Nathan Galui

Age: 25

Education: Bachelor of Science in interior design from Drexel University, Philadelphia, Penn.

Current Job: Furniture designer and interior designer

Why I should win HGTV Design Star:
I am extremely competitive by nature. Not only can I design a great interior, but I can build and create the various elements within. My abilities range from space planning to construction management. However my "special something" lies in the design and craftsmanship of furniture. My unique style, fun personality and need for a good challenge will undoubtedly drive me to be this season's Design Star.

Describe your design style in four words.
Urban, modern, eclectic and rustic

Who is your design icon?
Charles and Ray Eames and the Campana Brothers

What is your dream design project?
To build and design my dream home

Where do you get your inspiration?
Exposure to various cultures, urban lifestyles and nature

When designing, what can't you live without?
Sharpies and Click pencils

What are your most creative hours of the day?
In the middle of the night while lying in bed with my sketchbook, pencil and cell phone as a light source

What do you think is the worst design trend?
Being from Palm Beach County, I am critical of the stereotypical Florida home that is often portrayed as an interior clad with rattan and styled with the fashions of Tommy Bahama and Lilly Pulitzer.

What's one thing about you that would surprise people?
I am terrified and fascinated by large bodies of water, yet I insist on living near the ocean.

Where's the farthest you've ever traveled from home?
About a year ago, I traveled to Peru, trekking through the Amazon, adrift among the floating islands, all the way to Machu Picchu. Although I have traveled farther distances, it was the farthest I have ever traveled from the reality I knew at home. It has been the best experience I have ever had — until now!

What's your guilty pleasure?
Happy hour and skinny-dipping

What word/phrase do you say way too often?
The word "totally" has recently made its way into my vocabulary. I'm not sure how it got there, but I'm working to get rid of it.

When I was a kid, I thought I would be:
An artist/designer/architect. I loved drawing.

What's your fashion style?
Fun yet serious, hip and fresh

Favorites
Color: At the moment, cobalt blue
Scent: A freshly peeled orange
Music: I'm a Top 40 kind of guy
Song: "Hotel California" by The Eagles
Food: Thai
Magazine: Metropolitan Home, Domino and Dwell
Movie: Life As A House
TV Show: Ugly Betty and Nip/Tuck
Room in your house: Bedroom
Room to design: Bedroom
Thing in your home: It's a tossup between my living room coffee table and my lambskin rug
Hobbies: Barnes & Noble, dancing, dinner parties, board games and spin class
Vacation destination: The Republic of Maldives. I've never been and can't wait to go.
HGTV show: Divine Design and Myles of Style
Design tip: If you love that $2,000 vase atop that $20 coffee table, do not keep them apart.