Dunn-Edwards Portraits: A Journey into Interior Design

Interior design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating spaces that resonate with people's emotions, functionality, and lifestyle. It is an everyday part of all of our lives. For many designers, the path to this creative field isn't always linear, and for Bry Pavlov, it was a journey of self-discovery, hands-on experience, and a lot of hard work.

After initially enrolling in an education program at the University of Arizona, she realized her true passion was design. Bry then transferred to Northern Arizona University to study interior design. Between classes on design principles and real-world projects, she quickly learned that the profession required more than just creativity—it demanded hard work, organization, and an ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. This rigorous foundation prepared her for the fast-paced lifestyle of a professional designer and eventually, a business owner.

During her studies, an instructor introduced her to the Dunn-Edwards color palette through a project and spoke very highly of the brand. That impression stayed with her and would later serve her well. When the recession hit in 2007, Bry faced her first big challenge. Even unpaid internships were scarce, and opportunities to work at design firms were almost non-existent. "They didn't even have files to organize!" Bry recalled. Soon, she found herself looking beyond traditional design firms, and that led her to a position at Dunn-Edwards, where she began working as a Professional Color Advisor in Arizona. Here, she got her first experiences with hands-on client interactions and gained valuable insights into the business. One of her favorite colors to work with is Crisp Muslin (DE6212). Perhaps that's due to its versatility; this warm greige accommodates a variety of design styles, from Modern to Southwestern, and everything in between.

Later, she became an assistant at a local design company. Working alongside seasoned professionals, she learned the importance of nurturing relationships with local vendors, contractors, and suppliers. "Support them and they will support you back," Bry advises. Continuing to explore the vast field of design, she then took on a new opportunity at a landscape design company. It proved to be a pivotal experience that connected the dots between her two design passions.

At the time, there were few companies that specialized in both interior and exterior design, and she had a clear vision of combining the two to provide a comprehensive approach. Now armed with years of experience and an established network of clients, she made the bold decision to start her own business.

With her husband's support, Bry took the leap and started her own practice. Within six months, she was inundated with leads, and her husband joined her to help manage operations. His involvement was invaluable—it allowed her to focus on the creative side. Their partnership has been a key to their success, as they continue to grow the business together and offer unique perspectives on every project.

Like any professional, Bry's journey has been full of challenges. One of the hardest lessons she learned early on was the importance of working with reliable contractors. A project is only as good as the contractor executing it, and miscommunications can lead to costly delays. While those experiences were frustrating, they taught her how to address issues promptly and maintain a calm demeanor under pressure.

Today, she advises anyone starting out in interior design to get hands-on experience, even if it is in a design-adjacent field. She recalls that her time at Dunn-Edwards was vital in helping her develop a deep understanding of color and paint, an essential skill in the design process. She also recommends trying to get as much exposure as possible. "Photograph everything!" Bry says. "It makes a stronger impression when you build your portfolio with professional photography from day one. It's also mandatory for most design competitions, which is a great way to show initiative to prospective companies and get recognition." Entering design competitions and sharing her work with the community not only helped her grow as a designer, but it also solidified her reputation as a reliable and talented professional. Bry's current list of accolades includes awards from ASID, the Master Design Awards and the Chrysalis Awards.

When it comes to her own personal design style, Bry is as flexible and open-minded as she was with her own career path. She strives to avoid repetition while pushing the boundaries of design—so that each client has a personalized, completely unique result. "Every completed project becomes my new favorite! They all hold a special place in my heart, so it's hard to pick just one," she says.

Ultimately, Bry's journey from studying education to starting her own interior and exterior design firm is a testament to the power of following your passions, even if they lead to an unconventional place. Her story proves that with hard work, strong relationships, and a willingness to learn, anyone can carve out their own path to success in the interior design industry.

To learn more about working for Dunn-Edwards, visit our careers page. Complete this form for a chance to be featured in our next Dunn-Edwards Portrait!