COVETED EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ALESSANDRA BRANCA

Today, CovetED has the pleasure of share with you an exclusive interview with the top interior designer Alessandra Branca. Born in Rome, Alessandra has called Chicago home for over 30 years. Her Italian upbringing made her fall in love with the classical kind of beauty which got stuck in her soul until today. Well-being is interpreted by Alessandra as comfort, elegance and a touch of whimsical as for that you can find on her projects.

Alessandra Branca has a contagious energy and a very high ethic which results in her monitoring each design project from offices in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. Her design is rich in classical details, strong colours, patterns and textures matching with custom furnishings, distinctive accessories, and a touch of modern and European art.

We spoke with Alessandra Branca and ask her what she loves the most about her work. “Everything! Even the difficult tasks. I like transforming someone’s idea of home and living in a home.” she replied. Alessandra’s inspiration comes from all facets of her life experience: including, design, art, nature, travel, and culture and the constant seek for knowledge and new ideas.

Of course, like everybody, the most challenging moment in her career was the earliest part. “I knew that I didn’t know enough and I was anxious to learn and was lucky enough to have incredibly wonderful trusting and prescient clients.” as she gently explained.

Alessandra Branca has a stubborn soul and showed during the interview that she is an eternal restlessness person, always looking for new influences and new ideas. So when we ask her if she has everything in her life, she promptly responded “Never!! I’ve got a lot more to do”. As the elders say: energy doesn’t lie and Alessandra has undoubtedly a powerful mind. Asked about her lifelong goals, she revealed that she would love to build a chalet in Tyrol, Italy. The Italian heritage laid bare and showed that our roots are really important in our lives and end up speaking louder to the heart.

Professionally what fulfils the designer is to see her clients satisfied with the results as well as trusting her. “Happy clients and a beautiful end product meeting my own expectations of the project which are most times higher than the clients,” said Alessandra.

Projects

Alessandra is a proud-self designer and very confident about her work. She has been recognized within the industry with awards from House Beautiful Master Class and won designer of the year from the Merchandise Mart in 2016. Sticking to this, she defends organic advertising instead. “I don’t advertise. My work speaks for itself,” she said.

At the moment, Barbara is working on several projects: a Venetian inspired palazzo in Palm Beach; a big island property in the Caribbean – “very fresh, edited & modern approach to Caribbean living”; a wonderful old house in Buckhead, Atlanta – “a modern take on an old Southern living”; a home in LA “my take on a California Mediterranean lifestyle”; a Townhouse in San Francisco – “Modern 19th Century townhouse”; and a house for herself – “New old school Jon Volk house”. In parallel, Alessandra is currently working on a second book that will showcase more of her iconic interiors.

“I don’t follow trends. I’d rather set them! It should be quality.”

Asked about her type of client, Alexandra made it very clear. “My client type is varied. Currently, the majority are from the tech world and then you have finance too. The one thing that distinguishes all my clients is that they are passionate and engaged. They trust me and understand when to be involved in the process and when not to be.” – she said.

Alessandra always aims to step out of her comfort zone, that is why she is already engaged with future collaborations. “For collabs working on some shoes & accessories. For Casa Branca collections, we are working on furniture, lighting, tiles…and much much more!” as she happily referred.

To finalise

About who leads the craftsmanship, Barbara nominated a hand full of options. “There are SOOOOO many wonderful vendors left. Penn & Fletcher for embroidery. Bielecky for rattan. Stephen Antonson for beautiful fixtures. Mitchell Denburg for rugs. MJ Atelier… Oh my… there are so many! We seek out really wonderful craftsmen. And last but not least, de Gournay.” she explained.

To close the interview with a gold key, Alessandra stated that quality is the most important thing in the design world. “I would like to see people know, understand, and support quality above ALL ELSE,” said Alessandra fervently.

COVETED EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CLINT LEWIS