Designing on an Endless Budget

Architect/Designer/Event designer William DuBose

William DuBose is an architect and designer living in Bed-Stuy. He has his own company, Will DuBose Design.  His sophisticated designs which include retail, office, residential, and entertainment spaces are eye candy for anyone who loves to see interiors completely transformed.  All of the photos included in this post are of Will’s work. I recently got a chance to ask him a few questions about his life and his business.

So how long have you been living here?
I’ve spent the last 2 years in Bed-Stuy. Prior to that I lived in the Village. Bed Stuy wins the comparison hands down.

I think a lot of people, once they’ve moved here, start to become attached to the neighborhood and they see all of the advantages of living here compared to where they lived before.

How long have you been in this business?
Since 1994. I began studying architecture then, after a long love affair with Painting and Fine Arts. When I began in the field I made it my business. Friends in the business school would ask me for help and I would propose projects to help them raise funds for their ventures.

What led you to choose this line of work?
I wanted to see and create beautiful spaces. Since I was young my mother would drive us through neighborhoods in Chicago.

I’m guessing that you would dream about the beautiful spaces you could create in all of those gorgeous Chicagoland row houses.

What’s your favorite part of your job?
100% completion… Well it’s never complete, but when most of what I’ve instructed the contractors to do is done I get a sense of fulfillment that lets me know the project has come together well.

Nothing beats the satisfaction of a job well done. So that’s the best part of the job. What, then, do you think is the hardest part of your job?
Helping clients believe in the possibilities in design. Each time I’m with a new client I have to overcome a few minor visual obstacles: I’m a 6ft, 225lb, muscular, black man. Also I speak as if I’m from the south. With all that said, I have to rock for a client to believe in my artistic skills. They have to get past the facade and all they have ever known about designers and how they think a designer should look and talk.

What current projects are you working on that you are excited about?
A PR office in Meatpacking District. It’s a small 1,200 square foot space but the clients are wonderful and propose more creative elements than the usual.

In the past you’ve gotten to work with HGTV on their show Freestyle! I love HGTV! What was that like?
It was amazing and a step on the ladder. I designed on a budget. Next step, designing on an endless budget.

Sometimes I feel for the designers on HGTV because some of the people who go on those shows have absolutely no idea what they want! I mean, they know that they don’t like their kitchen but they can’t articulate what they do like or what they want. How do you help people create their dream space when they are not quite sure what they want?
I request that each client brings images: magazine clippings, websites.

Oh, that makes sense! When I’m imagining what I can do with my limited space, I usually look at photos online to see what the possibilities are, even if I’m not able to pull it together into a coherent vision. What suggestions would have for people who want to design a space but they are on a limited budget?
Do the best you can with what you have. One person’s garbage is another man’s treasure. For furnishings make sure you exhaust the possibilities for reusing and distributing before you discard furniture.

That’s great advice. Now that the weather has finally gotten warm, many of us have turned our attention to our backyards, terraces and roofdecks. Have you designed any outdoor spaces?
I’m working on 2 outdoor spaces now. I designed 28 condo units for a developer. The purchasers for two of the units demanded that I do their outdoor space (after seeing the before and after for their units).

Your home must be amazing! Your friends must feel envy when you invite them over.
I love my home and the two little ladies (my wife and daughter) in it. My friends love it too. And I always help them with their spaces.

Aww, what a great guy! It’s so nice to see such talent in Bed-Stuy. Be sure to check out William DuBose’s website and Facebook page.

Take a look at some of these before and after shots of Will’s work.  Gorgeous transformations aren’t they?

Will DuBose Design
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN + INTERIORS + EVENT DESIGN
Phone: 646-344-9798
http://www.willdubosedesign.com

UPDATE: I just found out that Will is looking for 1-2 great interns. Interest necessary, design background preferred, but not mandatory. You can email him at info@willdubosedesign.com or contact him via facebook. (hours are flexible)