Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Gordon.
Hi Richard, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Art, design, and the concept of ‘creating something from an idea’ has been with me since I was very young. Born in Tulsa to a creative mother and engineer father, understanding “how” and “why” was strongly encouraged, which helped fuel my creative nature. Whether turning cardboard boxes into a painted and furnished 3-story home for my action figures or learning to write computer programs to solve my math homework (this was back in the 70s!), the curiosity to create has lead me to discover so much of the world around me.
College is where it all fell into place as I majored in interior design at Oklahoma State University. Upon graduating I headed to the “big city” of Dallas. After my first design job fell through upon relocating, I was hired at the top designer showroom in Dallas. Four years of moving up through sales and management positions in the showroom ended up one of the best ‘unexpected fortunes’ of my career. I learned vital lessons about the business side of design, along with learning the intricate, technical side of custom fabrics, furniture, and upholstery. Those invaluable lessons and relationships still serve me today.
My next fortunate opportunity presented itself with a move to a design office as the assistant to a talented young designer. With just the two of us, I was provided a lot of hands-on training from day one. Along with learning the paperwork and business side of a design studio, she taught me how a ‘vision’ comes to life: moving through the business/budget process, creative adaptations, and the key relationships it takes, with both the clients and suppliers, to turn that vision into a reality for a client.
A few years later I would be offered a position with one of the top residential designers in Dallas at the time, Marilyn Rolnick Tonkon. She shared her design approach, how to stay on top of the business of design, all while learning to listen to a client, interpreting what they are really asking for, working with them to create something that uniquely expresses their lifestyle and sense of home. Over the next 23 years together we grew her business as she mentored me. I developed my own clients and built my own portfolio of residential and commercial projects. Our partnership grew into the new firm of Rolnick+Gordon Design.
In the fall of 2020, my career evolved again as I started my own firm – Richard Gordon Design and I’m really enjoying my wonderful clients and mix of both residential and commercial projects. My firm’s approach to design underscores the simple and often overlooked thought that a home should reflect the personality and sensibilities of the people living in it, revealing the things they love and have collected over time. With a solid base of truly great clients, my projects continue to challenge and excite me every day.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest challenge recently has been designing during a pandemic. The supply chain issues and inventory backlogs have been hard to navigate. On top of delays, contractors and subcontractors are overwhelmed with projects and dealing with product delays on their specialties. Overall, the design process is taking longer to achieve. I tell my clients all the time: “you will forget how long it took, but you will not forget if you sacrifice what you really want”. Sometimes they wait – and sometimes we talk about alternatives. I’ve been so fortunate to have clients that understand the global issues and have been very understanding.
As you know, we’re big fans of Richard Gordon Design. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I have spent more than 3 decades dedicated to the ever-evolving art of creating home and work environments that are personal, unique, and inviting. My approach to design underscores the simple and often overlooked thought that a home should reflect the personality and sensibilities of the people in it, revealing the things they love and have collected over time.
Following my motto: “Always classic; never trendy”, I strongly believe my client’s projects should stand the test of time and be allowed to evolve with my clients and their lives as they change. “You should look at a room and not be able to date it; that’s a key indicator of truly great design.”
I’m also a strong believer in quality and my designs incorporate the finest fabrics, furniture, and accessories to create warm, welcoming rooms reflective of the people who live in them. I often tell my clients to wait and save to get the item that they love and is right for their home, rather than rushing or settling and then regretting a purchase. I believe the old adage: do it right and you only cry once.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For those in school: take business and psychology classes. The number one reason that designers fail is not that they lack talent; it’s because they don’t know how to stay on top of business. One must be able to communicate clearly, effectively, and as objectively as possible when working on someone’s home. It’s personal and you must communicate effectively and meet the client where they are at any given time.
For younger designers: realize this industry is all about relationships; whether with vendors, clients and or other peers. It’s so important to understand that you are only as good as you can produce; meaning your choice of suppliers and your subcontractors is key to your success. Treat them with respect and only use the best. My approach: I would rather apologize for the price now, than the quality later.
Contact Info:
- Email: richard@richardgordondesign.com
- Website: richardgordondesign.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/richardgordondesign/
- Facebook: facebook.com/RichardGordonDesign
- Other: asid.org/find-a-pro/richardgordon
Image Credits
Richard Bettinger
Dan Piassick
