ATELIER AM INTERIORS — Interiors & Icons

“We love pattern and embroidery, but pattern-on-pattern is not our aesthetic. If you’ve got too much going on, you don’t know where to look.”

2002 - now

Early Influences: Axel Vervoordt, Rose Tarlow

Notable Clients: Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, Michael Eisner, Brad Grey

For the first time this week, we are featuring a design team - Alexandra and Michael Misczynski are the husband-and-wife duo behind the renowned Atelier AM based in Los Angeles. Their interiors are known for their mix of patina and texture and the carefully edited combination of minimalistic design and classic antiques. Atelier AM has became the go-to designers for high-end clients since their launch in 2002. Working on a very few projects throughout a year, they create unique and immersive experiences for their clients. The architecture and art are the integral part of their designs, resulting in interior masterpieces.

Alexandra Misczynski is originally from East Coast as opposed to Michael, who is a Los Angeles native. After completing her art history degree, Alexandra started her career in fashion only to realise that her true passion was in interior design. She apprenticed with New York-based designer Naomi Leff, who is known for her restrained classicism and then went on to work for Michael Smith in the West Coast, a distinguished designer known for his traditionally tailored interiors. On the other hand, Michael Misczynski studied architecture at the University of Southern California and became interested in interior design thanks to a class taught by Rose Tarlow . Tarlow became a true mentor to Michael and helped him find a job with architect Richard Meier. He was working in the New York office when he met Alexandra, shortly after they started dating he was offered a position in the L.A. office, which started the couple’s West Coast adventure. They got married in 2000 and two years later founded Atelier AM. Their combined experience in architecture and interior design gives a solid foundation to their work, making them the ultimate power couple in interior architecture.

Over the past 18 years, Atelier AM became a high-end name in design, known for their restrained compositions, muted-colour palettes and stylish yet understated interiors. Their designs are simple, disciplined and beautiful. They carefully and effortlessly merge past and present, creating peaceful and zen-like interiors. Architecture always comes first in their designs and informs the interiors - with a special focus on proportions, Atelier AM delivers elegantly refined, minimalist interiors. Alexandra’s preference for neutral, textural fabrics and sculptural furnishings go hand in hand with Michael’s classical proportions and carefully selected materials. They design sophisticated yet comfortable settings with eye-catching, museum worthy antiques and vintage pieces.

Alexandra and Michael Misczynski have made a name for themselves for delivering not just beautiful interiors but also sensory experiences by using subtle, textural palettes, exquisite furnishings and varied finishes. Their bold yet tranquil interiors remind of Axel Vervoordt’s Belgian style with a touch of 1930’s modernism. Their interiors reference both the past and the future of the design by mixing modernist pieces with ancient objects. Most importantly though, they reflect the personality of their clients. “Ultimately, they are acutely aware of the human aspect of their work,” explains Mayer Rus, the West Coast editor of Architectural Digest, “and the homes they create, first and foremost, remain a reflection of the unique spirit of their inhabitants.”

Fun Fact: Alexandra and Michael were working on two different projects for the same client when they first met. Alexandra had never met the client in person and thought Michael was the client. The attraction was there from the beginning and still remains to this day.

Books: Interiors: Atelier AM & Houses: Atelier AM