Arlene Angard is an accomplished interior designer + gallerist. After a successful dentistry career, Arlene followed her passion for interior design + art, establishing her firm in 2006. The native Venezuelan is fluent in the multicultural symphony that is New York City + contributes to it through her work. She has curated global art exhibits with projects featured in Elle Décor + The New York Times.
Location: New York, New York
1. Beverage of choice?
Water. About 4 – 6 liters daily at room temperature. Maybe a bit of ice if it’s really hot outside.
2. What are you best known for?
For being a sustainability-driven interior designer who is known for being eclectic + a gallerist of contemporary art.
3. How did we meet?
Thanks to Aspire Design + Home magazine, we were both on the panel on Healthy Design held at TOTO‘s showroom.
4. How did you get here?
By Via car service —it’s a sustainable ride-sharing system. I try to remain sustainable in every aspect of my day.
5. What are you compensated to do (job)?
To bring harmony to people’s spaces.
6. What do you like to do?
My job—I love it! When you love what you do + are about to make a profit, you are blessed. I feel happy, confident, + healthy when I am working.
I am currently working with Doctors Without Borders. Gabriella Tolomei—an artist that I represent—is also working with this fantastic organization for people who need medical attention.
This year in July and September I donated money to Borderless Love to help people worldwide, especially people at the United States / Mexico border. As we all know, it is a no man’s land.Now there are bigger platforms to help.As a woman + an entrepreneur + person of the universe, we especially have to be proactive.With the current accessibility of media, information + misinformation, we have to know what’s going on, follow up with it through research + verify.
7. Can you suggest a book?
I am currently reading On the Wings of a Lion + it’s fabulous! It requires a lot of attention because the story is complex. The book is set in the 1970s in Iran. It is a beautiful + chaotic path of a life in the course of seven days. It teaches you that you can never actually do a bad job in life since it is a cyclical.
8. What is the best lesson you have taught someone?
To be humble.
9. Where do you go to find inspiration?
Every day in our lives is an opportunity for inspiration, especially when you read about other parts of the world + feel grateful for what you have. A shower, a cold glass of water—I don’t take anything for granted as the basics of life. I appreciate + enjoy it.
10. Favorite city and why?
NYC of course! It is cosmopolitan, has lots of culture + diverse + spontaneous. Good or bad, it never sleeps + that’s why I love it.
11. What is your fondest memory?
I have fabulous memories of my Mother, who I miss so much. Lots of family memories with my Mom, Dad + three sisters. Family is always first.
12. What advice would you give to future generations?
Be humble + pick your battles. You cannot win every fight + at all costs. Ask yourself: ‘What
am I fighting for?’ ”.
13. What would you tell your younger self?
Be persistent. Once you find something you love, you need to make it happen!
14. Who mentored you and what did they teach you?
Lots of people. My professors, sisters, parents, husband, grandparents, friends, colleagues. We have to learn from everyone.
15. Message in a show or film that resonated with you. What was the film, what was the message?
Life is Too Short, I Like it Big or La Vie C’est Beautiful. In essence, life is too short to not live it to the maximum. Solo la vive una vez!
+ + +