De la Torre Design Studio have been Shortlisted for Luxury Residence – Americas Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021. Read more about Principal Ernest De la Torre below:

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Name: Ernest de la Torre

Company: de la Torre design studio

Position within company: Principal

Website: www.delatorredesign.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

Raised in Lake Forest, Illinois, de la Torre’s passion for design was inspired by the local classic architecture of David Adler and Mies van der Rohe. He went on to earn degrees from Sotheby’s Fine and Decorative Arts in London and Columbia University. After embarking on his design career at Peter Marino Architect, de la Torre later collaborated with esteemed hotelier Ian Schrager as well as Ralph Lauren Home.

How would you describe your personal design style?

Drawing upon his knowledge and keen eye for art & design, de la Torre creates spaces that are layered, nuanced, refined and always impactful.  De la Torre consistently breaks new ground for clients, discerning their needs and custom tailoring surroundings to be a perfect fit.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Fine art and Sculpture and Nature.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

People want to live with less but have more quality and utility in each and every item in their homes. More is definitely more, but the more has to be the best.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.

How refined is my light- both natural and artificial, how does it make me feel, does it have utility every day or three times a year, is there value in this

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

It should reflect something about the client, not the designer.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

To be recognized in the international arena is paramount. I buy and make my designs in a number continents so I feel close to the rest of the world in my design.

What projects are you currently working on?

Bahamas beach front villa

California oceanfront mansion

52million dollar penthouse in ntc

A new build 12000 square foot house in India

Several other houses and apartments all over.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

An estate in Los Angeles – the client was willing to take chances, incorporate all sorts of interesting elements, new and reclaimed, and they like to have fun.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

Working on an island where you can’t even buy a roll of duct tape is a challenge. You have to think of everything ahead of time.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

I love working with expert consultants in art, engineering, and custom fabrication. So many smart people out there to bring to the table.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

Get more than six hours a night sleep.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession? My son

Your favourite holiday destination? Rome or my backyard

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? Le Meuircein Paris for both.

Your favourite book, film & song? 740park as I got to read about the storied building while I did an apartment there.

Your favourite food and drink? A paloma and many pastas

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Antique shopping in Paris.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Artist.

Anything else interesting? Covid is ending in nyc at long last and the city is exploding to life! Yeah!

De la Torre Design Studio

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