The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1285484
e Red Bank Design Center is a hub for designers of all skill sets and talents. Amy especially enjoys mentoring students and shares the importance of empathy and intuition when it comes to designing a cli- ent's home. With a diverse background in fashion, cosmetics, and business manage- ment, Manor's self-taught interior design skills birthed an innate talent for using colors and filling a space to create a fresh and stylish environment. Amy utilizes her talents, but also ensures that Red Bank De- sign Center is "a collaborative community putting a spotlight on people's strengths, and filling the gaps and the blind spots with support from others so that we can all be successful". In 2020, Amy created and trademarked the position of the General Designer (GD) to further integrate interior design into the architecture and construction process. General Designers streamline the design process for any job and work as an advo- cate for the client's design preferences from start to finish. As a result, clients can work with designers who are vetted and experi- enced professionals, ensuring the credibili- ty and quality of every project. Amy's journey in creating the Red Bank Design Center was not a straightforward one. It involved risks and embracing the unknown in order to create an interior de- sign firm that could be a cornerstone in the Red Bank com- munity. Amy first opened Amy Manor Interiors in 2011, on West Front Street. is was when U.S. manufacturers were still reeling from the stock market crash in 2008. New York City showrooms used to be the prime spot for design- ers; Amy recalls that the bustle of the city streets provided plentiful opportunities for future customers, as "designers would go to these showrooms and bring their clients, and it would be how we would take care of business". However, the travel to the city was inefficient and expensive. Eventu- ally, the showrooms were not able to afford their high rents as businesses began closing down. V U E N J . C O M 43