The Design Questionnaire With Claire Ownby
In this edition of Love Happens’ Design Questionnaire, join us for a peek into the creative mind of Claire Ownby, founder of Scottsdale, AZ-based Ownby Design. Becoming a designer was always something claire wanted to do, so in 1999 she started her firm allowing her to express her creativity while providing a service for others to enjoy.
Claire is inspired by the timeless and legendary work of Frank Lloyd Wright, whose works of art are relics within the AZ desert landscape. For Claire, contributing to the architectural and interior design beauty is the ultimate reward. She loves working with clients and working around special requests and challenges in the build to create these residential works of art.
In addition, Claire benefits from experience as a contractor and developer, which allows her to have a better sense of the total scope of work on a project while being as budget-friendly and functional as possible.
Meet Claire Ownby of Ownby Design in the Lh Design Questionnaire
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect Happiness is a day full of family. Both my partner and I are very close with our families, and spending time with all of them is Perfect happiness.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is being a Mom. The design industry can be so consuming, so balancing time with her takes work but is always worth it!
What profession does your alter ego have?
My alter ego would have an olive orchard in Northern California. I just love how organized the land looks with the sculptured rows of trees.
The project you will never forget.
There isn’t just one project; I feel like I won’t forget any of them! If I had to pick one, it would be a large-scale renovation for a beautiful family. Once completed, the home doesn’t resemble the previous property at all. Our clients gave the entire team their full support and embraced all of our recommendations throughout the project. This really speaks to the level of trust they gave us.
Your favorite business tool or resource.
Pinterest is such a helpful resource for creating vision boards for our projects. The design process is so visual, and Pinterest makes it easy to share images throughout our design process.
The most timeless design.
Timeless design can be effortless if you follow one simple rule; repetition of classic monochromatic materials.
The biggest design faux pas.
Glass Block Windows; they don’t allow you to see out or allow natural air to come in.
Your design motto.
Less Really is More.
Our publisher KOKET makes statement décor; if you were to design a room around one KOKET piece, which would it be, and why?
I would design a room around the KOKET London Dining Chair. The soft classic lines would compliment any dining room.
Love Happens when…
You open your heart to others. It is impossible to fully be able to give love if you can’t receive it.
