At first glance, literature may not seem to have much in common with set or interior design. But my English studies at Kenyon College showed me that there is much to mine in any story, whether that be a script or a life. And creating a truly personalized world is always my goal as a designer, no matter the project.
I earned my chops in the MFA program in set design at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. In the years since, I’ve designed a number of films, and art directed both an ABC primetime series and a CNBC pilot. I’m currently an art director for the Today Show on NBC, where I’m part of a team that was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design in 2011.
About the same time I began my career in production design, I delved into interiors and events. I find it really satisfying to bring my experience with space planning, color and texture from behind the camera to real life.
I ask all of my clients the same questions: How do you live in this space? And how do you want to live in it? I firmly believe that homes and businesses should not be precious. There are no unused rooms or untouched furniture in my designs. I encourage my clients to buy the best things that they can afford, but I’m not afraid to mix high and low end. I am willing to work with existing pieces, and recognize that people often have emotional attachments to their belongings. I’m happy to work with them through the process of editing if need be.
I create spaces that are full of life and made expressly for living. I love getting to know my clients so that I can create something that is tailored specifically to them. It’s pretty similar to designing a set, really, only my client’s life is the script.
In my own life, I’m married to the creative director and illustrator Andy Pratt. We live in New York City with our young son.
From my clients:
”As an owner of a creative agency, I was looking for someone who would be open to my ideas, but would also have enough experience and integrity to do the job right. Sarah’s work is great, and she was a true pleasure to work with. Her approach is honest and inspiring, and resulted in a beautiful workspace that’s perfect for us.”
–Michael Ferrare, Magma Creative Services Agency
“Sarah took an awkwardly-shaped space that appeared to be hopeless and turned it into a living room/dining room/tv room/play area that we could be proud of! She always kept our wants and needs as her focus. She used her expertise to ask the right questions, find the right resources, and keep us within our budget. She does truly beautiful work and we were privileged to be able to work with her.”
–Samara Michael, Los Angeles Residence
“Sarah helped us solve many space problems in our small apartment. She has great patience and her plans resulted in the elegant, functional and fun environments we were looking for. Thank you for a job well done.”
–Dominique Goldstein, New York City Residence
Site built by Kim Howe.
