Keith Williams is one of the leading landscape designers in the country. He has been a partner at Nievera Williams since 2007 where he also serves as one of the lead designers at the firm. A member of the ASLA, Keith has had an integral role in a wide range of projects for residential and commercial landscape projects throughout Palm Beach, Northeastern United States, Bahamas, Miami Beach and Shanghai, China, some of which also include landscape designs for historic and landmarked residences. Keith was born and raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Williams discovered his passion for design at young age. He is also inspired by the work of Thomas Church and Beatrix Ferrand. Keith is currently working on the restoration and renovation for a significant landmarked Palm Beach residence designed by noted architect, Mario Sims Wyeth, in the late 1920’s. Current commercial work includes design for the new landscape and site improvements for the Design Center of the Americas in Dania Beach, Florida (DCOTA). Over the years, Keith’s work has been featured in publications such as Veranda, Traditional Home, Florida Design and Palm Beach Illustrated.

Paloma Contreras: How would you describe your style?

Keith Williams: I am definitely a minimalist.

PC: How has living in Palm Beach influenced your style?

KW: Living in Palm Beach has had a major influence on my design aesthetic. There’s such a diverse clientele in Palm Beach and it is enriched in history and architects.

PC: What does your home say about you?

KW: It is very clean, organized, tone on tone and sustainable.

PC: Where do you turn for inspiration:

KW: My travels with my wife are the most inspirational; and my business partner, Mario Nievera provides great inspiration as well.  Locations: Italy-Amalfi Coast, Rome, Florence and Tuscany.

PC: Who are your style icons?

KW: Alessandro Michele, the Creative Director of Gucci is always inspiring.

PC: What trait do you most admire in a person?

KW: Loyalty

PC: What is your guilty pleasure?

KW: I love “House of Cards”.

PC: Who or what has been your greatest professional influence?

KW: My father has, I’ve always admired his work growing up, his work ethic and the way he handled himself professional plus his creativity. 

PC: What is your idea of living “la dolce vita”?

KW: Honestly, renovating an old farm house in southern Italy with my wife, with amazing gravel gardens, fruit and vegetable gardens and few goats and chickens.

PC: What can we look forward to next from you?

KW: Lots of modern work, working on renovating an old building into a modern boutique hotel in Miami. We have a New furniture line out called “simplicity”.  

Go to Outfit: Lanvin sneakers and white jeans 

Style Mantra: Fitted, cool shoes and never over done

Scent: Creed Millesime Imperial

Piece of Jewelry: my wedding ring

Color I Never Tire Of: Blue 

Flower: Anything wild 

Indispensable Design Element: Pennoyer Newman planters, I love them all!

Era for Design: Mid Century Modern Era 

Dream Project: One without any budget, lol! One that I can work on both the architecture and landscape architecture.

Fabric/Textile: Perennials outdoor fabric 

Hostess Gift: Coffee table books, usually to do with gardens or architecture

Meal: Spaghetti Pomodoro

Drink: Aperol spritz 

Way to Unwind after a Long Day at Work: Hug and kiss my wife, I know it sounds corny but it’s true!  

3 Things I love about Palm Beach: History, Architecture, Weather

Weekend Destination: Miami Beach or NYC

Hotel: Gramercy Park in NYC

City: Rome

Museum: Roof top at the Met 

Artist: Jasper Johns 

Song that Always Puts Me in a Great Mood: Vax- Fireproof Featuring Teddy Sky

Actor/Actress: Tom Selleck / Meryl Streep 

Prized Possession: The Panerai watch my wife gave me

Risk Worth Taking: Dreaming. Don’t be afraid to dream when your designing.

Greatest Extravagance: Porsche 911 convertible 

Go-To Color Palette: Green and white 

Rule to Break: There are no rules 

Movie Set Design: The Great Gatsby

I can never have too many… designer sneakers… especially LANVIN.

{Photography Courtesy of Keith Williams}