Decorati is excited to present a guest interview by All the Best Blogger Ronda Carman. Ronda has featured many design industry icons in her online guide to stylish living. We are thrilled to have her as Decorati's guest interviewer, featuring a conversation with Ernest de la Torre.
In this world a special few possess an instinctive eye for architecture and design, while others are fortunate to have an innate mind for business and numbers. Ernest de la Torre is among an exceptional breed that has inherited all of these qualities in one lifetime.
A Marquette University graduate with degrees in economic and finance, Ernest de la Torre began his illustrious career path landing a coveted post at IBM. A prestigious position by all accounts, but one that left Ernie unfulfilled. Inspired by love of architecture and his upbringing in Lake Forest, Illinois he resigned the position to embark on a new career--design.
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With good fortune on his side Ernie went to work for the internationally acclaimed New York based architect firm Peter Marino. Determined to gain further knowledge in the field he completed a two-year graduate studies program at Sotheby's Fine and Decorative Arts in London. Upon his return to New York he teamed with Ian Schrager to reconstruct the Library of the Morgan's Hotel and later joined the Ralph Lauren Home Division.
Ready to strike out on his own Ernie founded his design studio in 2001. His renowned firm has completed projects in Manhattan, Palm Beach and Greenwich, CT. His most recent project is the restoration of the historic Cooper Mansion in Tuxedo Park. Once completed the Cooper Mansion will boast Aesthetic period antiques and Art Deco gems.
Later this year his firm will complete a state of the art Nakashima inspired triplex loft in Soho, with more projects are underway in Philadelphia, Vermont, and Virginia. Never one to embrace status quo Ernie has designed a full range of unique custom furniture with textiles soon to follow.
What is the only other occupation you would consider?
An artist, and the medium would be sculpture.
Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
French sculptors Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne. I would love to create a room together.
Past or present what designers have influenced you most?
Dupre Lafon, Frank Lloyd Wright who painstakingly created interior architecture, furniture and furnishings. Peter Marino is another such architect and designer with whom I have had the honor to work for.
How would you describe your personal style?
Prep school and the influences of my hometown, Lake Forest, have long remained strong. Even today, when I look to Madison Avenue, I like the neo-prep of Prada and Hermes.
What is your favorite luxury in life?
Skiing in Switzerland each spring.
What is your most prized possession?
My garden, although I think it possesses me.
Who are your style icons?
Sir Philip Sassoon, Peter Marino, Eileen Gray and Renzo Mongiardino.
What is the one thing in life you can't live without?
My own business.
How do you see the internet changing interior design?
I shop for clients all the time on the internet. Sometimes they will bring items to my attention. It allows me to search more resources and vendors, making a client's home special and unique. I can choose to do my work from anywhere at anytime. That is a luxury!
