Meet Chelsea Potthast Dawson & Charles Dawson

Potthast Dawson Design is a boutique interior design studio led by Chelsea Potthast Dawson and Charles Dawson, bringing together over 30 years of combined experience.
 
Chelsea’s creative influence traces back generations – Potthast Bros. millwork and furniture, German-American craftsmen in early America, who made furniture for past US Presidents, as well as commissioned works for “America’s First Designer”, Elsie de Wolfe.  The notable American Impressionist painter Edward Henry Potthast is also her not-so-distant relative.
 
Charles brings decades of experience in construction and project management. He credits his late grandfather, Dr. Peter E. Dawson—internationally recognized innovator of modern dentistry, author, publisher, and developer—as a guiding influence. Dr. Dawson’s commitment to investment in people continues to inspire Charles’s pursuit of a better way, seeking sound solutions as the path to success.
 
Together, Chelsea and Charles draw upon generations of creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship to create spaces that redefine excellence. 
Potthast Dawson Design — professional studio portrait of the husband-and-wife interior design team seated together against a white background.

Charles’ grandfather, Dr. Peter E. Dawson, pictured in The Floridian

Charles and Grandpa Dawson

Charles with his grandfather, Dr. Peter E. Dawson.

Original shop drawing from Potthast Bros.

Edward H. Potthast - A Day at the Seashore

Painting by Edward H. Potthast, A Day at the Seashore

Mission & Values

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.”

– Proverbs 24:3-4

We look to Creation as the highest expression of beauty, order, and artistry. Because no two clients are the same, we take on intentional projects each year that allow for a highly personalized, detail-driven approach. While our studio is based in St. Petersburg, Florida, our work extends far beyond it, giving us access to exceptional materials, furnishings, and artisans from around the world. Natural materials remain central to our work whenever possible: hand-selected marble, travertine,

quartzite, and terracotta; precious metals; distinctive wood species; and other organic textures. For furnishings and window treatments, we favor natural fiber and other textiles with fine weaves, tactile richness, and depth. We treasure the presence of original and meaningful pieces like antiques, one-of-a-kind works of art, hand-crafted objects, heirloom pieces and photographs. These layers add character and meaning, distinguishing your space from the merely beautiful.

TESTIMONIALS

Let’s create something meaningful, crafted for the way you live.

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