DANE AUSTIN ★ IFDA- DESIGNER OF THE YEAR ★ PROJECTS NATIONWIDE

Community uplifts. Art enriches. Love propels. 🖼️🎵💕 . . . @evdowphotography

[swipe] Cambodia Day 2: This was one of those days that stays with you long after it ends. We began the morning slowly, easing into the day before setting out for Angkor Wat- the largest religious compound in the world. Walking through this sacred space, you could feel the history, the scale, the quiet power of it all. It’s hard to put into words the energy that lives there, something deeply grounding and humbling at the same time. It was an experience on par with the Taj Mahal. After a beautiful lunch at Malis Restaurant, we returned to reset before the evening unfolded into something truly special. The private monk blessing ceremony was unlike anything I’ve experienced. Peaceful, intentional, and deeply spiritual, it created a moment to pause, reflect, and simply be present. From there, we stepped onto the Angkor Thom moat for a sunset cruise aboard the Kongkea Angkor boats. Watching the light shift across the water as the sun dipped below the horizon felt almost surreal, calm, expansive, and unforgettable. We closed the evening with dinner at Lum Orng Farm-to-Table Restaurant, where every dish reflected the care, culture, and connection to the land that defines this place. Back at Shinta Mani Angkor, it was clear this day was about more than just seeing Cambodia, it was about feeling it. Grateful for every moment. Photography: @tomas_hercog for @leadersofdesign #cambodia #angkorwat #spiritualjourney #luxurytravel #culturalimmersion

[swipe] Our first day in Cambodia began with a seamless journey from Bangkok to Siem Reap, arriving mid-morning in anticipation of everything ahead. But nothing quite prepared me for the feeling that hit the moment we landed, a quiet, immediate connection to the land. As we exited the airport, we were welcomed by traditional Khmer musicians and dancers, dressed in beautifully authentic and playful attire. It was a breathtaking introduction, graceful, vibrant, and deeply rooted in culture. From that very first moment, you could feel the pride and warmth of the people. As we boarded the bus and made our way through the countryside, I couldn’t stop expressing how much I already loved it here. The pace felt slower, more intentional. Outside the window stretched lush farmland, vivid greenery, and a landscape that felt both peaceful and alive. There was a natural beauty that didn’t need to try, it simply existed. After arrival, the group gathered for lunch, but I opted to skip it and take the opportunity to unwind at the spa, knowing I would catch up with everyone later at our more relaxed post-trip dinner. It felt like the perfect way to ease into the rhythm of this place. We then continued on to the hotel designed by Bill Bensley- creator of the White Lotus resorts. The Shinta Mani Angkor felt like a hidden sanctuary, rustic yet elevated, with thoughtful design moments and vignettes tucked into every corner. It struck that perfect balance of understated luxury and soul. Throughout the day, what stayed with me most was the people. Everyone we encountered was incredibly kind, welcoming, and genuinely proud to host us. That energy carried through every interaction and made the experience feel personal, not just curated. We closed the evening with a beautiful welcome dinner and entertainment in the temple garden, an elegant and fitting end to a day that felt both grounding and inspiring. Then, a few of us went out to explore the local wildlife and find a few hidden gems…more on that later. And just like that, Cambodia had already left its mark. Photography: @tomas_hercog (with the exception of the videos and the bell boy ;-)

[Swipe] Day 4: the Final Day of the Conference. Reflection & Closing Celebration We began the final day slowly with a grounding Tai Chi session in the @capellabangkok courtyard. I loved seeing all of my pals so in-the-moment. A moment to breathe, reset, and take it all in. The morning brought us together for our final sessions, anchored by a powerful shared vision conversation with OG founding sponsor David Cohen from @theigracecompany alongside @leadersofdesign founder Keith Granet. Thought-provoking insights, meaningful dialogue, and two exciting reveals from beloved members carried us through to a forward-looking conversation on what’s next for LDC. By early afternoon, the formal program came to a close, but the experience was far from over. As the sun shifted, we boarded a bus and journeyed about an hour outside the city to Wat Suwan. From there, the evening took an unforgettable turn as we stepped aboard a train, its first-class cars outfitted in stunning Jim Thompson silk fabrics. A cocktail party unfolded on board as we rode together through the Thai landscape as the sun was setting, the energy building with every moment. After about an hour, we arrived at a station where we stepped off the train to a vibrant greeting of “Welcome Back to Bangkoooook!” In true surprise fashion, The Leaders of Design had transformed the entire station into a wonderland of urban design and art, setting the stage for an extraordinary closing gala. The night continued with dinner by the White House chef to President Ronald Reagan, elation and celebration, amazing entertainment, and a dance floor that carried us all the way through the final moments together. A perfect ending, equal parts reflection, inspiration, and celebration. Grateful for every moment, every conversation, and every person who made this journey what it was. The 20th anniversary of the Leaders of Design Council was one for the books. Until next time 🤍 But it doesn’t end here - our Post-trip added layers of magic rarely experienced. Stay tuned for more on that soon. The extraordinarily talented man who captures all of the beauty as it unfolds - Photography: @tomas_hercog

