2010-07-29
Alex Sanchez likes to play against stereotypes.
For starters, he’s a 26-year-old, black interior designer, which in itself might cause some to do a double take at the mere mention of such a career. And as a contestant on HGTV’s Design Star, the North Carolina A&T alum (he graduated top of his class with a degree in architectural engineering, thank you very much) is hoping that he’ll continue to progress and one day, get a chance to bust stereotypes on a larger scale.
Alex has made it into the final five on the show where the winner will get a series of his own on the cable net.
Q./ What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself throughout this process?
A./ I’ve learned that I actually am proud of the person that I am. When you’re put in situations like this, a lot of people can compromise themselves and compromise who they are. I haven’t. I was more taken aback that I’m true to my character. My parents did a really good job raising me!
Q./ How would you define your style?
A./ I think I have an urban modern eclectic style. So what I love is bringing in clean lines and keeping things very sleek. I add a lot of unexpected elements to what would be a cold space.
Q./ You seem to specialize in small spaces, why’s that? I read that you started out designing dorm rooms!
A./ I live in D.C. and so most of what you live in is going to be a small space. It’s not quite as bad as New York, but you’re going to start out small when you’re young. I like to maximize what I have. I’ve always been a minimalist. I like to make a small, big bang. I like to have a small space and just really, really knock it out so that if you walk in there, you never want to leave.
Q./ What would your show be, should you win it all?
A./ If I win the show, it would be centered around bachelors and bachelorettes, dealing with young professionals and finally showing them how to reflect their style.”
Q./ How has being on this show changed you?
A./ This show has been amazing. It has increased my confidence in myself as a designer. I’m not formally trained, but it made me realize that all of the stuff that I have learned is very valid. It’s opened me up to a lot more clientele. I’ve been so busy! It gave me a voice. Me coming as a young black designer, a male young black designer, people need to see what you can do before they give you a shot. ...I’m grateful for the reception I’ve had so far since the show has been on.” //
Watch Alex in the next Design Star elimination round, 10 p.m. (EST) Sunday night on the HGTV cable channel.