What is your past work experience/education?
My background is largely in retail design and merchandising. I have held visual leadership roles in multiple companies – including West Elm, Ann Taylor, Ashley and most recently for RH as a Curator at The DeHaan Estate. I have worked as an interior designer for both residential and commercial design. I minored in Art History and dabbled briefly in set design for a handful of plays, musicals and several Shakespeare in the park productions.
Where were you raised?
I was born in Monticello, IL. We moved to Indy when I was 8 but spent my summers with family there.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Art and science and reading compulsively about both.
What is your most rewarding project and why?
While at West Elm, I proposed a charitable initiative project for a local family in the Indy Make a Wish Program. This family had a 10-year-old boy fighting childhood cancer. His wish was for a dedicated Playroom (S)He Shed for him and his sisters/family to play in. The Outbuilding was freshly built but totally empty. Ultimately, my proposal was chosen – we were able to donate my design services as well as all the product we would select to fill it. When the shed was complete, I finally got to meet the family face to face. They had brought flowers to thank me. Mom and I both cried a little bit. It is the most meaningful thing I’ve done with design.
In your experience working with C.A.I. Designs thus far, what is your favorite product line?
Sans Souci is easily a top contender. The scale and composition is so impactful. I appreciate the techniques and consideration of how each effects the movement of the light.
What is your favorite color?
Pink.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Hanging out with my daughter, reading science fiction, drawing and literal star gazing
If you could travel back in time, where/when would you go and why?
Maybe back to the 20s and 30s in Paris so I could run around with the Dadaists, Surrealists and writers. I’d snatch up so much art and hope to get invited to some of their famous hijinks.
How would you characterize your design style?
Puerto Rican Atomic – I like to think of it as an updated take on my Abuelita’s homes in the 50s-60s.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Intelligence is the ability to solve problems. Wisdom is knowing which problems to solve.”
What is your favorite food?
Baked goods. Cake, cookies, pastries, bread, etc. I haven’t met one I didn’t like.
What is your favorite TV series?
Adventure Time.
Devin can be reached in the Indianapolis showroom at devinb@caidesigns.net or by phone at 317-740-0025×8301.