Thomas Pheasant is internationally recognized for his more than 40 years of creating interiors and furniture. With personal residences in Washington DC and Paris, he focuses his creativity on residential and commercial projects throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. His furniture design collections include, Thomas Pheasant Collection for Baker, Thomas Pheasant Collection for McGuire, Par Excellence, and his own collection of limited edition and unique pieces, Thomas Pheasant STUDIO.
Pheasant’s book, Simply Serene: The New Luxury for Modern Interiors, published by Rizzoli, brings to life the serenity and classic imprint that are Pheasant’s signature. He is currently working on his second book, Seeking Beauty: A Designer’s Journey.
Favorite place to visit in France, and why?
I love the pink granite coast of Bretagne. I imagine one day having a home in the area surrounded by nature.
Favorite place to visit in America, and why?
Santa Fe, New Mexico. The vast expansive sky and landscapes are humbling. It is the first place I felt like I lived on a planet.
What do you think the French can learn from Americans?
The pursuit of dreams.
What do you think Americans can learn from the French?
The ease of elegance.
Favorite French film?
“Hiroshima Mon Amour,” 1959.
Favorite American film?
“Auntie Mame.” As a child, it was the first film that introduced me to the idea of creating interiors. It made an enormous impression on me.
Favorite French actor or actress
Marion Cotillard
Favorite American actor or actress?
Meryl Streep
Most important French figure in history, and why?
Napoleon Bonaparte. He took a country that was suffering chaos and destruction following the French Revolution and created a new order that helped stabilized France.
Most influential American figure, and why?
Past: Abraham Lincoln, he kept our country from destroying itself. Present: Bill Gates for his commitment to global health.
What is your favorite American luxury?
Diversity.
What is your favorite French extravagance?
Working with the embroidery studios of Atelier Lebuisson and Maison Lesage.
Favorite American food?
Thanksgiving dinner.
Favorite French food?
Steak and frites.
The quality you most admire about the French and Americans?
French: Their connection to their past. Americans: Their freedom from the past.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My relationship with my husband, Juan Carlos.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To absorb new languages easily.
Name three people, dead or alive, who you would most like to have dinner with?
Jean Michel Frank, Constantin Brancusi and Mark Rothko…I would love to thank them!
Relative to your field of study, what is the most important tradition to keep alive?
Evolution of ideas and craft.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Total creative freedom.