Alan Tanksley is a premier American designer specializing in residential interiors for more than thirty-five years. He has created unique environments that exemplify the classic principles of thoughtful design and decorating, informed by a modern sensibility. Among the renowned architects he has collaborated with are Maya Lin, James Dayton, Guy Grassi and Robert Orr, most often developing projects from concept to completion. Tanksley has also worked on commercial and hospitality interiors partnering with developers such as National Resources in Greenwich, Connecticut, Alchemy Properties and HJ Development both located in New York City.
With a degree in Interior Architecture, Tanksley began his career with the venerable firm Parish–Hadley Associates. His next employer, legendary decorator Mark Hampton, would become his mentor as well as a lifelong friend. Tanksley would later partner with colleague Paula Perlini to form the influential firm of Perlini-Tanksley Associates. In 1993 he established Alan Tanksley, Inc., a boutique interior design firm offering comprehensive residential and commercial services.
Alan Tanksley, Inc. prides itself on a client-centered approach that achieves luxe interpretations of contemporary living. Over time the firm has successfully delivered distinguished projects throughout the Unit- ed States, England and France. ATI has also demonstrated their talents publicly with remarkably designed rooms in prestigious venues such as New York City’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House as well as Show Houses in South Hampton and Palm Beach, Florida. The firm collaborated with developers, Alchemy Properties and Sotheby’s International Real Estate, designing an internationally praised 3500 square foot model apartment in Manhattan’s iconic Woolworth Tower Residences. Projects by the firm have been featured in Architectural Digest, Interior Design, House & Garden, Art & Antiques, Metropolitan Home, and Elle Décor as well as several books.
Alan Tanksley lectures throughout the United States and internationally. He is also a committed fundraiser for several non-profit organizations, among them, Housing Works, Design on a Dime, and Bailey House.
Q
Best gift you’ve ever received?
A.
For my 50th birthday I invited 25 friends and family to join me in the southwest of France. I rented two ancient farmhouses where everyone pitched in to create a magical celebratory week together. The opportunity to share that time is a gift I gave myself, my friends and family that we’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Q
Are there qualities in potential clients that you identify that make you know you have to run away?
A.
If I meet a potential client who seems to approach our working relationship from an adversarial position vs. understanding us to be their advocate I’m immediately turned off and will most likely decline the job.
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Who is your ideal client?
A.
My ideal client is someone who’s successfully worked with a designer before, understands and respects the complexity of the process and is committed to open, honest and regular communication.
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If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be?
A.
I’d love to switch lives with our current President for a day. While he’s experiencing a community of honest, fair minded and (mostly) balanced individuals I’d spend the time firing dozens of his appointed and elected comrades and reverse most laws he’s implemented. I would end my day in his shoes by resigning from the office and entering a witness protection program, never to be seen or heard from again. Nothing would beat the satisfaction I’d feel the following day.
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What was the first project you worked on?
A.
The very first professional assignment I was given came from the legendary Albert Hadley of the iconic firm, Parish-Hadley. At that time Mr. Hadley was working on the decoration of the private quarters in Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York’s Mayor. I was asked to produce drawings on his behalf to present to the committee for their approval. Coincidentally, shortly afterward I was hired by Mark Hampton who happened to be decorating the public rooms of the Mansion. I was assigned by Mr. Hampton to work on his presentation drawings for the upcoming committee meeting. Although I wasn’t present for that meeting I’ve always been proud to have been a minor player in that momentous New York moment.
Q
What’s the best thing about shopping in person?
A.
I love getting out from behind my desk, traveling near or far to a shop, fair or a studio to see pieces first hand. Nothing compares to the experience of finding something that excites me, exchanging information and thoughts on pieces with the proprietor or craftsperson. Finding a piece along with a client generally underscores their sense of ownership and often leads to a closer relationship between us.
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What modern design trend makes you cringe?
A.
I am extremely grateful to have entered the field at a time when historical knowledge of design, culture and architecture was expected and valued by employers and clients alike. For me, it’s always been fun to learn the backstory of design and the designers that proceeded and informed us today.
At the expense of sounding out of touch and obsolete, I cringe when I see legions of people in or just entering the profession of Interior Design with little or no knowledge of history. Worse still is a disheartening lack of interest about the past when there’s fascinating information to be gained and inspired by remaining curious.
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What’s one thing that is always in your refrigerator/ freezer?
A.
Frozen packs of ravioli, fresh pesto and vegetables to sauté. And coffee ice cream.
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Are you a dog or cat person?
A.
Dog. I grew up with a beloved beagle and am currently a proud uncle to a gorgeous pit bull.
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A book that everyone should read?
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“A Pattern Language” is essential reading for anyone interested in designing for people.
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As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A.
An architect. That desire faded when I discovered the art of Interior Design
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What was the last text you sent and who did you send it to?
A.
My massage therapist. He’s running late and I’m ready to relax…
