Michel Smith Boyd founded his Atlanta-based firm in 2006. A member of the NKBA Design Council, his work is widely published, the focus of television shows and carried by top retailers.
What was your biggest challenge in the design business – and how did you overcome it?
Michel Smith Boyd: My biggest challenge in the design business has always been balance. Because my work doubles as my passion and friends are also colleagues, I’m surrounded by/immersed in design at all times. I understand the luxury of making a living from doing what I love, but as a business owner and the face associated with our brand, I don’t “turn off” easily. I must be intentional about pursuing interests outside of design, time with family and resisting the urge to identify every piece of furniture in every movie, when attempting to disconnect. I have a small group of accountability partners that helps keep me from burning out, but also offer more texture (aka “reality checks”) for a more well-rounded life experience.
What is the most important career lesson you’ve learned?
Michel Smith Boyd: My most important career lessons have been centered around listening to and fully understanding our clients’ needs and what they’ve valued (or not) about their experience with our firm. Word of mouth and referrals are obviously important, but effective methods for marketing to new clients is all built on historical data. It’s not always easy to hear, but honest feedback has proven to be more valuable to growth than any award or recognition.
How has your background influenced the way you approach the design business?
Michel Smith Boyd: My background has made me more sensitive to all aspects of the design process and probably more appreciative for the value it adds. For many of our clients, we are their first experience with interior design and because they don’t have a fully formed definition of what we do or design’s role in daily life, we take extra care. I grew up admiring and inspired by the field I now contribute to and influence. The work it took to earn this privilege isn’t lost on me and is fully communicated by the way we share and ultimately introduce our clients to their personal relationships with design.
What advice would you give someone looking to enter the design business?
Michel Smith Boyd: I’d advise anyone considering entering the design business to research all areas of our industry to make informed decisions about where they’d like to practice but also how they’d like their careers to evolve. Providing design services to clients doesn’t have to be one’s sole contribution to the industry or the only way to nurture passion. The beauty of being a creative professional is the freedom to evolve. That evolution includes our design point of view and where we choose to use its influence and grow our skillsets.
In your own home, what is your favorite kitchen or bath element – and why?
Michel Smith Boyd: As much as I’m amazed by all the science behind the technological advances in plumbing, I’m a sucker for solid surfaces, natural or otherwise. I love the Calacatta Viola in my primary bath renovation. There is as much evolution in the quartz, porcelain and tile space that adds additional layers of texture to the overall mood of a kitchen or bath, as well as a little science. This year’s KBIS was particularly exciting because I saw stunning examples of natural stone integrated into faucets and shower heads. Plumbing, otherwise considered mostly for its utilitarian value, has advanced into the jewelry category and that’s kind of detail I get excited about!
