Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Carr.
Hi Shelby, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Austin and grew up on a ranch in Driftwood. I was a country girl, helping my father work cattle and showing horses at rodeos. But I also loved art, music and fashion and knew I would pursue something creative when I was older. After high school, I attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas. I studied advertising because it was a creative (but also lucrative) career. After learning the business and media side of advertising, I moved to California and spent two years at ArtCenter College of Design, north of Los Angeles. It was an incredible time in my life, full of freedom, artistic expression, and soul searching. After school, I moved to San Francisco where a large majority of advertising and design agencies were based and landed a job at Pentagram Design. There, I honed my skills as a graphic designer and stylist, producing catalogs and photography books for Dean & Deluca, Design Within Reach and Ten Speed Press. When I realized that my current salary was not paying the bills, I jumped over to Goodby, Silverstein & Partners to create advertising and marketing for hp, Anheuser-Busch, General Motors, Elizabeth Arden, the San Francisco Ballet, and more.
San Francisco was where my love of architecture and interior design began. I was intrigued by the modern row-house renovations and inventive restaurant interiors. I would frequently attend speaking events by inspirational figures such as Zaha Hadid and Michael Graves. I began collecting vintage furniture by Charles Eames, George Nelson and Eero Saarinen to furnish my tiny studio rental. I discovered that being a truly great graphic designer meant having a deep understanding of all areas of design.
After eight years in San Francisco, I moved to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to work for the advertising agency, StrawberryFrog. It was there that I purchased my first home. It was a historic canal-building from the 1600s called “de Dolfijn” (the Dolphin). It was originally a coffee warehouse that later became the studio of Dutch painter Han Mes. The building needed a major renovation to be livable. Not knowing the language was a challenge, but in the end, my persistence was worth it. I decorated the home with a mix of American mid-century and Dutch modern. It was recognized in the Dutch interiors magazine, vt wonen, and multiple issues of Dwell. I had stumbled on a new career and never looked back.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Before making the transition from advertising to interior design, I relocated back to Austin. I had little knowledge of the local contacts such as contractors, carpenters and tile installers. And I needed to build on my portfolio to get the clients I wanted. Working for an established interior design studio was the best option at the time. I was fortunate to be hired by McCray & Co. There, I collaborated on numerous restaurant projects including Vixen’s Wedding, Wonder Bar, Tiki Tatsu-ya, Goodnight Loving and Taco Flats. But juggling work commitments and family became difficult to manage. Because I am a single mom of two boys, I have very few hours in a day to work. My limited availability can be frustrating to a client and to myself. I knew that starting my own business, and managing my own schedule, was the only option.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Right before launching Shelby Carr Design in January of 2021, a friend requested help with a complete home remodel. I had my first solo project and the work has been pouring in ever since. I currently have an equal number of residential and commercial clients. Each project is completely different in terms of size and approach. Many interior designers gravitate towards a singular style, but I strive for diversity in my projects. The more distinctive the personality, the better.
If you live in Austin, you know this city is full of talented creatives. We have tile, wallpaper, furniture and art produced at the highest quality. I use local goods whenever I can. Not only are they convenient, economical and eco-friendly, but Austin-made products are usually the most beautiful.
My focus as an interior designer is 10% on the outcome and 90% on the process. Making sure the build or remodel runs smoothly is my top priority. Renovating a home, restaurant or store should not be a painful experience. Of course, there will be always bumps along the way, but it should also be fun and exciting. My number one goal is making sure my client has the best experience possible.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
There are so many! Being alone with my horse, attending the Camp Ben Reunions, skiing Squaw Valley in the winter, getting my first puppy, going to Lollapalooza, riding four-wheelers, tubing the Guadalupe, chasing boys on skateboards, visiting Europe for the first time, sneaking off to 6th Street, getting my drivers license…. To name a few.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Katie Jameson René Mesman
