We were lucky to catch up with David Allan Charette recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, David Allan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?
When I was 13, I wandered into the local drugstore which, in our small town, was the source of everything, from candy to batteries, books, and medicine for people and farm animals. The record albums and 45’s were on shelves next to the comic books—my favorite section of the store because the comic books were around 75 cents each and I could afford them.
While browsing the latest comic selection, I saw an album cover that truly changed my life: Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams Are Made of This. It was all about Annie Lennox who was decked out in leather that looked like S&M (but I didn’t know that at the time) and was so captivating. Why? Because here was a woman doing the unthinkable in my small town and isolated orbit: wearing leather and sporting a super masculine haircut (and it was ORANGE) and appearing to be completely naked. It blew my mind. Her pose was simple—reminiscent of Mapplethorpe—a famous photographer that I didn’t know at the time either, but who I would get to know because of his boundary-pushing photos. The tease of it all. Was she completely naked? I wanted to know much more.
As a young gay teen who didn’t really understand what was happening—who didn’t have anyone in my world who I could look up to for direction or explanation—she epitomized bravery and being true to herself. I wanted that album just for the cover, but I couldn’t afford it. So, I saved up and when I finally was able to buy it and heard the first strains of the song and that powerful synthesizer, I was changed.
I have always loved music, and, like many people I know, have pretty eclectic taste. Music is about playing, fun, connection; it’s why I’ve always loved it and why it’s such a big part of my life. My parents introduced us to Classical and folk music. On long car rides we sang along to Judy Collins, John Denver, and Peter, Paul and Mary. The local radio station played tunes that shaped my middle and high school years and featured in nearly every school dance: Toto, Styx, Pink Floyd, Metallica, and Def Leppard. But underneath all of that was my love for the British bands of the 80’s.
Annie’s music speaks to more than just teenage angst. Deeper things. I listened to the lyrics of Sweet Dreams Are Made of This and, at 13, how could I really know anything about the themes her lyrics were discussing? I suspected. And yet…they foreshadowed the horrible reality of growing up—that you’ll be torn apart and people you love will sometimes be the ones to do it. Failed relationships, unrequited love, challenges at work. LIFE. Life is what she was singing about and how, ultimately, to live is to know pain. And somehow, her lyrics connected with 13-year-old me. I wanted to experience what she was singing about and to understand the concepts. To make the connections between the song and my life. Her image on that album cover pierced the bubble of isolation I was living in. For me, it was the beginning of leaving my confined environment. It was the start of puberty. I knew I was going to get out of that small town. The image of her daring to be herself helped me know I wouldn’t stay, and it provided a bridge to a world I didn’t know but soon would.
She remains my hero to this day. I admire her interiority—her focus on her inner nature. Her dedication to her art and charities and to honoring herself. When she appears, there is a purpose. She’s selective about how she shows up and is consistent with her message. And that message still resonates with me today: “Keep your head up, movin’ on/ Hold your head up, movin’ on”.
David Allan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m David Allan Charette, a licensed interior designer and founding principal of Britto Charette. Jay and I started the firm in 2010 during the depths of the recession. I’ve completed compelling design projects around the globe that include corporate campuses, GSA, higher education, commercial, retail, and multimillion-dollar residential interiors. With decades of experience in urban planning, master planning, zoning, streetscapes, and luxury interior design, I’m adept at working with key stakeholders in the industry. I’ve found (a big surprise to me) I excel at contract law, schedule, scope, and budget—all necessary ingredients for providing clients with a comprehensive and unsurpassed design experience.
I earned my Bachelor of Architecture and his Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Detroit. I’ve has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture and the Savannah College of Art and Design Interior Design program (SCAD).
As principal and licensed interior designer, my team and I have designs and created award-winning interiors, furniture with a global impact. Our portfolio has attracted international attention and a global roster of private clients who appreciate our sophisticated design aesthetic. Britto Charette recently established a scholarship for students to study in Italy. Additionally, my cutting-edge designs have garnered international press and invitations to lecture at Maison&Objet, ICFF, and renowned universities.
The winner of numerous awards, including multiple Best of Year awards from Interior Design magazine and Luxe Interiors + Design magazine’s RED award, our innovative work is showcased in many national and international design periodicals.
With steady leadership, scholarship, and decades of international work experience, we’ve established Britto Charette as a premier luxury design firm.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Instagram. Hands down. The platform has really helped clients find us. Sometimes they follow us for a while and DM us with questions or comments before moving ahead and asking us to design their homes. It’s a great way for them to see us in action. Our account shows them our design process and provides updates on current projects–so they can see how we work and the solutions we come up with for our clients. I think it builds a sense of trust.
Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?
We have multiple revenue streams. First, we established BC2 Interiors, an interior design company that provides services to clients whose projects are smaller in scope and who want to pay hourly.
Our Britto Charette team is also creating industrial designs that help with our revenue stream. WASI, our collection of fine furniture and accessories was launched many years ago and has since been built upon with award-winning rug design collaborations, and new furniture collections like our latest: the LUSSO furniture collection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brittocharette.com
- Instagram: @brittocharette
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrittoCharetteLlc/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-charette-02b0494/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkYHeiKEXrMytFeSb9TO4w
- Other: @brittocharette.home
https://www.bc2interiors.com/
Image Credits
Photographer Mike Schwartz