“Designing furniture and composing music seem related to me, in that you’re so completely engaged in the creative process,” says Mark Newman of his seemingly disparate careers – first in music and now in interior design.
After studying vocal performance and working in music for a decade – including singing with the Houston Grand Opera, Opera Colorado and San Francisco Opera – Newman joined Ralph Lauren Home. he was hired while living in Denver and, upon moving to San Francisco in 1997, continued working for the company. Eight years later, having furthered his training with stints at a pair of local interior design firms, he branched out on his own ( marknewmandesign.com).
Newman – whose style can best be described as tailored, livable and contemporary – is involved in a range of projects, from a Victorian residence to a sleek VIP lounge. he is also busy developing a furniture collection and recently launched a revamped buying service for the San Francisco Design Center’s trade-only showrooms. Earlier this year, he designed his inaugural space in the prestigious San Francisco Decorator Showcase.
“I love the relationships that are built with clients and seeing how design can make such a positive difference in their everyday experiences,” he says of his work. “I also love the creative process, finding great resources and working with unusual materials.”
This article appeared on page M – 4 of the San Francisco Chronicle