Our series of interviews with the Top Designers for 2004 at Landfair Furniture + Design Gallery continues with Marcie Harris of H/S Interiors. Marcie is a busy woman and we managed to catch her for a few moments.

LF+DG: So, Marcie, you were one of our top designers in 2004 in terms of business with Landfair Furniture, why don't you start by telling us about your background?

Marcie Harris: Hi Mike and Bev! I will attempt to answer your questions now... I actually have to put my thinking cap on! I sold real estate in the 80s and started accessorizing the new homes I was selling to enhance their market appeal (as interest rates were 14% and climbing!). This led me into a business partnership with H/S Interiors staging model homes for builders.

Mike: What does H/S stand for?

Marcie Harris: H stands for Harris (me) and Severson (my mother) who is my business partner in the model home furniture business. She has always been the best truck driver - goes back to the days when we started and couldn't afford real movers so we did all the moving ourselves - and our backs can attest to that now.

Bev: So you are an entrepreneur?

Marcie Harris: Absolutely! While I enjoyed the 'decorating' part of putting together builder models, I knew I was lacking in formal design training and so I went back to college to earn my BFA in Interior Design from Marylhurst University in 1996. I am an allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers.

LF+DG: Who or what influences your designs?

Marcie Harris: I am influenced by just about everything that is put in front of me! One of my favorite areas of study is architectural history and so when I travel, I relish visiting architectural sites. I shop like a madperson, I read copious amounts of design and shelter magazines each month and I also learn a lot from my own clients!

LF+DG: How do you define good design?

Marcie Harris: Well, of course, first and foremost good design must enhance the health, safety, and welfare of the end-user. While just about anyone interested in this field loves the access to gorgeous furniture, art, fabrics and accessories, good design is primarily about enhancing people's lives so the client can not only live in beautiful surroundings that reflect their interests and personality, but also enable them to live each day to their fullest capability. Universal Design and Green Design are areas that we now think of as specialties, but I believe will soon be standard requirements for all credible design proposals.