Designer profile: Kirsten and Darrell Becker

The Monogram Experience Center (MEC) brings designers to Louisville, Kentucky, for three-day experiences to learn about Monogram, the design process, our appliances – and even cook with them! We interviewed each designer to learn a little more about their background and design experiences.

Today’s profile highlights Kirsten and Darrell Becker with Becker Studios in Santa Barbara, California.

Kirsten and Darrell Becker, recent participants at the Monogram Experience Center in Louisville, Kentucky

SRFD: How did you become interested in design?

Kirsten and Darrell: We have always been taken by that relaxed, perfectly satisfied feeling you get in a space that’s done right. But we are more affected by what’s wrong in a space! When it just feels a tad bit off or seriously awkward, that’s what inspires us to look at it from different angles and create a certain mood and better flow that puts anyone that enters it in a “feel good” place. After working separately for many years, Kirsten, a designer, and Darrell, a custom builder, found that collaboratively, their work exceeded expectations, so Becker Studios was established as a one-stop shop for design/build projects. We always stick to two mottos. First: Dream. Design. Build. Then: Rearrange, Refine, and LIVE!

SRFD: Tell us about a recent project you really enjoyed.

Kirsten and Darrell: We recently completed a massive commercial development project – The Mill. The Mill is a marketplace featuring local merchants with Santa Barbara roots. We purchased the property, had a vision for it, designed it, processed it, built it and procured the proper tenant mix to bring it to life. What’s special about The Merchants is that they all produce and serve their products – beer, wine, BBQ and more – on site, so it is the ultimate inception to finish experience. The Mill also includes our offices and Becker Studios’ design outlet, Millworks. As a brand extension of Becker Studios, it features our own unique furnishings and designs. We sourced recycled barn wood from Wyoming and created custom, one-of-a-kind hardware, gates and panels to make it feel of era and authentic. It has been a long road, but the results are beyond what we pictured. We are thrilled to watch our vision come to life on such a large scale! Anyone can watch our journey through @themillsb on Instagram!

SRFD: A trend you’re over?

Kirsten and Darrell: Restoration Hardware knocking off every cool, unique relic that ever existed – and doing a great job at it!

SRFD: A trend you’re excited about?

Kirsten and Darrell: Raw, authentic goods displayed at the heart of design. Living finishes are comfortable to soak in, plus they are low maintenance and better for the environment.

SRFD: What did you learn in Louisville?

Kirsten and Darrell: Appliances not only need to be user friendly and super functional, but also on the cutting edge of design. And not all designers are good cooks…even with Advantium at their fingertips!

Follow along with Kirsten and Darrell on Instagram at @beckerstudios.