Profile
“Rooms are meant to comfort you and be a haven” says Robin Kencel and Carlene Safdie, longtime partners in the full service interior design firm Ellsworth Ford. With an extensive number of residential and commercial projects throughout the U.S., ranging from cozy pied a tiers to large country houses, the pair have an aesthetic that melds American and European sensibilities, reflecting a thoughtful integration of the old with the new. Their approach to design is bold and tasteful.
ABOUT THE PRINCIPAL
Robin Kencel’s firm, Ellsworth Ford, has led the restoration and renovation of a number of great estates in America, receiving numerous awards and recognition. With degrees from Georgetown University and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, her abilities to manage complex projects make her distinctive in the field.
Robin’s foray into interior design came by way of kitchen and bath design. Her knowledge of rich, time honored materials as well as the latest in contemporary design is extensive.
Robin is a real estate agent with Sotheby’s International Realty; to learn more, go to www.robinkencel.com.
CARLENE SAFDIE
DESIGNER
Carlene began her career in design through the world of fashion. Her close friend and mentor, decorator John Dickinson, encouraged her love of interior design and antiques. In 1985, she opened her first antiques store.
“When Robin discovered my shop sixteen years ago, it became obvious that this would be a partnership for a long, long time. Our design philosophy is always emerging, but based in classical principles, whether the client wants English country or contemporary.”
ABOUT THE PRINCIPAL
DESIGNER
Liz started her design career at Brown University focusing her studies on art and architecture history as well as urban studies graduating magna cum laude. After working at the preservation firm of Beyer Blinder Belle Architects in New York City she attended Parsons School of Design completing their Interior Design program with honors. As a designer at David Easton Inc. Liz learnt the details of decoration, complementing her architectural background. As part of the Ellsworth Ford Associates team Liz brings these various design experiences and perspective to each project, carefully organizing each step of the design process.