Warren Weixler

DC - Co-Founder of SWATCHROOM

Customization is key for Warren Weixler, the Co-Founder of SWATCHROOM, a design, art, and fabrication team based out of DC. Weixler’s attitude and drive to create unique spaces for their clients may come from his interests and attitude. From his dream car being an early 60’s Porsche with an electric conversion, to his favorite dinner being breakfast, Weixler is a character who will create a space as unique as he is. His inspiration to create may come from his aching curiosity “I'm constantly curious about how and why things work. From ideas to machines,” explains Weixler. If you find yourself at a bar or restaurant in DC where the atmosphere and interiors work together harmoniously and quirkley, chances are that you are seeing Weixler’s work. Keep an eye out for the interior innovations of Weixler and his team.

Q&A:

Hometown?

Newport News, Va by way of Long Island NY.

Place you call home now (neighborhood etc)?

Shaw Neighborhood of DC.

Any notes on your education?

Bachelors in Architecture from Virginia Tech with an Industrial Design Minor.

Favorite sport to watch?

Basketball - College and Pro.

Favorite sport to play?

Basketball and road cycling.

Best vacation ever?

3 month European Trip in College to study famous Architecture - visited 37 cities.

Dream trip destination?

Currently on a quest to go to every US State - I have 37 so far.
Southeast Asia trip revolving around food would be amazing.

Favorite dinner?

Breakfast for dinner.

Favorite dessert?

Ice cream.

Underrated food?

Burmese cuisine.

Dish you’re best at cooking?

Shrimp tacos.

Best meal you've had at a restaurant?

PATO AL PASTOR (slow roasted duck) at Poca Madre.

Road trip - three in the car with you. Living or dead. Who are they? Why?

Peter Zumthor - My favorite designer/architect. He would be great to nerd out with about design and theory.

Questlove - I am a drummer and I know our road trip playlist would be on point.
Dave Chappelle - He is a local to DC and would keep the laughs and party going.

Favorite TV show as a kid?

Duck Tales and Fresh Prince.

Favorite movies?

Poolhall Junkies

Anything Wes Anderson

Favorite bands?

Tribe Called Quest, Dispatch, and Peter Tosh.

80's jams are a must.

Most impressive live performance you ever saw?

Red Hot Chili Peppers in Philly.

Car you drive now?

1990 Range Rover Classic.

Car you’d like to drive?

Early 60's Porsche 912 with an Electric Conversion.

Summer drink of choice?

Scotch and soda.

Winter drink of choice?

Scotch and soda.

Bourbon or Scotch?

Scotch.

Cologne?

Chanel Bleu.

Favorite beach?

Okracoke Island, NC.

Best work advice you ever got?

As it relates to my business - At your worst, your decisions are still better than most.

Personally - to whom much is given, much is required.

Best thing about your career?

Making. Creating and Building something out of nothing. Then being able to go and experience that place or space.

What do you do now for work? Tell us something about your work and career path.

I have always been a maker and interested in design. My grandfather was a master carpenter and it most certainly rubbed off on me.

Currently I co-own a creative design firm called SWATCHROOM. We focus on brand, art, and experience design specializing in hospitality, developer re-positioning, and site specific installations.

We are responsible for some of the best restaurant and bar spaces in DC and across the US.

Do you have any philanthropic interests/endeavors?

I love to teach. Specifically in the local design schools. I love being part of critiques for design studios.

Add anything else about yourself here that you would like the world to know about you.

I'm constantly curious about how and why things work. From ideas to machines. I love to travel.

I am a creative Entrepreneur. I work best under pressure.