We had the good fortune of connecting with Anita Dawson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anita, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve been involved in the visual and performing arts since I was 5 or 6 years old. I concentrated on ballet and later joined Ballet West —a classical ballet company in Salt Lake City- as a professional dancer. Following that, I became an Arts Administrator for both dance companies and fine art museums. My experiences have definitely influenced my interior design style today. For one, I have an understanding of how people move through space, of line form and shape – and this inspires me to create not only beautiful homes, but places you want to live in.

What should our readers know about your business?
I began our firm in 2007 and I knew I wanted to work only with modern homes, even though at the time, Tuscan style was by far the most popular design for new homes. So, that immediately eliminated a lot of potential clients. Plus, we entered into a pretty dramatic housing slow down in 2008. I was incredibly lucky though to have a few really amazing clients with great projects during that time – it could have been so much more challenging. But, we grew fairly fast, and I attribute that to establishing strong relationships with a few high end builders and architects, and to the fact that we distinguished ourselves by being the experts in Modern design. I was also so fortunate to have the help of some talented people along the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Favorite spots in San Diego:

The Little Lion Cafe in Point Loma https://thelittlelioncafe.com/

Caroline’s in La Jolla https://carolinesseasidecafe.com/

Lola 55 https://lola55.com/

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego https://mcasd.org/

Torrey Pines State Preserve https://torreypine.org/home-2-2/reserveinfo/trails/

Queen Califias Magic Circle https://visitescondido.com/queen-califias-magical-circle-escondido/

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have unending gratitude to my husband, who supported and encouraged my career transition from the non-profit arts world to forming my own interior design firm. I also am forever grateful to our team of 7 wonderful DDG team members – I’d be lost without them. And gratitude to our clients – some of whom have really pushed us creatively and have helped inform the designs we create today.

Website: https://www.dawsondesigngroup.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawsondesigngroup/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-dawson-3b77326/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawsondesigngroup

Image Credits
Brady Architectural Photography

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