AMB Design enjoys a large variety of style and scope, with projects ranging from the prestigious St. Regis in Deer Valley to The Silverado Resort in Napa Valley to a country manor home in rural Connecticut and a private airplane hangar in Provo, Utah.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
Literally, I was raised in and around the business of building homes. With eight moves behind me before starting high school, I was able to see my parents build a home each time while enjoying samples sloshing around in the back seat. This business was mine to have just by being associated with parents who had no training, but a lot of know-how and willingness to work hard.
My first design project was at age 12 with a very tough client, myself! I had dreamed up a safari bedroom for myself complete with the 70’s wicker swing chair of course. It was the 70’s so I think I felt I was an original. After proposing the ideas to my father, he mentioned he would match me dollar for dollar.
How was I going to earn money at age 12? I became what may be the youngest Avon Lady ever. Dollar by dollar I sold enough perfume and lotion to get my design ideas into action and complete. Sadly, just after finishing my safari bedroom complete with lions and tigers printed on the bedding, my father announced we were moving. It was worth it though, I learned a lot about my sense of design, general understanding of where things go, and scale.
It was years later that I met and married my husband who mentioned we would likely be able to save enough money in 5 years to build a home. I started our family with our third child being born the day we tore down our 60-year-old home and began the build. As money was tight, I felt that if my parents could do it, I should be able to give it a try and contracted the build myself.
From start to finish, the home was complete in 6 months to the date. I didn’t even realize that was fast. What I loved about my first two projects is that it was pure grassroots learning. I had no parameters. I didn’t know boundaries. I was free to think outside of the box and found pleasure in doing so.
I worked directly with every sub-contractor to figure out and learn what I needed to understand about wall mount faucets, coffered ceilings, roof tiles, etc. I really had no idea this would be my career for over the past 30 years. I get a sense of satisfaction thinking of how organic the process was for me to get where I am today with my boutique firm of 8 lovely ladies.
I started in my laundry room with one file drawer while going on the have 5 children and work full time. I don’t know if I could do it over again, but I felt that having a nanny would be hard for me to accept so I truly had to schedule like crazy and be grateful for my in-laws who were also my neighbors, and a very supportive husband.
2. When and why did you chose this field?
This field chose me in many ways. I was able to be self-taught. I was curious and remain curious about the process of the build. Perhaps this is what sets our firm apart the most. We begin with architectural collaboration directly with the architect and continue through the entire build process.
I am often asked to begin the project with a client directly and help select a collaborative and successful team that I might recommend. I have enjoyed the relationship of being the woman in a man’s world. I like to dig in and get my knees dirty.
Above all, I like to see what can happen with a piece of land; what the future is, what can really be created, and what life can be enhanced through living there. For me, the satisfaction comes from knowing I may not cure people, but I certainly hope to be making their life more beautiful.
3. Do you have a dream project or your favorite project?
I believe I am in the middle of my dream project. Standing afar and looking into the blessing of so much variety in my work, I see that perhaps I am drawn the most to my projects in Pebble Beach.
Designing for a client who has little time, but requires an “epic” deliverable on the 18th hole of the Pebble Beach Golf Course. I find I think the very most about that project and the design of the cool lines and warm surroundings we are designing there.
I, myself, am drawn mostly to the beach and to have the chance to design what is truly two once in a lifetime projects there is truly humbling. We realize the two homes we are creating, which are adjacent lots next to the lodge at Pebble Beach, will be landmarks for all that golf there and look along the water’s edge.
Truly I feel I have the chance here more than most to make my mark and I am grateful.
4. How can one identify and appreciate a good architect or designer?
A good designer puts the client first while making sure to listen and realize their home different than others they have completed. A good designer provides enough guidance and variety for the client’s vision to be realized and then comes in the final selections without making the price heavy or long-winded.
I believe the best designers that I look up to fill their homes with warmth and understand that there should be a sense of sanctuary the minute the family walks through the door. With our busy lives, I feel the home should stand as a respite from our lives and the distractions.
It seems the most critical element for the designer and the architect is sensitive to scale as well as an appreciation for the natural and authentic materials that provide a home’s integrity.
5. Who is your favorite architect or designer and why?
I aim to work for architects who provide plans that are up to 3” thick. If I am given a small set of plans, thin and not deep in detail, I know I am going to have to work harder and that the builder and I will be connected at the hip. We will need to fill in all of the blanks.
I have been so honored to work with some of the very best, Greg Tankersly of McAlpine Tankersly out of Tennessee/NYC, Joeb Moore out of New England, JLF out of Montana, Michael Upwall in Salt Lake City, and Ira Grandberg also in New England.
Working with Greg Tankersly, I feel a "sense of natural" beyond any other I have worked with. His understanding of authenticity defines exactly where I have been on the topic for all of the years of my years of working in design.
I have been fortunate enough to work on projects with a modern sensibility as well as a more traditional historical genre. No matter the style, the client’s wish for their look and feel, I start by delivering finishes that are natural and historical in nature.
Greg has described our work together as simpatico. That says it all for me when an architect understands my drive to add “real” to a home that will be the family’s story for the years to come and beyond. The architect’s vision is imperative to the home’s success, I like when they start by interviewing the client to learn how they live in their home and how they want to live in their home.
With Greg, I believe we both believe that "home" starts with those who live there. I believe that we also agree with Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous quote, “Surround yourself with beauty and it will stay with you the rest of your life.”
6. Do you have any tips for people who what to join this field?
Tips for the Trade:
The career of the interior designer is not for the faint of heart. We take a great amount of responsibility and liability when we are the client’s advocate and confidant from start to finish on a project.
Believing in your own inner instinct is a must. Confidence and passion are what sell your ideas and create a belief in your vision.
I can not imagine a more fulfilling career than Interior Designer. To see what can happen, what can be changed and created within a new build, or a remodel, is kin to giving birth in many ways. The process is arduous and at times painstaking, but the beauty that becomes a part of your life and those you work with is everlasting.
Instagram ID - @annemariebarton
Best known for early collaboration with architects, builders, and clients, Anne-Marie delivers a detailed, seamless result by bringing a grassroots approach to every project. With over 30 years of experience, she eliminates the fear factor when embarking on what is sure to be a profoundly satisfying experience.
Anne-Marie's work can be found in California, New York City, Connecticut, Memphis, throughout her home state of Utah, and many other locations. AMB Design enjoys a large variety of style and scope, with projects ranging from the prestigious St. Regis in Deer Valley to The Silverado Resort in Napa Valley to a country manor home in rural Connecticut and a private airplane hangar in Provo, Utah.
Anne Marie Barton Owner at AMB DESIGN
Interviewed By - Sandeep Virothu
0 Comments