Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing one of the most established, most esteemed interior designers west of the Rockies, Paul Vincent Wiseman. Wiseman, the founder of The Wiseman Group, is a long-time San Francisco resident who takes the cross-pollination of ideas particular to this bustling social hub and transforms them into daring, multi-faceted modes of living.
Andrew Joseph – What is your wakeup ritual?
Paul Vincent Wiseman – Yoga in my spa watching the sunrise over the San Francisco Bay.
Andrew – How do you maintain a work/life balance?
Paul – Gardening, cooking, and reading.
Andrew – Style (or design) icon?
Paul – Ralph Rucci, The Row, and Zegna for Men.
Andrew – What’s one ingredient you put in everything?
Paul – Love.
A bare-wooded outdoor sitting area is surrounded by a lush backyard and palms.
Andrew – Most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
Paul – Level nine rapids in a small boat in the Grand Canyon.
Andrew – How would you define your work in three words?
Paul – Appropriate, Appropriate, Appropriate.
Andrew – Favorite piece of clothing you own?
Paul – Loro Piana scarf…tri-colored.
Andrew – Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
Paul – Do whatever you would do for “free”…I’ve followed my own advice.
Andrew – What are some of the podcasts you listen to and why?
Paul – Terri Gross on NPR…very intelligent.
In “line” with this angular abode, Wiseman chose rectangular shaped furniture and decor for the sun-drenched porch.
Andrew – What would you like to be remembered for?
Paul – Living a compassionate life.
Andrew – How do you define beauty?
Paul – Something in perfect relationship to something else.
Andrew – Best way to take a rest/decompress?
Paul – Check into an Aman Resort somewhere in the world.
Andrew – A skill you’re working on mastering?
Paul – Moderation.
Andrew – Favorite scent?
Paul – Terre D’Hermes Eau Intense Vetiver
Andrew – If you made a documentary, what would it be about?
Paul – The environment and preserving it.
Andrew – Who is your ideal client?
Paul – Clients with time, taste, and money.
Andrew – What song can you listen to on repeat?
Paul – Amazing Grace.
Andrew – What are you most excited about at this time in your life?
Paul – Moving into “eldership.”
Andrew – What’s one thing that is always in your refrigerator?
Paul – Fresh ingredients for dinner!
Andrew – What is one Instagram account that you can’t live without?
Paul – John Pawson and Interior Design Addict.
In this room with a view, Wiseman structures his interior around a wide-windowed view of the mountains.
About Paul Vincent Wiseman | Paul Vincent Wiseman opened his San Francisco firm, The Wiseman Group, in 1980. At the age of twenty-seven, his success in the design world was still just a dream. Yet the business he created is now recognized as one of the top interior design firms in the country. Today, TWG is respected for the superb quality of its work and for the highest standards of professional integrity.
With an international influence and deeply talented team of designers, TWG projects reflect attention to local history and indigenous motifs, existing architectural features, site requirements, and the client’s deepest desires for the private world in which they wish to live.
About Andrew Joseph | Andrew Joseph’s passion for design and rich journalistic history led to the launch of his boutique PR firm in 2012. Prior to enjoying the successes of Andrew Joseph PR, Andrew honed his editorial skills at Vanity Fair and Allure. This experience, as well as the strong network of contacts developed over the years in public relations, brings a valuable edge to his new role as contributing editor. Let the musing begin.
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