Urban Dwellings
Tracy Davis
Tracy A. Davis grasps design from a variety of angles: as the founder of Urban Dwellings, a Portland based Interior Architectural Practice; as an active member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID); and as an owner of a a boutique design shop, offering her sophisticated eye as she curates an exceptional array of elements for the home. Since founding Urban Dwellings in 2005, the firm has become one of New England’s leading design firms, gaining a reputation for reinventing space by employing a blended aesthetic, with a devotion to interior architecture at its core. One of Davis' commitments as a designer is to reflect the deep environmental connection clients hold to their surroundings, and not just in the lush reaches of Maine but for her clients in urban settings such as Boston and New York City, as well. Because she realizes projects in such disparate milieus, Tracy’s portfolio is diverse, holding everything from luxurious coastal homes, boutique hotels to restaurants and a transformed Maine lighthouse. Her work has been featured in trade publications nationwide, and beyond her sophisticated projects that editors enjoy featuring, her finds during travels throughout Europe, South America and the interior U.S. garner interest as well. “Each new project is a unique opportunity for individualized design.” Tracy points out, adding that she trusts her emotional intelligence to personally tailor each project to reflect the clients’ interests, experience, and lifestyle. A custom chandelier made of repurposed local Elm won Urban Dwellings the Boston’s Perspective on Design Award for Best Object Design in 2011. In 2014, Urban Dwellings joined the Haute Design Network as the exclusive member for Portland, ME; and was named one of America’s Top 100 Interior Design firms by Design Bureau Magazine. In 2016, the firm was awarded the People’s Choice Award for residential design from the New Hampshire chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Most recently, Davis was awarded The Interior Design Society's 2017 Designer of the Year for a home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Tracy takes design education seriously. Inspiration from past mentors is a consistent force in her design philosophy that has led her to teach herself, her studio and lecture courses on interior design empowering students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels at the Boston Architectural College.