In honor of the month of love, we are shouting our love for New York design from the rooftops. From our storied city’s dynamic architecture to its incredible interior design community, it is no wonder the big apple is always at the forefront of the global design scene.
For this very special Valentine’s Day edition, we spoke to the quintessential New Yorker and interior designer, Alan Tanksley. If you don’t know Alan, he is warm, witty, hysterically funny and so talented. He wears his heart on sleeve (and in his Instagram account) for his beloved city of many, many years. Alan’s career began in the Manhattan iconic offices of Parish-Hadley Associates and the legendary decorator Mark Hampton. Almost four decades later, he is amongst an elite roster of renowned New York City designers himself.
Without further ado, here is our on the spot Q&A with Alan Tanksley…
After 30 years in your own business, what is your number one piece of advice for people looking to transform their homes through design?
Don’t try this at home! Even if you have strong ideas and set goals, working with an experienced designer will assist you to navigate the process in a myriad of ways, often saving you time and money by avoiding costly mistakes. Let us do what we do best.
You are known for your “client-centric approach.” What does that look like?
Meeting and exceeding our clients’ desires and expectations is what we strive for. We can only do this by thoroughly understanding our client through thoughtful questions and active listening.
When you are designing, furnishing, and decorating a home, how much does maintenance play a part?
Most, if not all, of our clients have long term maintenance in mind for one reason or the other. We suggest ways to utilize and care for their home whether it be on their own or with the assistance of others. We always confer with clients, housekeepers, maintenance personnel, etc. to encourage an active approach to maintenance. We’ll never have the thorough knowledge, experience or resources of those whose business it is to know every trick in the book. That’s where the crew at Little Elves come in.
What was the most impractical element you’ve ever sourced or designed for a project but just had to include?
Nostalgia for inherited, heirloom items is understandable but often presents challenges to the agreed upon design goals. That said, somehow we make it work for all parties in the end.
As a designer and native New Yorker, what is it like to work on projects in historic New York City properties? Your stunning residence in the iconic Woolworth Building was particularly unforgettable.
There’s a gratifying sense of pride to have worked in a remarkable building, whether ionic or simply one that simply has good NYC vibes. Long after the project is complete I’ll feel I’ve earned the right to call it my own for posterity.
In what ways do you draw inspiration from the City?
The first thing I see each morning and the last I see before turning in is my gorgeous view overlooking downtown Manhattan. Those moments alone drive and inspire me on many levels, including my passion for the work I do.
Your instagram posts of NYC are so compelling. Are there any particular neighborhoods, secret spots or out of the way must-sees that you can share with our followers?
OMG, the city is filled with moments big and small to experience. First thing I suggest is to keep one’s head up and actively, even aggressively, take in the city world around you. Be curious. If something interests you, take a minute and look up what caught your eye. I love finding clues to the past, they’re everywhere.
Name something that you can’t live without that helps you stay clean and organized in your own home.
Regardless of how chaotic or messed up things might be elsewhere, as long as the kitchen counters are clutter-free and the room is clean and in good order I can bear a fair amount of chaos for a little while longer. Ditto for the bathroom.
Looking forward, do you have any exciting plans or projects in the future that you can share with us?
Boston, NYC and Palm Beach, Florida are projects in our roster. Naturally, we’re always on the lookout for the next great opportunity (spread the word!)
Biggest influence in design
The legendary Mark Hampton, my first employer (and father of my good buddy, Alexa Hampton.) I am grateful to have been around many of the renowned “Old School” Designers and Decorators at the start of my career. Their influence drives much of my work, whether classic or contemporary projects.
Favorite destination for travel (work or pleasure)
Pleasure – That’s tough. Of course, Italy springs to mind but more likely I’d travel to somewhere I haven’t been yet. The Nordic countries and Argentina, particularly Patagonia, are both calling out to me to pay them a visit.
Work – The majority of my work is in or around NYC, However, I especially like working in various distant locations.
Favorite NYC building
I’ve always had a thing for the campanile-style tower of the former Metropolitan Life Building on the southeast corner of Madison Square Park. It has witnessed a lot of my life spent in and around where it sits. I never miss a chance to gaze up at it with love and appreciation.
Biggest home cleaning / organization pet peeve
Making piles of paperwork, mail and misc. items, each time promising myself that I’ll sort them out soon. I always have many piles that need attention. Perhaps I should call on Little Elves to help out one of these days…?