Modern Elegance: Joe Nahem

From the Masi Mara to a white Chinese take-out container, Joe Nahem of Fox Nahem Associates, find the beauty in all things- big and small.

What do you do, or where do you go, for inspiration?

I find nothing inspires me more than traveling all over the world. From the gritty streets of Havana to the Masi Mara in Africa, travel and different cultures have had such a major impact on my work, my attitudes and how I see things. I think that ALL American college students should be required to spend one semester in another country. Having spent time studying in Paris, I don’t know where or how I would be today without that experience.

Is there a classic—a staple—that is always a part of your design…sort of a signature? What is it and what enables it to work in any environment?

I’m a big fan of pieces by Nakashima and have used various pieces in all kinds of interiors from elegant city townhouses to oceanfront beach houses. The combination of rustic sculpture with elegant forms complements and fits with almost all styles of interiors.

What role does artwork play in your designs? Do you prefer to select the artwork before the furniture or find pieces later that fit within the design scheme?

Having many clients with large scale, extensive art collections, has given us various design challenges. While some clients are very specific as to WHERE they want to use certain pieces, others agree to have the collection hung after our installation. This enables them to see how the pieces will look in the finished spaces. Working with collections that have large scale and recognizable pieces is a challenge. It’s a fine line in creating dynamic room without distracting from the art work. I have learned so much about art from our clients and have always collected myself.

Are there any design trends from the past twenty years that came and went, not a moment too soon for you? Any trends developing now that you would like to see dismissed as quickly as possible?

Heavily scented candles, 12,000 + sq ft Spec houses with NO personality or soul, anything Memphis Style (though I said that about Karl Springer 10 years ago and now I am a big user), Movie/TV Stars and Models that have furniture lines, anything “Low-Fat.”

How did you become interested in interior design? Who were your mentors in the early days?

I was interested in design and architecture form a very young age. Loved riding in the car with my parents to see the houses where “the rich people lived”. Went to the library to look at architecture books and shelter magazines that I hid inside of sports magazines.

My biggest inspiration was my late partner and mentor Tom Fox. He showed me beauty in things that I never noticed before, like the simplicity and elegance of a white Chinese take-out container.

I feel his loss every day.

What are some well-known spaces that you have designed.

I have been fortunate enough to work on buildings designed by icons like Stanford White, Paul Rudolph, Joe D’Urso, Robert A.M Stern, Richard Meier and S.O.M.

Do you see a trend in clients requesting projects with quicker deadlines? How are you changing your design strategy to accommodate their requests?

For some reason we have had to work on some large scale projects with unusually difficult (and, sometimes, unrealistic) deadlines. This takes a lot of coordination, teamwork, dependable resources….and patience. As a Design firm that uses a lot of vintage/antique pieces as well as designing most of our own upholstery and cabinetry, we are not subject to excessively long lead times that are required when spec’ing showroom furniture.

In your opinion, what makes a great room?

Hands down what makes a room “great” is the people in it.

I have personally seen very “un” decorated rooms where the owner/ hosts are happy, warm, hospitable people that give off such a good vibe it makes the space seem enchanting and alive. But, I have also witnessed rooms that appear to be magnificent, but with an aura of unhappiness that feel empty and just don’t have any soul or feeling.