Today we’d like to introduce you to Seth Van Den Bergh
Hi Seth, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Seth van den Bergh’s journey to becoming an interior designer is one of resilience, reinvention, and passion for creativity. What began as a pursuit of a biology degree took an unexpected turn during an internship at Walt Disney World. While on the phone with his mother, reflecting on his struggles despite years of excelling in honors and AP science courses, she suggested turning his focus toward the creative arts. Her advice led Seth to explore interior design, earning a degree at Marymount University in Virginia and further honing his skills as a Clinton Scholar at the American University of Dubai.
Graduating during the 2008 financial crisis brought an abrupt halt to his aspirations of entering the commercial and hospitality design world. Facing a decimated industry, Seth pivoted to residential design, discovering an exciting and resilient path full of possibilities. However, a 2010 layoff forced him to once again rethink his career trajectory. Embracing the opportunity to reimagine his future, he accepted a role as Proprietor for Design Within Reach in Atlanta. This sales position introduced him to industry professionals and helped him develop invaluable expertise in client profiling and understanding the broader design landscape.
After a few years in sales, Seth returned to the design world, gaining further experience as a senior designer at a high end residential practice. This unique blend of skills—merging design, sales, and client-centered thinking—laid the foundation for the launch of The Drawing Room ATL in 2018. Today, Seth’s work is celebrated for its bold, minimalist approach, blending antique and modern styles and emphasizing the personal stories behind each project. His journey reflects not only adaptability but also a commitment to creating spaces that inspire and delight.
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?
The world of interior design is not without its challenges. From navigating the uncertainty of maintaining a design practice during the COVID-19 pandemic to managing the rising costs of raw goods, material shortages, and extended vendor lead times, the obstacles are ever-evolving. Yet, the high-end residential market has remained a steady and thriving sector, bringing repeat clients and expanding The Drawing Room’s portfolio. These experiences have proven that a career in design demands not only creative vision but also the perseverance and mental aptitude to see challenges for what they are: opportunities to innovate and grow. Seth’s career is a testament to overcoming adversity through adaptability and creative problem-solving, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in design.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Drawing Room. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Drawing Room ATL is a design firm rooted in the art of balancing drama and simplicity. With a focus on creating tension between clean architectural lines and furnishings that tell a story, the firm’s aesthetic embodies boldness, originality, and sophistication. Each space is thoughtfully curated to celebrate individuality and creativity, resulting in interiors that are both theatrical and deeply personal.
Founded to bring a fresh perspective to luxury design, The Drawing Room ATL is committed to pushing boundaries and redefining modern Southern living. Based in Atlanta, the firm continues to expand its reach across the Southeast, crafting bold and authentic spaces for clients who embrace innovative ideas and a fearless approach to design.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success for me is creating spaces that go beyond visual appeal, crafting environments that are deeply personal and meaningful to the client. It’s about understanding their vision and transforming it into a space that resonates with their identity, enhances their well-being, and fosters a genuine connection. A job well done is when a client feels heard and sees their unique story reflected in the design, saying, “You listened and created something truly meaningful.”
Pricing:
- Our services are billed on an hourly basis, ensuring flexibility and transparency as we tailor each project to meet your unique needs.
- Our projects typically range in scope from $80,000 to $2,000,000 for interior furnishings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thedrawingroomatl.com
- Instagram: @thedrawingroomatl
- Facebook: thedrawingroomatl
- LinkedIn: the-drawing-room-atl
Image Credits
Images provided courtesy of The Drawing Room ATL
