Take 10 With COUPAR’S Teresa Kintz
As a Principal at COUPAR, Teresa Kintz sets the aesthetic and operational tone for the company, bridging interior design and tech. Teresa oversees both COUPAR Studio and COUPAR Design and has implemented a high level of organization while keeping a holistic vision for the design process to streamline the client experience. The Monterey native holds a B.A. in Interior Architecture from Sacramento State and agrees with Charles Eames, "The details are not the details. They make the design." She draws design inspiration from exploring new mediums of creativity in art, dance, and horticulture.
CC: How do you define beauty?
TK: While beauty is subjective, what truly resonates with most people is authenticity. It's about finding a meaningful connection in the process—the labor, passion, perseverance, and the vast capacity for human creativity. Recognizing these elements is an acknowledgment of beauty.
CC: Minimalism vs Maximalism?
TK: I firmly believe in the 'more is more' philosophy regarding design. While I respect the minimalist approach, I find it less accessible for many people and families. A home that appears lived in, with its imperfections, comfort, and welcoming atmosphere, brimming with memories and mementos, truly captures my heart. I adore the creative interplay of patterns, textures, and intricate details, which brings out a sense of playfulness and imbues a space with deep meaning.
CC: Vintage or new?
TK: Vintage whenever possible! There's nothing better than discovering an antique desk or an inlay side table that grounds your space in time and adds a layer of the unexpected. It's even more special when these pieces have personal or familial significance. I cherish the opportunity to design with a beloved heirloom, breathing new life and purpose into it within a space.
CC: What might the design world look like in 10 years?
TK: I believe Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration will become an accepted part of our professional workflow. While traditional methods will always have a place—as they do today—I foresee a growing acceptance of these tools' benefits. I am optimistic that AI can simplify some of our day-to-day activities, enabling us to focus more on the design aspects we find most fulfilling.
Maurice Harris
CC: What’s inspiring you in the design industry right now?
TK: Lately, I've been drawn to an influx of floral design content, mainly inspired by Maurice Harris of Bloom and Plume in Los Angeles. I'm captivated by the whimsical, architectural, and surprising elements of his floral styling videos, complemented by daily affirmations of emotional wisdom. Harris is truly brilliant; this has sparked thoughts on the importance of incorporating florals and plants into our own spaces or those of our clients. It feels almost unnatural not to have some connection with nature in our environments.
CC: A favorite place to view and source art?
TK: I enjoy the Pamela Walsh Gallery in Palo Alto. Pamela, a twenty-year Franklin Bowles Galleries veteran, opened her business four months before the pandemic hit. Stanford architect Birge Clark designed the building that houses her gallery, which carries contemporary art, and the Nathan Oliveira Estate.
CC: What’s your current TV obsession?
TK: I religiously binge-watch 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' every year because, let's face it, who can resist Larry David's genius? He's the master of making the absurdities of daily life hilarious. And a world without Larry's gripes and quirks? Please. That's like a bagel without cream cheese—technically possible but deeply unsatisfying.
CC: Music you can listen to repeatedly?
TK: I've always been able to use music as a tool to immerse myself deeply and focus on tasks. For the past few months, I have kept returning to Fred Again's 2022 performance at the Boiler Room in London on SoundCloud. It works wonders for me; I find myself cruising through an hour of any task, feeling incredibly productive.
Iris van Herpen, 2019 “Hypnosis” Photo: Julien Vallon
CC: Who would be your dream creative collaborator?
TK: I'm deeply fascinated by experiential design, much like the visionary architecture of Zaha Hadid. My long-standing obsession with Dutch fashion designer Iris Van Herpen and her other-worldly silhouettes has only fueled my dream of collaborating in an architectural setting. Bringing her avant-garde designs into a spatial experience would be a dream come true.
CC: What advice do you give clients?
TK: If I could advise any homeowner embarking on a renovation or improvement project, it would be this: ensure you have a clear purpose for your project. A purpose-driven approach not only helps you articulate your vision but also allows your team of experts to more effectively navigate any unfamiliar parts of the process. This approach fosters a sense of gratitude among all involved, even when challenges arise, making the experience more rewarding for everyone.
