In her interior designs, Alejandra Martinez Dunphy balances elements both classic and contemporary. A sample of the Atlanta designer’s unique style will be on display in a vignette March 16-18 at the annual American Craft Council show in Atlanta.
The designer: A native of Peru, she came to Georgia in 1994 to attend Savannah College of Art & Design in Savannah, where she earned a degree in interior design and art history. After graduation, she moved to Atlanta and worked for several architectural and design firms on commercial and hospitality projects around the world before starting her own design studio.
Dunphy, who also teaches interior design studio classes at SCAD/Atlanta, is a LEED-accredited professional with 18 years of experience. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
The company: Alejandra Dunphy Studio (A-D Studio) opened in Atlanta in 2008. The boutique firm specializes in providing innovative design solutions in its residential and commercial projects.
First design job: Assisted with the renovation of a historic hotel in Rome, Italy.
Every room needs: A beautiful light fixture accompanied by a piece of art that has a special meaning to you. "I think of lighting as the jewelry of a space," said Dunphy, who likes oversized pendants.
Current design obsession(s): Art deco antiques, watercolor paintings and terrarium.
New (or re-emerging) designs I like: Color, especially bold colors in interior spaces.
… and design looks I am glad to see go: Faux industrial pieces and overdone reclaimed looks.
Most unusual request: Sunken living room with a custom, built-in sofa.
Fun spaces (or unusual) I have designed: Transformed an old cafeteria in Atlanta into an energetic cafe with work collaboration spaces.
Biggest design mistake I have made: Installed an art piece too high. When we moved it down, had to patch and paint the wall.
… and mistake homeowners make: Not understanding scale in a room. Then buying furniture that is too large or too small for the space.
Favorites
- Blogs or websites: ladolcevitablog.com and mydomaine.com
- Instagram: kellywearstler; barbarabarryinc; and designmilk.
- Atlanta area home/design stores or showrooms: Westside Market, Design Within Reach and Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. At the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center: Bradley; Minotti by HA Modern; and R Hughes.
- Places unexpected finds: Chairish.com and 1stDibs.com. In Atlanta, Interiors Market; Scott Antique Market; and Sarah Cyrus Home.
Recent project (s): A renovation of a historic Candler Park home and a condo renovation in Palm Beach, Fla. Also finalizing a new boutique hair and spa salon in Norcross.
Side project: Recently opened DesignLAB at Atlanta's Westside Market (westsidemarketatl.com). The lab is a source of inspiration, providing tips, unique art and furnishings.
What's next: Renovation of New York condo and updating an event venue in downtown Atlanta.
Find at Alejandra Dunphy and AD Studio at:
- Website: a-dstudio.com
- Facebook: adstudioatlanta
- Instagram: @adstudioatlanta and @designlabatl
Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft (side bar: ACC promo)
Four Atlanta interior design firms will create colorful vignettes using paintings and craft pieces made by artists at the 2018 American Craft Council Show (ACC) March 16-18 at the Cobb Galleria Center in Atlanta.
The Atlanta-area designers include: Diane Hewitt of Design Concierge; Leah Atkins and Kaila Nelson of Leah Atkins Design; Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters of Forbes + Masters; and Alejandra Dunphy of A-D Studio. For information and to purchase tickets, visit craftcouncil.org/atlanta.
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