Interior designer Celia Barrett Blake passed away on Oct. 3 at the age of 72 after a brief battle with lymphocytic leukemia.
She was the founder/CEO/principal designer at Barrett Design Studio, headquartered in Jackson, MS, with a satellite office in New York City. The company’s interior designs can be seen in hotels across the U.S. We’ve been honored to feature her and her work in the pages of Hotel Business.
Celia was born in McComb, MS, and graduated from Auburn University’s College of Architecture with a degree in interior design. She continued her studies at Parson’s School of Design in New York in both set design and antiques, and also studied theatre at New York’s Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. For six years, she was the artistic director and producer for The Acting Group, a professional theater company in New York City.
In 1989, she launched her interior design business in New York City after many years there as a designer for major architectural firms.
She was often a speaker at hospitality and design conferences, including the NYU International Investment Conference and BITAC Luxury Hotel Conference, and was an adjunct professor for the senior interior design class at MS College for six years.
She inspired many in and out of design, and made many friends along the way.
“It’s not often you meet someone and immediately click,” said Christina Trauthwein, VP, content & partnerships, Hotel Business. “But it was just so natural with Celia. From the moment I met her, there was a connection. Her warmth, kindness and love of life and laughter touched me—and so many of us—and will surely be missed, but always remembered. Celia’s care and compassion was evident every time she checked in and asked, ‘How are you doing?’ truly wanting to know and listen to your answer. Celia had the special quality of making the most uncomfortable person in the room feel comfortable. She was a genuine design talent, and friend, and a light to so many of us.”
Gary Inman, president/principal designer, Gary Inman Interior Design, said, “Celia Barrett became a cherished lifelong friend the moment I was introduced to her by Christina Trauthwein. We planned our trade shows so we could spend time together throughout the year. Her luminous smile and her gorgeous Bette Davis eyes, enhanced by her endless curiosity and passion for her career and her beloved husband, Joe, were unforgettable. We shared our triumphs and losses, always with grace and a bit of wicked humor, complemented by a few very dry martinis. Celia will remain a part of my life forever. I will hear her sage advice and her always-generous praise as I continue my journey. My fondest memory is an afternoon we shared on the beach at Monarch Resort, admiring the beauty of nature and sharing our dreams and our hearts as the sunset illuminated the California sky.”
Stacy Garcia, CEO/chief inspiration officer, Stacy Garcia Inc., also shared some of her thoughts with Hotel Business. “Celia Barrett was a friend and industry colleague, and we connected immediately from the moment we met,” said Garcia. “I looked forward to seeing her each year, and she was always on our VIP list at events—her bright smile and warm welcome was like a boost of energy. Celia had a grace about her that made everyone feel special, and her genuine hospitality left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was a class act, a talented designer and a lovely lady, and I feel truly honored to have known her.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Mississippi Animal Rescue League or an animal rescue shelter of your choice.
