"A" Liengboonlertchai
INTERVIEW
An interview with: "A" Liengboonlertchai
How did you end up here?
I have spent 11 years in the U.S.; I came from Bangkok, Thailand... I was (actually still am!) a lawyer back in Thailand, now using the other side of my brain – my creativity – as interior designer and owner of Simplicity Decor. I live in Shoreline and commute here six days a week.
What do you find unique about being a creative professional in Kirkland?
... the community that really embraced a newcomer like me... They’ve accepted me as part of their community, so I need to give back – I’ve been involved with the City, with the KDA, with the Chamber, and such. I’m not sure you would find every city as welcoming to newcomers in the community as Kirkland.
Is Kirkland a good place to be working in design?
I would say yes, although our place is still new – we’ve just been open 5 years, and I just started the design work 3 ½ years ago. Not everyone knows this is another creative line of work we offer – we are going to open part of the upstairs as a design center, a professional place people can come to sample fabrics, window coverings, floor coverings, custom framings, lighting, mirrors, even paint – so we’re going to put more focus on interior design and will promote and let people know. The open mindedness of people and the support of the creative culture really helps, in general. For me, I believe it’s helped me to feel free to get my creativity out there and try new ideas. This community gives me the assurance that no matter what I’m doing they are ready to look at it and give me a chance to try, so I try. And we’ve had good response to our ideas and turnout to events.
Inspirational Places
Are there any special places you like to go in Kirkland for creative inspiration?
I work here six days a week from early in the morning until the end of the day, so to be truthful, I hardly go anywhere – but sometimes I feel I need to breathe, and need to open my brain up to creativity, so I usually just walk down to the water, to the shore. I have gone to Juanita Beach a few times, stopping on my way back home for inspiration or a quiet moment. We are lucky to have this environment that is so beautiful, so peaceful, so open to the public.
Where are some of your favorite places in Kirkland you would recommend to visitors?
The waterfront of course, good sightseeing at Juanita Beach, the art galleries… If you spend a day, there’s a lot within walking distance around here. The restaurants: so many are here. Cactus would be the one I recommend. And Calabrisella. We have a lot of spas here, and Penterra at the Heathman is very well known. Stay at the Heathman, relax, walk here & shop around.