In Profile:
AYI & Associates

Where does your design inspiration come from?
My design inspiration comes from the natural world, architecture with history, and the unique stories of the people I design for. I am constantly influenced by the textures, colors, and rhythms found in nature, whether it is the curve of a hillside, the weathered patina of aged wood, or the calm of coastal fog rolling in. Travel, art, and timeworn materials also inspire me, but most importantly, it is the connection to the client and the environment that guides each design. I believe the best spaces come from listening to the land, the architecture, and the way people truly live in their homes.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Design is moving toward sustainable developments, awareness for quality and durability as a byproduct of failed mass produced items that look great online but are lacking in person. Hand made construction and uniqueness of product is key to developing a curated home versus showroom for store bought items. I created a non-toxic hand-made line that is tailored to the client, home and natural setting.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future.
A home defines one sense of style and space. It should be a personal museum of one’s story. Uniqueness, durability, functionality, timelessness and client connection are all important themes to consider when creating a dynamic space. A home is an investment beyond sense of space, great design adds value to a property and interest for years to come.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?
Meaningful consumption connects clients to their home and paves the way for less waste and years of enjoyment and memories. Fast design is like fast food, devoid of value and full of waste. I advise clients to create a space that has space and interest for growth overtime. I also encourage repurposing products that are special, even if in another form in the redesigned space like a couple’s first piece of art re-framed and used as a side table top.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
International design awards, such as those by design et al, are incredibly important in today’s design landscape. They serve as a global platform that recognizes excellence, innovation, and meaningful contributions to the field especially at a time when the industry is shifting toward sustainability, craftsmanship, and long-term value over fleeting trends. Awards validate a designer’s commitment to thoughtful, client-centered work and can elevate visibility in an increasingly saturated market. For clients, these accolades offer reassurance of quality and trustworthiness, and for designers, they fuel credibility, networking opportunities, and the motivation to continue pushing creative and ethical boundaries.

Your most treasured possession?
My grandmothers’ jewelry and childhood saddle. I wear jewelry from each of my four grandmother’s which has a story based on their character, advice and strong belief in home and creating beauty. Each piece offers a memory, mental power shield, reminder that I can do anything I put my mind to as they each encouraged me to dream big. My childhood saddle sits next to my desk. It is an English saddle, I grew up on a West Texas ranch. No one rode English style there and many laughed at me teaching my quarter house to jump things in the open field behind our house. I loved the feeling of flying through the air as the house learned to leap around the field. It was the first time I remember thinking, there are so many things I want to see and do that people will not understand here.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Saint Tropez, France
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Hotel: Hotel-Villa Del Mar, Carmel Point
The Lodge, Pebble Beach
Restaurant:Restaurant-Foray, Carmel Maligne, Sand City
Bar: Bar-Grasings, Carmel Spanish Bay Fire Pits for Bagpipe Hour, Pebble Beach

Your favourite book, film & song?
Book: The Fountainhead
Film: Meet Joe Black
Song: Cowboy in LA

Your favourite food and drink?
Oysters, yellowtail crudo and rare beef filet with a crisp salad (avocado, hearts of palm, tomatoes) and a slightly dirty Grey Goose martini muddled with serrano peppers and cilantro.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Spaside with ocean views and a glass of champagne enjoying my kids, dogs and friends celebrating the beauty of Monterey Bay living. It is a place that endlessly amazes and inspires me to create designs and products that will protect the environment and create a legacy. Downtime recharges my creative energy.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?
I would be a venture capitalist using law background and design developed skills to manage multiple layers of tasks, people and decisions to facilitate the take over of companies to rebuild, brand and launch meaningful ventures while factoring the ability for one entity to shift an industry for good alongside profit.