Interview with Schuyler Samperton

Schuyler Samperton was recently featured on Williams-Sonoma Home's Designer Series. In the story, she discusses how she puts together a bedroom and some of her favorite items at WSH. Below, Schuyler shares with Designer Marketplace her experience starting out as a designer.

Designer Marketplace (DM): How did you get started in the design industry?

Schuyler Samperton (SS): It was kind of a fluke to be honest. I moved to LA to become a publicist at Fox. Michael Smith was a friend of mine and I ended up doing his publicity. The next thing I knew I was on his design team. I met the best dealers and craftsman while I was there, and we worked on the most amazing projects.

DM: What were the key turning points in your career and how did you navigate them?

SS: A former employee of Michael Smith and I started our own business in 2003, and soon after we were approached by a large entertainment company to redesign their lobby. I had met a lot of editors from when I worked with Michael, and I was very lucky to get the press that helped me early on. Elle Decor published my apartment shortly after I launched my company which really helped too.

DM: How do you get noticed?

SS: If you’re ever in New York I think it makes a lot of sense to try to meet editors in person to match a face with a name—they’ll be inclined to be more supportive. When I’m pitching my work, I always take very specific professional grade scouting shots of my projects and bring in extra flowers and accessories to make the spaces look as great as I can. I don’t take pictures myself, since that wouldn’t be putting my best foot forward. Also, my clients have said that other designers they’ve worked with have been really inflexible, which is a turn off. Create a dialog between you and the client, and let them feel they’re being listened to and considered. Being willing to compromise goes a long way.

For more on Schuyler Samperton Interior Design, visit her website.