My inspiration is my clients and their vision,” says Michael S. Smith, who added the Obama family to his client list when he won the White House commission in January 2009. The aesthetic of the Santa Monica, California-based designer, who divides his time between the West Coast and New York City, is a blend of classic European style and American modernism that he has applied to projects as different as a Malibu beach house and a Manhattan apartment.

“The idea is to incorporate the culture of the client and their family. Most clients who come to me are really involved in the creative process of it.” Smith has a line of furniture and fabrics called Jasper, in addition to carpet, lighting and tile collections. He serves on the board of trustees of his alma mater, Otis College of Art and Design, and is the honorary chairman of the 2010 Red Cross Designers’ Show House.

Michael S. Smith

310-315-3018

ichaelsmithincom