A Look Back at Design Camp
photography : madeline harper
Four days of learning with some of the best designers? Yes please!
We arrived on Wednesday at the beautiful Austin Proper Hotel designed by the insanely talented Kelly Wearstler. Anastasia & Lindsey welcomed us all with an opening presentation and set the stage. We were going to learn, we were going to have fun and we were going to leave with incredible friendships. And they were not wrong.
Day 1 was filled with a keynote from Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors, a fun cocktail hour and the most delicious family style small group dinner I’ve ever been a part of myself.
For day 2 we were greeted for breakfast at the poolside restaurant. No detail was spared while setting up our retreat, every single element became another opportunity to bring inspiration back to our clients in New England. From the linens and glassware, to the tables and serving bowls … my camera had an extra 400 pictures by the end of the weekend.
Small groups were set up by experience level and the learning commenced immediately following breakfast. Our day 2 keynote was Shea McGee of Studio McGee, she was every bit as lovely as I had imagined. A dinner hosted by McGee & Co followed our cocktail hour and the mood was dreamy and intimate.
Day 3 kicked off with more small group sessions, learning from the IDCO Studio and Lindsey Brooke Design teams. While they shared so much information with us, it was their kindness that really made the most impact. I was blown away by how genuine and helpful both teams were to all of us.
Marie Flanigan of Marie Flanigan Interiors was our final keynote, sharing about her pricing structure her minimums and the strategy she brings to every new hire. A surprise trip to Four Hands showroom for a private tour and presentation from the VP of Design, Adam Dunn followed the keynote. We enjoyed live music, many cocktails and a tapas style dinner. OH .. and your truly won a $1,000 FH gift card!
Our last and final day was bittersweet. I was so excited to leave and implement everything I learned, but so sad that our time at Design Camp was over. I learned so much and most importantly, I was reminded at how supportive this design community is to everyone. We are already planning our High Point Market spring trip and I simply cannot wait!