New Birmingham Design Firm Builds Future On Reverence For Past
Furniture World News Desk on
4/15/2021
“Great design tells a story,” says Gary Inman, founder of Gary Inman Home Couture. “It starts with the story of the people who will live in the home. In a city with such a rich history as Birmingham, though, it expands to convey a sense of place. It is rare today to find a designer – particularly a young designer – who has the deep appreciation of history required to express a sense of place, as well as the knowledge and skill to create spaces that are both fresh and timeless. Zach Hodgin is one of those rare designers. That’s why I’m so excited to announce that he will lead our Birmingham studio.”
“I am a self-proclaimed lover of historical architecture and decorative arts,” says Hodgin. “My eye for design looks toward the future with an appreciation for the past. Working from this perspective, I strive to create spaces that are relaxing, beautiful, and elegant.”
Though new to the Birmingham area, Gary Inman Home Couture has a rich history of its own. Throughout his three-decade career, Inman has built a reputation for advancing the art of fine living in the design of more than 300 homes, as well as luxury resorts, hotels, and furnishings. His work on the residences of many of today’s most respected corporate leaders, as well as clients such as the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Pinehurst Resort, Duke University, Elm Court, the Emily Thorn Vanderbilt Estate, and Hilton Hotels has been recognized with 18 ASID-IIDA awards. He has also been honored with the Elevate Award as the Top Luxury Hospitality Designer.
“Gary’s extensive experience in this field includes work for some of America’s oldest and most respected architectural firms, teaching at Savannah College of Art and Design, and running a purchasing firm that sources products for hospitality projects,” says Hodgin. “He truly knows every aspect of this business. Working together, we will bring a uniquely sophisticated aesthetic to Birmingham, redolent of tradition and awake to new possibilities, expressive of our clients’ greatest dreams while always remaining mindful of their budgets and schedules.”
About Gary Inman: In addition to his work as an interior designer, Gary holds positions on the Advisory Board of the Interior Design Department of High Point University, as well as the boards of the Bienenstock Furniture Library, and the International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD). He is a sought-after speaker at various design trade events, and serves as an advisor to the High Point Market Style Spotters. A proponent of innovative entrepreneurs, he works as a brand ambassador for 60 Grit Studio, and on the Advisory Board for Ronati, a leading E-Commerce site for Antiques and Collectibles. He has contributed to several books about design, and his work has been featured in Verandah, House Beautiful, Elle Décor, The Washington Post, Boutique Design, and Hospitality Design.
About Zach Hodgin: Launching his design career in 2012 as a stylist for a leading home furnishings photography studio, Hodgin developed vignettes for brands such as Macy’s, Horchow for Neiman Marcus, and Michael Amini. As his career progressed, he advanced into showroom styling and merchandising for leading luxury home furnishings brands, including Birmingham’s own Gabby Home. He began working as an interior designer in 2017, at the Julian Price Designer Showhouse for Southern Home Magazine. His current practice spans the full range of the design discipline, from presentation to development, specifying, overseeing delivery, installation, styling, and accessorizing. At the 2021 Fall High Point Market, Zach will be the subject of an important exhibit, The Eye and The Hand, at the Bienenstock Furniture Library, American’s largest collection of books on design.