Meet the Designer: Krister Lile

HGTV.com: How was working with an actual homeowner/room on the show different from the classroom setting?
Lile: First and foremost, the project was actually completed! School can be so hypothetical and paper based so it was very satisfying to bring my sketches and conversations to fruition. However, I was already prepared for so much of the design process (programming, designing/redesigning and presenting), that I felt right at home.

HGTV.com: What was your inspiration for the design?
Lile: Basically Katie and Ashley themselves. They told me about the colors, style and attitude their room wanted and the real story was not what they said, but who was saying it. The girls are very colorful, sporty, youthful and full of excitement and that said as much to me as anything.

HGTV.com: What did you learn from your experience on Designer Finals?
Lile: The most important lesson I learned is the balance in which the role of the designer hangs. I realized that I must never be afraid to take the reins, responsibility or make decisions, but at the same time delegate work to those who will do it best. That's your job and it's a balance.

HGTV.com: Is there any fun or interesting behind-the-scenes information to share?
Lile: My role at the site was so management based that I merely directed our amazing crew. Quite literally I could hardly pick up a hammer before I had to direct someone, answer questions or check on a project somewhere. People like my friends Loren Jacobs and Liz Maguire were lifesavers. I would need something done, but since we didn't have money or time to do it as I designed it, I made stuff up on the spot. I would say a few splashy adjectives describing my vision, and then they would just take over from there. The product was better than the vision.

HGTV.com: From this experience, do you think you're prepared for the real challenges an interior designer faces? Lile: I think I am prepared and this project is a part of that. I truth, I don't think the role of student ever stops although the comforts and safety net of school do. I am excited to cut the line and get some real work done. It's always about learning and solving problems as best you can, but it's so much more exciting to change the lives of real people, not just have an approving instructor.

HGTV.com: What made you decide to study interior design?
Lile: I signed up for interiors because it's sort of a mixture of skills. I am learning about everything from color theory to space design to graphics to computer work to illustration and rendering, but most important, I learn how to think. I am interested and work in so many aspects of art and design that a broad program holds my attention and keeps me feeling able to do whatever I think of next rather than only doing what I am able.

HGTV.com: What four experts would your dream design team consist of?

• A wooden boat builder because boat building is a truly pure process. Boats that have to go fast or bring home dinner from the sea are pinnacles of functional design where the superfluous is edited out. Somehow the builder's understanding and skill with his materials as well as the aethetics of function make the boats beautiful.
  
• A musician as they seem to work in four dimensions. Where sound, space, time and emotion meet, that is where they work. I think it is amazing.
  
• A painter/graphic artist--it's all about communication through composition.
  
• A little kid because to them, everything is possible.

HGTV.com: Who is your favorite designer?
Lile: Charles and Ray Eames must be my favorite. They were endlessly curious, not afraid to try something, always had vision one step ahead of reality, were playful like children and designed countless beautiful things from art curriculum to my favorite chair.

HGTV.com: What's your favorite room to design?
Lile: OK, that's way too hard!