penny drue baird
Visionary founder and principal of the New York-Paris design firm Dessins, Penny Baird stands among the elite in the world of interior design as a distinguished member of the Architectural Digest AD100. Her signature style transcends the ordinary, offering a mesmerizing blend of modern and classic aesthetics.
Baird’s interiors are a testament to her talent and ability to weave personality, refinement, and a keen eye for the insolite – the extraordinary and the unexpected – in the singular spaces she creates for her clients.
Crafting bespoke homes that mirror the unique spirits of their occupants, Baird possesses an unrivaled expertise in sourcing both antique treasures and avant-garde pieces. She ensures that each design element is as unique as her clients themselves, cultivating living spaces that not only stand out but stand the test of time.
Her design philosophy is akin to haute couture; every project is a tailored experience, meticulously aligned with the client’s personal style, geographic locale, and architectural nuances. Whether crafting an ambiance of casual chic or sculpting a minimalist contemporary haven, Baird’s creations brim with sophistication and architectural intricacy, captivating and fulfilling the desires of a discerning clientele and their successive generations.
Dessins, the innovative interiors firm Baird founded three decades ago, is enhanced by an elite team of design assistants personally trained by Baird to meet her exacting standards in creating bespoke spaces that suit the unique expectations of their clients.
Interior design requires a personal and emotional connection to the work. Drawing on her own unique journey of transforming a Parisian apartment into a home, Baird decorated it with items she sourced locally and immersed herself in its beauty, living there with her family and embracing the joy it brought them – a testament to her dedication that Architectural Digest has recognized as “guiding an elegant design.”
Baird’s influence and insights have been celebrated in countless high-profile publications across the globe as seen here.
As an author, she shares her profound insights through titles like Bringing Paris Home, The New French Interior, DREAMHOUSE, and Penny Drue Baird on Interior Design. Her upcoming book, PowerHouse, set to release in Fall 2025, promises to be another enriching addition to the design world.
Beyond design, Baird’s life is enriched by a growing family and her active commitment to philanthropy. She supports charities too numerous to name, from Meals on Wheels to Design on a Dime, and she is a repeat participant in the prestigious Kips Bay showhouse, affirming her belief in giving back to the community that shapes her.