Melissa Monroe of Entrican Design
Melissa Monroe of Entrican Design have been shortlisted for Private Jet Design – Concept Award in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2023. Read more about Founder & Principle, Melissa Monroe Entrican, below:
Name: Melissa Entrican Monroe
Company: Entrican Design
Position within company: Founder & Principal
Website: studioendesign.com
Tell us a little about your background in design:
Growing up, I was exposed to airplanes and Interior Design. My dad was a pilot and my mom always loved design. At University, I knew I wanted to study Interior Design because I had such a passion for it and could spend hours researching and creating and sketching designs. Once I studied Architecture, I was hooked.
The degree I earned was a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a specialization in Interior Architecture and a double minor in Industrial Engineering and Business. In one of my classes, I learned about the design specialty of Aviation. I knew that was the perfect fit for me- blending my love of design with my love and familiarity of airplanes. My first job after college was at K-C Aviation, a boutique custom completion center for Private Aircraft. We did everything from painting the exteriors to outfitting every inch of the interior. Working in the in-house design group and working on-site with the skilled craftsmen and personnel taught me so much. I became the Director of Design for Gulfstream when they bought K-C in 1998. Years later, I was fortunate enough to have the perfect platform to start my own Design Consulting practice which I continue to run to this day.
How would you describe your personal design style?
My design style is Modern with an affinity for organic natural elements. I like to create a mood. I like to give views. I was formally trained in the Bauhaus tradition, and this really set my eye and taste for a more modern and clean aesthetic. I will occasionally bring in subtle elements of a particular historical style, but always keeping it edited and visually clean. All these elements help me create environments that influence the feeling or mood of a space. Of course, as with any designer, my style is ever evolving as trends and influences and new products and technologies become available.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I continue to be inspired by nature and by exploring and traveling to interesting places, looking forward at new designs and looking back at examples and traditions of the past. My license as a Registered Interior Designer (RID) requires yearly continuing education classes which I also find very inspiring. Learning new information amongst like-minded creative people is a great environment for growth.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Design for everyone has become more sophisticated and informed. Online research, Designer, Influencer and Social Media Sites such as Pinterest and Instagram have helped educate and inspire all of us.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.
The critical fundamentals are:
1) defining the scope by educating yourself about the user and their needs
2) identifying the desired effect and function of the space or product
3) ensuring the function is excellent
4) ensuring the quality of the materials or products are of the highest quality possible, and
5) meeting the requirements of all the technical specifications (aisle clearances, fireproofing, weight restrictions, etc.)
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
My number one piece of advice is to make sure that the design functions with excellence. All the aesthetics in the world cannot compensate for a design that does not function well. When a design functions perfectly it calms the mind and gives the gift of ease to the user.
What was your favourite project to work on and why?
I have so many it is difficult to choose, but I can share my top three for different reasons. 1) The first is my longtime client that I have worked with for over twenty-five years. The first aircraft I designed for him is still one of his favorites- like an old friend. I love having a client that I know so well and there is an ease to working on a project together. 2) I cannot list my favorites without mentioning designing a Gulfstream for Steve Jobs. This was one of the highlights of my career. We worked together for over two years spending many many hours holed up in the conference room sketching and dreaming and designing. I even had the great privilege of having one design session with Jony Ive (the Chief Designer of the Apple products). In this case, I loved having a client who shared with me the relentless pursuit of the best possible design. It was great fun, and I understand and see why and how the Apple products are so successful and have changed the world. 3) I also must mention the plane I designed for Alec Wildenstein. His family owned a ranch in Africa named Ol Jogi, and on his visits to review the aircraft, I loved hearing all the stories of their African adventures. Alec was so kind to invite me to his ranch where I Honeymooned there for two weeks on his beautiful property experiencing firsthand why he loved it so much. His love for Africa as well as his brother, Guy’s love for thoroughbred racing made its way into the design of the airplane with an upholstered divan for their exotic cats as well as a custom designed cage in the galley if the cat needed to be confined. We showcased the horses running down the aisle in a custom rug. We were adventurous as well on the exterior with a silver metallic paint job which was very uncommon in those days. This aircraft was one of the most unique projects of my career.
What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
They are all challenging in different ways, but I do not have any that were unusually difficult to build. However, I did have two projects that were challenging during the presentation phase. One was a project for a Saudi Arabian Prince. We had our design presentation scheduled in Cairo, Egypt, but our entire presentation was lost and held up in customs- the custom upholstered aircraft chair, the gilded framed renderings and sample boards, the custom China, crystal, and silver- all of it. We waited there for five days for it to be located and delivered. We ended up having our formal presentation in a very informal setting watching a World Cup Match with the Prince. It was not at all how I expected the presentation to go, but we had five wonderful days exploring Cairo, dining each night with the Prince and his entourage and celebrating the big soccer win with him. Another challenging presentation was for the President of Croatia. My travel to Zagreb was not approved by our company due to tensions in the area after the war, but it was necessary for us to go anyway to specify the aircraft. It ended up being a great adventure and a successful trip albeit a little stressful traveling there.
Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
AutoCAD, 3D rendering software, and my sample library supplied from a great Design Center with great reps. I am fortunate to have the Dallas Design Center at my disposal where I can see and touch product in person.
How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?
These awards are a fantastic way to bring design projects to the forefront. It brings us together with a common passion and interest.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a few smaller planes – a Pilatus NGX and a Cirrus Vision Jet plus designing and building my own personal home, launching a new business, and publishing a few children’s books.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
In addition to my Design Consulting Practice, I am launching a new business to sell products, called Margin Studio. I am also publishing three of my books.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
I have to say that with all I have been through in my life, it is my Bible which is full of personal notes, my three children and grandbaby, and my home. These are my true sources of inspiration.
Your favorite holiday destination?
Italy – anywhere in Italy.
Your favorite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Hotels: I am currently intrigued by the Proper Hotels in CA and Austin by Kelly Wearstler. A few of my favorite places I have stayed are Ol Jogi in Nanyuki, Africa, Surf Hotel in Buena Vista, CO and The Grand Wailea in Maui, Hawaii
Restaurants: A few of my favorite restaurants are where I have shared great memories… Mi Cocina in Dallas, The French Alpine Bistro in Aspen, and Flora Farms in Cabo San Lucas
The next restaurants I have my sights on are Kin Toh in Tulum, Mexico and The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine (where the only way you can get a reservation is by mailing a postcard and hoping they will accept)
Your favorite book, film & song?
Book: Again, the Bible – such an interesting thing to study. There are so many layers and layers.
Film: One of my favorites is Forest Gump. It makes me smile.
Song: Two of my favorites are What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong and Three Little Birds by Bob Marley.
Your favorite food and drink?
I like all types of food. For me it is more about the setting… Dining with interesting company in a beautiful setting over a delicious, inspired chef- prepared meal accompanied by a great glass of red wine or fun craft cocktail. But if I must pick favorites, I love Greek- Middle Eastern Food, Italian, and Mexican (it is difficult to live in Texas and not love Mexican Food).
Your favorite way to spend an afternoon?
This changes depending on my mood… either in my studio with the windows open and the music on creating and designing OR with someone I enjoy out on a fun and interesting adventure somewhere.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Anything else interesting?
In 2020, I began a passion project of writing. In 2022, I will become a published author. I have written eight illustrated children’s books which will be published over the next two years. Or if I am really dreaming… I would have a wildlife rescue and an orphanage in Africa.
Melissa Monroe of Entrican Design
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