Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Newman
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My path to interior design was not straightforward. I studied vocal performance in college, and worked as a professional musician for 15 years, performing with Houston Grand Opera, Opera Colorado, and San Francisco Opera. While I enjoyed singing, I felt I needed a new challenge; interior design was right at the top of my list.
I took a position with Ralph Lauren Home and for 7 formative years I internalized Ralph’s unique “visual storytelling” approach to design – creating an all encompassing world which is equal parts fantasy and function. Combining this approach with my own design aesthetic proved to be a winning formula for client projects.
After leaving Ralph Lauren, I had the opportunity to work as Senior Designer in two leading Bay Area design firms, then launched Mark Newman Design in San Francsico in 2005. We quickly earned a reputation as one of the city’s premier boutique design firms, and enjoyed recognition in publications like California Homes, 7×7 magazine, Traditional Home, California Home, San Francisco Chronicle, and Period Art & Design, as well as designing a room in the 34th annual San Francisco Designer Showcase.
A Plano native, I moved back to Texas and re-launched Mark Newman Design here in Dallas in 2021. I’ve so enjoyed getting to know the design community here, the talented artists and artisans, the amazing homes I’ve had the privilege of working in, and truly wonderful clients!
2025 sees the launch of our newest venture, Buy Design Dallas, the only premier buying service for the Dallas Design District. Stay tuned and watch for our press rollout this spring!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road! I think any designer would tell you a large percentage of our days are spent dealing with the most frustrating parts of the business; contractor issues, installation mishaps, custom fabrication challenges, shipping delays, etc. However, the flip side – seeing a client’s reaction to a successfully reimagined space – makes all of the frustrations worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Mark Newman Design is a full service interior design firm, specializing in high-end residential, hospitality and commercial interiors. Custom furniture design and fabrication are also a large part of what we do, crafting pieces to fit a client’s particular space as well as their personality. We are especially adept at remodels and new construction, working with architects and contractors to manage projects from conception to installation.
I’m really excited about a new business venture we are launching this spring. Buy Design Dallas is the first premier buying service in the DFW area, focusing on the Dallas Design District. We work with anyone who wants to purchase items from trade-only showrooms but isn’t currently working with an interior designer. We provide showroom access, facilitate purchasing, and handle all the paperwork from ordering to installation. We’ll also provide an in-home consultation to answer design questions and make suggestions for the most appropriate showrooms/vendors to shop.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Starting any new business involves risk, but I think of that risk as a feature, not a bug! Risk is a natural and powerful motivator to put one’s whole heart, soul, sweat and passion into any new venture. Once the business is up and running successfully, I think it’s important to continue taking risks for growth and excellence to be achieved.
Pricing:
- Mark Newman Design follows standard Interior Designer billing practices; hourly fees + markup over wholesale costs.
- Buy Design Dallas has no hourly fee. We only charge 25% over our wholesale cost.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marknewmandesign.com and www.bddallas.com
- Email: info@marknewmandesign.com and info@bddallas.com
- Contact number: 972-710-2075
