Design has been Manuel Simpson's passion forever, and he has always known that someday he would be an independent designer.

"I have always seen things a bit differently," he explained. "Sometimes more colorful and complex, sometimes leaner, cleaner and more modern. Whether I'm looking at architecture, graphic design, furniture or spaces, I always imagine something more evolved stylistically."

"For me, whether we're repurposing weather beaten pieces or creating a chic mid-century modern salon space, nothing is more important than to complement and enhance my client's dreams and expectations."

From his alluring windows for Crème de la Crème and Lou Lou's Boutiques to his fabulously fanciful table creations for many Hunt Country foundations, his unparalleled imagination and ability to create extraordinary settings have captivated individuals of all ages and persuasions.

Now, at eyeManuel, his new consulting firm, he will achieve his dream of owning his own consultancy.

When he was promoted to Design Director for Crème de la Crème over ten years ago, he had no idea that owners Tara and Ben Wegdam would give him an opportunity to test his creative and management instincts in the retail arena—or that the experience would lead to a firm of his own.

"I was very excited to help Tara and Ben expand Lou Lou Boutiques," he remembers. "We've grown rapidly from two shops to 27 retail outlets and, although the demands were sometimes stunning, I've loved every minute of my work. Honestly, it is these demands that have forced me to create systems and processes that I am confident will be the backbone of eyeManuel's services."

Many Northern Virginians have benefitted from Manuel's instinctive creativity, generosity and kindness, and everyone who has asked him to donate his creativity to projects far and wide applaud his decision to create a company of his own.

"No one understands 'upcycling' better than Manuel," emphasizes Glenda Cudaback, a friend and client. "His ability to find new, creative uses that repurpose existing pieces is unparalleled. But if you cannot live without the glamour, elegance and luxury of Art Deco, Manuel will create a sleek, tactile space for you that thoroughly exceeds your expectations."

"I feel so fortunate and excited about this next challenge in my career," Manuel noted. "I've always loved my job, whether it was wholesaling and exhibiting in New York or working on a portfolio of Junior League shows."

"For years, people have been calling on me for help with projects and I slowly realized that, because the creative aspect of the business was my real love, I might be at a point where I could go out on my own as a cross-category designer."

As the Lou Lou Boutiques grew and managing their success made Manuel's responsibilities more corporate, he knew he would have to lose some of his creative responsibilities.

"It was definitely time for me to review where I wanted to take my career."

"After opening 25 retail shops in a very short time for Ben and Tara, I understood what it takes to build a clientele in today's frantic, fast moving retail market. I gained both the experience and the confidence that are essential for success in retail. When Ben and I spoke about what was next, it was clear, both to him and to me that I was ready to form my own firm."

From Labor Day on, eyeManuel will be open for business—creative business of all kinds.

"My dream is to have at least three large retail clients on annual retainers and to work closely with clients of all kinds on at least 100 projects a year."

Already, eyeManuel is working on creative themes and contexts for holiday parties and designing windows for Northern Virginia retailers.

From the correct Pantone color palette for a gala to high energy schemes that propel home buyers through model homes, eyeManuel is an ideal design partner.

"I want my clients to feel that their spaces and projects are authentic and accurately reflect their sensibilities," Manuel emphasized. "We must be true to ourselves when designing. Only then will we be confident, excited and proud."

Because Manuel has always been gracious and generous, he understands precisely how much he owes Ben and Tara Wegdam.

"They were wonderful to me," he remembers. "It was their absolute trust in me that made me want to do exceptional work and to meet deadlines, no matter how crushed we were by project inevitabilities."

"Now, because of their trust, I have an opportunity to build a business of my own. I could not be happier or more grateful."

Whether you need creative assistance on interior decoration, furnishings, lighting, architecture or retail, it will definitely be worth your time to discuss your goals with eyeManuel.

Whether you love Charles Eames, Napoleon III or flea market finds extraordinaire, eyeManuel's advice and guidance will be invaluable.

Whether you simply want to accent the space you've chosen for a wedding or fashion a beautiful neutral setting of pale warmth, make an appointment to speak with Manuel today.

His experience and enthusiasm combine spectacularly well to create exceptional spaces, and his wall-to-wall sense of loyalty to his clients will make him a highly trusted ally by the most discriminating and demanding clients.

For an appointment with eyeManuel, please telephone: 540-878-6876 or email: manuelsimpson@gmail.com