Designer of the Week: Dominic Competti

Dominic Competti is an interior architect and designer based in McLean, Virginia. Ever-inspired by a great "before and after," his passion is rooted in taking any home and transforming it into its full potential.

His business, Competti Residential, is the culmination of Dominic's 10+ years of experience leading high-end residential interior design and construction projects. Before launching in 2020, Dominic worked as a project manager for a design/build firm focused on full-scale interior renovations, additions and new construction. He also gained experience as a leading designer for RH, working for over four years on projects both domestic and international.

In addition to working on client projects, Dominic enjoys his own renovations and has flipped multiple homes over the past few years.

Why do you love interior design?

A huge part of what I love about interior design has to do with the close relationships that are often developed from the months-long projects. Design is fascinating to me because it reveals the unique backgrounds and stories of each person, how they currently live, and how they want to live within their homes. I think to have an interest in design is to also have a deep curiosity in people.

Describe your style in three words

Tailored, warm, masculine. I tend to gravitate toward very clean lines on upholstery silhouettes with mostly neutral and heavy-textural fabrics. Lighting is such an important consideration for every design and is key to creating a feeling of warmth. The more masculine aspect often comes from having a touch of black in every space. I also love to incorporate natural materials like a solid wood or stone on an occasional table.

Where do you find inspiration?

My clients are often a source of inspiration for me. Each person brings a unique perspective, shaped by their own experiences, culture and personal style. I love learning about where they've been and the existing pieces they have that are important to them. I think my role as a designer is to not only present my ideas but to also listen to my client's needs and help edit and elevate their point of view.

Name a current trend that you love.

Alabaster lighting. I love the dim, yet warm glow it provides. It’s technically a current trend, but one that still feels very timeless to me.

What's a trick of the trade that you live by?

Everything in the space should have a "friend" that it relates to (or in some cases a distant cousin).

Share the story of your project with Ernesta. How did the custom-sized rug make an impact? Any memorable reactions from your client? We'd love to hear the details.

The homeowner for this project had one question that guided her every decision: "Am I obsessed with this?" Her great sense of personal style and exceptional taste influenced decision-making for the interiors in the same way it does for clothing. There was a great deal of thought and discussion around every single piece we brought into each space. We struggled to find natural, off-white performance rugs that we could order in custom sizing. The bouclé-like feel of the Hope Spring rug was perfect for the primary bedroom as was the subtle chevron pattern of Velma for the formal dining room.

Share your approach to custom sizing rugs for a space. What factors do you consider to ensure a tailored fit and aesthetic harmony?

In our architecture studios in college we learned to measure three times and cut once when making physical models. I think I have the same approach when it comes to custom sizing for rugs. I spend a lot of time measuring and re-measuring and discussing what the end result will be with the client. CAD is obviously a great tool but there are always tweaks that are made from being in the actual space that you can't anticipate through furniture plans on the computer.

What is your idea of great design?

I think great design (for residential interiors specifically) happens when all of the singular elements that go into a space are brought together in a way that is balanced and harmonious. The end result is not only beautiful but highly functional for the user and enhances their quality of life. Great design has something slightly unexpected, and every piece has a story.

What are you reading or watching right now?

Watching: "The White Lotus"  

Reading: "Atomic Habits"

If you could design a home for one famous person / couple, who would it be?

I would love to work with someone like Diane Keaton or Meryl Streep on a real-life Nancy Meyers aesthetic, similar to the homes in "Something's Gotta Give" or "It's Complicated." I would love to see an “It’s Complicated 2” that features the addition to Meryl Streep’s house that Steve Martin designed ;)