USU grad returns as renowned designer
“Be inspired.”
That’s the motto one Utah State University instructor lives by.
Darrin Brooks is well on his way to inspiring others; he recently had his work published in the Spring 2003 edition of Better Homes and Gardens Bedroom and Bath.
Brooks, an instructor for the interior design department, graduated from USU in 1995. He moved to Connecticut, where he and a business partner established a design business called Brooks-Sturtevant: Design, Decoration and Antiques. Brooks returned to USU in August 2002 to accept a teaching position.
“After Sept. 11 the economy was taking a downturn,” Brooks said. “I have a family with two children and I was looking for areas of growth financially … I was competing with the best in New York.”
Brooks said he likes being able to share with his students the resources available to them with design and where to find them. In his design business he has used hand-woven fabric that cost $2,000 a yard and fabrics that have been used in the White House.
“I find design a very giving thing and teaching a very giving thing as well,” Brooks said. “It is nice to do that for students. It is nice for me when a student comes in at the end of the day and says ‘you have no idea how much you’ve inspired us.'”
He is teaching 20 credits this semester at USU, but specializes in residential design and the history of architecture and
interiors.
“I always have to be inspired. I want students to know who the best [designers] are so we can follow in their footsteps,” Brooks said.
Michelle Wheatley, a sophomore majoring in family and consumer science education, said Brooks is always prepared and very excited about everything he’s teaching.
“He’s not one of those teachers that comes to class and just wings it,” she said. “He likes the stuff he’s teaching, he’s very experienced, and he knows what he’s talking about.”
She said he showed her class his portfolio, and she was very impressed.
“He showed us before and after pictures, and he totally changed the rooms and made them look so much better,” Wheatley said.
Jan Fluckiger, a sophomore majoring in interior design, said, “He pushes you to be your best. I’ve seen his work; he’s pretty amazing. He does high residential stuff and it’s amazing.”
Brooks said his favorite styles are classical and contemporary, but a good designer doesn’t choose his own favorite styles for a project. The rooms he designs should be a reflection of the client.
“If they’re content and free-spirited, the room should reflect that,” he said. “Whatever the client is about is what I’m about. It’s nice for a client to walk into a room and have it be a reflection of them.”
Brooks said he has designed rooms ranging from $10,000 to $200,000. Sometimes he’s assigned to do a room on a smaller budget but he still has to make it look as good as a more expensive one.
“It is nice when people call me and say, ‘Oh I’m still in love with my room.’ Then you know you’ve really done a good job,” Brooks said. “As a designer I want to convert people. I want them to take full ownership [of my design] and love it and be passionate about it.”
One person who intrigues and inspires this teacher is Thomas Jefferson. He loves how he designed his Monticello estate. He said when Jefferson was designing Monticello he thought of everything — not only the look and feel of the interior, but the functionality of the space and furniture.
“He was out to enlighten and teach people. I can’t think of a better philosophy,” Brooks said.
He said he was really happy when he found out he was published in Better Homes and Gardens Bedroom and Bath. It had been one of his personal goals.
“It’s nice to work hard and see the fruits of your labor, long after the room is finished,” Brooks said. “Lots of us have dreams … life is about working hard and taking lots of risks. Once you’ve worked hard, rewards come to you.”
–erina@cc.usu.edu