Wayne Sheffield started working in interior design at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The design department held master craftsmen and a national award-winning staff. As the youngest of the team, I learned many principles of construction, design, and installation. The MFAH was a great training ground for interior design, as the goal of every exhibit was to appear perfect. Budgets were large and time unimpeded, as long as the finish was impeccable.

In 2000 I apprenticed under Andreas Krauderer, 4th generation German artisan and trained in Italy. In 2002 I started my own company, Elegante Walls, Inc.

I completed many noteworthy projects in N. Arizona and Houston, with the support of Design Group, Sedona, and Aldo Andreoli, AA Studio. Creativity and ingenuity kept me in demand. I experimented with new processes to make finishes unique, efficient, and affordable. Multiple layer processes with natural and authentic materials became a specialty. The “faux finish boom” of the 2000s was a dynamic period, and I produced many different techniques to complement diverse clients and styles.

I had projects to keep me busy into the recession, including a LEEDS certified home in Flagstaff, AZ, under Architectural Environmental Associates. I designed and installed a commercial project for Turner Inc., Seattle.

I moved to Montana in 2010, and took a break from design as construction budgets plummeted. I completed a few specialty projects near Whitefish. I return to AZ seasonally to work with past clients, builders, and designers that I have great relationships with.

I love living in the beautiful Flathead Valley, and exploring magnificent Montana. I look forward to working with our talented builders, designers, and architects.