Meet Phyllis Harbinger, FASID, NCIDQ | Author, Speaker, Design Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Phyllis Harbinger, FASID, NCIDQ and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phyllis, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is happy clients! My utmost goal is not only to create livable, luxurious interiors, but to create a client memorable experience, exceeding their expectations. I have been in business for almost thirty years and all but one of my current clients is what I call a “heritage” client, meaning that we have worked together on one or multiple residences before this project.

For me, this is the secret sauce. You want to always be front of mind, authentic and innovative.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Design is actually my second career. I started out as an International Relations and Political Science major, interning for an economic strategic firm in DC and then studying in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain after graduation. While I thought this was my path, I was completely unhappy at work. I began pursuing my passion for design while working, taking night classes. I was so hungry for this and seized every opportunity to grow and change.
Upon graduating from FIT, I was asked to do projects for two clients. One had a health food store and the other a lovely home. I really wish I had been able to work for someone prior to launching my firm, but I was getting divorced and needed to work quickly. The fact that I had 8 years of work experience, was a big advantage. It was hard work, as I moonlighted with teaching design at three schools while I built my book. Clients kept referring me and soon I had a great pipeline and lots of wonderful projects.

Fast forward to 2022 and I have a team of fractional designers, a bookkeeper and project manager. We are working on projects in the NY tri-state area and in South Florida, where we keep an apartment in N. Palm Beach. My brand is built on long-standing relationships with both my clients and my trusted vendors who support our vision and our mission to give our clients the very best.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I had an apartment in the Paraiso District and lots of visitors. I am an avid traveller and love to create experiences so my guests were in for a treat. Always dinner at Amara, brunch in the Design District, and of course an architectural/design tour with detailed commentary about the architectural details that abound in this part of the city. Michaels Genuine and MKitchen are faves.
I would suggest visiting Holly Hunt, Michael Dawkins, Henge, Onare, Adriana Hoyos and Minotti for starters. We have them all in NY but the vibe is different in Miami.
I also take everyone to Wynwood to view the walls, walk the streets and sample cuisine at Bakan and R House.
We also loved breakfast at Enriquetas.
I walk everywhere and found the best rooftop restaurant, where we spent New Years Eve – Astra, which was a spectacular greek place.
Brunch at Jaya at the Setai was an amazing experience. Live jazz, open air dining and amazing food and decor.

If you want a chic vibe, head to Kiki on the River.

Of course there is South Beach and Lincoln Road, the Ferris Wheel at the Port and the amazing Zaha Hadid building on Biscayne. Brickell along the promenade is spectacular as well and a drive to Key Biscayne is likened to the Hamptons with Palm trees!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Aaah – there are so many people who have shaped my life, but my design professor, Frank R. Memoli, RA has had the biggest impact on my design career. He has become a life-long mentor and friend. He celebrates his 80th birthday this year and I still seek his advice on both academic and professional questions. Frank was an incredible professor and a highly accomplished architect before retiring to Florida. His influence on my career choices, personal aspirations and goals has been so meaningful to me. He has a way of teaching and mentoring that has kept me on course for thirty years and I treasure every interaction we have, whether in person or via phone.

It is not often in life that you meet someone who can help you pivot and change the course of your life, but that is what Frank has done for me.

I also have to credit ASID (The American Society of Interior Designers) for the opportunity to grow as a professional and as a leader. Serving as the New York Chapter President and then as the National Chapter Support Team (CST) Chair, were opportunities where I was stretched and grew exponentially as a leader and peer. The deep connections with fellow members and the opportunities to give back to the profession and grow my speaking career have shaped my life.

Website: www.phyllisharbinger.com

Instagram: @phyllisharbinger

Linkedin: Phyllis Harbinger ASID, CID

Twitter: HarbingerPH

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DCIstudio