We had the good fortune of connecting with Glass House Design Group Principal’s- Diane Landers & Kristen Apicerno and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Glass House Design Group, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Diane- “Personally, I tend to shy away from taking risks. When I was younger, I thought taking risks was exciting. I grew up in Rhode Island, moved to New York to study acting, then moved to Texas with my then boyfriend, to explore somewhere different. As I got older, the idea of doing something uncertain made me very uncomfortable.
Fast forward to a girls’ trip to New Orleans where I met up with my best friend of over 30 years, Kristen. It was here Kristen would convince me that we could be wildly successful together. After many conversations and a ton of hard work, Glass House Design Group was born. If it had not been for Kristen’s adventurous, entrepreneurial spirit, I may have never thrown caution to the wind and took this leap.”
What should our readers know about your business?
Glass House Design Group is a full-service, residential interior design firm helping clients in Houston, Boston, and beyond. We embrace a modern-classic aesthetic with just enough edge to spark conversation!
With a reliable, proven project process, our team will skillfully facilitate your design journey from initial concept to completion. The GHDG team will bring their expertise (and fun-loving nature) to your new construction, renovation, and redecorating projects. Our mission is to craft a space that’s unmistakably, beautifully you. We hold an unwavering commitment to designing homes, not museums, and promise to meet you right where you are.
We value an approachable, functional, and refined design solution above a fussy one any day. Our clients desire sophisticated, tailored spaces that fit the beautiful chaos of real life.
Why did we name it Glass House Design Group?
Our house rules are simple: transparency, clarity, and straightforwardness. By prioritizing genuine communication and a see-through approach to collaboration, we consistently deliver successful projects. What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity – what you see is what you get. We’re all business when it comes to achieving your goals, yet we infuse each interaction with an unpretentious, fun dynamic.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Actually, Kristen was just in Houston (only for 3 short days) visiting with her family. Although we didn’t get to do all the things we wanted to, here is what my ideal itinerary would have looked like.
-Spend a day at the Houston Zoo. We are both huge animal lovers and Houston has one of the best zoos in the country.
-Spend a day at the Museum of Fine Arts, going through each of the different buildings.
-Take a docent led tour through the Rienzi, taking some time to eat lunch in their gardens. Drive through River Oaks and admire all the beautiful homes.
-Walk around Hermann Park making sure to stop at the Japanese Gardens and the McGovern Centennial Gardens.
-Take a day exploring Memorial Park. Have lunch at Tiny Boxwoods.
-We would definitely have dinner at Hillstone (Houston’s). That is a must!
-Another restaurant that is a must is BCN Taste & Tradition. I had dinner there last year and it was fantastic. The restaurant is simple, beautiful, and they truly love their art- which makes it an even more memorable experience.
-I wish I could have taken Kristen to some of my favorite interior design shops as well. Area, Found, Shabby Slips Home, The WM, and the Decorative Center Houston of course!
– Lunch at Le Colonial- Such a pretty restaurant and the food is amazing!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
2 people to “shoutout”. J Randall Powers & Taniya Nayak
In Houston, Diane Landers, was building her interior design reputation working with Elle Decor “A-List” designer J. Randall Powers ID, an esteemed, luxury interior design firm. Working alongside the brilliance of Randy Powers and Christopher Alexander was like a design master class and Diane is forever grateful for the wisdom gained during that time.
Kristen Apicerno, began her design career working with one of the nation’s foremost interior designers and HGTV and Food Network television host, Taniya Nayak. Kristen, known for creating modern classic interiors with an edge, credits mentor Taniya with providing invaluable support and guidance as she grew her design business into a cult following in the metro Boston area.
Website: https://glasshousedesigngroup.com/
Instagram: @glasshousedesigngroup
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Image Credits
Jessica Delaney Photography, Elizabeth Joy Sanders