The founder of Westchester County’s Hirshson Architecture + Design shares how he got started and which designs he’s loving now.
Background
I was fortunate to start my career during the real estate boom, in the AD100 firms of Campion Platt and later Robert A.M. Stern. These experiences elevated my lifelong love of residential architecture, provided me the opportunity to work on high-end residences across the country, and taught me about the rich history of collaborations between architects and interior designers. In 2010, I took a leap of faith and started the Hirshson Design Group in New York City, with two commissions. In 2015, the practice rebranded as Hirshson Architecture + Design. Now based in a retail storefront on Main Street in Armonk, we work with clients from the earliest stages of architectural and interior design to the placement of the final accessories.
Design Philosophy
Whether we are designing a modern beach house or a classical farmhouse, the proper scale of a room, line of site, and centerlines drive the details in all of our work.
Inspiration
We are frequently inspired by the work of noted architects and interior designers both past and present. Our team gathers images from travel and from our office library to conceptualize the story told by the selected architecture of a home. The coordination of landscape design, pathways, entry porticos, front doors, and hardware do not occur by accident. They are the fabric used to tell the story of living in a home custom-designed for its occupants.
Hottest Design Trends
Narrow-framed windows and doors, three-season rooms, natural oak flooring, mixing blackened metals with chrome/nickel/brass, and warmer hues in the textiles and fabrics.
Top Three Design Tips
- If you see something on Instagram, Pinterest, or on your travels, save a picture to reference with your design team.
- Design cycles typically span five to seven years. Do not be afraid to recycle furniture within your home by moving pieces from one room to another, changing the upholstery on a favorite chair, or purchasing new accessories.
- Having small children does not preclude you from living with sophisticated design. Making smart choices on the performance of a textile or the durability of stone surfaces balances the daily requirements of all homeowners.
Favorite Projects
We have been fortunate to create several custom homes for multigenerational use. These projects touch upon all aspects of design, from the proper scale of a great room and kitchen to the needs of aging in place, and to the performance of the finishes throughout the house.
Go-To Home-Design Resources
Shelter Magazines
(other than Westchester Home)
- Luxe Interiors & Design
- Frederic
- Elle Decor (international editions)
- Rue Magazine
- House Beautiful
- Design + Decor (CT/NJ/NY)
- Southern Living
“This stylish chair offers a comfortable and functional seating option for any dining table. The light weight of the chair makes it easy to move from a desk to a table extending the beauty and utility of the piece.”
“We regularly source custom arrangements from our neighboring business, Joseph Richard Floral. For this kitchen, we sought to create an eye-catching arrangement that could be a centerpiece on an island or a focal point at the end of a serving counter. The texture and color of the florals provide the perfect balance to the two-tone finish of this modern kitchen and breakfast room.”
“The marble bowl on the table ties together the colors and texture of this bright breakfast room in Armonk.”
Instagram Feeds
- @thefutureperfect
- @grade_newyork
- @basstonenyc
- @andy_villasana
- @stephenjulliard
- @gideonmendelson
- @carpentersworkshopgallery
- @jacksonpaigeinteriors
- @thesomersethouse
- @jeffreydouglasdesign
- @studiothomas
- @theworldofinteriors
Westchester Shops/Showrooms
- Belkind Bigi, Tarrytown
- Cocobolo, Armonk
- Current Home, Scarsdale
- Fofie & Mia’s, Larchmont
- At Land, Dobbs Ferry
- Salisbury & Manus, Bronxville
CT Shops/Showrooms
- The Tailored Home, Greenwich
- Crans Baldwin & Associates LLC, Darien
- Cocoon, Greenwich
- Eclectic Home, Greenwich
- Wakefield Design Center, Stamford
- Eleish Van Breems Home, Westport
NYC Shops
- L’Objet
- Foley & Cox
- Mecox Gardens
- Gracious Home
- Dune
- Suite NY
- John Derian Company
- Jung Lee NY
- Souda
- cityFoundry