Designer Spotlight

THE BEST OF THE BEST

KEIRA ST. CLAIRE

Lead designer at Anthony Wilder Design/Build www.anthonywilder.com

Q: Can you tell us a little about your professional background?

I am a DC native and currently the lead designer of the Anthony Wilder Interiors Studio, www.anthonywilder.com. Early in my career, I worked in the New York fashion world as a freelance photo stylist on high-end fashion publications and catalogues. It helped me refine my skills in composition and translation from request to end product and required a discerning eye for visual composition and attention to detail. I was part of a creative and collaborative team and discovered ways to make objects come to life to create images that evoked feelings.

Q: What drew you to design?

I have a myriad of interests and experiences, but one thing remains constant: I have an unmistakable passion for all things related to art, whether I’m a creator or a consumer. In my quest to discover my own creativity, I studied biology, social anthropology and psychology before majoring in Art History. In my search for what inspires other artists and me, I discovered Interior Design and went on to get a master’s degree in Interior Architecture from George Washington University. Design not only functions for aesthetic appeal, but also has such a strong influence on today’s society. The diversity within the industry presents numerous avenues and specialties within interior design that have allowed me to change and grow throughout my career, especially as a member of the Anthony Wilder team.

All photos by Angie Seckinger Portrait: Keira St. Claire in an Anthony Wilder Design/Build kitchen Above: This Anthony Wilder Interiors Studio-designed parlor is accented with gold finishes.

Q: How do you approach a project?

Fueled by the belief that interior design impacts one’s quality of life, Anthony Wilder Interiors Studio’s mission is to create beautiful environments that are elegant and sophisticated, yet welcoming, livable and most importantly, personal. I take the time to get to know my clients’ lifestyles, how they use the spaces in their homes, and look not only to the client’s personal aesthetic, but also to the architecture of the home. Furnishings don’t need to necessarily match the style of the home. For example, just because a home is midcentury in style, if you are drawn to a more traditional look, you can balance materials and furniture selections to complement and enhance the space, effortlessly flowing between the two styles.

Q: Of course, listening to your client’s wants and needs is critical to a successful design. But can you tell us a little about your method of incorporating your own personal style into a project?

Through interior design, I can create a three-dimensional and interactive piece of art that you can live in. I bring my knowledge of composition, color, appropriate scale, and use of positive and negative and horizontal and vertical spaces to create harmony, balance and interest to each project to ultimately evoke feelings.

Q: What is your favorite style of design?

Eclectic, though I appreciate all styles of design, which makes designing for myself more difficult. I often don’t define a person’s or my design aesthetic into a “style” because inevitably there is something that makes each person’s home different. While we may be influenced by certain styles, a person’s style is ultimately uniquely his or her own.

Q: What is your most favorite room element and why?

I start by looking at the home’s architecture to find the unique elements to work with and challenges to work around. It’s important to layer various textures and shapes with rich textiles and interesting furniture silhouettes to give spaces depth.

Q: What is the largest project that you have taken on?

I have completed several full house interior design projects from the ground up. Working with the Anthony Wilder Design/Build team gives me the opportunity to collaborate with architects, builders and contractors every step of the way, from seeing initial plans to pouring concrete to furnishing homes. It’s one of my greatest pleasure to see a home come to life.

Q: What is the smallest project that you have taken on?

I’ve designed a breakfast nook bench, created an underthe-steps space for kids, and enhanced rooms with accessories, such as built-ins, pillows and lighting. Small things can make a big impact.

Q: What has been the most intense project that you have completed?

Earlier in my career, I worked on a 200-room hotel in Canada, including designing amenity spaces, common areas, dining rooms, offices, and adding custom millwork everywhere. It was a huge project with a very tight deadline.

Q: What do you consider as your greatest accomplishment?

Being a mom to my amazing daughter is greater than I ever imagined.

Q: Many do not realize how arduous interior design can be. Can you share some of the challenges in your day-today work?

Looking for the perfect piece to bring a design together. I often have ideas for what I want, but find it challenging to find the exact item.

Q: What is your most favorite aspect of your work?

Getting to know my clients and making their homes feel comfortable, functional and beautiful, as well as my collaboration with the Anthony Wilder team. Like photo styling projects, every interior design project is different and I enjoy the challenges each brings. It’s rewarding to help my clients improve their daily lives through designed spaces that reflect their personalities and that they share with loved ones and friends.

Q: Your life is quite busy – but what do you do to relax?

Cooking, meditating and being out in nature are my goto relaxation techniques. I spend as much time as I can playing with my four-year-old daughter where we draw, build with Legos, sing, and dance. As soon as it’s safe, I’ll be out at restaurants eating sushi and singing karaoke.

In this Anthony Wilder Design/Build sunroom, Keira St. Claire designed a neutral decor to complement the updated interior architecture and views outside. 33