Planning for this issue began all the way back in July of last year, when I first started reaching out to potential judges for the annual Architect & Designer Awards, one of this magazine’s most successful franchises. My goal was to deliver a diverse, nationally recognized group of architects and interior designers representing a range of styles and work experiences. As you will see, we found our judges, and the local design community responded with aplomb—and a record number of submissions!
Present among the designers and architects who sent in projects are many of our city’s best-known talents, those whose work graces the living rooms, powder rooms, and kitchens of homes across the metropolitan area. But, as an editor, what I find so incredibly rewarding is that this year’s competition drew such a sizeable turnout from first-time entrants. To me, that means two things: There’s plenty of up-and-coming talent in the area, and designers and architects view our magazine as a means of expressing their creativity.
Many months ago I sat down for coffee and conversation with designer Jessie Miller. At the time, she wasn’t sure she’d enter the competition. Having recently participated in the nationally televised HGTV show Design Star, she was tentative about putting her work—and herself—back out there for public assessment. Nonetheless, after some encouragement, she submitted a number of designs in multiple categories. The results are pretty spectacular. Her decision to look beyond a self-described “humbling” past experience is a reminder to embrace opportunities whenever they may present themselves.
This issue is chock-full of stylish go-getters. Dawn Sturmon is one of them. The delightful personality-driven feature about her house is this issue’s cover story. I’ve known Dawn for years; for a long time we kept similar schedules, running into each other, our children in tow, at toddler swim classes, on the train at the zoo, and at countless other family-friendly events. Our spontaneous meetings grew into a Facebook friendship, and late last year she messaged me to come see her new house. As you’ll no doubt agree, she and Frill Home co-owner Marci Marsh are quite a combo. Check out their their colorful collaboration.
Don’t miss our profile on design partners Julie Baur and Carrie McLean and other Dynamic Duos. Architect Ann Wimsatt’s global experiences have influenced her work, and her years of travel and learning are reflected in her projects.
This issue has shaped up to be quite a bit about inspiring partnerships—ours with you and yours with your homes, your designs, your clients. And in an effort to foster even more, we recently joined Instagram. Follow us at @stlathome.
