During your next trip to the DDB, you may spot a familiar face in the halls and showrooms more often than usual—that’s Vyshali Desai (you can call her Vee), the new Design Professionals program director, who started earlier this month.
With an interior design degree from the London Institute and experience working in the DDB at the Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman showroom, Vee is certainly a great fit for this role. Go Design Go chatted with the newly appointed team member and learned which of her goals are top-of-mind, what she loves most about our industry, and what her personal interior style is like.
What was the most interesting job you held prior to joining this team?
My last job within the DDB was at the EF+LM showroom. They carry many classifications of designer-inspired items—from fine upholstery and case goods to beautiful collections of lighting and accessories. Each day was exciting and different—I worked on everything from a custom dog bed to handmade, jeweled hardware. EF+LM is a company that rarely says no.
How did you make your way into the design industry?
I use the right side of my brain. I have always been creative from a very young age. I loved to paint and sketch and had a passion for interiors. (My identical twin uses the left side and is in a science-based profession.) I studied interior design at the prestigious London Institute, which opened up the doors for me to work with several design firms while in the U.K. Since moving to the U.S., I have been on the retail/sales side of the business.
Why is the DDB the right place for you now?
The DDB is the center of the interior design world and attracts designers from across the country and across the globe. Working with so many people from different backgrounds is what excites me the most! I can’t think of a better career for me.
What is your favorite aspect of the industry?
Textiles! I love all the different methods used to create unique, textured, playful fabrics. It’s the diamond necklace to the black dress.
What is your personal home style like?
Very eclectic. I have backpacked around the world and have collected items from all over, including places like Iceland and Cambodia. I have a wall in my hallway where I have hung masks that I’ve collected from every country I’ve visited—so far I have 43.
What are some of the goals you have in mind for the Design Professionals program?
I am looking forward to expanding the Designer Referral Program and making it known and accessible to all interested designers. I also want to educate all the showrooms—especially the new ones—about our services and what we can offer. Furthermore, I want to put a face to my name and make sure everyone knows how to reach me.
What makes you most excited about your new role?
Not being confined to a desk. I get to explore all these spectacular showrooms with the latest products in the industry and build long-lasting relationships with them all.