When it comes to MR’s portfolio of decor projects, it’s safe to say that senior associate Allison O’Connell has had a hand in hundreds of them. What began as an internship in 2003 (when the office consisted of David and only a handful of staff), soon became a full-time position that would grow into a career now two decades long and counting. At the helm of MR’s decor department, Allison is a distinguished member of the studio, leading her team with focus, passion and a profound understanding of the industry and the work it entails. For the second post in our spotlight series, I asked her about how she became interested in the field, some of her favorite work to date, and where she turns for inspiration.
When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer?
Growing up in a historic part of Pennsylvania, I spent countless weekends wandering through flea markets and old barns filled with antiques. Discovering hidden treasures and imagining how they might live within a space sparked my love for design at an early age. I was always collecting inspiration—tearing pages from home magazines and turning them into collages that covered my bedroom walls, textbooks, and just about any surface I could transform into a visual canvas.
What is your favorite part of a project?
My favorite part of a project is during the installation, watching the jobsite transform into a finished environment. When we first start working with a client, we begin a very intense phase of pre-planning, during which we learn about their likes and dislikes, their vision for the space, how they will utilize it, how they want to feel in it, etc. After many months of research and sourcing and many presentations, we have a finalized collection of every piece of furniture and every furnishing for the project. The installation is the moment when all the creativity and countless details finally come to life. It’s the design of our process. Our decor installations feel like a performance, where everything must be perfectly arranged and orchestrated. Textures are added to surfaces, color and soft layers bring warmth and depth, and the vision truly becomes reality. It’s a true team effort—from our designers and interns to the fabricators, movers, cleaners, art installers, and so many others.
What’s your best on-the-job story?
There are too many stories to choose from, but shutting down traffic on Central Park West to crane custom doors from Italy through a client’s 16th-floor window is a moment that truly stands out. Every New York City project brings its own unique challenges, and that’s exactly what makes the work so exciting. Beyond navigating the maze of permits and logistics, there’s the unexpected thrill of drawing a crowd on the street, watching a massive crate rise through the skyline.
What are you working on now?
We have the privilege of working with the same clients over many years, and it’s always rewarding to see a familiar space reimagined. A project in downtown Manhattan that we first designed as a duplex in 2011 is now being transformed into a triplex. It’s exciting to revisit a space with a fresh vision as our clients’ needs and lifestyles continue to evolve.
What’s a personal place that has special meaning to you?
I recently visited the small town in southern Italy that’s part of my family history, where I was able to trace my ancestors back as far as the 1600s. I was lucky enough to meet descendants of my 6th great-grandparents and spend time with them, wandering among the old stone buildings and viewing the homes, churches, and theaters my family members once occupied. The experience was not only visually inspiring but also deeply meaningful—one I’ll never forget!
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I find inspiration in exploring new places, flipping through design books, visiting museums, and collaborating with creative people. Whether I’m wandering a rustic castle in Ireland, strolling through a formal garden in France, or crossing the Sahara Desert in Morocco, inspiration is everywhere—in the history, architecture, food, and people.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in interior design?
My advice to anyone starting out in interior design is to seek out people who inspire you—both personally and professionally. Every project, no matter its scale, has value. I owe much of my professional growth to working under David, whose meticulous attention to detail, commitment to clients, and honesty have profoundly shaped how I approach design. And never forget: stay curious, travel often, and always remain open to learning. There’s something new to discover every day!
How would you describe your design philosophy or style in a few words?
Client-focused design that balances functionality and aesthetics to create thoughtful, purposeful spaces, enriched with eclectic style and texture.
If you could meet any architect or interior designer in history, who would it be? Why?
I’d be fascinated to meet Frank Lloyd Wright who was intriguing on so many levels. While he was known for his challenging personality, I think that may have been the reason he had such a profound impact on architecture and design. I’ve visited several of his homes, but Fallingwater in rural Pennsylvania is a must-see. The level of detail is astonishing—built-in furniture that feels both architectural and inviting, softened by textiles and materials that flow seamlessly from exterior to interior. His designs beautifully demonstrate how thoughtful architecture can create a deep, harmonious connection between people and nature.
What’s one trend in architecture or interiors you’re excited about right now?
Trends come and go, but I’m drawn to timeless design—spaces you can’t pin to a specific era because they remain classic.
What are you most proud of career wise, thus far?
I’m most proud of a project we completed in the Hamptons in 2018 which had a very tight construction schedule. The estate had eight separate living structures, and once the project was turned over to our team for decor, we had only 11 days to complete the entire decorative installation. Despite the time constraints, we made sure every building was fully ready for the July 4th weekend—beds made, art on the walls, and all surfaces styled—so the client could move in on time. It was a huge logistical challenge and seeing it all come together was incredibly satisfying. Fun fact: we even had to rent a 50′ long party tent to hold the extra furnishings outside!
What’s your dream project?
A dream project for me would be designing a Moroccan riad, where natural light filters through the central courtyard into warm, inviting living spaces. The vibrant colors, rich textiles, textured walls, and delicate plaster moldings would create a space full of character and inspiration. I’d love to work closely with local artisans to bring unique, handcrafted elements that celebrate the culture and craftsmanship of the region.
What’s the best/most interesting or inspiring project you’ve worked on?
For more than 20 years, we’ve had the privilege of working with clients who own some of the most unique spaces in Manhattan. While much of our work is city-based, it certainly hasn’t been limited to it. Some of the most fun and unexpected projects have included transforming the interior of an early 1900s windmill into a livable space, designing the color palette and finishes for a custom truck, and creating a rustic woodland folly—a quiet hideaway tucked into the trees. These different projects spark new creative ideas and push us to think outside the box.