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In the 35 years since launching New York-based Drake Design Associates, Jamie Drake has decorated some of the country’s most glamorous and distinctive interiors, created rooms for the most prestigious show houses in the industry, and had his work published in countless design and shelter magazines. 

Notable residential projects include a Los Angeles showplace for Madonna, apartments in the Dakota and other historic New York landmark buildings, and multiple projects for Drake’s longtime client Michael Bloomberg, including the renovation of Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s ceremonial residence. Equally notable is Drake’s new 3,000-sq.-ft . Chelsea apartment, complete with its own car elevator and sky garage, the latter lit with a sculptural chandelier designed by Ted Abramczyk for Ralph Pucci. 

Drake also has translated his aesthetic to product, designing collections for Safavieh (rugs), Lewis Mittman (furniture), THG (bath fixtures), Labrazel (bath accessories) and Boyd Lighting. 

This month marks the debut of the Jamie Drake for Theodore Alexander furniture collection, the initial introduction of which will launch at the spring High Point Market. Home Accents Today first interviewed Drake in 2008 for a luxury feature in sister publication Relish. A few weeks ago, we invited the designer to share a few thoughts on the new collection, high design, and the post-recession luxury market. 

What does the word “luxury” mean today? Stress-free, relaxed living is the ultimate in luxury today. That equates to homes tailored to the exacting needs of my clients’ discerning eyes and busy lives. Rooms furnished with pieces that delight the inhabitant and their guests, and sit right, store right and work right … just for them. 

In our 2008 interview, you described “luxury homes and interiors” as “more modern … edited selections of superb furnishings, art and antiques… color is off beat and more retro… fabrics and textiles are more likely to be textured and rich than patterned and dizzying.” How about in 2014? Today’s luxury homes and interiors feature furnishings and  accessories that the owners love, feel comfortable around and enjoy talking about. Kitchens include an array of appliances — wine storage, built-in fryers and woks — even if they’re rarely used. Closets are painstakingly outfitted to hold every tee, bag, sling-back and tie. 

What are today’s luxury commodities? The luxury commodity of today isn’t that much different in essence than it has been for centuries. In the 18th century, one would travel by exquisite coach, hand-carved and gilded; while today, one cruises the road in a Maserati, Mercedes or Rolls Royce. A chased gold pocket watch of the past is today a Patek Philippe. For generations, an embellished desk of magnificent craftsmanship would be the place to pay bills or write a love note. Likewise, the current place to work on your laptop would be a surface, but less fussy in detail, allowing the sublime materials to shine. 

Can you share a couple of the priciest “objets” you’ve ever purchased/placed for a client? NO!!! LOL. I never talk too specifically, but I have had the opportunity to purchase the best of the best for some of my clients, and they have carried seven-figure price tags. 

Must “high design” always have a high price tag? Luxurious materials and complex craftsmanship have a price, but high design doesn’t always include those factors. My favorite glassware is from CB2 and costs $2.25 each. They’re so reasonable I have hundreds and never rent a glass for a party. 

What’s your favorite tradeshow, market or fair to shop for high design? The world has so many, but last year I found the PAD Fair and Masterpiece in London both inspiring and shoppable. 

What can you tell us about the Jamie Drake for Theodore Alexander Collection? The initial introduction includes almost 50 pieces of upholstery and case goods. The designs are typical of the pieces I have been designing and buying for my private clients over the last 35 years: bold and clean-lined, yet rich. The collection is very sophisticated – contemporary but not minimal – just like the interiors I design today. 

What one piece in the new collection are you most excited about? I love all my new children, but I’m especially excited by the Yoke bed, with its simple-yet-inviting, cushioned, upholstered headboard. It’s crowned by a sensuous curving yoke wrapped in mother-of-pearl and capped with polished brass. The upholstered base has glistening mother-of-pearl legs. 

What home category would you like to design for that you aren’t currently designing for? Tabletop 

When the idea well runs dry, how do you get your creative juices flowing? If I’m lucky, a trip – business or vacation – is never too far off. But honestly, living in NYC, I can just take an hour’s walk on Madison Avenue or pop into a few art galleries near my apartment in Chelsea. Now that’s seriously good fortune. 

Describe the Drake Design residential client: Bold, sophisticated, informed and witty. In their late 20s or late 70s, and we have both and in between. They are interested or involved in the arts, even if they work in finance or technology. They like things that are different and surprising, but insist upon comfort, function and custom solutions. 

Are you working in luxury markets outside the U.S.? Our current work is all in the United States, but some projects are for foreign clients who are creating pied-a-terres (granted, of enormous square footage) in New York City. 

How many people are on staff at Drake Design Associates? Seven designers, five architects, one support (and she’s key!) 

Does social media play into your clients’ inspirations or choices? No impact yet that I can discern. Or very, very little. Of the 30 clients we’ve worked with in the last two years, only two have shared Pinterest inspirations.

If I were redecorating a new home on a limited budget, completely from scratch with no furnishings, what should I budget the most dollars for – furniture or accessories? The furniture first. The accessories can always come later, along with a search of the back of your kitchen cabinets or closets. A plain but well-shaped cereal bowl – with Gummy Bears to pick up a pillow’s accent colors – might just be the perfect quick fix on an empty end table. 

If Jamie Drake were unavailable, what interior designer would you most like to have design your next residence? There are so many fantastic designers in the world: Jacques Grange, Jay Jeffers, Thierry Despont, Peter Marino, Rafael de Cardenas, Bunny Williams… I would probably be very happy in any of their creations. Maybe I’ll buy six houses and let each do one! But seriously, the list could go on and on. I’m awed by talent and find each unique point-of-view fascinating. 

Anything else you’d like to tell the world about Jamie Drake or Drake Design Associates? Someday I hope to check into a Jamie Drake designed hotel!

Website: drakedesignassociates.com