Clodagh and her beloved dog Rosie at her Manhattan design studio, which showcases the
brand-new Clodagh-designed Tara Collection of ceiling and wall panels from American Tin Ceilings.

To call her a legend is no exaggeration: Irish-born, New York–based designer Clodagh is the real deal, a design icon through and through. After all, when you’re known by one name, you’ve earned your status! 

Still actively creating after more than 50 years in the business, Clodagh thrives on the thrill of tackling projects she’s never done before, like her recent collaboration with American Tin Ceilings, which she adds to her roster of hit licensed collections. But what truly drives this single-moniker tastemaker is designing spaces that spark joy. She's designed everything from hotels, spas, and restaurants to yachts, planes, and private residences.

Here, we spoke with Clodagh for our Fab 5 to find out what makes her tick. And this design visionary did not disappoint with her words of wisdom.

What’s the most unexpected lesson design has taught you about life?

The similarity in people’s desires. They are universal: comfort, luxury, invisible storage, and well-being.

What design “trend” should go away right now?

The word “trend” is what should go away! That word should be obliterated. I believe in movements but never trends.

What do you hope people feel when they walk into one the spaces you designed?

Instant joy.

What do you wish clients understood better about design?

That they would tell me what they REALLY want, and not to be embarrassed by what they like best.

If you could go back and give your younger designer-self advice, what would you say?

Don’t hold anything back, let your mind roam, and keep inside the budget, too.