Santa Fe Modern HomeDesign is cyclical. Colors and trends take their turns in and out of the spotlight. The only certainty is that something that has been loved will surely fall out of favor and then make its way into designers’ hearts again. A current trend that seems to have staying power is the “green” movement. Santa Fe designers are excited about eco-friendly, sustainable design, and Essential Guide has found that many prominent designers believe this trend is spiraling into the limelight.

The Essential Guide asked several local designers to choose from a set of quotes, the quote that most closely resembles their beliefs on design. We then delved into their collective psyche to determine what makes such great designers successful and fulfilled.

So just what are Santa Fe designers excited about? What makes for good, “green” design? What excites them about their chosen professions?

Barbara Templeman, ASID of Barbara Templeman Interior Design, Heather Van Luchene, ASID of HVL Interiors and Joan Weissman of Joan Weissman Studios chose Luis Barragán’s quote: “It is alarming that publications devoted to architecture have banished from their pages the words Beauty, Inspiration, Magic, Spellbound, Enchantment, as well as the concepts of Serenity, Silence, Intimacy and Amazement. All these have nestled in my soul, and though I am fully aware that I have not done them complete justice in my work, they have never ceased to be my guiding lights.” Barbara Templeman respects Barragán’s point of view and admires his work. Heather Van Luchene strives to create the same qualities that Barragán championed. Joan Weissman said, “Like Barragán, not only do I believe art serves an equal purpose by bringing balance and serenity to our surroundings, it can also serve a practical function in our daily lives.”

Jeanne Sei of Kitchens by Jeanne, Barb Lenihan at Pandora’s and Gloria Devan at Wiseman, Gale & Duncan Interiors chose a quote from Steve Jobs, “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” This concept really clicked with Jeanne Sei and Gloria Devan. Barb Lenihan said, “I've always been aware of the practicality of the bedding, towels and clothing I sell. Of course, they must look wonderful and feel fantastic—but they must work.”

A quote from The Architecture of Happiness, by Alain de Botton, “In essence, what works of design and architecture talk to us about is the kind of life that would most appropriately unfold within and around them” reflects the ideals of several other local designers including: Anthony Martinez, an award-winning Spanish Colonial furniture maker; Steffany Hollingsworth, ASID at HVL Interiors; and Jeff Fenton of IM Design. It’s a fitting choice for Martinez, whose pieces are influenced by Spanish Colonial culture. Steffany Hollingsworth believes that Botton’s words speak to her subconscious before she starts a project. Jeff Fenton said, “Design should have meaning; it should connect a person to their space through its connection to their life—whether through art, architecture, nature or personal experience.”

Jackie Butler of Daily Painters New Mexico chose a quote by Paul Gauguin, “Art is either plagiarism or revolution.” Jackie noted, “I’m not fully in agreement with Gauguin’s statement that art is either plagiarism or revolution, but I agree that all artists, even the revolutionaries, borrow heavily from other artists.”

When asked about the statement, “What is old is new again,” many of the designers felt strongly that the past influences their current work. Barbara Templeman said, “There is nothing 'new' in design. We borrow, we observe, we are inspired, and not necessarily from other interior designers. Inspiration can come from other disciplines—scientists, structural engineers, the fashion industry, the food industry and nature.” Steffany Hollingsworth believes that the past brings a soulful and a grounding influence to design, “There is everything to gain by referencing the past, to build on what has gone before, to highlight it, pay homage to it, or do it better. I love to implement imagery and elements from the past in a fresh way.” Jeanne Sei made an interesting observation regarding the family’s favorite gathering space, “The eat-in kitchen is back and is reflected in the combination of a sitting/media room, a place for the family to gather to discuss the activities of the day, to do school work and to entertain.”

When talking about the best way to “get green,” everyone agreed that it’s about increasing awareness and education. Anthony Martinez believes that getting green is simple, “We need to get educated and become truly aware. We need to focus on energy efficiency, recycling, replacing toxic and artificial materials in construction and packaging with materials that are organic and natural.” Steffany Hollingsworth said, “There are more and more choices now for interiors. Look for a green option when selecting paint, countertop materials, furniture, flooring and fabrics. It is our responsibility as decision-makers and purchasers to be aware of these options.” Heather Van Luchene, encourages people to buy locally from artisans in their community. Gloria Devan added, “Buy things that will last. Don't spend money on disposable furnishings. Remodel, rehab, and reuse in a new way.” When talking about “green” amenities, each designer had a different idea about the best green products available. Both Jeff Fenton and Jackie Butler believe that low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints are an ideal green option and both mentioned Santa Fe’s BioShield as a local source for eco-friendly hues.

