# Thomas Pheasant

Thomas Pheasant (born 1955) is an American interior designer known for his Washington, D.C. design studio and collaboration with Baker and McGuire Furniture.

## Early life and educational journey

Thomas Pheasant was born in Washington, D.C. in 1955 and later raised in a split-level house in Adelphi, Maryland.
Pheasant demonstrated an interest in interior design by redesigning his own bedroom at the age of 9 after being inspired by an Auntie Mame story in which the protagonist redecorated her apartment. His design changes included dyeing his bedspread, adding decorations and changing his furniture.
Pheasant attended the University of Maryland where he studied architecture. In his second year, he became interested in interior design after a one-on-one presentation with a professor who told him he had a connection with interior spaces.
While in college, Pheasant volunteered at a fabric showroom. He thought this would be a good way to meet designers and be able to network with them. Six months into working there he overheard designer Victor Shargai telling the manager he was looking for an assistant. Pheasant set up a meeting with Shargaj and put together a portfolio filled with fake projects. He got the job and worked in the back room folding clothes and returning items to the showroom. After four years, he was approached about a project and decided to take it as he was unable to take any side jobs with his assistant position. Due to Pheasant's youth and inexperience, he was fired by his first client as he didn't fully understand what they wanted.
His career began after college in the early 1970s when he bought a derelict house. After his renovation was complete, the local paper called him "Washington's new, young, 'radically spare' designer".

## Career

In 2013, Pheasant started a Washington, D.C. based company called Thomas Pheasant Studios which is a collection of limited-edition furniture. The studio aims to "be an actively moving force that is inspired as much by history and nature as it is by the unique talents of the artisans and craftsmen". The first collection launched in 2013 focused on decomposition looking at nature. He has worked on many residential and commercial projects throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. He has worked on the Hay-Adams Hotel and with BET co-founder Sheila Johnson. One of his notable works was decorating and designing the Blair House, the active guest house in the White House. Pheasant was hired in 2012 by the Blair House Restoration Fund to refresh the Blair House after it had sustained wear and tear.
Pheasant was named "Dean of American Design" by Architectural Digest US in 2005 and Andrew Martin International Designer of the Year. He was also the first American designer to exhibit at the Pavillon des Antiquaries et des Beaux Arts in Paris.
Pheasant is currently working on Georgetown's Rosewood Hotel, specifically designing the interiors of “the six new, 1,000-square-foot townhouses.”

### Collections
#### Baker

Baker was a luxury furniture brand which Pheasant launched a collection at 2002. The collection was titled The Thomas Pheasant Collection and was made up of furniture described by Sheffield Furniture as "[using] simplicity, bold silhouettes and clean finishes." The collection exhibits neoclassical influences and demonstrates an idea which Pheasant refers to as "bridging the past to the present."
Exceptional Living describes his Baker Furniture collection as “modern, elegant and distinctive” and that he is able to “evoke a feeling of calm, luxurious comfort.”

#### McGuire

Pheasant made two separate collections with McGuire, The Thomas Pheasant Collection and The Thomas Pheasant Outdoor Collection. The Thomas Pheasant Collection focuses on indoor furniture which uses McGuire's signature materials of rattan core, leather, cast bronze, glass and stone mixed with Pheasant's design style. The Thomas Pheasant Outdoor Collection focuses on outdoor environments consisting of functional and versatile pieces.

### Book

In 2013, Pheasant co-authored a book with Victoria Sant titled Simply Serene which was published by Rizzoli International Publications.

## Style

Pheasant's design style has been described as "contemporary dimension to classical design." He has stated that his style is inspired by traditional architecture from around the world.
Taste of Life Magazine called his design philosophy “classic minimalism, tradition, and vision with a balanced tranquility.”

## Publications

* Simply Serene by Thomas Pheasant (2013)
* Interior Design Master Class (2016)
* Decorating with Carpets: The Stark Tradition (2015)
* Jonas: The Art of Fine Upholstery (2015)
* Robert A.M. Stern, Buildings & Projects 2004-2009 (2009)
* Regency Redux (2008)
* House Beautiful Colors for Your Home (2008)
* Spectacular Homes of Greater Washington (2006)
* American Designers' Houses (2004)
* Eclectic Style in Interior Design (1998)
* Showcase of Interior Design (1997)
* Mirror by Design: Using Reflection to Transform (1996)