Quick five questions with Michael Maher, Founder of Michael Maher Designs
2nd January 2024
How did you begin your interior design career?
After graduating university with a degree in economics I moved to London to a job in the art department of Saatchi & Saatchi . When I returned to the States all the advertising agencies were computerized and I was out of a job. To make some money I started interior painting. I was working at the home of Cynthia Frank, who was on the Board of the Isabel O’Neill school. She suggested I take some classes in decorative painting. The school was tied in with all the NYC designers who I started doing work for. Gradually I was asked more and more for my opinion on the whole look of the room. It took off from there!
How did you jump from decorative painting to large residential properties for high profile clients in the states?
I was working on a project and the designer needed to step away and asked if I would take over, thankfully, the client was on board and let me finish the design and decoration of her home. From there I worked for her family members and then their friends and friends of theirs, and it just snowballed. It also didn’t hurt to have decorating royalty in my family, Bunny Williams, John Rosselli and Furlow Gatewood whose many homes were open to me and my family to spend time in and soak up all that design knowledge and experience.
Tell us about a passion project?
In Vermont I cleared a piece of land and designed, built and landscaped what we call a modern barn, now called Chapel Hill (I arrived on site one day when it was framed out and I thought – what have I done it looks like a chapel!) during the course of this I discovered an ability for stone wall building and am now a member of the Stone Trust. I’m going for my level one certification in the spring.
You visit the UK on buying trips and for design inspiration, where do you recommend others go?
I never miss a visit to Chelsea Design Centre, it’s a fantastic place to see what’s new, get inspiration and meet fellow designers. Pimlico Road and Lorfords in Tetbury is another must see. For the garden lovers Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens is always top of my list. I have visited National Trust properties the length and breadth of the UK and recently spent time at Blenheim Palace, Chiswick House and Garden and Pitzhanger House.
What are your plans for 2024?
I hope to collaborate with Gosling on interior design projects in the UK. I have been fortunate to have commissioned some fabulous Gosling bespoke pieces for US clients. Am I allowed to mention that one desk is so striking it is known as the ‘F**k You Desk’? You and I have a shared passion for combining contemporary and antique pieces and I am excited to work on a project which reflects are individual styles and of course have the chance to spend more time in the UK.
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