Bravotv.com: What was your reaction when you found out about the fallout shelter?

My initial reaction to the "fallout shelter" project was, "Oh, that's depressing," followed by a little bewilderment after finding out who I was partnered with, and how we would create shared space that would truly reflect our individual character, yet work together. Let's be honest: If you were trapped in a confined space for the rest of your life, you would probably want to make it as personal as you could, yes?

Bravotv.com: It seemed that you and Jennifer never quite worked well -- were you worried from the beginning?

Honestly, yes. I am a very disciplined and thoughtful designer, so when Jennifer just started picking random things and gave no thought to a concept or how we could collaborate on the design ideas, it was clear that she was just throwing stuff together. But, we tried to make the best of it.

Bravotv.com: If you could have designed the whole room yourself, what would you have done?

Like I explained to the judges when they first came in, I would create a personal space that reflected my favorite things -- place, color, textures, artwork, furniture, photos -- all the personal effects that are important to me. I also would want a dynamic space -- so the "artwork" on the wall was something that I could continually change ... it's not like I could run down to the art store and buy some supplies. With the resources at hand, that is what I tried represent with the second challenge.

Bravotv.com: What were the most important things you tried to remember for your design, since the idea was that you would have to live there for the rest of your life?

Like I mentioned before -- just to make it personal. I could explain everything that I selected and why it was there.