In Conversation with Andrew Howard

Andrew Howard

When I first found Andrew Howard’s work I was definitely drawn to how well his rooms are edited. While comfort is more than evident in each of his projects, everything has a place, a curated sense of order. Another great quality of Howard’s, is that he truly knows how to represent the personalities of his clients with a careful use of colour and pattern.

Raised in the Southern United States, Andrew Howard values tradition with classical elements. This doesn’t mean his designs are always classical, the base of his designs are, but he consistently brings a sense of contemporary flair with a well executed colour palette. This interesting combination makes his work both memorable and unique.

Howard studied business at the University of Florida, but design has been his calling since he first worked in his family’s interior design shop. Happily married with a wonderful wife and two kids this, family man brings style wherever he set his eyes. Howard was recently named one of the Top Young Designers in America by House Beautiful and Traditional Home magazines. Some of his projects have also been featured in Coastal Living, HGTV Magazine, and Traditional Home.

A unique perspective on design indeed, and I cannot wait to learn more about it. Please read on to get in on the conversation…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Andrew Howard – As far back as I can remember we were constantly doing home improvement projects around the house. My siblings and I renovated three offices for my dad and two houses. I also went to jobsites a lot as a kid and was always interested in the architectural details.

Interior Design by Andrew Howard

Iván Meade – Did you always want to be an interior designer?

Andrew Howard – I originally wanted to be a teacher, but growing up in a home with Jim and Phoebe Howard design was more of a natural fit. By “natural fit” I mean that this is really the only thing I know how to do and the only job that I think I might have enjoyed.

Interior Design by Andrew Howard

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Andrew Howard – My style is defined mainly by the clients that I work with and the relationships we form over the course of a project. I am not drawn to a particular decorating style over another, and I am always excited to try something new. No matter what the style of the project I want the spaces to have longevity and reflect their owners.

Interior Design by Andrew Howard

Iván Meade – What are some of the spaces that have always inspired you, and continue to stand out for you today?

Andrew Howard – Inspiration can come from just about anywhere nowadays whether it is reading a good book, touring an old house, or even perusing Pinterest or blogs. When I look at things I always try to determine what it is I like about it and what it is I don’t like. You can learn just as much from both. With that said, the Drawing Room in Colefax and Fowler on Brook Street is probably my most memorable room I have ever been in.

Interior Design by Andrew Howard

Iván Meade – What qualities do you like to be present in your own residence?

Andrew Howard – I like to be around great people. Nothing is better than playing catch with my boys in our backyard. I think a general rule of thumb is that no matter what the style make people feel welcome and comfortable. In my own home I don’t want to be afraid to put my feet up on the coffee table, or eating and drinking on my sofas and chairs.

Interior Design by Andrew Howard

Iván Meade – Are there any design rules that you love to disobey?

Andrew Howard – It is ok to have a TV out (not hidden behind some doors) in your family room. Your guests are not going to think worse of you if they find out that your family owns a television.

Interior Design by Andrew Howard

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Andrew Howard – I find a lot of satisfaction in every project I do. Picking one over another would be like saying you loved one child more than the other. I am very fortunate to have been a part of each of them and draw satisfaction from both the finished product and the friendships we form with clients over the course of the project and beyond.

Interior Design by Andrew Howard

Iván Meade – What is the best advice you could give to somebody who is new in the world of design?

Andrew Howard – There is a lot to learn in this business and it is not going to happen overnight. Be very patient and never quit being a student of design.

Interior Design by Andrew Howard

Iván Meade – Browsing through your portfolio one can see that you are not afraid of colour. What is your favourite colour to design with right now?

Andrew Howard – I like colors and combinations that are outside of our normal toolbox. No matter color we use I want to make sure it is something that our clients are not going to be tired of in 4-5 years.

Interior Design by Andrew Howard

Iván Meade – What does it feel like to be announced as one of the Top 20 Young Designers in America?

Andrew Howard – House Beautiful has always been one of my favourite magazines so it was truly an honour. I must admit I have been fortunate to be surrounded by a great design team and would never have been included had it not been for them.

Interior Design by Andrew Howard

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Andrew Howard – I want to write a book and perhaps focus on doing some home improvement projects in my own house!

Interior Design by Andrew Howard

Iván Meade – Name 5 things you can’t do without…

Andrew Howard – My family, good wine, good friends, long days with my kids at the beach, and lots of laughs.

Interior Design by Andrew Howard

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Andrew Howard – I want to be known as someone who had an amazing opportunity to work with some wonderful people and added value and a point of view to the design process.