Have You Met Anita Lang?
“Interior design is the medium we use to affect people’s emotional state in a positive way. At Interior Motives, we design to meet the needs and desires of our clients, and are careful to reflect our clients’ preferences, not our own. Our company vision is ‘Passionate interior design uplifts the human spirit!” so states the founder, CEO, and lead designer of Interior Motives, Inc., Anita Lang.
Established in 1990, Interior Motives, Inc, has attracted some of the region's most talented design professionals with National Council Interior Design Qualification certification and Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design certification. Interior Motives is equipped to create design solutions for both commercial and residential projects. “Designing interior spaces is my passion and I wanted to share this with the community through the Inspire Foundation,” emphasizes Anita.
Interior Motives, Inc., established the Inspire Foundation, Inc., a 501C, nonprofit corporation, to share this powerful aspect of design with the community. “After all, success is measured in what you give, not in what you receive.” Each year a community organization is selected that could benefit from complimentary design work that they would not typically be able to afford.
“Sunshine Acres was the children’s home that Inspire had selected as our project for this year. We renovated the dormitory for girls ages 8-18. Previously their rooms were not age appropriate, and did not reflect their personalities. The renovation was accomplished with the incredible support of our vendors, colleagues and clients, with a value well over $350,000 in materials and labor. As the girls saw their rooms, there was much screaming and crying; they were just so overwhelmed and joyous! It really was such a worthwhile project!”
Inspire Foundation also has another goal, to mentor design students by promoting ethical and professional aspects of the industry. Collaborating with local higher education venues and student organizations, they sponsor scholarship and award internships for students who show the most passion and talent for the profession. “For the children’s home project, both the student showing design excellence and the student demonstrating team spirit in the implementation were awarded scholarships and internships at Interior Motives, Inc.”
Lang reveals, “I am in love with Arizona especially for the sprawling Sonoran landscape where an infinite horizon meets an endless big blue sky. There is a subtle beauty in the rawness of the desert. We seem to still have the pioneer spirit. Which is especially fortunate for an interior designer, since people are willing to be open- minded and innovative. For instance, buildings created from rammed earth, solar technology, and the use of raw materials allows us to create our own unique architecture rather than being tied to traditions. There is going to be a lot of inspiration to come from this relatively newly developed territory.”
Anita Lang is passionate and optimistic about the future of interior design in Arizona, and the impact the Inspire Foundation can make. “ I love the quote from Sir Walter Scott, ‘ Have the will to dream and the soul to dare.’
”Volunteer Activities? Chairperson of Inspire Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation that shares the power of design with the community, while fostering professionalism and ethics in design students.
Favorite Social Event? Having a glass of wine with good friends.
Favorite Restaurant? Water Grill in Chicago
Hero? My two daughters - their beautiful hearts inspire me every day.
If your life were a movie, whom would you want to play your part? Groucho Marx!
What gives a man style? Confidence.
Do you have any pets? Yes, a very cute, but naughty, King Charles Spaniel named Lexi.
What would your home tell its next owner? "Wow! That was a blast. I sure could use a rest!"
What is the best lesson you've learned through the years? Live life with an open mind, open heart and open arms.
What words would you like others to use to describe you? Passionate and full of adventure.
What was your first job? Raking wild blueberries in Maine. Really! It paid for my first trip to Europe!
What trait do you most deplore in others? Negativity.
What is your greatest indulgence? A glass of Amarone with a piece of dark, rich chocolate while soaking in the tub.
What is the greatest gift you have ever given and received? Unconditional love & unconditional love.
What is your current state of mind? Inquisitive
What is your greatest achievement? Being a good mom. Let me rephrase. Trying to be a good mom.
What is your most treasured possession? Happiness
What quality do you most like in people? Wonderment and openness.
Favorite books? That's like picking a favorite child! Currently on my bedside table is the Tao Te Ching, which I love.
What is the best advice you ever received? Be true to yourself.