Design Dossier: Hillary Mancini
Since 2003, interior designer Hillary Mancini has been lending her chic aesthetic to Peace Design’s portfolio of exquisite homes across the country. She is also the co-founder of Design Collective, a grass-roots effort to promote and connect all of Atlanta’s design industry creatives, including architects, artists and even professional vendors. Linthicum took a break from her busy schedule to chat with us about her favorite art gallery, her design icons and her favorite local watering hole.
What was the inspiration behind forming Design Collective? We wanted to energize and connect Atlanta’s designers and artisans.
My favorite design object of all time is… the Eames Lounge chair.
Every home needs… a good bottle of bourbon to share with friends.
Favorite places around Atlanta for:
Drinks – H. Harper Station
Dessert – The chocolate & olive oil bruschetta at Krog Bar
Brunch – Rosebud
Al Fresco Dining – Lure
Who are your design icons? There are so many wonderful designers—past and present—that it’s hard to choose. I honestly pull inspiration from works of art or a runway show as much as I do a design book. Timeless design is a well-curated collection that represents us and our lives.
What’s on your coffee table right now? J. Crew and Anthropolgie catalogs, stack of design books, a great piece of mercury glass from my mom and I’m embarrassed to say, three remotes!
How do you combat creative blocks? Leave my desk! Whether it’s travel (our projects take us out of town often) or just simply running around town, it’s always a nice break and I can soak things in without an agenda. Then the next day at the office is always productive.
Which art gallery do you frequent? I love Alan Avery’s artists—such amazing talent inside that gallery!
What’s your proudest professional moment? Several years ago we finished a home right before the holidays and when we arrived for their open house cocktail party, the client gave me a huge bear hug and said, “it’s fantastic”.
What advice would you offer someone trying to break into the interior design industry? Get out there and meet people! Relationships are key. Take internships or positions anywhere you can—showrooms, shops, galleries and firms. There is so much knowledge to be shared. I wouldn’t be where I am today without mine.
Mancini is a featured speaker at ASID’s Storytellers event tomorrow, October 8, at The Estate & Gardens. Click here for more information. On October 16, Design Collective is hosting its next members-only event at Renaissance Tile & Bath. Click here to register.