Whether he’s producing, acting, writing or designing, Nate Berkus is constantly surrounded by creativity. After making a name for himself as a fixture (no pun intended) on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Berkus was catapulted into interior design fame. He has designed several lines of home goods for Target, scored his own show and has two books under his belt. Recently, Berkus has added a few new titles to his resume as well—follow Berkus as he begins a new chapter of life as a husband, father and career man.

We caught up with this jack of all trades to talk design, Chicago and so much more.

CollegeFashionista: You worked closely with Oprah for many years. How has she influenced you? 

Nate Berkus: Oprah has always been much more than a media platform for me. I consider her a dear friend and a rock solid sounding board.

CF: How did going to college and starting your first company in Chicago influence you? 

NB: Chicago was an incredible, energetic and deeply welcoming city for me when I was starting a business. The city not only has fantastic resources, but everyone seems to fall back on a solid work ethic, a willingness to try new things and a Midwest value system which I not only share, but admire.

CF: When you’re designing a new space, what helps you get inspired? 

NB: Travel, museums, flea markets and the personalities of the people I’m designing for.

CF: What advice do you have for college students wanting to get into interior design? 

NB: Like any career choice, make sure it’s rooted in passion. Is design what you would do if there was no paycheck involved? Did you redecorate your room a hundred times as a child? If so, take the leap, but remember….even though it is absolutely about creativity and artistry, it’s also the service industry and that can be very intense. You need to be business minded, not just creative”. 

CF: Do fashion and interior design coincide for you? 

NB: Always has, always will.

CF: What do you enjoy better? Writing or being on screen? 

NB: After over 15 years of being on TV, I barely notice the cameras anymore. Writing is more of an effort for me.

CF: Go back to being 20, what would you tell yourself?

NB: Glad you took the internships you did, smart not to take science classes, and stop buying clothes you can’t afford!