how he found his unique artistic voice.
As it turns out, James didn’t set out to become the luxury design expert he is today, but he naturally found his fit.
“I actually went down the path of architecture originally, and realized that, as much as I loved it, that wasn’t really my passion,” James shared. “After schooling, I landed my first job at an interior design firm. I was supposedly going to be the one that drew plans, but I got there and realized I would rather pick colors, and sling pillows and draperies.”
Over the course of his career, James has worked extensively with top celebrity clients, like country music artist Luke Bryan, and the late comedic icon Joan Rivers – just to name a few.
Typically, clients find their designers through word-of-mouth referrals, or after spotting some of their work in a publication. James’ best advice to sourcing celebrity clients is to be yourself and let your work speak for you.
“A lot of times people get starstruck and really nervous around people who are celebrities, or who are very affluent and have a lot of money,” James said. “Very early on in my career, I learned that I had to just be Chad. At the end of the day, that’s what everyone wants: they just want you to treat them like everyone else.”
To hear more from Christopher Grubb’s full interview with Chad James at Dallas Market, be sure to catch a recap of House Tipster Industry’s live stream in the video player below.
Stay tuned for even more of our continuing Dallas Design Week coverage, including more exclusive profiles and virtual tours around the market.
