Headquartered in Tribeca, NYC, since 2003, Damon Liss Design is a nationally recognized interior design and architecture studio that combines the warmth, integrity, and accessibility of a local atelier with the level of talent, artistry, and material resources available only through New York City’s top-tier, full-service design firms. Under the creative direction of Liss, the firm’s storefront in Tribeca has become a staple in the community, bringing together friends and collaborators to create unique, detailed, restrained, and harmonious spaces with collectible vintage pieces spanning decades and continents.

Providing both interior design and interior architecture services, the teams work together from inception to project completion to ensure a symbiotic design process. Through this partnership, the influence of each department’s design intent can come together to shape a thoughtful home for our clients that will stand the test of time. Our collaboration extends beyond our team, working closely with skilled craftsmen and artisans whose relationships we have entrusted for years. 

Damon Liss Design has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, HC&G, Interior Design Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal, among many others.

1. Could you tell us how your journey into interior design started?

Design has been a part of my life since I was a child. I grew up surrounded by craftsmanship, thanks to my father’s bespoke clothing shop, Women’s Haberdashers, which had locations in New York, Paris, and London from the 1950s to the 1980s. As a young boy, I spent a lot of time in the shop, watching him work and seeing firsthand how much care went into every detail. His dedication to quality and artistry left a lasting impression on me and sparked my love for design.

After finishing my studies, I bought an apartment in Atlanta, which I renovated myself and later sold. That experience taught me how much I enjoyed the creative process of turning a space into something beautiful and functional. That moment made me realize I wanted to pursue interior design more seriously, so I moved back to New York, enrolled at Parsons School of Design, and eventually landed an internship with Noel Jeffrey, a well-known designer.

2. Do you think there has been a defining moment in your career?

I wouldn’t say there’s one specific moment, but I can point to the early support I received from close friends as a turning point in my career. These friends trusted me with their homes and allowed me to create spaces that reflected both their style and my design vision. Their belief in me was incredibly encouraging and gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.

Years later, one of those very homes was featured on the cover of Elle Decor. That was a meaningful moment for me—it wasn’t just about the recognition but about seeing their trust in me come full circle. It felt like a beautiful reward for all the risks I had taken creatively, and it reminded me of how vital those early relationships were in shaping my path.

3. What do you think is the key to a successful interior design? And in your business in general?

Trust in the creative process and the relationship between the designer and client is at the core of every successful design. Although it may sound simple, trust is the foundation of everything we do. Interior design is a personal experience. It’s not just about making a space look beautiful but about understanding the client’s needs and desires and translating those into something tangible and meaningful. Without trust, that connection and collaboration can’t fully happen.

My work also involves building strong relationships and treating everyone with respect—from the craftsmen and artisans to the project managers and suppliers. When those values are in place, the result is always a cohesive and well-thought-out project. Great design is never just about the individual pieces but about the way everyone comes together to create something that truly resonates.

We start each project by listening—really listening. Every client is unique, and understanding their needs, tastes, and vision is the first step in the design process. I believe interior design isn’t about pushing one’s style onto a space but about finding a balance between the designer’s expertise and the client’s preferences. The goal is always to create a space that feels like a true partnership, where both sides unite in harmony.

To ensure we’re on the right track, we begin programming by deepening our understanding of the client’s practical and emotional needs. This phase allows us to approach the project with intention, ensuring that everything we do aligns with the client’s needs.

From there, we move into the more creative aspects—developing ideas, sourcing materials, and fine-tuning the overall look and feel. This is where the design starts to come to life. Our goal is always to create spaces that are beautiful and functional, where every element serves a purpose and contributes to the overall flow of the room. Throughout the process, we stay focused on the client’s vision, continuously refining and adapting until the space becomes a natural reflection of who they are.

5. What was one of the hardest learned lessons in your journey?

This story always makes me smile, though at the time, it was anything but funny! Early in my career, I was working on a project where I provided the paint color reference to the contractor—simply by the color number, without specifying the shade’s number and name. When I returned to check on the progress, I was greeted by an entire apartment painted in an unexpected shade of fuchsia—a vibrant, bold color that was clearly not the intended hue.

It was one of those moments when time seemed to stand still. However, we were fortunate to act quickly and address the issue without delaying the project timeline or impacting the installation date. We swiftly corrected the mistake and restored the original design vision while keeping everything on track.

That incident became a valuable lesson in the importance of precision and clear communication.

6. What was the best advice you have received in your path?

One of the best pieces of advice I received early on came from a designer I worked with at Noel Jeffrey. He told me, “Be careful when taking on projects for a flat fee—you might end up doing a lot more work than you planned for, and you won’t always be compensated for it.”

I didn’t fully appreciate what he meant at the time, but as I started taking on more projects, I quickly realized how true that advice was. Interior design is rarely a straightforward process; things shift, evolve, and change as the project moves forward. What might seem like a clear, well-defined scope of work can quickly expand, and without a proper structure in place, it can lead to situations where you’re putting in more time and effort than you initially expected—without the extra compensation.

That advice really taught me the importance of setting clear boundaries and managing expectations upfront. It also made me realize that it’s crucial to have contracts that protect both the client and the designer.

7. What would be your advice to beginner interior designers?

I would advise remembering that interior design is about much more than creativity. While creativity is key, you also need strong project management skills to stay organized and keep everything running smoothly. Being patient is crucial, too—things don’t always go as planned, and being flexible when challenges arise will help you overcome them.

A big part of the job is understanding people. Design is deeply personal, and each client has their own needs and vision. Listening and connecting with them is just as important as selecting the right materials.

Finally, hospitality plays a huge role. Creating warm, comfortable, and welcoming spaces will make all the difference. Balancing creativity with practicality, being patient with the process, and truly connecting with clients will help you succeed.

8. What are your favorite pieces from the Philia Collection?

All photos © Joshua McHugh