We had the good fortune of connecting with Dylan George and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dylan, what makes you happy? Why?
Doing what I love makes me happy and content. I love to design, innovate, curate and create. My brain does not stop thinking about how things are and what they can be. Sit me down with a sketch pad and a pen and I’ll just draw whatever structure I see in my head. It grounds me, especially when things get overwhelming. I taught myself to not dwell on things and keep moving forward, and sketching was the way for me to do that.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Opening up a studio in Phoenix has been a pipe dream. I got my start in the southwest by connecting with a local shop called For the People in Uptown Phoenix. I visited the valley for the first time in 2016 where I met the owners, Shawn and Chad. For the People is a modern design store that emphasizes local artisans, global makers and a well-curated art collection. Oh and did I mention there’s a coffee shop called Kream inside too?

When I figured out I wanted to move here, I was super busy as a senior residential designer and I couldn’t just leave my clients and work behind with no personal or professional game plan. I kept in touch with Shawn and Chad since they had discussed me building out a design studio in their space. I pitched my idea, later named Design Hub, to them. Design Hub is the place to find tailored residential and commercial design services where I help guide my clients to make their vision come to life. I’m excited for what Design Hub’s long-term goal is: a place of education, innovation and unique curations all in the name of design. And there’s a ton of hard work, dedication and optimism put into every connection and event to be successful.

In all my experiences, Washington and now in Arizona, I know that running your own business and selling yourself is never easy. This kind of business and these clients need you, often all day, every day; the spaces I help create are their homes, places of work and more after all. I’ve learned challenges can be overcome by having the right attitude because the fear of failure can kill creativity. My advice to anyone in this field, or any field for that matter: keep sight of your end goals and understand any hurdles are just there to make you stronger.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I always start out with coffee. Whether it’s Kream for cold brew, Moxie for a pour over, Provision for an americano or something more immersive at Press Roastery, there are a ton of great coffee options here.

After that there are plenty of architecture and design spaces, many free and open to the public, to show off. Some of my favorites are the Phoenix Library, the Arabian Library in Scottsdale, Taliesin West (where I find most of my inspiration), the Desert Botanical Garden or the Railroad Park. Also head toward ASU and visit the art museum for great exhibit or two. Shopping for yourself or others? There’s Local Nomad, Phoenix General and Now or Never, all locally owned with their own unique style. Can’t forget For the People!

And then there’s food. For breakfast head to Windsor in Uptown. Run, don’t walk, to Palma for lunch. And for dinner I always enjoy Postino or Culinary Dropout. For drinks? There’s Pemberton, Canal Club, Rough Rider, Lylo. Cocktails not the vibe? PHX Beer Co., Greenwood and OHSO have great beer. Always remember to have an aesthetic, Instagram-worthy spot on the list! Cala, Tia Carmen, LUX Kierland and the Churchill are all unique and inspiring places. Sounds like a whole lot of eating and drinking. So be sure to visit these outdoor activities as well: Pinnacle Peak, Piestawa Peak, Camelback Mountain and Hole in the Rock.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I started my career young. I graduated and got right to work as an assistant to a designer in Washington, Anne Steward. She owned her business and was well-known throughout the area. We became the dynamic duo in town. Every day, Anne would challenge me to think more creatively and to pitch my ideas to our clients. Little did I know that she was grooming me to take over for her once she retired. The most important thing she ever taught me was to stay humble and treat every client as the one and only. It didn’t matter if their budget was big or small. Treat everyone and every project the same no matter what — I still think about that today.

Website: https://forthepeoplestore.com

Instagram: @DylanRGeorge

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