Meet

Alvin Wayne, The Hot Designer You Need To Know

Alvin Wayne is an interior designer who has been gaining steam since the pandemic. Social-media savvy with a signature design style and a big personality, his home is consistently featured in Architectural Digest, where he continues to be part of their designer vlog content, and he maintains a bi-weekly series with Apartment Therapy, where he breaks down design trends called “Why it works”. Wayne has been profiled in Ebony magazine, Essence magazine, and the New York Post, but after a chance encounter, we had the opportunity to take a moment and look back at where he has come from, and all that he plans to achieve.

Hi Alvin, it’s great to meet you! I am a huge fan. I have been seeing your content all over YouTube and Architectural Digest.

Where did it all begin? How did you get into design?

As a kid, I would always get in trouble for rearranging my room and moving things around. However, I did not know being an interior designer was a thing. Only when I saw the show “Trading Spaces” did I begin to research interior design.

During my time as a design student, the Recession hit, so I started working in luxury retail and ended up in the visual department of a major fashion retailer for 14 years. For me, fashion and home design trends are always aligned with one another. I can literally look at a client's wardrobe and translate into a space for them.

What do you think is the secret to your success?

I thank the power of social media, which I utilize to showcase my work as well as myself. I watched an interview with Tyra Banks where she spoke about personal branding, and one thing that stuck with me was: ‘Different is better than better’. I have taken that and applied it to myself and business. I realized that I was my brand, and the services I offer are an extension of who I am.

What would you tell someone just getting started?

Don't worry about being better than your counterparts, just be different! In other words, be yourself! That comes out in all of my designs.

What do you seek to achieve in a space?

I approach every project with one thing to achieve, and that is functionality. A space can be beautiful, but it has to function; you have to be able to live in the space and navigate around all the beautiful elements in it. I also want to make sure you see the client's personality in each space (and a little of me).

What makes something 'Alvin Wayne Design' to you?

I often use natural materials, like wood, marble, plant life, and colors found in nature. Black and white always grounds a space, but I love all colors, especially those found in nature.

Lighting, composition, and textures also continue play a major role in my designs today.

Also wallpaper! Every design will have wallpaper!

Did you face any adversity or specific challenges?

After SCAD Atlanta, I began doing projects for friends, just to build my portfolio, and then began to work more seriously in design. I think my biggest challenge was learning how to work my business. In design school, they don't teach you how much to charge or give you a contract template. So naturally I had to figure it out and talk to fellow designers and designers I interned with.

What do you think is the future of design?

More and more people will realize how important interior design is. The pandemic really taught us how much interior design affects mental health. I say this a lot, but it's true: home is the one place we can be our true authentic selves, or even become the most aspirational versions of ourselves. Home is where we dream, the one place we have before we brave the world. So, a space that reflects who you are is very important.

How do you know when something is working (or not)?

Honestly, it's a feeling you just have as a designer. You have to trust your gut and it always works out.

What's next?

I’d like to do more press, and less projects on much bigger budgets! And my #1 goal is to be on the AD100 list.