Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gillian Dubin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Gillian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I was attracted to the arts at an early age. I enjoyed dance throughout my childhood years. Looking back on that now, there was an additional appeal to me regarding dance. With dance, came the costumes and all the set design for the recitals.

As a young adult holding down multiple jobs, I had high expenses and never enough money. I remember having a sushi addiction which blew through a lot of my budget. My favorite job was a shot girl at a night club. My look was a big part of that job for me and I always wanted new and exciting outfit to express myself. My roommate and I would go thrift shopping during the day to find treasure and good textiles, like leather. Late into the evening on nights off, while smoking pot and listening to The Doors – we would tear these items up and make new creations with sewing machines in our basement. One of my masterpieces was a black, a-symetrical, patchwork suede leather mini skirt that laced up on both sides with suede lace string.

In that basement I discovered I had talent, taste, and most importantly, creative drive. Following that time was a hope to be in fashion. Eventually I made it to NYC from western Canada. Once I got here, I immediately said, “I’m never leaving”. Being in NYC felt like mainlining inspiration, and opportunities and creatives were everywhere. That was almost 20 years ago.

I did try my hand in fashion, and I did have some success. But I slowly moved away fashion into interiors organically. I started a family in 2009, and my home and environment was top priority for me. So after decorating and renovation of a few of my own homes, I starting having friends ask me for help.

Finally I dove into 3 projects and formed my design business officially. I was combining 2 apartments in the city, designing a new hair salon, and my first townhouse. All 3 clients were terrific and trusted me, that is key. I had success out of the gate and never looked back.

I love making space for people. Some clients know what they want, they just need help getting there. Other clients are more of a riddle that need guidance, to help them see what they want. Function is so important, and making life easier within our surroundings plays a big role for me as a designer. Of course I want spaces to look pleasing, but most importantly, I want everyone to feel at home and happy in their spaces.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Sometimes I feel like a designer and a therapist. I am sensitive to the fact that my clients are spending their hard earned money to make their lives, more comfortable and more pleasurable. It’s is a balancing act between not letting them make a mistake, pushing them out of their comfort zone, thinking about things they didn’t, and often helping married couples make compromises.

Designing a clients interior architecture can be very emotional. Its definitely very personal. You have to know, how they live their life to get it right. What the daily flow looks like, helps guide different decisions so they are happier in the long run. Finding ways to make their life smoother.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Every job is like a puzzle that has to be put together. The space needs to feel right, you have to listen to the house and what is appropriate to the architecture. And you have to figure out what will make your clients feel comfortable and satisfied in their new spaces. The ultimate compliment is when you accomplish that, thrilled clients and beautiful architecture.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Women supporting women. I think of design as a community. We all draw on inspiration from each other. It is a very supportive place to be having other designers acknowledging your success in a supportive way. We are all better together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gilliandubin.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/gillian_dubin?igshid=NDk5N2NlZjQ=

Image Credits
Photo of myself- Rick Wenner House photos 1 & 2 are by Noe DeWitt