I can’t begin to explain how ecstatic I was to see this article posted yesterday on Fast Company’s website.  It’s about time that 1. the extremely complex nature of the interior design industry was brought to the forefront and 2. the industry, in and of itself, garnered respect as an industry of professionals and not just of weekend or afternoon hobbyists.  Way to go Fast Company and even more kudos to Design Investors.

Bringing Dollars and Know-How to Design Studios

With all the hoo-ha over laser-cut patterning and mid-century styling, it’s easy to forget that design is a business. But is it a profitable business? The folks at Design Investors think it is–or can be with smart management.

Design Investors may be the first attempt to bring the tricky magic of venture capital and private equity to design. Will it bring the breath of life to design seedlings?

Started two years ago by Peter Sallick (left), the former CEO of Waterworks, the firm has so far invested in just three outfits: Rose Tarlow Melrose House, Twill Textiles and Waterworks, Sallick’s former employer. Design Investors, which is based in Wilton, Connecticut, used its own funds and pooled with a dozen investors. (Sallick declines to say how much capital they have invested.)

Click here to see the full article on Fast Company’s site…

Author: Alexandra Gibson

Alexandra is the CEO of Gibson Design Management and Managing Partner of interior design firm, Gibson Design Group. When she's not busy trying to build an empire, you can find Alexandra riding a horse, giving back to the community, playing with her Scottie, McCord, or drinking a martini (preferably not all four at once).

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Tags: Peter Sallick, Rose Tarlow Melrose House, Twill Textiles, Venture Capital, Waterworks