Michelle Ruben, an interior designer from Los Angeles, driven by modern design and her passion for life, founded her award winning interior design company Michelle Ruben Interiors in 2004. With its cross-disciplinary studio, it provides services at different levels, and quickly established itself as a leader in high-end commercial and residential design in Los Angeles. Michelle enriches people's daily life through outstanding design, customized details and artistic solutions. Her works not only use minimalism, abstraction and contemporary but also incorperate the comfort of modern, Mediterranean chic style. With a warm personality, Michelle treats clients with consideration and care, like family. She communicates with a sincere heart and helps her clients to explore new possibilities. After 16 years, Michelle's position in the interior design industry is still standing. her success is not based on strong contacts or trendy designs, but on keeping everything simple and treating her clients with kindness. Her work attitude is: from the heart.

Q: HOW DID YOU START YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN CAREER?

A: When I was in high school, I started to go to friends' houses to rearrange their rooms. A close friend once asked me, "Why does your room look like this?" I used various methods to think about how to make the room better. I would shop for them and buy them new bedding or decorations, to make their room look more stylish. Finally they all fell in love! So, I have been engaged in this kind of interior design work since I was young, but I never thought that this would become my profession.

Q: YOU ESTABLISHED YOUR OWN COMPANY IN 2004. AS A DESIGNER WHAT HAS CHANGED IN THE PAST 16 YEARS?

A: I really feel that I have grown and gained greater confidence. After completing more than 300 architectural designs, in the past ten years, I have learned to believe in the process and know that despite many distressing, dramatic events, and inevitable obstacles, things will always be resolved in the end. I also realize that being a good listener is very important. In-depth interactions with new customers at the beginning of the process can give them a clerar understanding of the priorities, inspiration, and plans that are most meaningful to them.

Q: WHO IS YOUR INSPIRATION AND FASION ICON?

A: The modern minimalism of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright among the four major modern architects, are an eternal inspiration for me. Similarly, I always thing that Mr. Christian Dior and his classic 'New Look' haute couture collection are one of the greatest fashion revelations of the 20th century. These three masters all hope to maintain  the classics, but they also don't forget to use the clean lines to advance into the future, just as Dior integrates exquisite textile technology into simple design.

Q: WHAT ARE THE BEST AND WORST TRENDS OF INTERIOR DESIGN?

A: I think the worst "trend" is when you do something just because it is a trend and seen in one million Instagram posts. Instead, it's best to do what you really like  to do, because it can often impress you.

Q: WHAT MAKES YOU LIKE LIVING AND WORKING IN LOS ANGELES?

A: I do like Los Angeles! The power of this city shocks people through its amazing energy, mainly due to the people who live and work here, and those who travel between Los Angeles and other places. In terms of culture, race, socio-economics, and art, every level is full of diversity. It is no longer just a "company city." Yes, it is still the hometown of Hollywood but more and more people call Los Angeles home who work in art, fashion, food design, health, and many other industries. Of course, from the beach to the mountains, to the desert, the distance between this city and nature is still unparalleled.

Q: HOW DOES ART FIT INTO YOUR DESIGN PROCESS?

A: Art is everything. I am not a person who limits art to painting on the wall. The art can be an incredible vase or handmade organic cotton cloth. The entire deisng process itself is art.

Q: IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE, FROM THE PAST OR PRESENT, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

A: My grandmother, Margaret Davies. She was an interior designer and died when I was 10 years old. I have never had a real mentor. She could actually teach me a lot of things, not only about design, but also how to run a business and become a female entrepreneur. Many changes have taken place over the years, since she was alive and working 𑁋 but at that time, she faced many similar challenges, especially for women who own a company. It would be a very precious gift to hear her opinions and receive her guidance.

Q: HOW DO YOU SEE INTERIOR DESIGN CHANGING IN THE FUTURE?

A: Nowadays, since everyone posts trends on Instagram, Pinterest, etc., it is easier than ever to spread trends. However, when 1 million people have a room with the same appearance, filled with mid-century modern furniture and tiger-tail orchid plants, I think that soon as the pendulum swings, the design will become anti-trend. in other words, more emphasis will be placed on individuality and what kind of color, pattern, shape, and textures make people feel energetic, full of inspiration, safe, happy, and relaxed: the above qualities are what we ideally want in our own house. But, in addition I do think technology is putting more emphasis on design, and more and more products can be seamlessly integrated into a room with other stylish, high-end artistic objects and furniture.

Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK EVERY FAMILY NEEDS?

A: It's simple: to gather by the campfire. This is a great way to create intimacy and sparks between friends, family and loved ones. Especially because our current social life really revolves around spending more time outdoors.  The campfire even makes a casual evening more festive and special. And, as theweather gets colder, (well, maybe not in Los Angeles!) I think every family should also have a comfortable cashemereblanket that can be shared with their loved ones.

Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THE INTERIOR DESIGN INDUSTRY?

A: Ignore Instagram. Follow the pople and things that can move you.