We’re back with a new guest tastemaker for some quick-fire questions and a mini-curation of some fab Chairish finds!
This week we are joined by preservationist and interior designer, Olivia T.M. Brock. After a true New England upbringing and a spell in Philly to earn her Masters in Historic Preservation, Olivia made her way a bit farther south to Charleston, South Carolina where she founded interior firm, Torrance Mitchell Designs. Since then Olivia has found a niche in creating sophisticated, livable spaces that also pay homage to a building’s historic roots. Among her earliest projects was stripping back her own 1780s Charleston home from contemporary remodels and restoring its period charms to create a true historic gem. Talk about a labor of love!
We were recently able to chat with Olivia on what she’s watching (no surprise—it’s a period piece!), her ultimate vintage score, and her top “pinch me” career moment so far. Keep reading to discover more about this archival-obsessed, yet totally au courant designer!
Last show you binge watched?
Pose on FX. I love all the color, the soundtrack—and I love the grit of NYC in the 80s.
Coolest vintage piece in your house?
Well, I think one of the “coolest” pieces we have in the house is this Louis XVI style caned walnut bench. The bench is really nothing to write home about, but it is cool because we bought it at Doyle New York when they auctioned off the estate of Elaine Kaufman. Elaine Kaufman was the owner and proprietor of celebrity hotspot Elaine’s in New York and a very famous New Yorker. I love looking at that bench and thinking about all the creatives who likely sat on that bench—the caning was in need of serious repair when we bought it!
Most memorable career moment you’ve had so far?
When Veranda Magazine named me one of “Four Preservationists to Have on Speed Dial” last summer! To have my first mention in Veranda be preservation-related was so important to me.
Pet peeve?
People who show up early to dinner parties! Let’s be honest, I would prefer that you’re 15 minutes late.
Headshot by Thomas Berolzheimer
