We sat down with our Director of Interior Design, Tricia Fortin, to see what she’s driven by as a designer and a leader, to learn more about her personal design aesthetic, and to discover a few fun facts you may not have known about her. Here’s what she had to say.

1. Tell us a little bit about what your job entails as Director of Interior Design?

As Director of Interior Design, I’m one part team leader, one part interior designer. As a leader, I work one-on-one with our individual design teams to ensure that each project is running smoothly and staying true to our clients’ vision. When I’m wearing my design hat, I work closely with our clients end-to-end on their projects to make their visions reality.

2. What’s your favorite part of the job?

While I love the creative aspect of being a designer and the spaces we are able to create, my favorite part is actually helping and guiding our clients through the design process.

Working with a designer is really special moment in time. Clients have invited us into their lives and entrusted us with their most intimate spaces — that is a huge privilege. Our team prides itself on creating comprehensive road maps that our clients can clearly follow from the beginning of their project to the end.

And, we are so fortunate to form lasting relationships with our clients. For family projects in particular, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our clients and their families grow and evolve over time in the spaces we’ve created.

3. Let’s talk design. In your opinion, what are the most versatile accessories to use for styling?

Books never go out of style. They are also one of my favorite things to collect over time and throughout my travels. Small dishes and bowls are also a great way to bring in pattern and color. They can serve as a holding place for other treasures or can stand alone as art. 

4. How would you define your own interior design style?

I would define my personal design style as a fresh take on New England traditional with a hint of what I’d call “grand millennial chic.” I’m constantly looking to materials and silhouettes that are native to our region for inspiration: furniture lines, colors, wood tones, etc. I love to infuse old with new. 

Because we live in an area so deeply rooted in history, adding nods to the past is a great way to achieve local vernacular. To freshen the color palette, I look for brighter colors and warm neutrals.

5. Where are you most likely to be found on the weekends?

When I’m not in the office, you’re likely to find me strolling through antique stores, walking the beach with my husband Mike and our sweet pup, Otto, and exploring new places around New England.

6. What’s a fun fact that people might not know about you?

I have probably watched Something’s Gotta Give over 500 times, and I will never tire of it.