Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Carden
Hi Anthony, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My studies began at the Art Institute of Dallas where I received my Bachelor’s in Interior Design. As I was graduating in 2012 there was a huge digital shift in the industry, and I honestly felt like I had to start all over again because there was a whole set of new tools available that I just missed out on. While Interior Design was great, I really enjoyed my drawings and decided to apply and was accepted at the University of Miami where I received my Master’s in Architecture. During my time in Miami, I interned at CRTKL Miami and landed in a studio that was developing a 7-acre Mediterranean development “The Plaza Coral Gables” with intricate Revit models that were set to a 256’s of an inch tolerance. I became completely obsessed with digital modeling because for the first time I was able to express my ideas clearly. For me, digital modeling is not just about developing the initial idea, the digital models provide you with a three-dimensional canvas where ideas are grown, developed and refined. My Master’s thesis at the University of Miami was grounded in developing architecture in Virtual Reality which gave me an opportunity to research the best and most fluid way to build and showcase these 3D environments.
After my graduation I moved back to Dallas to be there for my Grandmother since she was diagnosed with cancer halfway thought my studies in Miami. My Grandmother meant the world to me and unfortunately I spent most of my youth quite distracted. My dad went to jail for murder and my mom was in and out of prison as I was growing up so the only person I had that I could rely on was my Grandmother who adopted me at a young age. My Grandmothers first marriage failed and her second, which I was adopted into and grew up in was quite mentally and physically abusive for both of us. I grew up imprinted with these negative connotations wondering where I came from and trying to understand what it meant for me given my parents fate. The one underline and undisputable fact is no matter what I did, my Grandmother always believe me in me, and now that she had Cancer the clock was ticking for me to do something special with the love and opportunities she provided me.
Once I was back in Dallas, I transferred to the Multifamily Residential studio at CRTKL Dallas where I worked primarily in the development of residential towers. During my time there I worked with a very talented Architect Jorge Soto who was meticulous in construction documentation and detailing of complex building and façade systems. I would say 50% of my success now is rooted in compelling graphics and the other 50% in detailed documentation. I still remember Jorge telling me something along the lines of “We are not creating construction documents… These are carefully developed works of art.” I was always into side hustling when it came to design but now I had the tools to really take these projects to the next level. I began overlaying my digital modeling skills in the residential market and quickly found myself in a situation where it was jump and take the precarious leap own on my own or stay pocketed in a corporate role at my firm. One of my career defining moment was sitting in Mark and Lorenda Wyant’s kitchen discussing a hotel we were developing in Charleson and Lorenda asked if I wanted fly down with them in their Jet to walk the project. I very vividly remember looking up at the white ceiling and mentally counting my PTO days in my head to see that that was a viable opportunity for me… And I was like… ANTHONY…. WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE?! lol
Needless to say, it has been a wonderful and fulfilling Journey. One of the greatest accomplishments for me was being a part of the $100M remodel and Marriott Autograph Branding process of the Grand Galves, a 226 key historic hotel located in Galveston Texas. Now I say this not only because it was a prestigious project and my first time working with Marriott, but I was able to share this experience with my Grandmother before she passed. It was one of those moments I finally got to show her what her love and dedication created after years of her gently guiding me towards a successful path.
This year alone I have teamed up with a contractor Jordan Love where we have permitted 15 new build single family residential projects and have a vast range of clients ranging from private equity firms, professional athletes, talented designers, and excited homeowners. Each of my clients holds a very special place in my heart for the trust they put in me to bring their project to life. One my latest and unique project types was an interior re-design of an Italian Piaggio P180 turbo prop which we infused with a Rolls-Royce Cullinan inspired interior. I can’t wait to see how this how it turns out!
With all of this being said, and at the end of the day, I am quite humbled by my journey because I have had the opportunity to learn and work alongside some very talented teachers, classmates, coworkers, and clients along the way. There is absolutely no way I would ever be where I am at today without each and every one of their individual investments into my career.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
“Has it been a smooth road?” I would say bumpy would be quite an understatement given the fact that I dropped out of high school in 10th grade and my endless bouts with the legal systems and rehab when I was younger. It is nothing short of a miracle that I survived let alone found a fulfilling life path. For me to get where I am today has required an endless pursuit of perfection and self-discipline, but it has also instilled a lifeline of passion and bullish ferocity that I approach each and every day with. My alarm is set at 4:45am and if I don’t wake up with purpose and drive before my alarm goes off I question my current level of inspiration and self-discipline. I have been very thankful for my therapist Alicia Fike for helping me fine tune my daily cognitive awareness and keeping my self balanced, focused and mentally aligned with my goas and dreams. I feel that actively engaging in therapy has been one of the determining factor that is finally leveling me out after years of tumultuous ups and downs.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Anthony Carden + Design “AC+D”?
AC+D offers premium residential planning and design services for new construction and remodels specializing in digital modeling and comprehensive documentation. Here at AC+D our primary goal is to bring our clients vision to life incorporating the industry’s leading design technology. Our typical scope of services may include but are not limited to concept development, permit documentation and detailed design development of both interior and exterior spaces. The one of the things that I feel sets us apart from others is our meticulous documentation and various levels of graphic representation. For me personally I feel that every beautiful project starts with a beautiful set of drawings. All of our projects are developed using digital modeling techniques which allows the clients to evaluate their planning and investment in a digital environment thoroughly prior to construction.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way to work with me is by simply sending me an email or text. You can find my contact information along with a typical “Terms of Services” contract on my website explaining my business practices. If you are passionate about residential design and would like discuss working together I would love to hear from you. I turn 40 this year and one of my personal goals is to open a boutique office & storefront location and currently seeking talented individuals to work and grown with here in the Dallas market.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.acarrdendesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acarrden_design
