Native Californian Jeff Andrews did not begin his professional life in the world of design. In fact, his childhood ambitions lay in dance, for "the concept of movement has always fascinated me," he noted. This fascination led him to a career as a choreographer and director of fashion-themed productions around the world for such companies as Reebok, Puma, Ocean Pacific and Obermeyer. He has also choreographed the Lido in Paris, as well as several commercials and music videos. Andrews made the switch from dance when he was asked to design a home for Eleanor Mondale, daughter of former Vice President Walter Mondale. The project proved pivotal, opening the door to others with Mondale, as well as with such celebrities as Ryan Seacrest, America Ferrera and Michael C. Hall. Andrews has since styled homes in the Hollywood Hills, the Hamptons and Beverly Hills, as well as Rome, and his interiors have been featured in various publications, including Architectural Digest, Metropolitan Home and Vogue Living. More recently, his work appeared on the cover of the book, The Luxury Bathroom, by Samantha Nestor.

What learning experience has had the most impact on you?
I have had the advantage of much on-the-job training. It can be a blessing and a curse. In design, every decision and detail is important; it is all an integral part of the final result. Making mistakes along the way has taught me the importance of details, organization and triple-checking everything. Things are not always the same on paper as they are in person. Also, technicalities aside, it is often the "feeling" a room has that makes it work, not just the sum of its parts.

What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
That design is easy and just about taste. Once a client sees all the work that goes into every aspect of a project, they understand what an asset a designer can be.

What "words of wisdom" can/do you share with others?
Pay attention to details. Always have a master plan but leave room for evolution. Be completely honest; anything else is a waste of time. Oh, and never say never.

Do you have a signature style? Personal design philosophy?
A signature style has always eluded me. Each project is unique and evolves accordingly, as does my own personal style. My goal is to create spaces that are beautifully energetic, warm, personal and livable.

What is the most intriguing aspect of your job?
With each project, there is the chance to make someone's life more beautiful and to create new and exciting spaces. The trust that my clients have in me is amazing.

What do you hate about it?
The possibility of failure, mostly in my own eyes.

What is the best thing that has happened to the profession in the past five years?
I feel that green design has come a long way. We now have the products to choose from that are as beautiful as they are responsible.

Tell us about your favorite/ideal customer.
I like clients to challenge me. I love a highly collaborative relationship with a clear common goal. The design process is as personal and intricate as any other connection. Respect, patience and trust are the traits I most admire in a client. 

Tell us about your favorite/ideal supplier?
Working with me requires patience. The best dealers are willing to go through the entire process with me and are just as dedicated to the final outcome as I am. I have several people without whom my design process would be much less enjoyable. Derek Penfield at Ann Sacks in Los Angeles is one of the best.

Do you have any professional pet peeves?
Lead times for products. Crazy!

What was the price tag on the most expensive kitchen or bath you designed?
A bathroom for just under $100k

How long is your typical workday?
Eight hours, give or take. I love my staff so the time flies.

What was your most difficult design challenge? How did you resolve it?
There was a vent pipe inside the wall of a condo I was renovating. The wall was removed to create a wall of windows. The pipe could not be moved, so I designed a floating bar to conceal it, which turned out to be quite sculptural and effective. It now appears to be a design decision rather than a challenge.

What is your favorite product?
Tile. I love its multidimensional quality and how it stands the test of time. Paint is right up there, though.

When you walk into a kitchen or bath you didn't design, what do you tend to notice first?
The design decisions, what I admire about them as much as what I disagree with. I tend to think most kitchens and baths are overdesigned. I prefer classic rooms with a customized edge and beautiful materials used creatively and wisely.

What's the coolest thing you ever put in one of your projects?
Streetlights from 1910 (as pendants) in a contemporary beach house…fantastic.

What do you do to relax?
I love great wine and great food. I also run every day, which keeps me physically balanced (and makes up for the wine and food).

What is your greatest strength as a designer?
I like to think I have the ability to take bold design concepts and transform them into livable, functional homes. I like to take risks. I listen. I love problem-solving and I'm a perfectionist.

What is your most annoying weakness as a designer?
I have a tendency to change my mind a lot…and I'm a perfectionist.

What is your favorite place on earth?
My bed.

What's the one thing that keeps you up at night?
Usually, it's the endless list of things to do: finding the right piece, measurements, colors, details. Did I make the right decision? Should I see another sample? On a good day, I will wake up with some clarity or plan of action. Design is not the kind of job you leave at the office—it's constant.

What's the one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven't yet?
I would love to design a small hotel as well as a restaurant. I am also working on my own product line and thinking about a book. World domination sounds good.