Good Shepherd Center Interview: Nadia Geller

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Nadia Geller

As the principal of her eponymous design firm, Nadia Geller has crafted the design experiences of sales galleries, show houses, community areas and model homes across the country. In addition to her work with successful builders and developers, Geller has designed offices, private residences, mobile tours and luxury events for discerning clientele. Her work as a stager with Sotheby’s International Realty and Coldwell Banker has given her a reputation of knowing what sells; as all of the properties she has staged have sold within 5 weeks.

Born in Chicago, Geller honed her design savvy in NYC. With her first position out of school at ABC Carpet and Home in Manhattan, she rose to Visual Manager in less than 6 weeks. Helming the mecca’s signature furniture merchandising and leading a team of 15 creative all stars; Geller’s work can be seen in numerous movies, television shows and celebrity homes. As her reputation for creating trendsetting and fashion forward vignettes grew, so did her clientele. In 2003, she formed Nadia Geller Designs. NGD is a multi dimensional firm specializing in creating spaces for the building community. Her first venture into show house design was soon to become her focus and passion. The award winning firm is the home to talented designers, project managers and skilled craftsmen. We are a proud member of the National Association of Home Builders.

Having worked on over 100 episodes of television, Geller is also a nationally recognized and respected host and designer on Emmy nominated programs such as "Trading Spaces" and "While You Were Out” for TLC. She resides in the Hollywood Hills with her family.

After working with Nadia on a previous shelter project, I was thrilled to get a chance to chat with her about the upcoming GSCDP.

TP: How did you hear about the GS Center Design Project?
NG: Vanessa DeVargas helms the Designers Networking Group along with the GS Design Project. I am a member of DNG and heard about it at a meeting.  There is nothing more rewarding for me than to create spaces that are needed. 

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
NG: I designed a room last year for Upward Bound House and enjoyed the process and results of giving back in the best way I know how.  I jumped on the chance again.

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?
NG: The biggest challenge is pulling a room together based on donations.  Because there is a variety of items that you can get from generous donors the biggest challenge is creating a cohesive space that has a clear concept, is functional for the inhabitants and is attractive. 

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
NG: I don't have an inspirational photo yet. My goal is to use as many donated items as I can and find inspiration from a key piece.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
NG: I love a finished space and I look forward to that moment of seeing all the pieces come together.  Also, because this is pro bono and many women will be living in the space, it is great moment when the shelter gives you updates about how much the spaces were loved.  I am a true believer that an uplifting and well done interior can change lives. 

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small? 
NG: The best advice I can give is to use all the space you can. Furniture pieces should be multi-functional and it is important to utilize space underneath furniture and wall space above.