Q&A with our Director of Design & Production

Brittany Meeks Biddle, daughter of acclaimed Architect Don Meeks, proves that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. 

Q: What is your first memory of a situation where you knew you were interested in interior design?
A: Whenever we would drive through neighborhoods when I was younger (about 10 years old), my dad would teach me about the different design elements of each house and what made them one style over another. We soon made a game of this, and I would guess the style of whatever home we were driving by, be it English Tutor, French, Colonial, etc. I loved this game and grew fond of recognizing design details wherever I went.

Q: What influences you, aside from furniture and décor?
A: The surroundings of a space always influence my design direction. Nature, architecture, and culture play such significant roles into how the interior of a space will turn out. I believe that the interior design of a building should always relate to its architecture and function in a manner that is appealing to the people using it.

Q: What are your go to basics?
A: You can never go wrong with layering solid textures. The more texture the better! A mix of different solid colors also makes for an exciting look but does not become too busy.

Q: Favorite Room in the House?
A: My favorite room in the house is the kitchen. I feel that the kitchen should always be open and connected to a casual dining space. Kitchens are where everyone congregates, and if designed properly, make for a great entertaining space! 

A Colorful Houston Concept Suite

When notable PR firm Studio Communications called on us to design a creative space for a new high-rise Multifamily project the MP STUDIO team jumped on the opportunity. The result, a Houston themed suite that highlights the city in a fun and colorful way. A few highlights include a custom made Beyonce chandelier (coined the Beyoncelier), a lounge flanked in vintage NASA blueprints, a walk-through closet transformed into a bar area and 3 oil paintings of the city's skylines by in-house artist Brittany Meeks Biddle. The bright color palette, that sets the tone for the space, is made-up of 8 jewel tone colors. The living room features 10 overhead basket fixtures, painted in coordinating colors, and a vertical installation of historical Houston news headlines in antique frames which were dipped in coordinating hues. The seats of the 16 lacquered vintage dining chairs were recovered in bright velvet fabrics to brighten up the main entertaining space. 

Design Team Wins Two Coveted ASID Awards

MP STUDIO recently left the 2015 ASID annual event with two new awards to add to the growing collection.  The 40th Annual Ruby Awards took place on September 19th at the House of Blues in downtown Houston.  The team won the Ruby awards for Model Home Design, for their work at Anserra Estates, and the Commercial Residential Multi-Unit design award for Bella Vida, a multifamily project in Dallas.  

Q&A with our Executive Creative Director

MP STUDIO's Shana Jacobs offers insight on what inspires her, and where it all started.  

Q: What is your first memory of a situation where you knew you were interested in interior design?
A: I would secretly rearrange my bedroom in the middle of the night my entire childhood. But as a serious life decision, it would be during my time in architecture school at Texas Tech.  I was an intern and found myself much more interested in the design of the interior spaces.  I knew for sure by the end of my second summer internship that I would be changing my focus – I just had to convince my parents.

Q: What influences you, aside from furniture and décor?
A: The design of the architecture greatly influences the way I approach the interior.  I feel it does a project a great disservice when a designer completely ignores the exterior design.  It doesn’t have to be a completely literal translation, but should have subtle details reflected throughout.

Q: Favorite materials or textures?
A: I love all linens, burlaps, and velvets.

Q: Design rule you love to break?
A: My favorite design rule to break is to use largely oversized art wherever possible.  Not every client will go for it, but when possible, I enjoy using art that makes a huge statement and is an instant conversation starter.  In my own home, most of the art is either as tall as me or even taller.