Take 10 With COUPAR’S Wyatt Shigley

Design Associate Wyatt Shigley started as a Design Assistant at COUPAR  a little over three years ago. Wyatt segued effortlessly into the role with a  B.A.S. in Interior Design from Colorado State University and nearly nine years of visual merchandising experience. One of his current projects is a four-story Pacific Heights Edwardian designed by Julius Kraft, and another is a contemporary ranch house in Portola Valley. Whatever the style, Wyatt brings an artist's eye and appreciation to his work, tempered by the practicalities of spending childhood summers in Montana fishing, camping, and exploring the outdoors. 

CC: Did you always want to be an interior designer?

WS: Growing up, I always wanted to be an Artist. Working in interiors allows me to use my creativity and similarly impact the user's experience within a space. I still maintain a regular painting practice and prioritize working with my hands whenever possible. 

CC: What is your favorite period of design and why?

WS: Nordic Modern Scandinavian and Danish design focuses on minimalism, natural materials, and a harmony of balance between form and function. It is timeless, always in style, and emphasizes craftsmanship and quality. There are many fabulous designers like Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, and Arne Jacobsen (to name a few) whose work is enduring and at home in various spaces.

CC: Which artist, past or present, inspires you? 

WS: A hard choice, as there are many, but I have always been inspired by the works of Sheila Hicks and Jeffrey Gibson. They both have pushed the artistic boundaries of textile art and sculpture with beautiful, vibrant, and thought-provoking work. The tactile nature of their work challenges the relationship between craft and art, which interests me. 

Jeffrey Gibson (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians/Cherokee Nation), The Anthropophagic Effect, Garment No. 4, 2019, National Gallery of Art, Washington

CC: What furniture would you love to use on a project? 

WS: I have forever loved the De Sede Terrazza Sofa and look forward to working with a client who's adventurous enough to include one or two.

CC: Are you a Maximalist or a Minimalist?

WS: Minimalist with Maximalist Tendencies. As I have been known to be a bit of a Bowerbird - I have an eclectic aesthetic that doesn't always allow me to keep a curated or minimalist palette.

CC: Favorite piece of clothing you own?

WS: Vintage Levi 501s, but I love this crazy Rachel Comey jacket that is shimmery in tinsel, too. 

CC: How do you maintain a work/life balance?

WS: Practicing self-care, regularly evaluating my priorities and holding myself accountable to those around me who I value.

CC: What’s your biggest fear in life?

WS: Inevitable, but getting older is my greatest fear. There is so much to experience and so little time! 

CC: Best compliment you’ve ever received?

WS: I am sensitive and a good listener.

CC: What is one thing no one knows about you?

WS: I was born in Montana and have spent many summers fishing, camping, and exploring the outdoors. 

Rachel Comey Jacket