David Samuel Ko is an AAPI interior designer based in LA.
Clifford
What made you decide that being a designer was your calling?
To be completely honest, it came out of necessity.
The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Corinne Mucha /Maison Ko
I was having a difficult time looking for a job out of college.
Want more design inspiration?
How would you describe your personal style and approach to designing spaces?
Michael P.H. Clifford
I encourage my clients to have their spaces be a reflection of them, with some tailoring of course.
So in that case, my design approach is adaptable, which is similar to my own personal style.
A lot of my design inspiration comesfrom the 70s, Japanese, and European designprimarily French and Italian.
Michael P.H. Clifford
I love anything mid-century and I feel like it’s a great starting point to bring in other influences.
I especially love playing with color primarily within a semi-neutral palette.
But I am always constantly looking for new inspiration and love traveling for that reason.
Maison Ko
Maison Ko
What design project have you done thats stuck with you throughout your career?
It was my first commercial, heavy renovation project and was such a great experience from start to finish.
The showroom took over the old Barneys New York space which is iconic in and of itself.
Michael P.H. Clifford
How do you incorporate design elements from the communities you grew up in into your work?
Being of Chinese descent, growing up my family was all about feng shui, and still is.
What does it mean to you to be LGBTQIA+ in your industry?
Maison Ko
Im lucky to work in an industry that celebrates LGBTQIA+ voices and creativity.
Whats one thing you venture to incorporate in every space you design?
But when done correctly, it can elevate your space and make it feel more unique.
Michael P.H. Clifford
What design trend are you tired of?
I hate to say it…but boucle.
Where’s the best place you’ve ever been design-wise?
Not only is there such amazing architecture with so much history, but there is a bigdesign sceneas well.
