With 23 years of experience, Dianne has focused the firm’s work on improving urban quality of life while creating environments that reflect the needs, goals, and personality of each client. Her recent publicly accessible projects include Taste Restaurant and Salt—a new American Tavern. She also won first place in residential design from the Maryland Chapter of ASID this year.
What got you started in interior design?
A passion for art and design. Growing up, I didn’t know that there were creative professions. When I got to the Maryland Institute College of Art I discovered interior design—it suited my interest in wanting to be creative and make a living.
What do you love most about your job?
The variety of people I meet and work with—our team and clients. And feeling like I have contributed to an environment that people enjoy.
If you could change one thing about the field of interior design what would it be?
I’m encouraged by furniture and finishes becoming more directly accessible to the public and would like to see that movement continue.
What accomplishment of yours makes you the most proud?
The single accomplishment that makes me most proud was winning the 10th Annual Will Ching Prize, which is given to one firm internationally each year. But on a more regular basis, I feel happy to see people enjoying our spaces.
After whom do you model your career?
I’m definitely influenced by the creative work of others—like Carlos Scarpa’s design and Robert Irwin’s sculpture. But in modeling my career, I have always looked to those who maintain passion and strong women who I can tell are inspired by the work they are doing.
Who in your life was most instrumental in helping you get started with your career?
Katy O’Connell. She had a boutique in Hagerstown where I grew up and was dedicated to bringing good style and fashion to that area. When I was in high school she saw my art and was the person that took me to the Maryland Institute College of Art for a tour.
When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I don’t know that I was ever really thinking about that when I was five—or was ever asked to think about that. But my father tells me I was just drawing all the time.
What advice can you offer someone wanting to get started in your field?
The best advice I can give someone is, “You have to live it.” First you need to determine whether or not you have a true passion for interior design. If you do you will “live it” whether it is your career or not.
Contacts:
Rohrer Studio, rohrerstudio.comor 410-468-0346
