Melissa Bowers
“…study the history of design, know where it started and where you want to take it. This is important in respecting the history, and the craft, as we move into the digital forefront.”
#WomenWhoBuild meet Melissa Bowers,
Melissa is the founder of M.A. Bowers, Inc, an interior design and creative studio specializing in hospitality and residential design. Melissa started her career as a stylist and set designer. She explored design in the fashion realm, creating high-end store concepts for the likes of BCBG Max Azria, Parallel, and Herve Leger. In 1998, she joined Studio Sofield, further honing her craft for 15 years on iconic hotel and retail projects for clients such as Tom Ford, Harry Winston, and Grand Hotels, along with private residences worldwide. Melissa went on to serve as Design Director for the Faena District in Miami Beach, collaborating closely with Alan Faena, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin.
We sat down with Melissa to discuss her introduction to design and what made her pursue it as a career, how her years as a set designer influenced her design vision, what she sees for her company in the coming years, and her advice for students looking to pursue design as a career.
Can you tell us a little bit about your introduction to design and what made you want to pursue it as a career?
It was a natural process for me, being that I was exposed to film, music and arts by my parents in Los Angeles. I went to school for marketing and commercial arts program.
SONA/ Don Freeman
You started your career as a stylist and set designer. How did that time in your career steer design vision?
Being a shop girl in West Hollywood during the 90’s, I was a visual merchandiser for Katayone Adeli, styling fashion magazines and musicians. Fashion was my navigation - my schooling in marketing helped me understand what people need in their personal dwellings or escape.
Prior to starting M.A.Bower, Inc., your own company, you had worked as a Creative Director for Studio Sofield and a Director of Design for Faena Group. How did these two roles prepare you for your own venture?
Working with Bill and Emma helped me understand the posture I wanted for my own thing - they are beautiful mentors. At the Faena Group, I was hired as the design director over the Miami district, but it was really much more of an Editor position, something that many people need especially in this digital age
Can you tell us a little about the beginning days of M.A. Bower, Inc. What were the initial struggles and triumphs of that time?
The triumph was to be home in NYC. I became a local, immediately getting some great NYC projects, which was so nice to not travel for a moment. I did a wonderful project for Eaton hotels offices which were located in a brown stone in the west village. This really helped me understand the co-working space and livable home office trend which started at this time.
The struggle for me was time management and the balance of life and work.
Faena
The company is now (7) years old. How has the company, as well as your role, grown and how do you see it evolving within the next 10 years?
I have evolved so much. A friend asked me what it means to follow nature and I have to say this journey has been that. Within the next 10 years I look forward to working globally.
What has been your favorite project so far?
That’s so hard. I have the most beautiful clients. A recent one that was special for me was a nursery I did for a dear friend and client.
What is your process when you start a new project and where do you draw inspiration?
The initial process involves meeting the client and spending time in their space. I am very tactile as an old school designer. I am interested in materials and textiles, color, and tones as an art . I am always drawing inspiration from nature.
What is one piece of advice you would give your students who are looking to pursue design as a career?
I would advise students to study the history of design, know where it started and where you want to take it. This is important in respecting the history, and the craft, as we move into the digital forefront.
Also, value all of your connections and resources, they are the livelihood of a designer.