Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Archer.
Hi Tamara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Raised in Brooklyn, NY with Trinidadian roots, my design aesthetic is inspired by different cultures, world travel, architecture, and nature. Exotic flair with an urban edge is my approach to creating beautiful timeless interiors. I enjoy helping my clients improve the energy in their homes and business spaces to find balance with designs that inspire, relax, and rejuvenate.
After starting a career specializing in creative project management for A-list advertising agencies, my affinity for the built environment led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and later, a Master’s degree in Design Management. My family and I relocated from Brooklyn, NY to Miami, FL. Inspired by Miami’s modern tropical cityscape, I started my business designing condo spaces for residents in the downtown building where we lived. Since then, I’ve expanded my design services to include hospitality design. I’ve provided interior design and furniture design for beachfront resorts in the Caribbean, and worked with Royal Caribbean Group providing interior architectural design and design management for world class cruise ships.
Today, my role as a designer is to help my clients tell their own stories by articulating their tastes and style through my designs. My design aesthetic is contemporary eclectic— blending old with new and east with west in fresh exciting ways. I believe style isn’t just about what you wear. Your home should be a reflection of your individuality and self-expression.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. The biggest struggles were the lack of opportunities available when I completed my interior design degree during the recession and finding mentors in the industry. Starting my own business was a necessity because I couldn’t find an interior design job. I just wanted to design and create beautiful interiors, so I created my own opportunity.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in residential and hospitality interior design. I’m known for creating harmonious spaces by incorporating natural elements, maximizing space, and using mood-enhancing qualities of color and lighting.
I’m most proud of the work that I’ve done back in my hometown of Brooklyn, NY. I’ve worked on historic brownstones and coffee shops that serve as creative hubs for the community.
What sets me apart is that my design portfolio is very diverse. While it’s important to have a personal aesthetic as a designer, it’s even more important that your designs reflect your client’s taste, style, and personality. Your work should be a collection of different stories because each client is unique.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The pandemic has taught me to be unapologetically myself. It’s also taught me that my journey is going to be different than anyone else’s. It’s OK to not have all the answers, and to trust my own process.
Contact Info:
- Email: tamara@tarcherdesign.com
- Website: www.tarcherdesign.com
- Instagram: @t.archerdesign
