Patrick Ediger’s passion for design began at a young age, springing from an education in theatre arts and blossoming into a nearly 20-year career in the Los Angeles interior design community. Drawing inspiration from Southern California’s iconic style and architecture, Patrick’s work has become synonymous with livable sophistication, timeless beauty, and environmental consciousness, earning him a reputation as one of the top interior designers in Southern California. Patrick’s cool ease and expert vision have made him a trusted designer for professionals from every creative industry – from authors and venture capitalists to showrunners, top executives and talent. His work has shaped the homes of pop icon Christina Aguilera, supermodel Cheryl Tiegs, and NBA legend Phil Jackson. See some of Patrick’s designs in today’s Designer Friday.
Effortlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor serenity, this open-concept living area invites the tranquility of the ocean into a refined yet relaxed setting, perfect for gathering and unwinding.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Patrick Ediger: My grandmother was a pivotal inspiration for me choosing a career in design. My grandfather, who was an officer in the military, was stationed in Western Europe right after WWII — and my grandparents, with my mom and her siblings, lived mostly in Italy and Germany. During this time, my grandmother developed an appreciation for European antiquities, which would eventually fill their home when they moved back to the States at the end of the 50s. She had a unique eye for design and began collecting an eclectic array of furniture and objets d’art.
Their home was a testament to her taste, always impeccably styled yet incredibly welcoming. She had an innate sense of how to make spaces not just beautiful, but functional and comforting. It was her blend of timeless elegance and warm hospitality that really drew me to interior design.
From a young age, being surrounded by her influence showed me how much a person’s environment can affect our well-being and interactions. This understanding—seeing how thoughtfully designed spaces can make people feel at home—inspired me to pursue interior design as a profession. It’s a philosophy that I carry into my projects today, aiming to create spaces that are both beautiful and timeless but also deeply functional.
AJ: What is your favorite place to find inspiration?
PE: My inspiration almost always comes from my clients’ lives, the architecture of their homes and locations. By leaning into the who, what and where of a home and its inhabitants, I can weave an authentic narrative that tells their story through the design of their space. I love focusing on my client’s past, present and future, their driving motivation and aspirations as a way to inform the creative direction for their home.
Subtle luxury meets organic warmth in this bathroom, where brass accents, textured tiles, and natural wood tones create a space that’s both refined and inviting.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
PE: I’m currently working on a dream project at the moment: revitalizing an old 1920s Spanish Revival home in the Hollywood Hills. The house has been renovated at least a half dozen times over the past 100 years into a shadow of its former self. Fortunately, there are enough original details that we’re preserving and taking inspiration from to help guide me.
What excites me most about this project is transforming what many might see as an “ugly duckling” back into the gorgeous home it once was. We’re blending its historical essence with contemporary sensibilities—a challenge I relish. I’m also very lucky to be working with a client who not only shares this vision but matches my attention to detail and appreciation for quality.
AJ: How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
PE: My approach to sustainable design centers on enhancing the lifestyle and well-being of my clients. It’s a combination of meticulous materials selection and using tools like hyper-photorealistic renderings to ensure that the spaces I create are not only beautiful and functional but sustainable as well. By focusing on long-lasting design and confident decision-making through visual technology, I can ensure that my clients’ homes are both practical and aesthetically timeless, maintaining their longevity well into the future.
AJ: What is your favorite design era and why?
PE: I love old homes. My favorite design era is LA in the 1920s, 30s and 40s. This period was such a rich tapestry of diverse architectural styles, brimming with character and elegance, and the epitome of classic Hollywood glamour. I’m incredibly drawn to the way homes from that era ooze with charm and tell a rich narrative. These styles deeply influence my work, inspiring me to incorporate elements of that timeless elegance and storytelling into the spaces I design.
This entryway feels both open and inviting, with a large, round mirror that enhances the sense of space while adding a touch of elegance to the welcome area.
AJ: What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on and how did you overcome it?
PE: One of the most challenging projects I’ve worked on involved co-designing with another interior designer, which was a new experience for both of us. We divided the workload based on our areas of expertise, tackling a complex build on the Pacific coast. We encountered several hurdles during the project, some due to the harsh coastal environment and others related to challenges with the construction team, especially regarding project management and adherence to timelines. In the end, this project not only culminated in a beautiful space but also forged a strong, enduring friendship.
AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
PE: In interior design, where projects can span years, and there is no such thing as instant gratification, real accomplishment often comes in small, meaningful moments.
Recently, after presenting the schematic design to a client, a socio-tech thought leader, they remarked enthusiastically “Typically, when I’m working with creatives, my expectation is that I’m going to buy into only around 50% of the ideas that I’m presented. I’m 99% with everything you’ve shown me. I’m ready to move in!” Not only was it validating praise but also emphasized the strong connection and understanding I aim for with every project.
AJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a designer?
PE: Be authentic, don’t be afraid to be vulnerable, and never underestimate yourself. No matter how important the people we work for are, they think of us as equals. They’re just as interested in knowing us on a personal level and want that individual connection, not just our design expertise. Clients value personal authenticity as much as our design work—it’s all about being real, open and honest.
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