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P A R T N E R S H I P
I N DUSTRY I NS I D ER I NTER I OR DESI GNER S
Janet Brooks Design JANET BROOKS, ASID, PRESIDENT
480.776.2700 | janetbrooksdesign.com |
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WHEN ONE IS TRULY PASSIONATE about their career, their involvement in the industry tends to expand beyond the primary pursuit. This is the case for interior designer Janet Brooks. From building a niche in the burgeoning design-build community to taking an active position on the board of ASID and supporting ongoing efforts to require licensing for interior design professionals in her home state of Arizona, the creative has certainly established herself as a mover and shaker in the design world. It all stems from a deep love of the pursuit, and that fervor extends to how she likes to work, too. “We are collaborators and value teamwork on our projects,” Brooks shares. “We believe in the value of working together with skilled tradespeople and artisans, as well as the architect and general contractor.” Another point of pride? “Our team is multigenerational, which gives us a broad view of design trends and cultural references.” Alongside this factor, the tenure of many Janet Brooks Design team members plays a critical role too—bringing an understanding of the firm’s history. “We are living in an interesting time here in the Valley of the Sun,” Brooks explains. “Many of the communities where we designed new custom homes in the 1990s and early 2000s are changing ownership, and with that comes a desire to create fresh new looks while building on what we first produced.”
“ We are always excited to explore a new material or look and add to our design vocabulary.”
Ask the Expert Discuss emerging trends in your industry. Lately, our clients are universally excited to include wallpapers and murals in their homes, whereas a few years ago, we were met with some skepticism when introducing the idea. Another trend we have been loving is the move away from the black, gray and white stark contemporary interiors that were so prevalent for far too many years! We’re evolving toward a warm mixture of colors and textures, and patterns in fabrics are harkening back a few decades now! Clients are responding with excitement and relief—we’re all enjoying the opportunity to create cozy and dramatic spaces again. What type of project or location would you love to take on? I started my design career in the Colorado mountains, and I would love to take on another mountain retreat or substantial residential project that provides an opportunity to express my love of, and passion for, all things “mountain.” The earthy materials, such as native stone and wood, that we use in mountain projects are the ones I resonate most with personally. I also love the seasons and respect the harshness and beauty of life there. Having launched my career in this unique environment, I am ready to apply that foundational experience to a large-scale mountain retreat and truly showcase its potential.
LEFT A dining room that is warm and cozy, while at
the same time offering expansive views of a local mountain, creates a wonderful dining experience. PHOTOGRAPHY AUSTIN LARUE PHOTOGRAPHY; Portrait by CARL SCHULTZ