Interior Design Interview with Chase Dowell of Houston, Texas

Chase Dowell is an interior designer in Houston, Texas making customers his top priority

Hi Chase! What two words best describe you?

If I had to choose two words, they would be personable and committed. I am an interior designer in Houston, Texas and I pride myself on being able to connect with anyone. This quality is perhaps what led me into an undergraduate degree of human services. I have always been able to connect, serve, and inspire others. I selected committed because I love to see new ideas and visions unfold and become realities. Whether it is an idea that I am committed to for a client or for myself, I enjoy the process and story that comes with it.

What was your path to becoming an interior designer in Houston, Texas?

I can recall from the age of seven of having this passion for furniture and décor. I would always rearrange furniture around the house or try to help my mom select pieces for our home. As I grew into adulthood, I was working in a different field and I had an aha moment and asked myself why I wasn't doing something that I was passionate about. After realizing and confirming my path and my destiny, I made my dream into a reality. I began seeking clients and taking college courses in the field and began joining professional organizations. My path to becoming a designer began when I took my destiny into my own hands and no longer settled for society’s idea of getting a decent job with benefits (although it was a nice safety net).

Tell us about your work.

My work is beautiful yet functional, which is what my hashtag #BeTheBeauty is all about. As an interior designer in Houston, Texas my work tends to be a direct reflection of my client’s vision. Each project is a personal and spiritual experience for me so I do not necessarily attach myself to trends. Before I decide on anything that goes into a home, it has to feel right, not just look right. When you put all the pieces of a home together, they should tell a story.

What is your favorite part of your day?

My favorite part of my day is when I am working with clients and I get to see their style and ideas unfold. I enjoy assisting clients in bringing it all together. I would say consulting and interacting with clients, helping them identify what their style is and what their needs are, and seeing them blossom over time and be confident in what they like and want. I enjoy that.

Where and when are you most inspired?

I am most inspired when I am at my favorite park here in Houston, TX—Memorial Park. It is during this time that I process many internal thoughts. I travel through this trail, jogging or walking, and enjoy the views and stories of nature. There is something about the beautiful live oak trees that not only inspire me, but also guide the decisions I make within my projects.

How has your design philosophy changed since you began your practice?

When I first started designing, I created thorough style questionnaires that I felt clients had to complete for me to get an idea of their vision. . Now my approach is to allow creativity to lead the process, letting the design to naturally unfold. Checklists still have their place in the company, but I am not bombarding my clients with a million checklists or questionnaires to complete. It is important to me that my company is personable and that the exchanges between my clients and I are less task-based and more interactive.

What is the most common design problem you encounter while working as an interior design in Houston, Texas? Is there a simple fix you can suggest for this problem?

The most common design problem that I encounter is a lack of functionality. Most clients know what they like and want, but they struggle with transforming design concepts into everyday living spaces. There is a simple fix for this problem: hire a professional! We are trained in balance, symmetry, color, and making spaces truly functional. If you are not quite ready to hire a professional, then I would recommend that you accurately measure the space and the furniture for best placement and flow according to the room setup.

What is one element that can draw a room together when it feels like nothing goes together?

In my opinion, there is no one thing that can draw a room together. When I am designing, it is not my goal to match or make things go together but to identify what story the items tell when you put all the pieces together.