Welcome Class of 2024
Bryan Huffman
Bryan Huffman is an interior designer whose projects are filled with comfort, warmth and reflect the world of the families who inhabit them. “I approach projects from a classically traditional perspective, adding a twist to keep it from being to ‘period’.” He says that he eschews fads and trends, instead focusing on creating timeless spaces with and for his clients.
Bryan’s influences vary from the decorating greats Nancy Lancaster, Sister Parish, and Mario Buatta, as well as a life of travel, and friendships that have honed his sense of design and love of understated luxury.
Bryan has a passion for both history and beauty, and has co-authored books fusing both passions by celebrating the interior and landscape design standards of his dear friend, Bunny Mellon. Bunny Mellon Style (Gibbs Smith) and Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon (Gibbs Smith) give the reader an intimate glimpse into the development of the horticultural and style icon.
Bryan Huffman Interiors is a full-service firm based in North Carolina that handles projects on both a large and small scale.
Alexander Wilson
Alexander D. Wilson is a boutique interior design and decoration firm based in New York City. He creates sophisticated and comfortable spaces that are characterized by an adept use of color and pattern and reference the past while paying attention to modern sensibilities.
Alex spent the last eight years working with Ashley Whittaker Design, three of those as the firm’s Studio Director. While collaborating with Whittaker, his work was featured in Veranda, House Beautiful and AD Italia.
In 2024, Alex was named ‘Design Darling’ by Frederic Magazine with the publication of his own Upper East Side apartment which coincided with the launch of his namesake firm. Current projects include homes in North Carolina, Colorado, Florida and Connecticut.
Originally from North Carolina, Alex has a Bachelor of Arts in Historic Preservation & Community Planning from the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. He has completed graduate programs at Parsons School of Design and The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts’ Summer Institute.
Courtney Blanton
With over 25 years of experience in interior design, Courtney Blanton is a recognized expert in crafting captivating residential spaces. A graduate of the University of Texas and the prestigious Parsons School of Design, she began her career alongside industry luminaries Victoria Hagan and Peter Dunham, shaping her journey with invaluable insights. Since 2009, Courtney has led Courtney Blanton Interiors, renowned for its comprehensive approach to designing luxury homes from inception to completion.
After extensive experience in the industry, Courtney recognized a pressing need for quick, cost-effective design solutions. Home Restyle by Courtney Blanton provides homeowners and realtors the opportunity to work with a seasoned interior designer for home transformation projects that are both cost-effective and immediate. The mission is simple: Love your home again. Courtney eliminates the hassle by deftly editing, rearranging, and restyling the clients’ own furnishings, infusing spaces with a sense of refreshment and renewal.
Beyond design, Courtney is deeply committed to making a positive impact on mental health which inspired her to co-found “The Hi, How Are You Project,” a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to educate young people worldwide about the importance of mental health and well-being through creative content, events and community-building programs.
Patrick Mele
Recognized for his unique approach to decoration and design, Patrick Mele culls the best from the past and present to create rooms that feel completely singular, personal, warm, and gracious. With a degree in Art History and Cultural Studies from New York University’s Gallatin School, his aesthetic has been informed by the evolution of art, architecture, decorative-arts and fashion throughout
history. His work often reflects his love for rich color, intricate pattern and the unexpected. His early professional experience included time spent at some of America’s most iconic brands including Bond No. 9, Kate Spade, and at Ralph Lauren where Patrick played an integral role in presentation, styling and merchandising across all locations in the U.S. and Europe, including flagship properties.
Since 2011, Patrick’s namesake design firm has worked on a range of residential and commercial projects in locations including New York, Connecticut, Washington D.C., The Hamptons, Aspen, and London, among others.
As a natural extension, Patrick opened his eponymous shop in Greenwich, CT, in 2017. A former turn-of-the-century community grocer, the shop is the embodiment of Patrick’s style and favorite things from around the world – from 20th-century kilim carpets to antique crystal Chinese theatrical headdresses to contemporary art by friends, and much more. Expanding his retail footprint, Patrick opened The Black Rock Department Store in the fall of 2022 in the creatively reawakened Black Rock district of Bridgeport, CT.
Patrick’s work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Domino, ELLE Décor, House Beautiful, L’Officiel, New York Magazine, and The Evening Standard Magazine, among others. Patrick has been named to the prestigious AD100 list as well as Elle Decor’s A List, and has also been recognized as one of “Five Designers to Watch” by Vogue, “The New Guard” by W Magazine, “Designer to Watch” by Departures.
