Voyage Phoenix | August 2018
Life and Work with Lygia Harkins
Lygia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my “official” Interior Design career in my early 30s but I was in love with design way before that I just was not sure how to make it a real career! I had a successful career in advertising and sales before Interior Design although I had always loved helping friends and family with their homes along the way. Just when I thought I had achieved total career success with a big sales job, I left to work at a local design shop in the Arcadia neighborhood and then decided to go back to school for Interior Design full time shortly after that. Going back to college in your 30s is certainly different than the first time around!, but I am so glad I did because it makes me the professionally trained designer I am today. I worked for another large firm in Scottsdale after graduating but quickly knew I wanted to start my own business and Lygia Harkins Interiors was born in 2011. My first real client was a friend’s mom who needed new pillows and her sofas recovered and we went from there. I helped those same clients build and furnish a home about 2 years ago!
Image Credit: John Woodcock Photography, Styling Kelly Allen
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I wish the road has always been a smooth one! I started my business during the tail end of the housing market crash so there was not a crazy amount of work available at the time but I just jumped in and started networking and getting referrals for jobs from friends and family and no job was too small believe me! Owning your own business is the scariest and most rewarding thing at the same time. I also learned that it is important to identify your strengths and weaknesses and employ experts to help you that are good at what you are not so you do not waste time.
Image Credit: John Woodcock Photography, Styling Kelly Allen
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lygia Harkins Interiors – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a professionally trained interior designer with that specializes in private residences and boutique commercial spaces in Arizona and beyond. I love to partner with my clients and engage in every detail from conception to creation. As a result, every project has its own unique narrative, no two are alike. As an Arizona native, I love to draw inspiration from the desert landscape of Arizona but also through traveling to cities such as New York City and Los Angeles where I love to source unique finds for projects. The best part of my job is happy clients sharing and enjoying their home that I designed with friends and family. I love the personal connection that working with clients in their home brings!
Image Credit: John Woodcock Photography, Styling Kelly Allen
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Oh, so many! I have always been an absolute magazine junkie, anything and everything design related, of course, House Beautiful, Traditional Home and Elle Decor are some favorites as well as Phoenix Home and Garden locally. I am also absolutely not above throwing in some US or People Magazine for a break from reality too! I find that I spend so much time in the car running around to meetings and job sites so podcasts are perfect for me these days. Anything true crime related, the first Serial was amazing, and also some new favorites are the Second Life podcast and The Business of Home are really good too.
Image Credit: John Woodcock Photography, Styling Kelly Allen
Pricing: Full Service Interior Design Service priced upon request. Design Assistant starts at $1,500 per room for the design fee depending on the size of room and scope of project plus furnishings, fabrics, decor, etc. Visit our services page or contact us to learn more.