Designer Sketch: Susannah Devine
The Houston designer shatters the ecofriendly stereotype with her love of 17th-century design, rap music and Frank Lloyd Wright
‘‘Hidden compartments and secret passages have always intrigued me," says Susannah Devine. Although her projects lean more toward a modern style, Devine's creativity is often sparked by mechanical artisans of the 17th and 18th centuries. This unexpected passion is just one of many that creates her refreshing look.
The Houston interior designer is half of RD Architecture, a firm that specializes in LEED-certified projects. Although Devine has a passion for all things green, her goal is to break the misconception that designing and building green has a certain look. "Material selection is a factor, but green design is based more on how you build than what you build," she says.
Houzz profile: RD Architecture LLC | Find an interior designer or architect
The Houston interior designer is half of RD Architecture, a firm that specializes in LEED-certified projects. Although Devine has a passion for all things green, her goal is to break the misconception that designing and building green has a certain look. "Material selection is a factor, but green design is based more on how you build than what you build," she says.
Houzz profile: RD Architecture LLC | Find an interior designer or architect
The most important thing on your desk is …
Oh, that’s easy! My earbuds. Music is a connection to the soul — not to mention my work mode. The type of music I listen to depends on what I am working on — classical, rock-and-roll, country, rap and everything in between.
My ideal client is … A homeowner who understands and appreciates the elements and principles of design. One who challenges us to push those boundaries and works with us collaboratively to create that special haven they call home.
Where in the world do you want to go next? I am collaborating on a project with a local artist to document the neighborhood around our office. Many of the beautiful 1940s homes have fallen into disrepair, and a number are marked for demolition. These older homes have more character and presence than most new homes. It’s tragic that many will not survive. I hope our neighborhood has a renaissance and we can take part in the restoration of some of these architectural treasures.
Oh, that’s easy! My earbuds. Music is a connection to the soul — not to mention my work mode. The type of music I listen to depends on what I am working on — classical, rock-and-roll, country, rap and everything in between.
My ideal client is … A homeowner who understands and appreciates the elements and principles of design. One who challenges us to push those boundaries and works with us collaboratively to create that special haven they call home.
Where in the world do you want to go next? I am collaborating on a project with a local artist to document the neighborhood around our office. Many of the beautiful 1940s homes have fallen into disrepair, and a number are marked for demolition. These older homes have more character and presence than most new homes. It’s tragic that many will not survive. I hope our neighborhood has a renaissance and we can take part in the restoration of some of these architectural treasures.
Do you still draw, or is everything on the computer now?
We use CAD for the process of creating and documenting a design. To illustrate volume and mass, Google SketchUp is a great tool. RD uses that with great success to help clients understand the human scale and points of view within a design. However, I prefer quick hand sketches in perspective to identify the three-dimensional aspects of details for cabinetry and custom furniture. I also do color studies of exterior and interior elevations. Ink renderings and photography are also personal hobbies of mine.
Which iconic architects would you love a chance to work with?
Frank Lloyd Wright comes to mind first. His style is beautiful and timeless, but it is his approach to design and his philosophy of organic architecture that is most in line with my own views. He exploded the “box” of traditional idas. Instead, he acknowledged how a home responds to the environment in addition to the spirit and emotional well-being of its occupants.
Above: One of Davis' fireplace designs for a client, installed just recently.
We use CAD for the process of creating and documenting a design. To illustrate volume and mass, Google SketchUp is a great tool. RD uses that with great success to help clients understand the human scale and points of view within a design. However, I prefer quick hand sketches in perspective to identify the three-dimensional aspects of details for cabinetry and custom furniture. I also do color studies of exterior and interior elevations. Ink renderings and photography are also personal hobbies of mine.
Which iconic architects would you love a chance to work with?
Frank Lloyd Wright comes to mind first. His style is beautiful and timeless, but it is his approach to design and his philosophy of organic architecture that is most in line with my own views. He exploded the “box” of traditional idas. Instead, he acknowledged how a home responds to the environment in addition to the spirit and emotional well-being of its occupants.
Above: One of Davis' fireplace designs for a client, installed just recently.
What inspires your designs?
Each client brings his or her own personality and vision when we start a project, and we draw on that for inspiration. We are the firm you hire to realizeyour specific style. Designing this way requires an open-minded, out-of-the-box, problem-solving style to discover the right solution for each design problem.
Favorite classic furniture piece?
Midcentury furniture designers had the right idea about the harmony of form and function. I love Saarinen’s Womb Chair.
Who’s one of your favorite artists?
There is a local Houston artist that has recently become a favorite. Justin Garcia’s art really moves me. His paintings have a quiet strength, a soothing voice with something real to say.
Where's your go-to place for inspiration?
Houzz — and I’m not just saying that. You guys are the first place we go and the first place we recommend for clients to go to gather images for inspiration. Your website is very user friendly. Please don’t ever make it complicated. Simple is sometimes better and more efficient. And that goes for design as well.
More designer sketches:
Jean Dufrense | Danielle Wallinger | Lea Hein | Noel Cross
Each client brings his or her own personality and vision when we start a project, and we draw on that for inspiration. We are the firm you hire to realizeyour specific style. Designing this way requires an open-minded, out-of-the-box, problem-solving style to discover the right solution for each design problem.
Favorite classic furniture piece?
Midcentury furniture designers had the right idea about the harmony of form and function. I love Saarinen’s Womb Chair.
Who’s one of your favorite artists?
There is a local Houston artist that has recently become a favorite. Justin Garcia’s art really moves me. His paintings have a quiet strength, a soothing voice with something real to say.
Where's your go-to place for inspiration?
Houzz — and I’m not just saying that. You guys are the first place we go and the first place we recommend for clients to go to gather images for inspiration. Your website is very user friendly. Please don’t ever make it complicated. Simple is sometimes better and more efficient. And that goes for design as well.
More designer sketches:
Jean Dufrense | Danielle Wallinger | Lea Hein | Noel Cross
I love the diversity of styles. All our remodels work with the existing style of the home and combine it with the unique individual style of the homeowner. None of our projects can be described accurately with a single word. The terms "contemporary" and "traditional" alone have become obsolete.
What's a new way you're using a new color or material now?
I’d like to start using more dual-functioning materials, such as cork. A cork wall covering in kids' playrooms, music rooms or home offices provides some acoustic benefits. It acts as a tack wall for art or work in progress. In addition, it is considered a renewable resource.