Can you remember your first design project? Describe it a little bit.
MB: Here in Cayman, I have a wonderful memory of a wall from our first large residential project. It does not sound exciting, but it was a curved wall that I had drawn and re-drawn, and to see it coming to life in concrete in a home was completely exhilarating!

Which person, place, or thing inspires you – inside the industry or out?
DW: I like subcultures such as skateboarders, surfers, and punk rock. I also like people that are crazy into crystals, feathers, and star charts. It’s fun to bring references from outside interior design to shake things up.

MB: The blessings and curses of having a design eye are that everywhere you go, and everything you see enters your mind through a lens of potential. It can be the potential to inspire, and it can be the potential to improve… but you can never escape it! When Dave and I travel, we spend ridiculous amounts of time analysing details and moments to understand how something extraordinary was achieved or what we would have done differently.

Describe your signature style.
DW: I don’t think I have a signature style as I like the challenge of collaboration with clients’ ideas. That said, I always want to be bold with pattern or colour – never dull.

MB: I love colour, texture, and contrast. I find the minimalist palette of neutrals very appealing and calming, but I feel unsatisfied when I try to go there. I am so happy that design trends are moving toward a more joyful and colourful vibe!

Design Studio does it all. Is there a specific team member for each type of project?DW: We are a collaborative office, constantly sharing ideas, but we pair clients with designers.

What are some of the most important elements of good design?
DW: I like creating good bones for a project and then focal points. Also important is continuity and control of material palettes.

MB: Good communication is critical. The other day, I had a client tell me how much they appreciated that I really listened to them and creatively implemented their thoughts, which made me feel wonderful.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job as a designer? And the most rewarding one?
MB: A somewhat painful moment can occur when you find something you absolutely love, that is so distinct and unique that you know you can only use it once! The most rewarding moment, without a doubt, is when a client really loves their home and appreciates all the work and energy that went into creating it.

What have you been working on recently?
DW: A variety of great projects with cool clients, including an East End beach house renovation, a Mandalay penthouse renovation, modern residences in Yacht Club and Crystal Harbour and a Boggy Sand Road restoration.

Describe your favourite project.
DW: John Doak and I rejuvenated one of his original homes inside and out in East End. It’s magical.
MB: I absolutely love working my way through a plan like a puzzle, finding the best ways for things to fit together and flow seamlessly. My favourite project is whichever one I am currently working on as I become focused and immersed as I work!

From your point of view, is design an art or a science?
DW: It’s a balance that would be different for every designer. I lean more to the art side.
MB: It is a magical blend of both. The best design will make a beautiful space seamless with its function.

Share something you would like the world to know about you or your ideas.
DW: I always want things to be our idea rather than my idea.

Dream commission?
DW: I’d like to create a true boutique hotel in Cayman with the vibe of The Drake
in Queen West.
MB: I would love to create my own furniture line…you never know!