While growing up in Key West, FL, Matthew Quinn spent the summers of his childhood helping his father build new houses made from concrete. Quinn and his father, who worked as an elementary school principal, would live in each completed home until they finished building the next one the following summer. "The knowledge I gained from actually constructing a home has been invaluable," Quinn said. "In my adult life, living in a house for more than a year has been quite strange." Today, Quinn, principal of Atlanta-based Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio, applies this knowledge to creating top-of-the-line kitchens and baths in homes located in Georgia and across the United States. The founder of the Matthew Quinn Collection, a new showroom concept for luxury kitchen, bath and architectural hardware, he has received numerous design awards, including first place in the National Sub-Zero/Wolf Kitchen Design Competition, and is one of five members on the International Design Council for Sub-Zero/Wolf. Currently, he is developing a book on kitchen design and remodeling.

What is the most intriguing aspect of your job?
How a great design can completely change a family's dynamics. Design can allow them to spend more time together, save time and money, eat healthier, be safer, etc. I also love the experience of watching a thought materialize into a product or space. I love that my designs can translate to the most amazing projects.

What "words of wisdom" can/do you share with others?
Stop talking and listen. Never sacrifice quality over quantity. Learn how to light a room well. Fill what's empty and empty what's full.

What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
That design is all fun and there are no real business decisions being made, and designers work very little and make lots of money.

What are some of the proudest experiences in your career?
Winning first place in the National Sub-Zero/Wolf Kitchen Design competition at age 32. Launching my tub and sink designs for MTI Whirlpools at this year's KBIS. Running an international design firm that provides for and supports 35 families. 

What is the best thing that has happened to the design profession in the past five years?
Manufacturers now understand the power and value of a designer and have celebrated these relationships to further their brand and market share. In general, the philosophy of design is more understood by most Americans because of these relationships.

Who do you consider to be the most inspirational designers?
I am always attracted to the eccentric and avant-garde designers who have changed the definition of beauty, luxury and classicism: Philippe Starck, Frank Gehry, Dolce and Gabbana, Santiago Calatrava…

What is your favorite product that you've designed?
My Intarcia tub for MTI Whirlpools is not only functional and comfortable, but I love how it can be customized to look perfect in a traditional or modern interior.

Is designing a kitchen or bath product different from designing other types of products? How?
Kitchen and bath products have to be more practical and utilitarian than some other household items; but then what is the point of designing a product that has no apparent function? Kitchen and bath products certainly have more exposure to the elements and are used more often than products designed for use in the living room. I have always been a form follows function kind of designer.  

If you could change one thing about your last project, what would it be?
I wish I could have successfully convinced my client to wait the extra three weeks for the "perfect" slab of marble for her countertops.

What's the coolest thing you ever put in one of your projects?
I like to think of myself as the 007 of kitchen design. I love concealing appliances, putting ovens on lifts and making hoods retract into walls and ceilings and cooktops and sinks disappear into islands.  

Do you have a signature style? Personal design philosophy?
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

What are some issues that you're passionate about?
In everything I do, I always strive for being the best. I work tirelessly to find the best solution within the best design. I have learned the value of a dollar and take spending my clients' money wisely very seriously.

What's the one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven't yet?
I want to become more philanthropic. I want to grow back my hair.  

People would be surprised to find out that you…?
Won "best hair" in high school.

What do you like to do in your spare time when not designing?
Travel and read shelter magazines.

Tell us about your favorite/ideal customer?
A passionate, avid cook who loves color, has a sense of adventure and is not concerned about what their neighbors think...and owns a house with lots of windows.

What would you be doing if you weren't in your current profession?
A back-up dancer for Beyoncé. OK…the architect for Beyoncé.

What was your most difficult design challenge? How did you resolve it?
Convincing the lead visionary on a project that I appreciate their vision but only want to add another layer to it has been a challenge; but with grace and respect and persistence, I have always succeeded and those projects are better because of it.

How long is your typical workday?
I work 12 hours a day during the week, seven hours on Saturday and three hours on Sunday.

What moment in your life inspired you to get into the business?
A soul-searching trip to Paris after college.

What is your favorite place on earth?
Paris.

What is your greatest strength as a designer?
My passion, confidence, eagerness to listen and learn, and enthusiasm to make a difference.

Do you derive any ideas from nature or other disciplines? Music? Theater? Literature?
Architecture inspires my ideas the most, followed by nature and movies.

If you could have a five-minute conversation with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Jesus Christ. I would ask him to write his own book so others would not have to interpret his teachings. I would ask him to be crystal clear with his message so no ambiguity could lead to destructive behavior by his followers.

Who are your role models?
My father for his drive. My partner, Ric, for teaching me to relax. Mick de Giulio for his consistent attention to detail. Jamie Drake for his style, Doug Durbin (NuHaus) for his ability to balance life and work and Mike Duva (Downsview) for his old-school way of business where a hand shake and your word matter more.