Today on The Interior Collective, we’re reframing the definition of Traditional Interiors. What has predominantly been a white, euro-centric definition of traditional design is finally being dismantled with the recent showcasing of Black and BIPOC voices and their work in the industry. Traditions aren’t a universal thing, so Traditional Design shouldn’t be either. We’re chatting with renowned interior designer and fellow podcaster, Gail Davis as she shares what traditional interiors mean to her and the way traditional design should make you feel. Gail also guides us through her greatest lessons learned in interior design school and how she translates them into traditional design today.

The Identite Collective and IDCO Studio present The Interior Collective, a podcast for the business of beautiful living with your host, Anastasia Casey and guest Gail Davis of Gail Davis Designs.

Gail Davis is what I consider to be the industry’s Fairy Godmother - she’s constantly connecting designers with who they need to know. Gail and I have been friends for years now, as IDCO Studio designed and developed her website back in 2020. Since then, Gail has hosted me on her podcast and also attended Design Camp in Los Angeles earlier this year, allowing us to finally meet face to face. It’s an immense honor to get to host Gail on The Interior Collective and return the favor.

Gail studied at the New York School of Interior Design, and honed her craft, interning at two of New York City’s most prestigious firms—Bunny Williams Inc. and David Kleinberg Design Associates. Now having practiced for over 15 years, Gail is the Principal Designer and owner of Gail Davis Design, known for their concierge-level interior design services. Her projects have been published in House Beautiful, Elle Decor, AD Pro, Domino, and so many more. Gail is the podcast host of Design Perspectives and the resident webinar host for Schumacher three years running.

In this episode, Gail and I discuss:

The industry's misuse of the term traditional design

How BIPOC designers are redefining 'tradition'

Gail's process for vetting new projects

Avoiding a scarcity mindset when it's not a good fit

The benefit of showhouses for interior designers

Mentioned in the episode:

Gail's podcast, Design Perspectives

My episode on Design Perspectives

Design Camp

Gail's redesigned website

NYSID

IDCO Studio website templates

Aspire Design & Home Show House

The Valerie Fund Show House

Made in the Trade

Farrow & Ball