Creator of some of this country’s most glamorous spaces, New York-based designer Jamie Drake believes that the best décor expresses personality and place.

Fascinated by color and design from an early age, Jamie interned in Angelo Donghia’s office while studying at Parson’s. Upon graduating, he launched his namesake firm, Drake Design Associates.

Over the past three decades, he has created interiors for a star-studded roster of clients, including a Los Angeles showplace for Madonna and multiple projects for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (the renovation of Gracie Mansion and his private townhouse, to name just two). He also has collaborated on numerous collections: Rug collections for Roubini and Safavieh; a furniture line for Lewis Mittman; bathroom fixtures for THG; fabrics for Schumacher; sinks for Elkay, and bath accessories for Labrazel.

Jamie’s projects regularly appear in the pages of Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, French Architectural Digest, House Beautiful and The New York Times, among other publications. Known for his quick wit and his great personal style, the designer has appeared on Bloomberg TV, LXTV Open House, and HGTV Top Ten.

His shelf full of industry honors includes his 2011 induction into the ASID College of Fellows as well as his 2003 triple crown: Interior Design magazine’s Interior Design Hall of Fame, IFDA New York

Circle of Excellence for Interior Design, and Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year. A recipient of the 2000 D & D Designers of Distinction Award, Jamie sits on several prestigious boards, among them the New York Community Trust and the Historic House Trust Directors’ Council. In addition to the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club Decorator Show House, he has created rooms for numerous show houses, among them: Metropolitan Home’s Showtime Show House, House Beautiful’s Chicago Show House and the Southampton Rogers Memorial Library Show House.

Jamie Drake has taken a major role at the nexus of design and philanthropy, notably as chair of The Alpha Workshops, a New York nonprofit that trains and employs creative HIV-positive individuals. "We’ve worked hard to become the darling of the interior design industry," he says, who first came to The Alpha Workshops as a client and in 2001 joined the board. "What we can do to create jobs in this time and place in America and the world couldn’t be more important." The V&M sale is part of this important effort.

Lighting is so important to a space, from overhead, natural light, to soft light from lamps and even candles. These selections vary in type and style but I love them all!

Seating is extremely functional but why can’t it be unique and beautiful too? These seating picks are quite diverse in style, but would be able to go beautifully if combined with other pieces that enhance their uniqueness. There are no rules when combining historical periods!

Mirrors can be like jewelry in a space. They dance light around the room and add dimension.