Adding function, beauty to wide-open spaces

WELL-TRAVELED: Interior designer Libby Slader has spent 27 years focused on improving the appearance and functionality of hospitality, retail and corporate work spaces. / PBN PHOTO/JAIME LOWE
WELL-TRAVELED: Interior designer Libby Slader has spent 27 years focused on improving the appearance and functionality of hospitality, retail and corporate work spaces. / PBN PHOTO/JAIME LOWE

Interior design, though quite clearly an indoor profession, has brought Libby Slader all over the world.

In her nearly 30-year career, the Providence-based designer has been involved with projects at the U.S. Embassies in La Paz, Bolivia, the National Bank of Kuwait, the Consulate Offices in Hong Kong, the offices of movie producers in Culver City, Calif., as well as high-end cruise ships and numerous restaurants and corporate buildings.

The variety of her work, Slader says, is what keeps her motivated, creative and conscientious.

“I enjoy learning about different people and cultures, and businesses, and how they all work, because everybody is different,” she said in a phone interview. “I enjoy the learning process, taking [a client’s] dreams and creating a physical space out of that, making it functional and also making it look good.”

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The owner of Libby Slader Interior Design, Slader has spent 27 years focused on improving the appearance and functionality of hospitality, retail and corporate work spaces.

She began her career in 1988 after receiving her bachelor of science degree in environmental design from Syracuse University. Since then, the Glocester native has lived and designed in Los Angeles, New York City, Boston and, now, Providence, and has worked up an impressive and diverse portfolio. In addition to national and international government buildings, Slader has been involved with work on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, at Hasbro Inc., Gilbane Inc. and many of the state’s well-known restaurants, including Providence Coal Fired Pizza, Bistro 22 in Cranston, and Narragansett’s George’s of Galilee, among numerous other adaptive reuse, retail, institutional and residential projects. As a former manager of design at Sony Pictures Entertainment, she was also involved in office design at Happy Madison Productions and Love Spell Entertainment.

She launched her solo business in 2010, and continues to take on unique and varied endeavors, drawing accolades from her clients and colleagues.

“Her design viewpoint and practical approach have been invaluable,” said Arnold B. Chace Jr., managing general partner of Providence-based Cornish Associates, which has worked with Slader on several projects. “Libby embodies complete professionalism with a warm touch.”

In addition to her designing flair, Slader is committed to promoting the state’s vast culture.

“Art and design and culture sustain civilization,” she said. “We’re so rich with it here in Rhode Island.”

She serves as vice chair of the R.I. State Council on the Arts (to which she was appointed by former Governor Lincoln D. Chafee), chair of the board of RI Citizens for the Arts, and is acting president of the board of DESIGNxRI, an organization she was also actively involved in founding. She has also helped to plan various major fundraising events around the state, assisted in creating a tourism marketing program for Central Falls and she regularly mentors young designers.

“Libby’s dedication and commitment [are] bold and prolific,” said Emily Hall, a friend of Slader’s and director of marketing at the Providence-based Union Studio Architecture and Community Design. “She’ll dive in and be a strong, consistent support until the very end.”•

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