We asked each designer what he or she would build if they had an unlimited budget. Barbara Templeman said that she would design exactly the same as she does now, “I encourage clients to do things properly and green the first time. If cash is not available, we develop a finished concept and work at it in stages.” Barbara’s strategy keeps “temporary fixes” from ending up in landfills. Joan Weissman doesn’t believe that money is the issue to going green. “Many of the green alternatives don't actually cost extra. It is a question of education and personal choices. A green choice is usually very easy to achieve,” she said. Jackie Butler had a very specific list of elements for her green project: ”walls and frames constructed with traditional or alternative building materials such as triple adobe, pumice-crete or E-crete; solar heating and/or wind sources for energy; gray water systems and water catchment systems; low energy lighting designs throughout the structure; windows strategically placed for solar gain and cross ventilation; natural organic fiber materials for carpeting, window treatments and surface materials; stone, glass and other natural materials for hard surface flooring, walls and countertops, and limited use of slow-growth woods.” And on a lighter note, Jean Sei said if her personal budget were unlimited she would “build a completely green house with about 1,800 square feet that had a garden with one hunk of a gardener!“

With such an accomplished group of designers, Essential Guide wanted to know of which works each designer is most proud. Anthony Martinez is proud of his work with young artists, offering the “hope and encouragement that it is possible to have a meaningful and productive life in the arts.” Heather Van Luchene, is especially proud of her committee work that benefits Youth Shelter & Family Services of Santa Fe and Habitat for Humanity. Joan Weissman finds it very gratifying that her work has been chosen for 1% for Art sites throughout Albuquerque and has been commissioned to make installations in her hometown. Barb Lenihan has traveled throughout Southeast Asia and Central America finding unique products using "fair trade" standards; she is the sole supporter of a Shipibo Indian group in the jungles of Peru. Barb said, “I feel that I am helping many people as much as they are helping me.”

Finally, Essential Guide wanted to know what sets each designer apart from his or her colleagues. Anthony Martinez is proud to create “functional art” for his clients. He enjoys making a one-of-a-kind piece “created with passion, in the framework of a cherished tradition of the master carvers who have preceded me.” Barbara Templeman wants to offer more than mass-produced pieces. She said, “I create what my clients haven't seen and work closely with them to create a living environment best suited to them and their lifestyle.”Heather Van Luchene replied, “Each of our interiors is completely tailored and personalized for the client. We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to design.” Steffany Hollingsworth tries to provide the unexpected and strives to create a great composition, while meeting her clients’ comfort requirements and pragmatic needs.Jeff Fenton believes his clients choose him for his ability to listen, to communicate and to guide them in developing their design and to help “create something that is uniquely theirs.” Jackie Butler said, “Staying connected with the client’s own design aesthetics is my number one consideration.” She only works with one client at a time and considers herself a facilitator—building a foundation that supports her clients’ design goals and preferences.

“The one thing about our firRobin Gray Designm is that we are good communicators and listeners,” said Jeanne Sei, “tell us what your dream is and we can create it!” Joan Weissman said her business’ small size keeps things personal. “I'm involved in every project from beginning to end, assuring the client not only an exclusive design they will love, but also the best service, great workmanship, and positive working conditions for the weavers.”Barb Lenihan believes Pandora’s unique, one-of-a-kind merchandise is an asset. “We put a lot of effort and time into creating [merchandise] from beautiful textiles. The staff is well educated about the product and we bend over backwards to give the client a positive experience.” Gloria Devan believes that the integrity in the design work and the furnishings offered by Wiseman, Gale & Duncan is what sets them apart from other designers.

Santa Fe is fortunate to have so many progressive design aficionados. Especially the designers we spoke with, who are dedicated to creating homes and products that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also thoughtful and responsible. Anyone seeking help with a design project—especially if it is green—need look no further than Santa Fe’s own “natural resources.”