You went from studying furniture design at RISD to leading one of the most influential design galleries in the world. What was that journey like, and were there pivotal moments that shaped your vision?

My training as a maker is still at the heart of everything I do. At RISD I developed not only technical skills, but also a discipline of curiosity and problem-solving through materials. Over time, I realized I was just as engaged by the broader ecosystem around design: how ideas move, how work is framed, and how audiences connect with it.

At The Future Perfect, I’ve been able to merge that foundation with the challenge of building a cultural space. The pivotal moments have always come from the artists themselves—standing in their studios, learning from their processes, and realizing my role could be to create a platform that amplifies and contextualizes their voices globally.

When you joined The Future Perfect in 2014, what was your personal vision for the role, and how has your leadership approach evolved over the past decade?

When I stepped into the role in 2014, my vision was to support David and help the gallery expand beyond a conventional model. I wanted us to feel more like a cultural institution than a showroom, a place where dialogue and discovery could thrive. Over the past decade, my leadership has shifted toward stewardship. My focus now is on guiding the vision, nurturing talent, and ensuring that our core values are carried through every decision we make.

Your RISD furniture design training clearly influences how you evaluate work today. How does that hands-on making experience shape the way you connect with artists and assess their pieces?

My training gave me a deep understanding of how things are actually made—the processes, materials, tools, even the waste that comes with experimentation. I know the time, commitment, and sometimes even the pain it takes to create something with passion and integrity. That firsthand knowledge allows me to connect with artists on a very real level, because I can meet them in the details of their practice. At the same time, I balance that with what I know resonates with our clients and within our spaces. It’s that combination, respect for the maker’s process and an eye toward how work lives in the world that guides me in curating and in supporting artists as they grow.

Walk us through your biggest successes and most challenging moments as Managing Director. What have been your key learnings?

My greatest success as Managing Director is the privilege of working with extraordinary artists and a dedicated team. Helping someone bring their vision to life is the most fulfilling part of what I do. On a personal level, I also see success in the joy this work gives me; my role continues to bring me happiness and meaning every day.

Of course, with joy often comes challenges. Creative work is deeply personal, and that can mean navigating moments of tension or heartache. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of setting healthy boundaries—not because I want to create distance, but because I need to in order to protect my own well-being and to show up fully for others. That balance between passion and self-preservation has been one of my most valuable lessons.

You spearheaded The Future Perfect Prize as one of the few unrestricted design grants in America. What personally drove that decision, and what lasting impact do you hope it will have on emerging talent?

Supporting artists has always been at the heart of The Future Perfect’s mission. I know firsthand how difficult it can be for emerging designers to access the resources and freedom needed to take risks. The Prize was created to help remove those barriers and encourage experimentation without the pressure of immediate outcomes. My hope is that it provides meaningful support while also signaling to the design world that risk-taking and exploration are essential to progress.

That said, I can’t take all the credit for the Prize. David Alhadeff, our owner, and Gail Host, our Director of Marketing, worked closely with me on this initiative and deserve as much, if not more, recognition. It was truly a collaborative effort driven by a shared commitment to emerging talent.

You’ve witnessed significant changes in how people discover, buy, and live with design. How has your role evolved to meet these shifting behaviors and expectations?

I see myself as an ever-evolving human, and my taste evolves along with me. I like to think of myself as a tastemaker, always looking ahead, but I’ve learned to balance that with perspective. In the past, I might hold onto something for 18 months to two years before sharing it, waiting for the right moment. Today, the design world moves much faster—what excites me today may already feel like old news tomorrow—and I have to act more quickly to bring those dreams to life.

The digital world has made design more visible than ever, but visibility doesn’t equal understanding. My role has increasingly focused on creating deeper, more meaningful experiences that help people connect with work beyond images. Collectors today want to understand process, sustainability, and cultural resonance. My work has become as much about education and storytelling as it is about presentation, helping people engage with design in a thoughtful, informed way.

As you look toward the future of your career and the industry, what continues to drive and inspire you, and what feels most important for you to accomplish next?

I want to build a legacy through my career, by creating spaces and exhibitions that people remember. More than that, I want to be remembered as someone who helps others reach their greatest potential and achieve their dreams. That drive inspires me to be kind, compassionate, and courageous in saying what’s difficult to say. On a personal level, my goals are simple: to have a pack of dogs, live in a home that brings me joy, and, above all, to be loved, admired, and iconic.

For the industry, I hope to foster a culture where people consume design because they love it, not because it’s popular or dictated by trends. I want people to care about supporting artists and to value the work that goes into creative practice. I’m excited by the growth of technology and the opportunities it offers to amplify voices and reach audiences that might not have had access before. As long as my heart stays in the work, I believe I can continue to inspire others and find fulfillment in doing so.


[Portraits by David Sierra, Photos by Joe Kramm]