We have a very exciting episode for you today on the Socratic Dialogues. Chad James, a successful and award-winning interior designer, invited us into his home to discuss the importance of home! What a fitting topic for someone who has mastered the art of turning a house into a home for so many clients. James explains to us that he does not work to create a look but his goal is to create the feeling of home for every individual he meets. Have you ever thought about what it takes to create a home? If not, don’t worry Chad has saved the day by helping us gain a deeper understanding of what a home is, and he even shares with us a few interior designing tips. Be sure to listen in because you do not want to miss out on this insightful episode.
Chad James, founder and principal of the award-winning design firm Chad James Group based in Nashville, TN. With a rich portfolio, Chad James Group works to create custom residential and commercial construction, including bespoke boutique hotels, refined restaurants, and perfectly appointed homes. The internationally recognized firm has been published in The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Traditional Home and Billboard Magazine, to name a few. Award-winning designer Chad James was honored as a 2017 Rising Star of Design by Traditional Home.
Designing a beautiful home is not an easy task, especially if you want it to feel comfortable with your lifestyle. Chad James, an interior designer in Nashville, states that one of the biggest misconceptions in interior design is that design does not follow function. This means that many people believe that if you want a well-designed home, you better be prepared to tiptoe around the house rather than actually using the furniture. That is why when it comes to Chad James and his design team, their first thoughts are about the types of memories their clients will share with their families.
During the show, Chad recalls his fondest memories in his childhood home and how they were a big part in shaping who he is today. The majority of his family lives in Muscle Shoals Alabama. This is where he and his older sister were raised by his mother and father. He shares with us that both of his parents were very creative and were great at making their house feel like a home. His father was a musician and would always be playing music inside the house, while his mother was more of a creative all around. One of his favorite memories was during his 7th birthday, when his mother created a carnival themed party. He said she took cardboard boxes and created carnival characters and games out of them. James truly appreciated everything his parents did for him and his sister.
Chad also described his relationship with his sister as oil and water while they were growing up. His sister, who is 5 years older than him, is “the most intellectual person I know” he states. Achieving academic heights was easy for her, but being creative was a little bit difficult for her. On the other hand, he had to truly work hard to achieve B status in school, but creativity was like second nature. Although they differed in many areas, Chad’s parents were good at not comparing him and his sister to each other. He recalled his mother saying that “comparison is the thief of all joy” and to this day Chad continues to live by those words.
Chad attributes his success and ability to create well designed homes and functional living space to his mentor, Landy Gardner, and his parents. While Gardner was able to show him the ins and outs of the industry, it was his parents who showed him what a true home really feels like.
What do you do to make your house a home? Does your childhood home influence the home you have created for yourself now, like Chad’s has? Tell us your thoughts!
SHOW LINKS:
Visit Host Kristin Llamas at:
Websites: www.kllamas.com | www.llamasart.com
Instagram: @kllamasart @llamasartshow
Facebook: @kllamasart @llamasartshow
YouTube: Kllamas
FIND MY NEW BOOK ON BOOKSHELVES!: ¿Como te Llamas? Everyday Llamas You Might Know
Visit Guest Chad James at:
Websites: http://www.chadjames.com/
Instagram: chadjamesgroup
MUSIC BY:
Alfonso Llamas