Even before Jeremy Wunderlich graduated from the University of Minnesota, he landed an internship with interior designer Greg Walsh of the Walsh Design Group. Two years later, he partnered with Laura Nobles to form Hanson Nobles Wunderlich in International Market Square. Now, at the ripe old age of 35, the wunderkind has a list of notable clients in the Twin Cities and abroad who love his work -- and his wit. We talked with Wunderlich about his design motto, his Richfield home and his influences, from Bill Blass to Barbie. Turn to page H3 Ø Q Is there a signature Jeremy Wunderlich touch in every room you design?

A I wouldn't say there is a signature touch, but perhaps more of a feel. I strive to keep spaces timeless, edited, fresh, comfortable and livable.

Q If you had a motto, what would it be?

A Keep it simple.

Q When did you know you were going to be a designer?

A When Barbie decided to move into a loft.

Q Name three designers -- dead or alive -- who you'd invite to a dinner party.

A Bill Blass. He's America's most influential fashion designer. Blass had a great gift for interior decoration. I remember first seeing his weekend house in a magazine many years ago. It's one of my favorite interiors. Secondly, Jed Johnson -- an incredible designer and what a life! Also, David Hicks. His use of pattern is a favorite. Much of his work, 40 years later, feels fresh and current to me.

Q What's playing on your iPod?

A Fujiya and Miyagi, Fleet Foxes, Olivia Newton-John.

Q Blackberry or iPhone?

A Neither.

Q Where would you live besides Minnesota?

A I'd have a hard time leaving here, but then it would be someplace completely off the grid, away from everything.

Q Which three adjectives best describe you?

A Happy, funny, clever.

Q What's your favorite color to wear?

A Pale blue.

Q What's your favorite color to design with?

A Any shade of green.

Q What's your favorite fabric?

A Wool, especially wool plaids. I love a great plaid!

Q Do you have a secret store that you run to in emergencies?

A Crate & Barrel.

Q What's your favorite shelter mag or design blog?

A The now defunct Cottage Living.

Q Do you have a favorite TV show?

A "Damages." Glenn Close is evil in that role!

Q If you had a show of your own, what would it be called?

A I would never have a TV show. I would be a train wreck.

Q What will the design gods be saying about you in 50 years?

A Gee, this guy sure loved to sell anything with stripes.

Q You remodeled your home in Richfield. What's it like?

A We [Wunderlich and his partner] have lived in our home for almost seven years. It's a l930s Cape Cod with cozy dormers. The interiors are simple and classic, with a casual feel. The best part of our house is the yard. We have wonderful, mature trees and lots of green space.

Q Is there one room you'd still like to do?

A I wish we could gut our bathroom. I would create a separate dressing area with French closet doors and milk glass panes. I would make everything white, with a simple soaking tub and separate pedestal sinks.

Q What's the best compliment you've had from a client?

A I once received a note from a client, thanking me for my help with a family home out of town. The client was in the end stages of a terminal disease, yet she went out of her way to thank me. That note is in my mind often.

Q What is your best advice for working in challenging times?

A Get a good night's sleep. It sure does wonders for me.

Susie Eaton Hopper is a Twin Cities freelance writer.