Vicente Wolf: How to Bring True Artistry into Interior Design

Episode 971 of A Well-Designed Business®

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971: Vicente Wolf: How to Bring True Artistry into Interior Design

Today With Vicente Wolf

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I welcome design icon Vicente Wolf to the show. Vicente’s name speaks for itself, as does his reputation. With more than 50 years of experience and wide-known fame, Vicente is a true artist who undoubtedly inspires upcoming designers on a regular basis. He has a true talent for design—and it begins with understanding the artistry involved. Today, Vicente shares his insights about creativity, design, and knowing the value you bring to the table.

Pick It Apart:

[1:29] Vicente shares his journey and how he was able to produce groundbreaking designs along the way.

[12:05] Vicente and LuAnn discuss Pinterest, regurgitated design, and how hard it is for designers now to produce truly unique creative work.

[21:40] Vicente discusses his hiring process and what he looks for in junior designers.

[32:14] Vicente reflects on client needs, budget, and how to create artistry within the constraints.

[51:42] Vicente turns the tables on LuAnn and asks her take on what younger and newer designers are bringing to the industry.

LuAnn Nigara and Vicente Wolf’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Architects are respected and revered. Designers often are not—they are seen as putting frosting on a cake rather than the real value they can bring.” -Vicente

“When you run your own business, you make the rules. You can make a decision when you would love to contribute your gift to someone.” -LuAnn

“How can you break ground if you don’t trust your gut?” -Vicente

More About Vicente Wolf

As a Cuban refugee making his way to New York in his teens, Vicente became a force in the home furnishings revolution, changing the vocabulary of interior design into a sleeker, modern vision starting in the mid-1970s. Known for his high gloss white spaces, he earned the moniker “The White Knight.” Admired for his impeccable eye and unique perspective, Vicente Wolf has been at the top of the design industry for nearly 50 years. Wolf’s work has been featured in all major lists and shelter publications including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and Luxe Interiors + Design magazine. Vicente was named to Elle Décor magazine’s inaugural list of design Titans list on their annual roster of A-List of designers in 2021. In his new book CREATIVE INTERIOR SOLUTIONS (Rizzoli, 2023), he shares the expertise he has honed over the years with project images and easy-to-digest “Lessons Learned”. A passionate traveler, Vicente’s annual jaunts to exotic destinations such as Burma, India, and Thailand provide him with a global viewpoint that he weaves into his residential and hospitality projects, which are displayed throughout the book. According to Vicente, incorporating authentic artifacts and furnishings from these places with modern décor that exude a quiet elegance, captures a sense of earthy charisma, timelessness, and soul. In 1999 Vicente opened VW Home by Vicente Wolf showroom adjacent to his design studio in Hell’s Kitchen, New York. Vicente is an international speaker, author with five book titles to his name, collector, lauded retailer and celebrated visionary. In 2012, Vicente accepted an honorary PHD in Design & Architecture from Boston Architectural College. He passionately supports God’s Love We Deliver as a Trustee.