Winter Design Q&A with Shannon Dunn

from District Home Magazine | Winter 2022-2023

4 Benefits of Adding a Fireplace

Photo Credit: Claire Harvey Photography

1. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO FOLLOW A CAREER IN DESIGN? WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A DESIGNER.

When I went to college I started with pre-med as my major. I ended up taking art history and design classes as electives. I really enjoyed the creative classes so much more than pre-med that I decided to switch to architecture as my major.

Over the years, I have evolved into an architectural designer, merging my 2 passions of architecture and interior design. I really enjoy the whole design process, from start to finish. There is an element of escapism when I can get into my creative drawing zone and design the overall concept. During the construction phase I love working with talented craftsmen and then finally it’s wonderful to see people enjoy their new space.

In renovation projects, it can be difficult to work with existing conditions and maintain high standards of design, but I really enjoy the challenge to achieve both.

2. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED IN THE INDUSTRY? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?

To answer the question candidly, being a woman in the architecture industry has been difficult since day one. At the risk of dating myself, my first job interview was at an architectural firm in Chicago and I walked into a studio of all men smoking at their drafting tables. I am happy to say that a lot of progress has been made however there are still challenges of being a woman in this business, mostly on the construction side.

3. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN BUSINESS? DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC STYLE?

My goal is always to a create space that promotes and sustains healthy, mindful, and productive living. I am very much an on-site presence throughout the whole design and build process with my clients. I try to learn about the conditions of the space and base my whole plan around the actual details which often require reserving design decisions until after demolition. This creates a much more efficient process, especially with renovations of older homes. Once we know the as-built conditions, I focus on the architectural details that matter the most, and that have the greatest impact on the overall design. Then I am able to layer the additional design elements to the project.

I’d say my style is warm classic modern. Spaces that are not only beautiful, with crisp and clean lines, but also maximize functionality. I like the challenge of designing every square inch with efficient ageless design, especially for older urban homes where space is often limited.

4. WHAT CAREER GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS? WHERE DO YOU SEE THE PEAK OF YOUR CAREER?

My goal is to grow my team and brand. I founded Linari Design and specifically did not include my name because I wanted to create something bigger than myself and all big design projects are definitely a team effort. We are planting the seeds for a collaborative lifestyle brand that could branch into all the many elements of design, especially related to wellness design. Whether it is a storefront or doing larger nonresidential jobs related to clean, healthy living.

5. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I love seeing spaces that will have longevity for my clients to use and enjoy for years to come. Keeping the overall design classic, and straying away from trends that tend to be fickle and do not withstand the test of time.

6. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST DESIGN PROJECT…

My first project as an intern was to work on the design of a parking garage. That was as exciting as it sounds. My first independent project that means so much to me was to design a Wellness Residence. Paul Scialla, the founder of Delos asked me to design a residential space incorporating every wellness feature I could think of. It was a conceptual project and the precursor and the basis to what would be later develop into the WELL Building Standard. These standards are what I use in my everyday life and how I help my clients design beautiful spaces with this in mind.

7. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE?

Being a mother of 2 active children, it is hard carving out time for the things that I enjoy. Between working full-time and juggling the extracurricular activities of my children, I love staying in a creative space. Whether it is being out in the garden, floral design, playing with fashion, or even creating some of my own original art.

8. DO YOU HAVE ANY NEWS OR ANNOUNCEMENTS TO MAKE FOR DHM?

We have three really exciting projects in Georgetown, DC. Two of the projects are a complete renovation, all the way down the studs. The other project in Georgetown is a refresh project. We are adding architectural features that will help maximize the space.

We are also working on a complete exterior and interior renovation in Potomac, MD. I see a lot of growth and am very optimistic about our future and feel like the possibilities are endless in the design world!