A saturated green millwork moment gives this lounge its backbone, while the mirrored bar, floral wallcovering, and blush velvet sofa bring in just the right amount of softness.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Autumn Pochiro: Scarcity shaped me. Maybe not the answer you expected, but beauty often rises from chaos, and sometimes that chaos is simply not having enough. Growing up without much, I discovered early on that creating a better world for myself was my superpower. What is yours? We all have a unique gift waiting to be found and refined. True genius is not magic; it is crafted, nurtured, and sometimes arrives in unexpected ways.
AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
AP: Energy. Vision. Process.
AJ: What’s a new hobby/skill that you have learned recently?
AP: Tennis has become my latest obsession! I dove into the sport at 43, determined to finally face my fear of failing at something active. At first, I was terrible, but with time and dedication, I started to improve. Tennis is tough, but I love the mental lessons it brings: let go of mistakes, focus on the next point, and keep moving. In tennis, there is no room for sulking — just the thrill of the next rally.
Formal china gets a wink of personality here, framed by punchy pink cabinetry and a patterned backdrop that makes the whole vignette feel alive.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
AP: Traveling and exploring design in the world around me keeps my creativity alive. I am constantly inspired by the energy we share and the beauty that design brings to every corner of life. The rich history of design fascinates me, and I find endless wonder in how nature itself is the ultimate designer. Creating beauty feels like a true privilege.
What sets your soul on fire? Chase after the passion that keeps you up at night, even if others doubt you. That spark, the one that fills your dreams with ideas, is your greatest strength. We all have tenacity that awakens when we pursue what we are meant to do and tap into our unique vision of what is possible.
AJ: What is your favorite design element to incorporate into your projects?
AP: Color is the creator of beauty.
AJ: What is your favorite design-related quote?
AP: “Beauty quality of wholeness or harmony generates pleasure, meaning, and satisfaction.” —Neumeir
“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.“ —Vincent Van Gogh
A freestanding tub framed by three sunlit windows turns this bath into a true retreat, with brass fittings, patterned stone flooring, and a floral chandelier adding just the right amount of polish.
AJ: What was the last book you read, and how did it inspire you?
AP: The 18 Laws of Leverage is the last book I read. My favorite quote from the book was, “The one mastering leverage is the master of their own destiny. What do you want to be? You have two choices: you can use the knowledge to become a leverager, or you can remain the leveraged.”
I love to read. If you can spend 15 minutes a day reading and learning something new, you will create an entirely new perspective by the end of the year and dramatically change your outcomes.
AJ: What is your favorite design tool to use?
AP: CAD is my go-to design tool! Teaching myself how to use it years ago unlocked a whole new world of creative fun. I always think about outsourcing this part, but nothing compares to the joy I get from shaping every detail and watching the bigger picture come to life.
Do you remember drawing on an Etch-A-Sketch as a kid, twisting the knobs to guide a single line into a picture? That continuous motion, shaping something from nothing, always fascinated me. The magic of the aluminum powder clinging to the glass made every creation feel like a small wonder.
CAD design feels like that same unbroken process, where each line leads seamlessly to the next until the image is complete. Design is a series of small steps, each detail building toward a greater whole.
AJ: What is your favorite thing about being a designer?
AP: Community is what I love most about being a designer. Nowhere else do you get to step into someone’s dreams, shape them with your imagination, and build something together from the ground up. Every project is a collaboration — clients, designers, suppliers, and contractors all weaving their expertise into the final result. Influence, to me, is about these relationships and the shared growth they bring to our industry.
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