Designer Friday: An Aspire Exclusive Interview With Zuni Madera

As Design Director at Foley & Cox, Zuni Madera takes on a number of roles, from number one client contact, to designer, to project budget administrator. Having been with the firm for over a decade, Madera’s understanding of the industry’s ins and outs allows her to skillfully oversee projects in their entirety. Her manifold positions are a reminder that design itself is multifaceted and requires a range of moving elements. Taking aesthetics, functionality, and doability into account, Madera works through the humanity of each design project. Introducing this week’s Designer Friday, Zuni Madera.

Foley & Cox is an interior design firm based in New York City, with residential, yacht, and private aircraft projects spanning across the world.

Foley & Cox is an interior design firm based in New York City, with residential, yacht, and private aircraft projects spanning across the world.

Andrew Joseph: If you could live in any home in a movie or television series, what would it be?
Zuni Madera: I would live in the Milanese home, Villa Necchi Campiglio, from the Italian romance film, “I Am Love”. The interiors are beautiful with refined architectural details such as the exquisite woodwork throughout the villa. The landscape design is unique with a pool at the front of the house which takes curb appeal to another level.

The firm has gained renown for their refined versatility, exchanging classic for modern, or specialized for eclectic in each project, dependent on client and environment.

The firm has gained renown for their refined versatility, exchanging classic for modern, or specialized for eclectic in each project, dependent on client and environment.

Andrew: What’s your favorite cocktail?
Zuni: Cosmopolitan martini. I love the citrusy note with a hint of sweetness. It’s a sexy cocktail and pretty in pink.

Andrew: What are three words to describe where you live?
Zuni: Minimal, modern, and mindful.

Madera and the Foley & Cox team blend genres in this space, using warm, classic wood paneling as background to modern furnishings and offbeat artwork.

Madera and the Foley & Cox team blend genres in this space, using warm, classic wood paneling as background to modern furnishings and offbeat artwork.

Andrew: Must have clothing item everyone should have in their closet?
Zuni: A crisp white button down shirt is a timeless essential and fashion staple that can be dressed up or down and can be taken from day to evening. It’s a must have in everyone’s closet that won’t fail to impress.

Andrew: Style (or design) icon?
Zuni: I’m inspired by the work of design icon, Axel Vervoordt. His interiors transport me to a zen place and I appreciate the simplicity of the harmonious spaces he’s able to create.


About The Designer | Zunilda Madera has been with foley&cox for over a decade. She has developed through the positions of Assistant Project Manager, Project Manager, and Senior Project Manager until she was promoted to the role of Design Director in the fall of 2016. Zuni is a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology with a BFA in interior design. Her role draws on her extensive knowledge of the industry. She leads client communications, project design and development, and project administration (including timelines and budgets) from concept to completion. Zuni plays an instrumental part in developing the design team.

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