Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Tyler.
Hi Todd, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I probably had an earlier and more accelerated start than many in the industry. I say this because I grew up with interior design and fine art all around me. My grandmother, Margaret Tyler, was an interior decorator who worked in the Caribbean market, particularly in Jamaica, on classic homes and hotels. My mother, Stephanie Tyler, took over her mother’s business and then started her company years later. She was a pioneer in the early days of interior design being a licensed professional career. And finally, my sister, Trisha Brookbank, was a fine artist for most of her life through college and multiple degrees.
With all of this around me, the inertia was always present to propel me in a creative direction. When I finally picked up on my abilities and graduated with my BFA in interior design in 2007, I moved to L.A. – just in time for a recession! It was an interesting moment to begin any career, but when I look back, I think things happen for a reason. Nobody was hiring full-time, so I started freelancing with many different designers, all of whom approached and executed work differently.
In 2009, I moved to NYC, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with many talented designers and architects who opened my eyes to even greater layers of high design. During this time, I also designed my first furniture collection and manufactured it in Spain, which was a tremendous learning experience.
I never intended to work with my family once I left home, yet somehow in the process of the variety and experience, I realized how much I already knew and remembered where I came from. When I returned to Miami in 2014, I was only going to jump into a project from the sidelines on a short-term basis. By this time, my sister and mother were deeply entrenched in the family business.
Trisha had made a huge pivot in her life, switching from fine art to earning her MBA (she now runs our company with all the execution knowledge that is so instrumental to this right-brain and left-brain career path), and my mother led all design decisions, as well as all business development and client relations. The three of us found that we enjoyed working together more than any of us had expected, and we rebranded International Design Concepts to Studio IDC.
In 2017, I earned my NCIDQ license and joined ASID as a professional member of the interior design community. Over the last nine years with Studio IDC, I have been given a space to apply knowledge and practices learned over years of exploration, as well as the ability to develop and strengthen my design point of view. I always say that despite all the stressors and challenges associated with my career, I am very thankful to love what I do. Interior architecture and design take passion and drive; if you do not love it, I advise changing directions!
Last year, I became Studio IDC’s Chief Creative Officer of Interior Design. Not only do I have a very talented and diverse design team, but I am gifted to work alongside two of my favorite people in this world.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Everything is a learning experience, especially in design. Mistakes, missteps, or simply choices that could have been better are the best teachers! There are so many of these to make in the design process, from who to manufacture a custom piece to the best materials to suit a purpose and aesthetic.
The great thing is that in design, we get to see a tangible result, critique it, and then learn from it for the next step or project. My design choices and abilities today greatly differ from the young man who started at Studio IDC – or even from a few years ago.
As you know, we’re big fans of Studio IDC. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Studio IDC is a full-service interior architecture and design firm focusing on distinctive properties with an emphasis on beachfront and coastal regions in the Caribbean and the U.S. We have multiple licensed interior designers and architects on staff, as well as a full procurement department enabling our firm to offer turnkey service from concept to completion.
We pride ourselves on our ability to dream big, execute the work, and, most importantly, exceed our clients’ expectations. We believe in teamwork, both internally and with other consultants, manufacturers, and artisans. Any successful project takes a village!
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Everyone thinks, “If I only knew then what I know now.” But even if I had a time machine, I would never rob myself of my process.
All the lessons mattered! However, I can say that creative businesses need people who believe in growth, who need to grow and are willing to be uncomfortable to do so. Remaining “teachable” is invaluable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studioidc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studioidc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/idcdesignconcepts
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf-6SIXQwh-AIgECHfyDa3w
Image Credits
Studio IDC
