Mark Schubert, founder and principal designer of Chicago-based interior design firm, Phillip Harrison Interiors, is known for pushing the boundaries of creativity through bold, yet refined contemporary design. After working in hospitality design for a number of years, Mark founded the firm in 2017 with a mission to dive back into the residential design industry, working more personally with individual clients. Building on his vast knowledge and education in the industry, Mark has an inherent ability to visualize what a space could be while also fully implementing his vision through the use of materials and details. With a focus on perfecting the mix of various elements, Mark creates environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly livable and functional. See these designs in today’s Designer Friday.
Andrew Joseph: What is the most important element in a successful interior design?
Mark Schubert: Designer-client connection. When looking to hire an interior designer, I tell people that they need to have a connection with the person or team they hire and this goes above aesthetics or style, even though those are important as well. If you are not in sync with each other, the design process most likely will not run smoothly because the client will not trust the designer to make the best decisions for their project.
This dramatic space is defined by a rich, dark paint color that sets a captivating tone. The allure is enhanced by brass accents, crisp white bedding, hand-blocked wallpaper and oversized wall sconces to complete the scene.
AJ: How do you keep up with the latest design trends?
MS: I attend trade shows and High Point Market to see the latest products and trends, and attend local events here in Chicago where I can meet up with colleagues and discuss what is trending currently or what we would like to see more of in the future.
AJ: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?
MS: It is a careful dance we do. When I begin a project I always begin with a function before any design element is selected. I provide potential layout options typically showcasing various room arrangements and incorporate any specific design functionality that has been requested. Once we narrow down our layouts, I develop the design including any necessary functionality that the client has requested as well as additional ideas to really step it up.
AJ: How do you incorporate client feedback into your designs?
MS: During our design process, I provide numerous opportunities for our clients to provide feedback on their design. I encourage our clients to let me know how they are feeling about any element of their design and to not be afraid of offending me as I work for them. I tell them to push my limits because I am going to push yours in a way you would never have thought.
This dining room strikes a perfect balance between playful elements, like the oval mirrors and blue wallpaper and upholstered chairs, and elegant touches, including brass accents and black cabinetry.
AJ: What is the most important skill for a successful designer?
MS: Listening. The first thing I always do at our consultations is to take in everything the client is talking about, not only regarding their design goals but also how they live in the space and their likes or dislikes. This is key for a successful design to be implemented because I want to create a space that is a representation of our client and how they use their space.
AJ: What is your favorite thing about being a designer?
MS: It really is about the joy I bring to our clients. That final reveal when I walk our client through their space and their eyes light up, tears start flowing and the pure happiness I see is my favorite part of being an interior designer.
AJ: What is your favorite type of furniture to design?
MS: When given the opportunity for custom pieces, I enjoy developing designs for casegoods. In my own home, we couldn’t find a coffee table that fit our space in terms of size and style, so we jumped into SketchUp and started designing our own and a few months later we had this one-of-a-kind table that really is the showstopper of our living room.
AJ: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be and why?
MS: I love animals, especially dogs, so I would open a dog rescue or sanctuary probably somewhere rural with lots of space for the animals to run around and enjoy themselves.
Vibrant and luxurious textures blend to make this colorful and inviting living room.
AJ: How do you incorporate art into your designs?
MS: Most of our clients usually already have a decent collection of artwork that they want us to incorporate into their design and I use this as a starting point for the overall direction of the space or home. Whether it be paintings, photography, sculptural pieces or hand-blown glass objects, I always curate those pieces and if necessary design custom display cases or reach out to our local framing studios for assistance on the best way to showcase our client’s collections.
AJ: What is your favorite design era and why?
MS: As of right now, the Art Deco era. The details, patterns and use of color are my favorite and I have seen a bit of a resurgence of this style in modern design.
AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
MS: When everything in a room matches. I push our client’s limits and show them that we create these amazing spaces that are curated and eye-catching because nothing matches. We want to create cohesion throughout the space and this can be accomplished by mixing styles, patterns, colors, etc.
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