Patrick is based in New York City and Connecticut.
Dana Koebbe
Dana Koebbe Interiors is a full-service boutique design studio that seamlessly blends classicism and contemporary design.
Dana is passionate about creating beautiful, comfortable, and functional living spaces for her clients. Her philosophy is that design can be inspiring and practical, there does not need to be a compromise between the two. Balanced color palettes, layered textures and bespoke pieces are the key elements of a space designed by Dana. Each project is individual and uniquely curated as she is inspired by the project's landscape and focuses the design to match the lifestyle of the client.
Dana graduated from the New York School of Design in Manhattan where she received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design. After gaining experience in both residential and commercial sectors of the design industry, she estalished her own eponymous design firm in 2016.
No project is out of scope for Dana and her team, whether it is a ground up custom build, renovation of a historic house, or curating furniture to make a house a home. Every project is thoughtfully considered and tailored to the client.
Dana Koebbe Interiors is based in Fairfield County, Connecticut and works on projects all over the country and beyond.
Peyton Cochran
Elisabeth “Peyton” Cochran comes from a long line of entrepreneurs who influenced her to break out on her own and launch EPiC. Peyton's travels have led her all over the world discovering unique methods, resources, and contacts that she has woven into her ever-evolving practice. Her passion for treasure hunting and global adventures enable her to bridge old world and contemporary styles with an artistic touch and personal story.
Prior to starting EPiC, Peyton worked at the award winning design firms Mancini Duffy and Eric Cohler Design in New York City. Additional professional experience includes, Elizabeth Stuart Designs in Charleston, South Carolina and interning in the Style Department at House & Garden magazine.
Peyton enjoys volunteering at Rising Starr Horse Rescue, antique hunting, crafting, and trail walks. She holds a BA in Studio Art from the College of Charleston and an AAS in Interior Design from Parsons. Peyton grew up in New York City and New Canaan, CT and currently resides in Ridgefield, CT with her husband, son, English Bulldog, Boston Terrier and miniature horses .
Kerry Delrose
Acclaimed Interior Designer Kerry Delrose has been producing beautiful, innovative and stylish interiors for over 20 years.
Delrose formed the Delrose Design Group based in New York City. Focused on high end residential projects and unique brand based opportunities the firm has worked internationally in Australia, Europe and Dubai as well as every corner of the U.S.
His work is defined by clean, simple, modern lines and furnishings. Large scale pieces, unusual objects and innovative applications are signature in his work. His use of natural, organic furnishings and materials make for very progressive design and have caught the eyes of hoteliers, celebrities, and designers alike. His corporate clients have included Mandarin Oriental, Westin Hotels and Baccarat.
Kerry’s work has been featured in House & Garden, Elle Décor, Luxe, Esquire Classic Home, House Beautiful, New York Spaces, Vanity Fair, Hamptons Cottages and Gardens and several coffee table books. He has been a contributor to many publications, as well as a speaker at various design events.
Kerry has participated in the Kips Bay Show house, The Hampton Designer Show house, The Idea House, and Esquire House among others.
Dan Barsanti/Chris Desmone
Founded by Dan Barsanti and Chris Desmone, the team at Barsanti Desmone is focused on the creativity, quality and integrity of our projects. Consistent visual and verbal communication with the client ensures an outcome that fits the clients’ dreams and exceeds expectations. Our goal is to create a project journey that is a creative adventure that the client will embrace from beginning to end.
Barsanti Desmone is based in in New York City and Fairfield County, Connecticut, and have projects currently underway in New York City, East Hampton, the North Fork of Long Island, New Orleans, Boca Raton, Bucks County PA, Stowe Vermont, Westport Connecticut, and Scarsdale New York.
