We recently connected with Forrest Glover and have shared our conversation below.
Forrest, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I did not find my purpose all at once. It revealed itself gradually, little by little, usually after I let go of something that no longer fit. I started out in fashion design in San Francisco, and while I loved creating, I often felt boxed in by the industry’s pace and ego. When I moved into interiors, I realized I wanted to be closer to how things were made, not just how they looked.
That shift led me toward custom furniture and draperies. Engineering and manufacturing made sense to me. I believe in the logic of structure, balance, and endurance. Drawing ideas was one thing, but building them gave me a deeper sense of connection. It turned design into something tactile and human, something that connects people through the craft itself.
Moving to Mexico expanded that connection even further. Working directly with artisans and materials reminded me that design is not about perfection. It is about honesty, story, and presence. My purpose became clear when I stopped trying to define success by what others expected. My work is about honoring the people and processes behind the pieces, and about showing that authenticity and craftsmanship will always matter.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an interior designer, furniture maker, and storyteller based in Guadalajara, Mexico. My studio, Forrest Glover Design, helps homeowners and designers furnish and design homes throughout Mexico with custom furniture, textiles, and decor that reflect both beauty and integrity.
What makes my work special is the way it bridges worlds. I work directly with local artisans and workshops in Guadalajara and across Mexico to produce furniture that combines modern design with traditional craftsmanship. Every project connects people who might never meet otherwise: a homeowner in California, a craftsman in Tonalá, and a piece of furniture that tells both of their stories.
Design for me is not just about how a room looks. It is about how it allows people to live. I believe design should provide a space that makes life better, one that supports comfort, creativity, and a sense of belonging. When design is approached with care, honesty, and collaboration, it becomes a tool for improving the way we feel and move through the world.
Our studio’s signature offerings include Furniture Sourcing Tours in Guadalajara, where clients and designers can visit workshops, meet makers, and commission pieces directly. We also created La Casa Fea, a creative hub and editorial project that documents real Mexican design through maker collaborations, honest materials, and lived-in beauty.
At its core, Forrest Glover Design is about connection. Every project, every partnership, and every handcrafted piece begins with the same goal: to create spaces that feel alive, grounded, and deeply human.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that shaped my journey most are curiosity, observation, and follow-through.
Curiosity has always guided me. I ask questions about everything: how materials behave, why certain cultures design the way they do, and how something could be made better. Staying curious keeps the work alive. For anyone starting out, I would say never stop learning, even when you think you have it figured out. The best ideas usually come from unexpected places.
Observation is equally important. Design is about seeing what others overlook. It is about noticing the way light hits a surface or how people move through a space. Pay attention to what feels good in a room and what feels off. That awareness is where good design begins. Curiosity and observation have also served me well in cross-cultural translation. Even though I moved to Mexico later in life, those two traits helped me understand, adapt, and earn the trust of people who work and create differently than I was trained to.
Finally, follow-through separates vision from reality. I have seen many talented designers with great ideas who never finish what they start. The real magic happens in execution. Learn to manage the details, communicate clearly, and see things through to completion. That consistency builds trust, both with clients and with yourself.
If you nurture these three traits, the rest will follow. Curiosity gives you direction, observation gives you understanding, and follow-through turns your ideas into something real.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, absolutely. I am always looking to collaborate with people and brands who value creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural connection. My favorite collaborations are with designers, artists, and makers who share a respect for honest materials and thoughtful design.
Right now, we are also moving through an exciting transition into a more technology and AI-driven company. Design and innovation have always gone hand in hand for me, and I believe the future of creative work will rely on the collaboration between human intuition and intelligent tools. We are especially interested in connecting with tech-minded and open-minded individuals and companies who want to explore what this next chapter of design can look like.
We continue to grow La Casa Fea, our ongoing collaboration platform and editorial project, which celebrates authentic Mexican design and brings together artisans, designers, and brands that care about quality and story. We welcome new partnerships in both areas: creative production and forward-thinking technology.
If someone reading this feels aligned with that vision, I would love to hear from them. They can reach me directly at [email protected]
or visit forrestgloverdesign.com to learn more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.forrestgloverdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrestgloverdesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forrest.m.glover
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forrestglover/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForrestGlover
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/fgloverdesign
https://forrestgloverdesign.substack.com
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