Day 3 in Bangkok was a beautiful blend of culture, creativity, and connection.✨ The morning began quietly with breakfast before stepping into the heart of Bangkok’s history with a guided visit to Wat Pho. Walking through the temple grounds, surrounded by centuries of artistry and tradition, an seeing the most amazing reclining Buddha, set a thoughtful and grounding tone for the day. I especially love the sounds of coins falling into the metal buckets as we made wishes for blessings. By mid morning, we arrived at The Siam, a stunning resort designed by Bill Bensley. Hearing him speak, alongside Kaitlin Petersen of Business of Home and Sasaya from Jim Thompson Fabrics, brought a deeper layer to the experience. The conversation wove together design, storytelling, and global perspective in a way that felt both inspiring and personal. Knowing his firm has shaped spaces like all three of the White Lotus resorts made it even more impactful, and gave us a glimpse of what is still to come as we head toward one of his properties in Cambodia. Bill Bensley is known not only for his iconic resort designs, but for his conservation and humanitarian efforts in Southeast Asia. Through his work in Cambodia, he supports protecting jungle landscapes, preserving wildlife habitats, and creating jobs and education opportunities for local communities, often tying his hotel projects directly to environmental restoration and social impact. I am SO inspired! The afternoon carried us into the vibrant rhythm of the city with street food, local creatives, and an immersive art workshop that invited us to participate, not just observe. It was colorful, energizing, and full of life. As evening fell, we arrived at the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter for cocktails and connection, followed by a thoughtful keynote that tied together tradition and innovation. The night ended with an intimate dinner, rich in flavor and conversation. Bangkok continues to reveal itself layer by layer, and today was one we will not forget. 🌙 Photography by the ever so talented @tomas_hercog for @leadersofdesign #billbensley #sustainabledesign #cambodiaconservation #designwithpurpose #travelwithimpact

Day 2: A day that began with intention and unfolded into inspiration. Morning light, green tea in hand, and a quiet walk through green spaces set the tone…grounded, present, open. The conference opened with a healing sounds bath. From there, the conversations deepened. ideas around leadership, craft, the use of AI in our field, and the future of design flowed effortlessly, blending tradition with innovation in ways that felt both thoughtful and exciting. By afternoon, it was clear this wasn’t just about learning, it was about connection. Different perspectives, shared curiosity, and a collective energy that stayed with you long after the session ended. We had some free time to explore the city on our own. And then… the city called us back out. Sunset drinks and hors d’oeuvres at Nobu, high above Bangkok, the skyline glowing as day turned to night. From there we rode in Tuk Tuks to intimate dinners across the city in our “dine around” event where each table is its own experience, its own story. Laughter, flavors, and moments that felt both elevated and easy all at once. Ending the night somewhere timeless, with music, dim lights, and conversations you didn’t want to end. Bangkok continues to be more than a destination…it’s a feeling. 🌙 Photography: @tomas_hercog for @leadersofdesign #bangkokvibes #designandtravel #cityinspiration #elevatedexperiences #travelconnection

First night in Bangkok with The Leaders of Design Council ✨ There’s something unforgettable about arriving in a city that pulses with life the moment the sun begins to set. From the soft glow over the river to the hum of boats drifting through the night, Bangkok welcomed us with open arms and electric energy. We gathered as again for the twenty-year anniversary as a family of friends and quickly felt like something more than special, connected by laughter, music, and that shared sense of being exactly where we’re meant to be. A golden evening turned into a night of celebration, stories, and new beginnings. Under the warm sky, surrounded by a canopy of flowers, endless beauty, culture, and incredible people, it felt like the start of something special. Bangkok, you’ve already left your mark. 🌙 Grateful to be back together with the loving crew and team @leadersofdesign and for the amazing photography captured by the incomparable @tomas_hercog #bangkoknights #thailandmagic #travelmoments #wanderinstyle #firstnightfeels