Betsy Shiverick
Betsy Shiverick Interiors was founded in 2003 after a wild and wonderful 21 year stint on Wall Street as a currency trader. Immediately upon retiring, Betsy enrolled in the New York School of Interior Design. Projects were hard to come by at the beginning, but she was fortunate to have her own homes to do and to redo and to experiment with. To her husband’s chagrin, Betsy has an almost insatiable appetite to create simple, beautiful and comfortable surroundings. Their four children are grown and out of the house, but the dogs and cats have free roam. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
When it comes to her aesthetic, she likes to make rooms look old and lived in from the start. Classical, elegant and warm. Antiques make up 90% of her furniture. “(If you don’t like “brown “ furniture, I’m not your girl!) I’m a sucker for wood paneling, interesting moldings, Oriental rugs, sisal rugs, textiles of all kinds, bamboo, oil paintings, murals, white slip covered sofas with colorful pillows, striped wallpaper, any touches of Chinese or Moroccan, extra cosy beds, books and color. Oh, and plants... nothing finishes off a room better than colossal ferns and ficus trees!”
It begins and ends with high quality architectural elements and materials. Each piece she buys is specifically curated for its place. Betsy has been known to scour the globe for antiques of distinction and purpose.
Betsy works alone — Clients of Betsy Shiverick Interiors get Betsy Shiverick.
“For me, it’s really not that complicated. If you put things you love in a room, it will be beautiful. Sourcing and arranging these things is my specialty.”
Sara Hillery
Since launching Sara Hillery Interior Design in 2011, Sara has become a celebrated name in the design world. House Beautiful named her a member of its Next Wave Class and her projects have been featured in top tier outlets including Veranda, The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Southern Home, and Southern Living. In 2023, she was chosen as a designer for the prestigious Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Dallas. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Sara’s signature style blends the fine and rare with the practical and accessible, all while drawing inspiration from global travel and her Southern heritage. Sara uses each project as an opportunity to honor her client’s unique stories, seamlessly integrating antique elements with contemporary design. Her firm's projects range from Texas, New Orleans, south Florida, and up the east coast. Throughout each region her firm crafts distinctive spaces, offering a spectrum of services from conceptualization to meticulous execution. This year Virginia Living named Sara Hillery as the #1 Interior Design Firm in its coveted Best of Virginia Awards. Apart from interiors, Sara's passion for preservation and historic houses leads her on many house tours seeking inspiration from the past to inspire her wide range of design work.
Douglas C Wright
Douglas C. Wright Architects was founded in 2010 by Douglas C Wright. He oversees all of the firm’s architectural and design work.
His firm of architects, interior designers, and supporting staff based in New York. Over the last twelve years, the firm has designed award-winning projects in a wide range of residential, institutional, and commercial work. They practice in a variety of styles — historical and current — and strive to combine the very real, pragmatic needs of modernity with historic and architectural influences. The firm has had projects in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, California, Texas, Maryland, Maine, Tennessee, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, as well as Europe and the Caribbean.
Throughout his career, Douglas C Wright has designed and overseen the administration of a broad range of projects including residential estates and their master plans, vacation homes, apartments, country clubs, developments, and boutique hotels and resorts.
Growing up in an historic home introduced him to fine architecture built for a specific setting. Travel and education nurtured a lifelong interest with subsequent bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Yale and the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to forming Douglas C. Wright Architects, Mr. Wright was a partner in Miller & Wright Architects directing much of that firm’s work, and a principal at Hart Howerton Architects and Planners in New York leading teams on major residential, country club, and boutique hotel projects. Mr. Wright began his career as an architect/designer with the renowned decorating firm Parish-Hadley Associates, and continued with Brian J. McCarthy before pursuing further studies in architecture. He developed his expertise as an associate with Robert A. M. Stern Architects, and worked with Ferguson & Shamamian Architects, B Five Studio, and Davis, Brody, Bond Architects and Planners.
Carissa Kim Pintello
Carissa is a 3rd year MFA student at the New York School of Interior Design, and is also an alum of RWAV class of '23.
After earning her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, Carissa taught public school for 3 years in Central Florida, before finding her true calling in interior design. Since quitting her job, selling her house, and moving across the country, Carissa has completely fallen in love with the world of design.
With interests in both residential and hospitality, Carissa has interned at David Scott Interiors, the Standard Hotel, and now works as a design assistant at Studio Sofield. Additionally, Carissa is a proud member of the Asian American Pacific Islander Design Alliance, and has helped launch the first ever student chapter at NYSID. She is thrilled to take all she has learned in the classroom and on the job, and apply it to Rooms with a View.
The influence of Eastern design on the West, traditional craft, and historical styles all inspire Carissa, and play a huge role in her design ethos. She is so honored to be a part of Rooms with a View again, and to learn from the amazing designers in the class of 2024