Today we’d like to introduce you to Lance Thomas.
Hi Lance, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was a Vanderbilt University Graduate and attended the Academy of Art in San Francisco and The Creative Circus in Atlanta. While there I won a prestigious award from the International Design and Art Direction awards in London. The prize was a talent recruiter placing me to work at Graphic Design jobs in San Francisco. My recruiter approached me with an out of left field opportunity for a casting call on a Reality Competition show on HGTV hosted by David Bromstad. As a graphic designer by trade, I didn’t think much of it other than a fun opportunity to experience the casting process in New York. The casting director recognized my southern Louisiana accent and by complete happenstance was also born and raised in Southern Louisiana. Low and behold was cast on the show. As a result, the first space I ever designed was on National Television. Although I did not win, I was approached to do some work in Los Angeles. I later decided to take my 15 seconds of mild acclaim and experience in L.A. and moved home to the other LA and opened up my own design studio and showroom in Louisiana. Here I met my life partner and business partner who is the “Guy” of Thomas Guy. We have designed homes all over the South and Midwest- Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, and Colorado to name a few. We’ve recently opened up a Thomas Guy North inside Brown Antiques in the design district.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I can’t say we’ve had many major hurdles unique to us. But the similar struggles that all design teams have faced over the years like manufacturing lead times due to Covid for example. But one of our strong suits is the ability to adapt. While lead times climbed up to 38 weeks for some furniture manufacturers, we new we needed to find an avenue to get product quicker. What better way to find already made inventory than the Antique Fairs in Belgium and the South of France. We’ve now been traveling overseas every year to curate containers of fine antiques. It has become a large part of the Thomas Guy brand. Modern, yet Antiquarian. Traditional with Bite.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Interior Design and curating bold statement pieces is my creative outlet. The concept and the treasure hunt are equally important for me. We are known for seamlessly blending the old with the new- pieces that should not go together but inexplicably do. This mashup is what gives the space a soul, an identity. For me, it’s not so much about following the rules, but following a gut feeling. We know the rules, but often times my gut tells me to break them. My inspiration is pretty simple- the architecture of the home and the clients who breathe life into it. It’s impossible to describe the process because I just see it. I feel it. and then execute something one of a kind. No two projects look anything alike, because no two clients are alike. I also follow one main personal rule- I never present something to a client that I would not put in my own house, or spend the money on myself. It’s never whether or not a piece fits within budget, it’s whether or not it is worth it. Does it bring value to the space? Does that piece have something new to say about the client?
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I do one main thing habitually- I have an ipad dedicated to inspiration and inspiration alone. no candy crush, no movies, etc. It houses my entire digital catalog of design magazines. As I flip through dozens of magazines monthly, I screenshoot images that for whatever reason, make me feel a certain way. I try to understand why it evokes a mood or a feeling. Whether it’s my taste or not, I catalog it for future reference. I’ve now got thousands of images that i refer to. I also bookmark websites of brands that I find along the way in the magazines. Whether it’s a bespoke lighting line or cabinet pull designer, If i like it a save it for future reference.
As far as books, I am a coffee table book hoarder. I buy them all.
The main app that I use is the entire Adobe Creative suite. I use it to build presentations, create 3d renders, edit photography, etc. Its is my creative toolkit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thomasguyinteriors.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thomasguyinteriors
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/thomasguyinteriors
Image Credits
Jen Burner
Casey Dunn
Haylei Smith
