The Art of Grace

MEET DGI.

Devon, let’s start with how you launched DGI in 2016 - how did you know it was the perfect time to do so?

I decided to start DGI pretty casually, actually. I wasn’t feeling creatively challenged at my last company, and wanted to have a more hands-on experience with design, and with my clients. I was lucky enough to be at a place in my personal life where I had the security to take a leap and quit my job, and start out on my own. My original logo was my name, designed in graduate school for my portfolio, and I simply dropped my last name and called the firm Devon Grace. It stuck. I knew early on that I wanted to focus on residential design and I wanted to put my architectural background to work with more renovations and new construction projects. I think that’s part of what helped me be successful so early on, because I was able to converse with contractors and architects on projects and understand the big picture thanks to my background.

Diving further into the theoretical - is there a certain design principle you abide by?

Well, while studying architecture, I was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s principles of organic architecture - of an enclosed, or constrained space, suddenly opening out into a grand vista. I love the feeling that it inspires. For example, in a current project, I’ve lowered the ceiling in the entrance lobby to create a constrained space. It then leads to a fairly narrow long hallway which then opens out into an expansive, double-height ceiling main room with a grand fireplace. It has such “impact” - a beautiful moment.

After your success with their NYC HQ, the agency's CEO hired you to re-imagine the Chicago office next. How did you re-interpret Manhattan’s style for the Midwest?

It was such an interesting challenge - there were nods to the NYC HQ, but I got to draw on local influences for their Midwest office. FORD Models, Chicago, is located in the West Loop neighborhood, so I echoed the industrial feel, to great effect in the open office space.

LOCATION. LOCATION. LOCATION.

You grew up on the East Coast, and have lived, studied, and worked in New York, Boston and Chicago—in addition to traveling widely. What made you decide Chicago was your permanent home?

In college, Chicago was always a source of inspiration in architecture studios and history classes. The city is a showcase for architectural gems. Neocon and the Merchandise Mart also have really influenced the impact the city has on the interior design community as well, so it was always a draw for me. I first visited Chicago in graduate school with some friends and knew instantly that it was where I belonged. My husband and I bonded on our first date when we both revealed that we wanted to eventually move from Boston to Chicago, and a few months later when he got transferred for work, wheels were set in motion! After working as a designer in these different cities, I really see something special in Chicago. There’s a sense of camaraderie among the design community, and I believe it really makes the industry stronger and more successful...and most importantly, more fun to be a part of.

You’ve worked a wide variety of firms - for extended periods of time during your education (Kohn Pedersen Fox, Ann-Beha Architects) - then afterwards at both Klingstubbins and Perkins+Will. Was there one particular assignment at each that informed your own practice later on?

I think that working at those firms really built my foundation and allowed me to gain a solid understanding of how the industry works, as well as the training and technical expertise necessary to confidently take on my own projects. I didn’t actually focus on any luxury residential projects at these firms, but that really made me realize that I wanted to pivot my focus and get more personal with design, which helped inspire me to start DGI.

NEW & NEXT

You’ve got an "in progress" page on your site with a wide range of intriguing client work. Can you share any upcoming news with us?

I’m looking to re-brand DGI as more of a design+build firm. This is our next step as a business. My background in architecture leads me to prefer new construction or full renovation. It’s truly exciting and fulfilling to work in the luxury new construction sector, getting in early in the process, really collaborating with builders and developing the space from scratch. Right now, we’re excited to be kicking off a lot of new construction projects, where we get to collaborate with the architects on the layout of the house, customize all of the interior architectural details, and then layer in furnishings and decor. Our team does its absolute best work when we’re able to be involved right from the start, to ensure that all the details are thought through properly and we can really get creative with the design. We’re going to have some good ones coming up this next year, including one that’s especially important to us on a personal level, because it’s the new lakehouse for my sister-in-law on Lake Canandaigua in New York.

This September you’ll be celebrating five years - a significant milestone for one’s own business. What are the three pieces of advice you’d give your younger self, if you could?

It’s hard to believe it’s already been five years. If I could share any advice with Devon from 2016, it would be to invest in a good eye cream and get ready for a wild ride! In all seriousness, I could never have imagined how far DGI would come in such a short time, let alone that Mike - my then-boyfriend - would quit his incredible career to join me and help grow the company even further. I think there are certain components that are non-negotiable when starting a design business, and that includes a proper training and solid work experience, a solid network of people (for both personal support and professional growth), and grit. I have to say these past five years have been the most rewarding and the most challenging of my life. I’m not a parent yet, but I compare owning a business a lot to parenting, especially when you own the business with your spouse. It will consume your thoughts, stress you out constantly, rob you of sleep and a social life, and also give you a level of joy and happiness that you didn’t think possible.

Interview by Sophia Stuart