Every summer, Christie’s (the venerable auction house) hosts dozens of bright, young interns from some of the most esteemed universities and well-bred families throughout the world. There has always been a place in my heart (alas, but not in my profession) for Christie’s and its 18th century provenance for the world’s precious paraphernalia. The yearn stems from my admitted-anglophilia and years living in London, seduced by the intrigue and mystique of auction. So it was not an unpleasant chore for me to accept their kind invitation to speak to the refined rosebuds and seek to reveal the real appeal of interior design. After all, they needed to know how to be marvelous when they grow up since they most probably will ... be marvelous that is. They seemed to want to enliven their irrepressible drive to thrive, and I was determined not to disappoint. So I let them have it. I started by drawing the big picture (a very grand picture indeed) of the contemporary confluence among Art, Architecture, and Interior Design. Doe-eyed and disciplined, they attentively took notes on Moleskin journals and in Hermes diaries (spiral notebooks are just so homework). The hypnotic hypothesis seemed to appeal smartly to their aspirations to become bona-fide experts in the fine arts; authorities, curators, museum directors, collectors and all manner of courtly connoisseurs. But even if they don’t become these things, their effort, education and experience with rare objects of beauty still makes them familiar with the fabulous. These kids are brilliant. Which is perfect preparation for becoming an Interior Designer, I told them. They know that the gap from bourgeois to baroness can be bridged with a good decorator. Some of them even witnessed their mothers’ leap across the cultural divide at home with a well-placed this or that ... crest, hallmark, portrait, or patina. Their future clients will likely plead for professional opinion and guidance that is as young and cultivated as they are or wish to be. After all, 80% of today’s wealth is first-generation and half say their decor is not up to par with their wealth. (Cringe at the thought of a misplaced planter). This aspiring aristocracy deserves a good docent, and one of our newly-minted mavens could gracefully lead them through a dream scape they never imagined. Just think of all the skills, class and confidence a young interior designer needs to acquire to make it in the new economy. If you or someone you know were listening to the siren song of design, contemplating a course of study or even a career as a designer, what would you tell them? How would you describe what it means to be an interior designer? How would you encourage them, or even discourage them from pursuing the path? I shall tell you what I told my inspired interns the next time we meet here on the crest of an INSPIRED.Career.
Steve Nobel
Founder and principal of NOBELINKS, a consulting practice specializing in the luxury markets for home furnishings and interior design, worldwide.
