WESTMINSTER
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Inspired by Design at an Early Age Nationally acclaimed interior designer Alexandra Lifton Misczynski ’90 spends much of her time crisscrossing the globe to source materials for her Los Angeles-based design firm Atelier AM, co-owned with her architect husband, Michael, and named one of Architectural Digest’s 2012 AD100. Atelier AM’s work is presented in their new book, “Interiors Atelier AM,” which showcases a selection of residences designed by the couple — each exhibiting the firm’s skill at mixing furniture and objects with backgrounds. “The book serves as a way to present our portfolio to new clients,” said Alex. After being approached by publishers, Alex and Michael returned to past clients to secure permission to feature their homes in the book, some up to three years after the completion of their original projects. Though most wished to remain anonymous, they welcomed Alex and Michael, and photographer Francois Halard into their homes. “Our clients were lovely and supportive,” said Alex. Atelier AM’s beautiful yet livable style incorporates concealed storage in trunks and baskets to help maintain clean, uncluttered surfaces. Alex employs the same technique in her own home to conceal the belongings of her own children. “It’s an easy way to live without clutter,” she said. “It makes you feel happy when your house looks pretty.” With projects ongoing in Malibu, Montecito, Beverly Hills, New York City, Aspen and Seattle, both Alex and Michael travel extensively for consultations and to source material for their projects. From biweekly trips to New York City, to overseas ventures to Verona marble yards and Antwerp furniture houses, the couple searches for items for current projects and chooses inspirational pieces for future use. Alex got her start in the business at a young age, inspired by her mother, who was also a designer in the family’s hometown of Bedford, N.Y. “I worked for her as early as grade school, folding fabrics,” explained Alex. While she says that much of her training came from growing up in the business, Alex studied art and architecture in Florence while an art history major at Hamilton College and continued her studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology of the State University of New York. After interning at fabric houses and studios in New York, Alex was hired by renowned designer Naomi Leff. “She was an amazing mentor and incredible inspiration,” said Alex. “She gave me many opportunities.” Alex met her husband, Michael, while in New York working for different designers in the late 1990s. They shared a common client. Alex relocated with Michael to the West Coast when he returned home to California. “I was the
least likely person ever to move to California,” she said. As a Westminster student, Alex played varsity squash, tennis and field hockey. She also served as business manager for The Westminster News and did volunteer work with the National Student Campaign Against Hunger. “It was one of the best experiences I can remember,” she said. “I got my independence and learned to manage myself. All good things.” Though Alex says that the concept of boarding school is less prevalent on the West Coast, she would absolutely consider the possibility of a Westminster education for the couple’s two children, now ages 5 and 8.
Alexandra Lifton Misczynski ’90 with her husband, Michael
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