Back to Global Conversations 1.27: Michael Smith, Interior Designer
Michael S. Smith, one of America’s most high-profile interior designers, whose clientele includes the Obamas, Hollywood stars, A-listers and financial titans, shares the back stories on redecorating the White House and the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Spain with Melissa Biggs Bradley. Plus, Some of his favorite resources and top cities for shopping, how art can make a space come to life, how design is like fashion and more.
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Episode Guide
From 2008 through 2016, Michael Smith worked with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on the design of the private quarters of the White House, as well as the refurbishment of some of its State Rooms. Their focus on showcasing works by a diverse group of artists and artisans was both groundbreaking and highly acclaimed. Today, Michael works with an international roster of high-profile residential, hospitality, and commercial clients, and he is known for his signature, an effortless blend of all-American modernism and European classicism, also visible in his extensive Jasper collection and Templeton line. Michael has major showrooms in L.A. and Madrid and in multiline showrooms across America—and he has published five books with Rizzoli and is continuously named to the AD100 and Elle Decor’s A-List. Michael had graciously agreed to participate as a mentor in our Indagare Club series – an exclusive offering for our members where we dive deep into certain topics as they relate to travel; in Michael’s case, design. During the session, Melissa had a chance to ask him some questions about his background and philosophy, his deep love for Spain, and much, much more.
