At Home with Megan Moore of Dado Design

In this interview, we delve into the journey of Megan Moore, a designer whose path meandered through academia, finance, and a deep-seated childhood obsession with interiors. Discover how Megan found her true calling, why Denver became her chosen canvas, and what drives her unique approach to balancing form and function in the world of interior design. Join us as we explore the creative mind behind spaces that not only captivate the eye but also bring a sense of well-being to those who inhabit them.

What path did you take for your education in design?
My path was sort of long and windy.  My first degree is in film, and originally I thought I would stay in academia and wanted to be a professor.  But, I never did that ;). Instead I worked in finance for a few years, and realized that I wanted a career with more creativity.  I went to design school in my mid twenties and started my own practice shortly after I finished school.  I’m grateful to have a varied background.  My film education informs a lot of what I do, and how I think as a designer.  And the finance side taught me how to run a business.  So it all worked out :)

At what age or moment in your life did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in Interiors?
I didn’t know I wanted to be a designer, but I have been obsessed with interiors since I was young.  I would rearrange my room constantly.  We moved to a new house when was 9, and it had rust colored carpet, and everything in the house - the blinds, the wallpaper, the cabinets - it all coordinated with the carpet.  I remember being mortified and I did not want to live in that house.  My mom still reminds me of the temper tantrum I had the day she showed me the house, all these years later.  Luckily my mom always had a knack for interiors and redecorated the house over time.  But whew, it was rough on a 9 year old with an eye.

Why did you choose Denver as a place to live and establish yourself?
I would say Denver chose me.  I was born here, and I have a large family, siblings, cousins, etc. and most of us live here.  I lived in San Francisco for a good part of my twenties, and have spent a lot of time in other cities, but Denver is home.  It’s where my family is and where I choose to be.  

What propelled you to go out on your own and start your own firm?
I realized while working in finance that having an office job was not something I could do for a lifetime.  I knew early on in design school that I would build my own practice.  I liked working from home and in a studio setting.  I had no idea how I would start a practice of course, I just knew that was what I would go about doing.  I had no plan B.  I never applied to work at a firm.  I don’t think I ever used the portfolio you make in school as a resume.  I just started doing projects, and over time they grew in size and substance.  I was also mindful of not biting off more than I could chew, and that allowed me to grow slowly, to learn as a designer, and eventually build out a small practice.  

How do you balance function and aesthetics in your work?
This is a great question.  As a designer it’s really easy to get caught up in the aesthetic part of the job.  We are sourcing constantly and see so many beautiful things every day and it’s easy to think about a project from just a visual perspective.   But it’s really important that every element in any given space have a purpose, a function.  Functionality can be the comfort of a sofa, or making sure there are enough drawers for everything a kitchen needs, that it has a proper layout, etc.  Having a place for everything is what makes a space feel calm, and luxurious.  At the same time though, I think often overlooked, is that the aesthetic is itself a function.  The way a space looks has a psychological impact - it also makes a space feel a certain way.  So I guess I balance function and aesthetics by treating them as one and the same thing. 

What is it that excites you the most about your work as an interior designer?
I’m obsessed with design and pretty much everything excites me.  I love instagram and the ability to see what other designers are doing.  The design process is exciting.  To see an idea come together and turn into a real, tangible thing.  But, what excites me the most, is that I get to make spaces that make people feel good.  It’s very simple.  If a tree falls in a forest, and no one’s there, it doesn’t make a sound (or maybe it does I don’t know).  Design is all about who it’s created for, and handing off your work to your client is the best part.