Inspired By: Greg Tankersley

I have long been a fan of the style and good taste of McAlpine Tankersley projects. It was a  pleasant surprise to cross paths with Greg Tankersley in the world of social media. His creativity extends beyond the work we have visually devoured in magazines over the years; he is a witty and charming conversationalist as well. I have quoted him previously because he has such an amusing perspective on all things design.  I had the honor of a casual interview with Greg- and he is now on MY list of people I would most like to have dinner with! Meet Greg:

Currently Living:   Three homes:  Montgomery, AL, Lake Martin, AL and New York, New York (that certainly runs the gamut)

Places you have lived before:   Various places in Alabama and Georgia.  I haunt the South.

Link to your Blog:   www.mcalpinetankersleyblog.com

How Long you have been Blogging:   Just for one year.  I’m really new at this.
What you did before blogging:   Worked a lot (so I could finally have something to say).
Where do you do most of your blogging?  I’m almost always on an airplane.  I’m so glad God created in-flight wi-fi.

What inspires you:   Despite how corny this sounds, my clients.  I get to crawl in bed (metaphorically speaking) with some amazing, accomplished people.  They always elevate me and stretch my jaded talents.  Other than that, I draw huge inspiration from theatre and film.  I’m literally an ADD visual bottomless pit and probably should be medicated.
Favorite Design style:   Whatever daily challenge is in front of me.  I like to say I design the type of houses my clients would draw IF they could draw.  I like being a chameleon as good design always transcends style.

Favorite way to spend your day off:  What’s that?

If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?  Stephen Sondheim.  His compositions are so beautiful, complex and puzzling. They’re a lot like a well orchestrated building or lovely interior.  Plus he has a wicked sense of humor.
Favorite meal:   A simple dish of homemade pasta with shaved white truffles and olive oil.

Guilty Pleasure:  There are so many I’m embarrassed to list them all (but here’s a few):  Any Real Housewife Show,  Haunted Houses (attractions, not the real thing),  Heavy metal music,  Motorcycle riding,  State fairs and carnivals
Introvert or extrovert?  Being an only child, I’m naturally an introvert but I’ve trained myself to be extroverted when necessary.
Favorite Design item in your home  A cow skull (picked up from an actual pasture – not a shop) in front of this enormous aged mirror and an evil-looking Victorian bulldog toy (a Christmas gift given to me 25 years ago from my business partner, Bobby McAlpine).

 Favorite quote:   “I’ve wrestled with reality for 35 years, Doctor, and I’m happy to state I finally won out over it”  -Elwood P. Dowd

photo credits: 2-6 by Mick Hale, as seen in Veranda in 2007              (Greg’s Montgommery house)  |  1,7-  by Greg Tankersley