Our speaker for this month’s theme ("Space") is Patrick Thompson of Patrick Thompson Design. We visited Patrick and his team’s design studio in Midtown, Detroit this week (talk about work space envy) and asked Patrick four essential questions about how and why he became a designer and what types of design he admires:

1. CreativeMornings/Detroit: Patrick, you have told us a little before about how you came to design through craftsmanship first. Can you tell us a little bit more about how you made the jump to design and what the inspiration was?

Patrick Thompson: I originally thought the only way to get into this field was by way of construction and crafting. When I was working a carpenter after my first bachelors degree, I used to to eaves drop on the architect/ owners and designer meetings.  I would find something to work on as close to their meetings as possible just so I could listen in. I remember always having opinions of my own on how they could solve whatever problem or concerns they were discussing. It was so difficult for me to keep my mouth shut. A couple of times  I added my two cents and everyone n the meeting would pause and shoot me the " the who the hell is that guy look" and move on.  This is when I knew what I wanted to do. I was 24 years old and figured it out.- I interviewed several designers and architects and decided that design was more up my alley.

2. CreativeMornings/Detroit: What is the one thing that people most underestimate about the power of great design in our working and living environments?

Patrick Thompson: I think people don’t understand the impact good or bad design can have. Materials, lighting, planning all makes a major difference in the user’s experience.

3. CreativeMornings/Detroit: Outside of the spaces that PTD has designed, what is your most favorite space in Detroit and why? And then what about beyond Detroit- in the world?

Patrick Thompson: I would have to say the lobby of the Guardian Building is one of my favorite spaces to visit in the city. I never grow tired of it. There is a Four Seasons Hotel in Budapest that is located in the old Gresham Palace and the lobby at the Public hotel in Chicago are two of my favorites.

4. CreativeMornings/Detroit: In one sentence, how would you describe your creative process?

Patrick Thompson: My creative process is always different and needs to happen naturally. Cheesy but true.

Join us tomorrow, Friday July 12th, in the Kresge Court of the Detroit Institute of the Arts to hear more from Patrick and to view the beautiful redesign of the space that he and his team have created. Check-in starts at 8:30am, and the event starts at 9:00. www.creativemornings.com