Unassuming, inviting , charming  and brilliant are  just a few choice words to describe designer Tom Crawley.  From an impeccable fashion sense to an ever more immaculately designed brownstone,  Crawley’s  life is all about aesthetics, functional comfort, and dimension. Armed with an enormous portfolio that boasts of projects that span across several continents, this alumni of the Parsons The New School for Design and former intern of interior designer Cortney Sloane  states, ” if  I would not have gone into the world of interior I would have become a shoe designer.”  Gentlemen, meet Tom Crawley.

What is our definition of great design?

Functionality, aesthetics and ergonomics.  The principle, “Form follows function,” mainly used in architecture and design, believes that an object’s shape should be based upon its purpose or intent.  It is the primary thought process within my firm and I stand behind it 100%.

How did you become involved in design?

My love affair started years ago as a young man in Baltimore, Maryland watching my grandmother, who was a Taurus, decorate. Instead of cleaning my bedroom, I took that time to find new and interesting ways to change the decor and that would eventually lead to my love for space planning; it has since become my specialty. I am mechanically inclined and love reconfiguring  and taking things apart. This new found love of decor would evolve into my job as the resident interior designer.

Who are your influences?

Philippe Starck, Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, Courtney Sloane and Clodagh.

Name your top 5 designs of all time.

-Burj Khalifa

-The Eiffel Tower

-Alessi Juicy Salif Citrus Juicer by Philippe Starck

-Alexander McQueen Armadillo shoes

-Hermes “H” Belt

What are some of the current trends in design?

-LED lighting

-Thermostatic showers

-Steam/speed ovens

-Recyclable eco-friendly materials like bamboo flooring

-Use of color in a non-traditional manner

What are the tools of the trade you simply cannot live without?

1.  Tape measure

2. Camera

3. Sketch pad

4.  A good computer with the Auto-Cat program

5. Patience

6.  Plenty of rest

What advice do you have for aspiring designers?

-Research

-Known your worth!

-Learn the profession well.

-Learn 3-D, Auto-Cat and other drafting programs

-Good knowledge of kitchens/bathrooms/tiles/stones/cabinetry

-Be humble

-Practice tenacity

What advice would you have given yourself 15 years ago?

Be patient, listen and invest!

Who are you favorite designers?

What is your favorite vacation spot?

My dream vacation is Reunion which is a French island located in the Indian Ocean.

What are you reading at the moment?

The Power of Now: A Guide To Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Podcasts especially those of European house compilations (good for the treadmill) and you gotta have a little classic soul like Aretha Franklin and Donny Hathaway in your life.

What is your favorite cocktail?

Though I am more of a wine drinker, preferably French or Argentinan reds, I do fancy St. Germain which is a liqueur, composed of elderberry flowers, and pairs great with club soda or straight on the rocks.

What are some of your favorite meals?

I am really into French cuisine and my favorites at the moment are Coq Au Vin which is chicken braised with wine, lardons, mushrooms and garlic as well as Escargot (land snails).

What is most important in your life?

Two basic things: balance and simplicity.

Share This

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

About the author

1 Comment for 15 Minutes, 15 Questions | Tom Crawley, Sr. Interior Designer