Age:	37
	Hometown:	St. Louis, MO
	Profession/Type of Art:	Artist (more specifically, illustrator), interior designer, architect, magician
	Education:	BFA, Maryville University MA Real Estate Management, Webster University
	Licenses & Certifications:	Licensed Real Estate broker; Certified Interior Designer (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) Missouri registered architect

At Maryville University, Domash pursued a practical application of his art in interior design. He furthered his vision with an advanced degree in real estate management and a real estate broker's license. His becoming a registered architect then allowed him bring his projects to fruition.

After working for Alternative Office Solutions for a year and a half, Domash began his own business operating initially out of his home. His company was then located in Kirkwood on Monroe. Now Domash Designsource LLC is at 8780 Big Bend Boulevard in Webster Groves. Domash fully designed their space to emulate their logo brand.

Domash married a St. Louisan, Aimee, who has also been involved with the business managing records, health benefits, payroll, and bookkeeping. They have three children and live in a home designed by Domash – ground up.

The following interview with Ken Domash was conducted by Cheryl Blake, UM-St. Louis, September 2004.

Q. How did you come to this point in the business and your career?

A. I was a professional magician at age 18. I thought about being a magician. I was offered scholarships at Webster for art when I was a junior. I could have skipped my senior year and had a full ride, but one of my friends asked if I was crazy thinking of not staying in high school for senior year. I did get to take art at Washington University while I was still in high school. When I graduated, I went on to Maryville University. My dad advised me to do something practical with the art. So I chose interior design.

I went to Webster University for real estate management and became a broker so I could do what my clients at the time were doing, that part of design. I really like the people in the business, their personality structure. They are a really outgoing group. However, the actual work that the brokers do would not allow room for drawing – in any form. So I did the art part for this group. They are now my clients, and I do the creative part of their deals. Yet, although I could do the creative part, I needed to be an architect to sign off on my own work…

I had worked with architects for years. They had even worked for me. I applied to the Missouri Board of Architecture to sit for the exam to become registered. I had 12 years of day runners, and the architects I'd worked with signed off on what we had done. Some of my studies at Maryville also counted. It took a year and a half, but the board approved me. Then I had to memorize like a maniac. I was able to keep up the business, but I would go home from work and study until midnight. After three years of cramming I took the nine exams, five of them all-day tests. I passed and received my architect’s seal.

Q. Why was the architecture important?

A. Anybody can claim to do graphic design. There is no certification yet. Interior designers may be certified. They can figure the lighting for the look and the cost implications. They know colors, durability of materials, use of space. But they, too, do not have to be certified to claim to be an interior designer. To get projects, they need to really be darned good. And, with the 10-second figure drawing from Washington University, I can draw the design as I meet with the client. As a broker, I could understand what makes the lease deal happen. But I still couldn't seal off on a project. Only an architect can do that. Somebody could move a door on a design and take away a fire exit by mistake. The architect is the one who has to know that. There is lobbying to get designers to be able to seal. But it hasn't happened yet. So I became an architect.

Q. Do you have any advice for people who want to combine their art with a successful business?

A. The magic trick is using your art and creativity to pull off your business illusion. What I like to do is draw. That is my art. I can sit with someone and draw the design as we talk about it. I get to draw, do what I love. My dad's advice to get something that has practical applications was good.

I would suggest getting something that has certifications. If there are difficult requirements and a heavy price for an entry fee, like the education for architecture, then the supply stays low.

Put together a good portfolio. Do promotion; create your own brand. Dress differently for the appropriate group. I dress more formally for architects than for artists. Do the opposite of what everyone else is doing. If everyone has ads in the Business Journal, don't advertise there. Use some other promotion. And don't look like you're starving. The public can dictate who you'll be. The environment can form you. That magic act I took months to perfect, I might be expected to do every night for eternity. Most of the time that ruins the art. You have to find your own audience.

When I started out, I told myself that I was going to do branding. I get to create new all of the time. I'm selling new ideas everyday with the use of art.

Visit the Domash Designsource website to learn more about Ken's work and all that is involved in "branding."

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