Design Perspectives

Donna Dotan is an interiors, architectural and hospitality photographer with over 15 years of experience. Her passion for photographing spaces stems from her love of beautiful and functional design and obsession with clean lines and natural light. Donna was name amongst the top 100 Architectural Digest-Approved Interior Photographers in 2024. Her work has been published in all of the major design publications, including House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Luxe, Elle Decor, Interiors, Better Homes & Gardens, Dwell, Interior Design, and many more. She currently resides in Montclair, New Jersey where she divides her time between photography and being a mother to two boys and her dog, Remy. She is also the founder and principal photographer of the creative agency, DD-reps, which she runs along with her husband, Brian. https://www.donnadotan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/donnadotanphoto/ https://www.instagram.com/dd_reps/

Atelier Davis is a full-service, multi-faceted design studio headed by Jessica Davis with offices in Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles. The studio oversees residential and hospitality interiors, furniture, product and landscape design. As head of the firm, Jessica combines her talent for hand-sketching and space planning, enabling her to conjure up personalized plans for her clients. Atelier Davis is known for its ability to enhance the original bones of an interior with period specific finishes, while also modernizing spaces with an unexpected mix of furniture and decoration. The firm has worked on new-builds, restored Victorian gems, and taken mid-century modern homes into the present day. Atelier Davis’ women-led team supports fellow working mothers, socially-conscious manufacturers and suppliers to create inspiring interiors. https://atelierdavis.com/ https://www.instagram.com/atelier_davis

Founded in 2001, Theresa Butler Interiors was born from a vision of cultivating valued relationships with clients through respect, trust, and confidence to deliver beautiful designs under a variety of styles, time frames, and requirements. Our design philosophy is rooted in the belief that every home has a story to tell. We design custom interiors that are not just visually stunning but deeply functional, infused with old or cherished pieces that reflect our clients' unique narratives and personalities—creating spaces that spark conversation and inspire a love for home. https://www.theresabutlerinteriors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theresabutlerinteriors/?hl=en

In this conversation, I interview Joanne Hawa, the owner of Natural Instincts Interior Design, about her design philosophy, the impact of COVID-19 on her business, and the importance of sustainability in interior design. Joanne shares her passion for nature and how it influences her work, the challenges and rewards of growing her firm, and her collaborative approach to design. She also discusses her favorite aspects of the design process and the joy she finds in sourcing new materials and trends. Takeaways Joanne's design philosophy is rooted in nature and organic elements. COVID-19 led to an influx of clients seeking homes in Park City. Collaboration with builders and architects is key to successful projects. Sustainability is a priority in Joanne's design approach. Joanne enjoys the entire home design process, not just specific rooms. The importance of creating a cohesive vibe throughout a home. Joanne loves shopping for the latest design trends. Building a strong team is essential for growth in the design industry. Referrals play a significant role in attracting new clients. Joanne finds joy in promoting her team's skills and creativity. https://www.nistylepc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nistylepc/