MEET REYA
We thought it would be fun to kick off RDD’s Blog Series, diving into Reya herself- the visionary behind Reya Duenas Design.
With a Masters in Interior Design from The New England School of Art & Design at Suffolk University, Boston, Reya brings over a decade of interior design experience and planning expertise specializing in hospitality, healthcare, multi-family, and retail design. To dig a little more into who she is an artist, her designer must haves, and tips she’s learned along the way, we asked her a few questions:
1. What lead you to interior design? Specifically commercial design?
I accidentally wandered into the Interior Design dept. as CSULB, 2 weeks prior to graduating with my Film degree and ran into an exhibit of chairs the students had made and I thought it was so cool. I was super impressed by the work...As I walked around the building, I saw students' projects on the wall and thought - "Damn, I should've done this..." I considered it for 2 seconds before I realized I was graduating soon... I didn't come back to design until 3 years later when I pursued my MA in Interior Design. I have a soft spot for hospitality and commercial design because I like being able to share the brand's story through the built environment.
2. What’s your signature style?
Inclusivity - I tend to design for what my clients’ brands or design preferences are...I present the concept and drive the vision but I always give my clients a few design options on some key items so they feel like they're included in the process and we're both making decisions together. This helps to ensure that we're moving forward in the right direction.
3. What drives your design decisions?
Style and function; and the initial design concept. I need a concept / mood board to organize my ideas. If it looks out of place on the board, it'll look out of place in the space. Unless it’s my WTF piece; you always need a good conversation item...
4. What section of your portfolio are you most proud of?
My healthcare work because it really meant a lot to be able to make a space comfortable for patients and caregivers.
5. How long have you been designing and what inspired you to be an interior designer?
Since 2008...I've always been interested in design; I just don't think I had the confidence to put myself out there with design and share my ideas.
6. What’s your dream design job?
Hmmmm, probably a big hospitality project where we get to put our 2-cents in on the programming for the entire property/resort... I like to get in at the program phase to really understand what's driving a client's decisions making and understand their goals for their property/spaces.
7. What are some tips you have for someone interested in interior design?
Believe in yourself and go to design school or take classes in Architecture. One of my biggest pet peeves is being called a "decorator” which is an antiquated term to say the least... Interior Design is so much more than picking pillows and paint colors. Interior designers should know what you can and can't do with walls, ceilings, floor covers, lighting, building materials, and yes, color. Designers should know what's behind all the "pretty."
8. What are your must have tools as a designer?
Measuring tape, a good eye and a creative mind, oh and a BIG budget LOL, JK!
9. What something you wish you knew when you started versus now about the interior design industry?
I should've started the blog while I was still in design school.
10. When designing a room what is the most important factor for you?
Who is it for and what's their vision? Design is subjective so my goal is to figure out what you mean when you say you want a certain style. And not only to deliver but to exceed the expectations. I want you to love your space.
