An interview with
Marie Bowman,
NCIDQ, ASID, LEED AP ID+C
Marie Bowman Studio
for Interior Design
by Perrone Construction
Builders of Fine Custom Homes
Bowman founded the Marie Bowman Studio for Interior Design in 2013 after working alongside many talented design professionals locally for over a decade. A graduate of the Ringling College of Art & Design’s School for Interior Design, Marie is a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) with a specialty in Interior Design and Construction which can bring sustainable practices and solutions to any type of project.
As a true design enthusiast, Marie enjoys the unique challenges presented with each client. Special consideration is given to function, comfort & aesthetics in every project. Her and her team of design professionals pride themselves on creating interiors that help people maximize their enjoyment in life with a fresh, intelligent approach while creating beautiful, timeless spaces.
At Perrone Construction, we have the privilege of working with Marie and her team on several of our current projects, located on Bird Key, a prestigious barrier island community off the coast of Sarasota, Florida.
Talented and well versed in a wide range of styles, Marie focuses on the harmony of the architectural vision of the project with the orchestration of the interiors. Her award-winning work has been featured on the cover of Scene Magazine, as well as being named 2021 Gold Best Remodel and 2019 Platinum award for Best Kitchen by SRQ Magazine.
Above
Architect | Clifford M. Scholz, CMSA
Builder | Perrone Construction
Interior Designer | Marie Bowman
When you conceptualize a room, where do you start?
We always start with conversations with the client. It is so important to listen to a client and get to know who will be living in the space. We hold those upfront conversations very near and dear as we start thinking about how a space starts to take shape.
How do you obtain stress-free luxury for everyday living?
Choosing the right professionals to assist every step of the way. Knowledge is key in making decisions so it’s important to lean on experts who have experience
and can educate us along the way for the matters at hand. These experts are anyone from a skilled carpenter to a lighting sales rep and beyond. As designers, we want to know how materials will perform and what proven details would bring value, over and beyond the aesthetics. We are interested in the best of quality and performance, to help protect a client’s investment.
Do you have a go-to piece that always seems to “tie the room together”?
A well thought out rug selection. This really helps define a space and can have a huge impact on setting the tone for a room.
What is the strangest request you’ve ever had on a project?
I worked on a project for an international client early in my career. They had strict requirements on the manufacturing origin of each furniture and décor item we were providing for their home. We had to really dive into each selection and understand where each component of the item came from and then where it was ultimately assembled. This was a 6,000+ Sq. Ft home so you can imagine all of the items that go into a turn-key Interior Design solution. It was eye- opening to get the information back from the vendors and we found ourselves having to work hard on finding the right selections that met these requirements.
“As designers, we want to know how materials will perform and what proven details would bring value, over and beyond the aesthetics.
We are interested in the best of quality and performance, to help protect a client’s investment.”
We currently have a project nearing completion on Bird Key with you. What was your inspiration for this project?
The client has an incredibly brilliant eye for style and design. They really wanted something different for their Interiors so that is always exciting for a designer. They really had a strong sense of the aesthetic goals for the project, so we were able to run with the vision and introduce some fabulous details to really take the Interiors to the next level.
If you had to pick your favorite room or detail of your design for this project, what would it be?
There are so many special moments in the design of these interiors. If I had to pick, I would say the Master Bathroom. We selected a French Oak Floor that will be installed in a herringbone pattern paired with the most stunning Chandelier. All the details in this space really came together beautifully.
What was the most challenging aspect of this design?
Navigating the extended lead times and product availabilities due to current state of the world.
What’s next for your business/brand?
For years, I have only worked with clients on a referral basis with basically zero marketing. This has worked out extremely well for us and we have been fortunate to stay really busy. I am feeling the need to develop our website to show off our studio’s skills and portfolio which was just recently launched. This should help a potential client get to know us a little more before the actual introduction. I am excited to see how the website plays into enhancing the interview phase at the beginning of projects.
Learn more about Marie Bowman and the MBID design team at:
www.studioforinteriordesign.com
Pictured
Material selection process for a French Country inspired custom residence on Bird Key by MBID.
