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Restless Classicism with a Brother and Sister Team
An Interview with Amory Spizzirri and Whitney Armstrong from Armstrong Associates 
Where did you grow up? Tell us a bit about your business: What would you consider your design style? WA - To the degree that style is definable, ours is something of restless classicism. We tend to focus first on such fundamentals of classical design as proportion, scale and balance and then look for a way to personalize the ensemble by introducing an accent or two. Our guiding principal is that the best designs are ones that have a modesty and logic that defy the influence of a designer. 
How long have you been designing? Where did you study?
AS - I went to Hollins College and then received a masters from NYU in Art Dealership and Collecting. At Hollins College, I befriended many people from the deep South who are still very important people in my life. From those friendships, I was able to see and understand Southern architecture and design. The importance of respectful grandeur with wonderful accents in the moldings, beautiful archways throughout the homes and always allowing the outdoors to come in with large windows, wrap around porches, French doors and screened in porches.
How do you define “home”? AS - Home defines the person who lives there. It is a place where one can retreat, to relax and be themselves and where others come to understand the person that lives there. The beauty of ones home also combines the person’s conservative side and their ability to branch out and be daring with acceptance.
What are some questions you ask your clients before you begin a project? WA - Every situation is unique. Any questions that do arise come during an initial conversation with a client where we usually address specific needs. 
Who are some designers that have influenced your work, and how?
WA - I take my cues from observing the world around me which often means not knowing who the designer is. If there are influences they have probably come from the art world more than from another designer. One artist who consistently engages my intellect as well as my eye is Piet Mondrian. Like any good designer, he is continually involved with trying to understand the dynamics of space through his manipulation of form, color, texture and composition.
 
Who are some designers that have influenced your work? I create individual style for my clients and get inspirations from so many sources, experiences and travel. I adore the brilliant work of such designers as: RALPH LAUREN for his graceful ability to balance timeless classics of exquisite quality with favorite, but different pieces, (i.e.: turquoise beads with a black evening gown, a white vintage linen blouse paired with the just right worn in blue jeans). VICTORIA HAGAN for creating beautifully understated elegant and livable environments. PHILIP JOHNSON for fully integrating architecture, art and the land in his ultimate, innovative Glass House property. FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT for his visionary spiraling structure of the Guggenheim Museum. ALBERT HADLEY for his premiere sophisticated rooms, and unique graphics presented on his wallpaper collection. 
What are some trends we should look out for in design? Any particular colors? WA - My advice is to not worry about trends. It’s difficult enough to get in touch with ones aesthetic values let alone to worry about keeping up with the latest fads. Color is too relative to be thought of as a stand alone aspect of design. I would never bring to a project a prescribed notion of color. 
How does your home design reflect in what you wear? WA - I care most about how I am seen through the way I set up my home that I don’t spend much time trying to express myself through my clothing choices. I’d rather be wearing a bathrobe to receive guests into my castle than be wearing a suit to receive guests into a summer rental. Who is your dream client and why? WA - My dream client is one who is prepared to learn and grow and take chances. Too often clients think they need help and hire a designer, when in truth they hire a designer to execute on ideas they have already decided on.
Armstrong Associates5 Flintlock Road, |
