I knew I was destined to design. With a portfolio of Lego houses and master planned villages for my Matchbox cars, I received my first commission in the third grade. On career day, after explaining to the class what an architect does, one of my classmates “hired” me to redesign the White House for when he became President.
With two Architecture degrees from Catholic University of America’s School of Engineering and Architecture, I honed my craft at top design firms, including Leo A. Daly, Heery International, and Lord Aeck and Sargent. I’ve had the pleasure of working with a wonderful variety of clients in commercial, hospitality, health care, and residential projects. I’ve also served as Design Director at the national restaurant company, Mellow Mushroom, where I managed the design and redesign of more than 200 uniquely designed locations. I was responsible for the holistic development of the brand by coordinating signs, art, architecture, and interior spaces with each franchisee’s personal goals. I achieved this by assembling a collaborative team of experts for each store and managing the process and internal staff to opening day. Residentially, projects and responsibilities through the years have included renovations for seniors to age in place, home additions and remodels, management of a design center supporting custom home builders, and providing design services which included selection, specification and installation of custom home furnishings and accessories. Outside of work, I’ve enjoyed volunteering my time to speak to Assisted Living residents about how to make their new residents a joyful home.
A few of my accolades include winning The National Endowment for the Arts Interior Design Award for a whimsical village daycare for the children of inner city families; having my innovative design for an Atlanta-based startup published in Interior Sources Magazine as an example for entrepreneurs of how to establish identity and brand consistency for expansion; being asked to share my experience and perspective as an Adjunct Professor with Students at American Intercontinental University (AIU); participating as a visiting critic at AIU and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD); and serving as a career mentor to young architects and interior designers in their development and licensing process.
Throughout my career I have worked for hundreds of clients, and have been responsible for the thoughtful, holistic design of millions of square feet. Through these experiences I have realized that what I love about creative expression is often intimidating and confusing for others. My clients frequently tell me I have a unique ability to be a visionary while providing them with a level of confidence and calmness. They say that I am gifted at interpreting what they might not be able to visualize or express, and that I am not limited to the built environment, but often influence their perspective on life and lifestyle. I am a puzzle solver with a mission to bring the designer out in people so they feel pride and ownership of their projects. I’ve designed from scratch, rejuvenated, renovated, decorated, manipulated, reimagined, rearranged, master planned and phased projects, out sourced, resourced, and escorted many through the mysteries of interior design. It’s my pleasure to be your guide!
From my earliest memories...
llc
Richard Starcher, NCIDQ
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Designing from a different perspective. Yours.