Episode 050: Ryan Serhant

Introduction:

Today’s guest brings to mind the words of the iconic artist Vincent Van Gogh, who once said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” Given how Vicente Wolf brings together the four elements of design – namely those of earth, water, air and fire – he takes Van Gogh’s quote to another level in the manner he goes about creating cool, cerebral and modern interiors that create atmospheres without boundaries. In fact, Margaret Russell, the former Editor in Chief of Architectural Digest, described Vicente as having a “remarkably grounded sensibility like earth”; as being “passionate and vital as fire, as clear and fluid as water, and as imaginative and carefree as air.” So Vicente, with that as our backdrop, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and visions through what to me at least is essentially through the lens of none other than Mother Nature.

Episode Notes:

At 2:24, Vicente Wolf discusses his family motto of survival, as well as him being a Cuban refugee. At 4:56, Vicente shares how nature has always been present in his soul, and how nature brings honesty to his work. At 8:27, Wolf dives into providing longevity and a sense of value to a space when working with developers. At 9:31, he notes that he doesn’t believe in “trends,” and instead believes in his “gut” feeling. At 12:21, Vicente advises on one staying within its core while not compromising personal values. At 14:18, Wolf talks about finding the balance between his creative vision and the business side of a project when dealing with clients. At 17:01, he highlights how he molds the wants, needs, and desires of his clients to fit the situation at hand. At 19:48, Vicente provides us with how he adds value to a project while simultaneously building confidence within the consumer. At 21:38, Wolf shares an instance in which his space design contributed to a drastic change in a client’s lifestyle. At 23:38, he wholeheartedly believes that reputation is all one has. At 25:30, Vicente points out the importance of a designer being on the same page as an architect from the start of a project. At 26:58, Wolf touches upon his ability in seeing the big picture in a project. At 29:12, he discusses every inch being so valuable in a space, and why a current space use analysis before the design stage is essential. At 31:58, Vicente mentions how he gives back through design. At 34:10, Wolf describes how traveling allows him to step outside of his comfort zone. At 36:53, Vicente Wolf closes out the podcast with a message on the love he has for his work, and the surprise he has in his creativity.