Vern Yip From Summer Showdown

Yip runs his own design company in Atlanta, Vern Yip Designs, in which design tips are dispensed and top-quality products, designed by Yip with consumer value in mind, can be purchased. With a Bachelor of Arts in economics and a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from The University of Virginia, and an M.B.A. and Master of Architecture from The Georgia Institute of Technology, he has used his varied educational background to build a distinguished business. His creations and room transformations range in budget from the notoriously frugal ones showcased on television to eight-figure projects for high-end clients, including special event design for one of 2006's highest-profile Oscar parties. Regardless of the budget, his design calling card is his attention to detail married with precise, clean-lined interiors, balanced with a sense of warmth. Many elements of his creations and eclectic style demonstrate an influence from childhood travels throughout Asia, Latin America and Europe. Often with his designs, less is more and something in the room always "pops" because of its graphic nature.

Having characterized himself as the classic overachiever, Yip and his projects have amassed an impressive list of design awards, including the 2003 Distinguished Southerner Award, Southern Living magazine; 2000 Southeast Designer of the Year; Fusebox Restaurant, Atlanta, 1999 Best New Restaurant; and DeuxPlex Bistro and Night Club, Atlanta, 1999 Best New Night Club. In addition, he has been prominently featured in various publications such as Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times and USA Today. He is frequently seen on CNN and television shows such as Today, The Early Show, Oprah and Live With Regis and Kelly.