[INTERVIEW'D] George From 9 By Design

Yo! Check it! Here is Part One of our exclusive interview with George Hribar, from Bravo TV's new hit show 9 By Design.

I watch a lot of TV...like A LOT. So I know what the fuck I'm talking about when it comes to "must see TV." And 9 By Design, Bravo's new reality TV show about Bob & Cortney Novogratz, their design firm Sixx Design, and their gigantic family was, hands down, my fave new reality show of the season. Even though there were only 6 eps in season one, I watched each and every one of them SO HARD...sometimes twice.

And sure the Novos' 7 kids were cute, and developer Dave Barry was kooky, and it was fun to put my TV on pause anytime they showed the view of the Hudson from their West Street house, but also: how much did I love George?

SPOILER ALERT: SOOOO MUCH!

In case you need a refersher course: George is the Novos right-hand man at their design firm Sixx Design. He's there with the design-savvy couple every step-of-the-way through all of their projects, and he's the one behind-the-scenes makin sure shit gets DONE.

Also, I'm obsessed with his eyebrows. Here's what I had to say about them back in my ep 4 recap:

Speaking of George, can we talk about him for a min? George is like the No. 2 dude at Sixx Design, and his eyebrows legitmately rival those of Nate Archibald on Gossip Girl. They are totally fucking resplendent. I just composed a symphony in honor of this dude's eyebrows.

Anyway, lucky us! Cause George agreed to answer a bunch of questions for Design Blahg, and wowza! He gave us allll sorts of good shit to sink our teeth into. Here we go!:

How Did You End Up Working For Sixx Design?

When I graduated college, I lived in the East Village with 4 buddies; one of them being Bob's younger brother Matt.  I was working on Wall Street at the time, but knew I wanted to do something that would balance my creative side with my business side.  Particularly, I wanted to get into real estate.  I watched Bob & Cortney's business grow and was jealous of their lifestyle!  After I got married, I knew i wanted to make a move before I got too comfortable and the pressures of life locked me into my seat at a trading desk.  I started hanging around with Bob to learn the business.  Eventually, timing was right and he asked me to come on as Sixx Design's first employee.

How Do You Approach Design?

I approach design similar to the way I approach fashion/style.  There are so many styles/looks that I am drawn too.  I try and curate from the different looks to create something cohesive that is also unique to me.

What's Your Aesthetic, And Does It Differ Than Sixx Design's?

My aesthetic tends to lean toward a bit more classic Ralph Lauren, but I still like to build it around clean, modern lines--especially bathrooms and kitchens.

Did Your Aesthetic Change After You Started Working For Sixx Design?

Yes.  More then anything, I learned the importance of de-cluttering a space and making a statement with the fewest things possible.  This is particularly important as my wife and I have 3 month old twin boys --and they already have too much stuff!  I definitely have grown to appreciate a modern aesthetic as well.

What Does Your Own Place Look Like? Any Zaha Hadid Shark Desks Hanging Around?

My wife & I have a two bedroom in a prewar on the UWS.   the walls are a clean flat white w/some colorful

art--think Chesterfield couch instead of Cappellini couch. Our kitchen has a black and white checkered floor and white lacquer cabinets--pretty simple.

So no on the Zaha Hadid desk...I don't think my Co-Op Board would be too happy if I tried to wedget that thing in our elevator!

Did you watch any reality TV before starring on a reality TV show? If so, which ones? (sidenote: has Jill Zarin from Real Housewives of NYC ever reached out to have you guys feature Zarin Fabrics in an ep? Cause that would mean all of my reality TV dreams were coming true :) 

Yes.  I watch a lot of TV:  Top Chef, Project Runway, Bourdain...I really don't like watching The Housewives. I don't have anything bad to say--who am I to judge, right? I mean I'm on a reality TV show as well.  But if my wife is watching Housewives or the Bachelor, I usually just leave the room or zone out on the internet.

Hands down the best show on TV is Talk Soup. It's a Saturday morning ritual in my house to get coffee and breakfast, read the paper, and watch "The Soup."

As for Jill Zarin, would she be giving us the fabric for free? If so, then we're in! (ed note: I'M SURE). Actually, I think Cortney has purchased some fabrics from there before.

Did You Ever Get Used To Having The Cameras Around And Just Forget They Were There?

Yes!  After a while, you really would forget.  Although they were not shooting every day, but after a few weeks, you definitely let your guard down.  I actually thought I was going to be much more self-conscious then I was.

Did Having The Cameras Around Turn You Into A Snappier Dresser Or Make You Brush Your Hair More?

I'm not gonna lie: Yes.  I mean, I like clothes to begin with and think about what I'm putting on every day so it's only natural. 

 

 

I know you want more, so stay tuned for Part II this Friday where George dishes on what we didn't see on the show, fave online resources, Sixx Design's Current projects and what's up for Season 2!