Design, Design Critic, Interior Design

Dennis Design Group

Dennis Design Group (DDG) is one of the nation’s top architectural interior design firms.

Recently honored with the Greenopia Award for being one of the most eco-friendly businesses, DDG sets themselves apart from ordinary interior designers by implementing Green/Sustainable principles. This coupled with uniquely conceived designs, attention to detail and a relentless effort to meet budgets and deadlines makes DDG stand out in a sea of competitors.

DDG is a full service office overseeing complete interior and exterior design and development in the residential, hospitality and commercial arenas.

We recently interviewed Lori Dennis, DDG’s principal and lead designer.

When did you first realize you wanted to become a designer?

I had a single mother who was broke when I was a kid. Instead of a bed, all I had was a used cot in my bedroom and there weren’t any other decorations in the room. My aunt sent me a set of colorful Popeye sheets, the big cartoon of the day. The colors and images transformed the space and made me aware of the power of interior design at the age of four. From that point on I created beautiful spaces wherever I could.
 
If you could do the interior of any person in the world, who would that be? And why?

Judi Dench. She seems like she has the money and the taste to allow me to create something timeless.
 
Who are the three most inspiring people in your life?

Things and places inspire me. I always seem to be the one inspiring others.  
 
How much does art come into play when designing?

Let’s put it this way. I see pieces I want to use and then pray for the client and interiors where I can place them.
 
How do you locate art for projects?

I am always on the search for good art: traveling, art galleries, art shows, magazines, my eyes are always open!
 
What has been your most rewarding project so far?

Working with a young actor/writer client. He had a great graffiti art collection I was able to showcase with custom boutique style furniture. The client was amazing and the project won our firm a national award.
 
What has been the biggest nightmare project so far?

All projects where people don’t pay and I have to become a collection agency.
 
Who is your favorite architect?

John Lautner the Arango House in Acapulco.  I love Mexican architecture in general, with its colors and great indoor outdoor informal feel.
 
Who is your favorite artist?

Kelly Viss is a contemporary artist who I love.  She has soft, organic compositions with my favorite color palates- rusts, light blues, browns and crèmes.
 
Who is your favorite fashion designer?

Theory and Missoni are my favorites.  Theory always fits and has a great tailored look. Missioni pieces are wearable art.
 
Who is your favorite composer, band, musician?

Billy Joel and the Eagles are still the best.
 
What is your favorite color?

Pink but I own and design nothing with pink, not even baby girl rooms.  Yet, I still love the color.

Following is a sampling of Dennis Design Group’s work:

For more information and to view more of the designer’s work, please visit the Dennis Design Group’s website at: http://www.dennisdesigngroup.com/