Interior Perspective: Vicente Wolf Designs
Vincente Wolf aims to create elegant and relaxed space “with a sense of transcending time.” His designs can be likened to works of art, with the common goal of suspending people in a single moment. Space and time fall away as clients are enveloped into an environment designed just for them. This designer relies on his eye and gut for sourcing unique items, and doesn’t always have a concrete plan when he starts a project. He chooses pieces based on whatever feels most natural in a space; nothing is forced. This results in a delicate interplay between custom pieces and unique design elements that create a balanced environment with good energy flow. Each space Vincente designs is a new opportunity, and quickly becomes tailored to the taste of his clients. Hear his interior design perspective and what he had to say about his process.
Q: Not everything in a space has to be designer, but we all hope to have at least a few special pieces. What unique or custom elements of art/design do you think are worth buying?
That depends upon what you want you want to bring to the space. Do you want just furniture or do you what a space to have warmth and cohesion? A good paint job, well made upholstery, good lighting plan, etc. can easily be overlooked by end users doing it themselves, but are critical. Custom elements and fine art always bring added richness. I recommend purchasing authentic pieces and not reproductions. To get a successful space, the balance has to be done very carefully, a well curated room is a well curated room, even on a budget.
Q: As a professional interior designer, you play the role of visionary, curator, and project manager. What aspects make it challenging to find unique art/designs? What’s good and bad about the process of working with Creators on custom pieces?
I have a great relationship with my workrooms. Having partnered with them for over 10 years; they always deliver exactly what I had in mind. The biggest challenge in doing a job has to do with schedules; managing the expectations of clients and keeping a tight focus on the progress from all sides, all aimed at delivering an on-time installation. We love sourcing the perfect, unique pieces to enhance environments. If you know where to look, there are many great resources. I try to keep an open mind when looking for one of a kind pieces. I rarely know exactly what I’m looking for but I know when I see it. They are the ones that unify the dialogue between all the other elements of a room so they work together.
Q: How often do your clients request something unique or custom? What do they typically ask for and what are their criteria/priorities for bigger budget items or focal pieces? (ie. they want to buy local, made-to-order or sustainable goods)
The clientele that hires me wants a great deal of customization. Typically, they don’t specify ‘this needs to be custom’, since it is our responsibility to provide an environment based on their goals. Our judgments are based not according to the individual pieces, but to the mood of the space and functionality. It is up to us to make recommendations on where funds should be spent and where we may compromise. The service that we provide is creating environments. We always require a budget before we begin designing and balance out what the important pieces should be and where a simpler solution would work.
Q: Does buying unique make a positive global impact? How do interior designers play a role?
Interior designers have a large file cabinet of experiences and knowledge, which when brought to a project creates the best possible aesthetic and financial investment.
While they’re both creatives, Creators sometimes don’t understand the challenges of accomplishing projects as an Interior Designer. Do you have any advice for Creators (like painters or furniture designers) who’d love to connect and collaborate with designers like you?
In our particular case, all custom pieces are designed, specified and produced by my office. I think that showrooms have to purposefully reach out to designers and show them what value they bring and how they can make designers’ work more streamlined.
Q: What are your top 3 favorite items or Creators you spotted on Wescover?
Noir Side Table by Matrtiz Design, Knockabout Lounge Chair by Asa Pingree, Bunny Lounge Grapefruit by Bend Goods