Behind every successful interior project is an ecosystem of trusted collaborators and trade partners - craftspeople, fabricators, installers, and technical experts whose expertise transforms vision into reality. The Collaboration Blueprint: Building Strong Designer–Trade Partnerships is a conversation for design professionals about how those working relationships actually function day to day. What makes a project run smoothly? What causes friction? And how do you earn the trust of the people you’ll rely on again and again? This panel of seasoned trade partners will share candid insights on communication, expectations, problem-solving, trust, and what they wish designers understood earlier in their careers. This conversation offers practical guidance on how to build an A-team: how to communicate clearly, anticipate challenges, manage timelines responsibly, and cultivate long-term partnerships strengthen both your work and your reputation. Ideal for any professional who wants projects to run smarter, calmer, and more successfully. Join us: Wednesday, March 25th from 1pm-2:30pm Boston Design Center, Scavolini Showroom @bostondesigncenter @scavolinidesigncollective

[swipe] Space-Shaping Drapes: “Clean lines and performance materials gave us clarity and control, but not always comfort. Now were craving softness. Drapes redraw boundaries to introduce intimacy through enclosure, creating smaller moments within larger rooms where we can nest. This desire to cocoon tells us that emotional safety matters as much as visual order.” - Dane Austin, Dane Austin Design As seen in the Boston Globe Magazine article by Marni Katz: Warming Things Up - Design pros say homeowners are craving comfort and craftsmanship that feels meaningful and personal. Thank you for including us @stylecarrot Room photography: @jaredkuziaphoto Portraits: @srobshawphoto Workroom: @makkasdrapery Wallpaper: @wallpaperbytraci #InteriorDesign #WarmMinimalism #CozySpaces #DesignDetails #DraperyDesign

Color Chart: The Joys of a Pink Home Ever notice how some homes captivate you while others don’t turn your head? The colors in the design scheme may be at play. Whereas white encourages feelings of calm and red gets people talking, pink can be quietly powerful. “It’s warm and soothing, but can also be joyful and energizing,” says Dane Austin, an interior designer based in Boston. “It softens architecture, and it warms cool light and creates a sense of welcome.” The color can easily be misunderstood, viewed as too “girly” or meant only for babies. But it’s surprisingly versatile, he stresses. For Austin, who painted his own New England guest room Farrow & Ball’s “Setting Plaster” (a dusty pink) with lavender gray trim, pink is a crowd pleaser. “There are just so many different shades,” he says, “I feel like there is something for everyone.” - Our monthly series asks: How do you bring color into luxury design? Pink can be both grounding and joyful, writes Jill Krasny. Thanks for the interview in Sotheby’s Realty—just in time for Valentine’s Day. Wishing everyone a love-filled Valentine’s Day week/ weekend. Photography: @jaredkuziaphoto #interiordesignboston #valentines2026 #pinkrooms #bedroomdecorideas #thecolorfulclassicist

[swipe] “I think of myself as an artist first. Interiors are my medium and the client is my muse...Each project is completely different and begins by reflecting thoughtfully with the client on what they love, what they value, and how they use their spaces.” While he often works with “the one percent of the one percent,” Austin himself comes across as down-to-earth and humble in conversation-thoughtful, self-reflective, and philosophical-and is as excited talking about his work with organizations that benefit people in more challenging circumstances. "It's important to me to pay things forward," says Austin, who regularly collaborates with nonprofits that transform bedrooms for children with chronic illnesses. “I don't think there is any greater way to enhance one's life than shaping the environment they call home.” — Grateful to Scott Kearnan for such a thoughtful interview and for capturing this journey in Spirit Magazine Jan/Feb 2026. A special thank you to Robert Phelps for including us…truly an honor. #InherentVision #thecolorfulclassicist #bostoninteriordesign #sophisticatedwhimsy #designasart

Business of Home asked: How do you deal with opinionated clients? Whether it’s intentional or not, clients with strong opinions can sometimes hijack the design process. This week, we asked designers to share how they communicate with clients who aren’t shy about their views. Our Answer? SHARED INTENTION “Often, a client who sees themselves as a design authority is really seeking reassurance. I approach those relationships with curiosity rather than resistance. By asking thoughtful questions and grounding decisions in how the space should feel and function, the conversation naturally shifts from ‘right versus wrong’ to shared intention. Design becomes less about proving expertise and more about creating a home that truly supports the people who live there. The most successful projects happen when passion meets trust, and expertise is shared rather than challenged.” We rely on a clear process and defined roles from the very beginning. Clients are experts in their lives and how they want to live, while we bring expertise in space planning, materials, and cohesion. When those lanes are respected, collaboration thrives. If a client arrives with strong opinions, I welcome them, then show how professional design elevates those ideas into something more cohesive and enduring. — Thank you for the collaboration Business of Home and Aiden Taylor for including us in this informative article. Photography: @stacyzaringoldberg Styling: @limonatacreative #interiordesign #bostoninteriordesigner #designprocess #designleadership #clientrelationships