Christopher Todd: A Talent Without Limits
BY JOAN S. PECK
I was excited to write about Christopher Todd of Christopher Todd Design since his store is right around the corner from where I live. I knew it would be fun when I met him to arrange the interview. Christopher Todd is a handsome, friendly man with twinkly blue eyes and a broad smile that exudes joy in what he does for a living. He is a southern boy, full of stories … and had many to tell.
Christopher Todd Hall grew up in Monticello, a small town of 8,000 in Arkansas, with parents who adored him and his talent. Christopher says, “they were always proud of me and loved to show off what I created. I was spoiled.”
While in 8th grade, Todd (as he was called then) went to the local fair. There, Joyce Arnold had a vendor booth of fresh flowers and arrangements. “I fell in love with one arrangement of various flowers and bamboo sticks. I thought it was one of the most beautiful things I’d ever seen. I insisted my mother buy it.”
Was Joyce Arnold your mentor? “In January 1988, Joyce leased her own retail space, and I asked her if I could decorate her window for Valentine’s Day. I was 13 then, in the 8th grade, and she let me do it. It was over the top! It became the talk of the town.” (smiling).
Ever the entrepreneur, Todd helped Joyce by getting others interested in buying flowers and arrangements for different occasions and presenting her with the orders, allowing her to expand her business.
From there, people sought Todd’s help to decorate for hometown weddings, which usually were not lavish events but relatively simple, cost-conscious affairs. However, that changed on one occasion. “When I was 18, Rachel Wooldridge asked me to decorate her wedding at the First Baptist Church. I did it all at Rachel’s wedding – the arrangements, décor, food, and flowers. It was so elaborate! It was beyond the beyond! So much so that afterward, the church changed their guidelines for decorating—no more hanging things from the ceiling, etc.” (laughing)
In 1993, Todd attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello with a vocal performance major. “I can sing, and I could do all the rest for a party; why not provide the entertainment?”
In 1995, Todd attended the University of North Texas for interior design, which he didn’t complete. “It was too restrictive.” He is a free spirit who intuitively knows what is needed to design for others.
In 1999 at 24 years old, Todd opened his own florist business in Arkansas called Christopher Todd, which he owned until 2005 when he moved to Las Vegas to work with MGM Resorts as a special events design artist. He began to use Christopher as his name to make things less confusing.
In 2010, Christopher again branched out on his own as a freelance floral and interior designer. As the business grew, he added a retail store in 2016, Christopher Todd Design, filled with beautiful home décor, fine gifts, and a full-scale design center.
Christopher Todd Design specializes in high-end home design, intimate and corporate events, and floral design. Based in Henderson, NV, the design company composed of Christopher and his highly skilled team of four travel throughout the United States to serve their clientele. With over 30 years of experience in the design industry, Christopher has become a visionary in the design industry.
“I think what makes me a good designer is that I listen closely to clients’ needs and create a great design around their lives … not mine. I always make sure that functionality is a top priority.”
What is the secret sauce for making Christopher Todd Design so successful?
Like most entrepreneurs, Christopher has had his share of ups and downs, but his going beyond for his clients has ensured his success. His company is more of a “Quality of Life” design company.
“Whether decorating one room or the entire house, we may have to make room in the attic or garage to store the items we’re not using. Sometimes, that includes rearranging space, labeling boxes, and storing them there. If we see a repair needed, we do that, too. We do it all, which has endeared us to our clients.”
Christopher Todd is a renowned designer of extravagant experiences, and one of the most fun things Christopher and his team do well is Event Planning.
“In addition to interior design, I also specialize in planning elegant events, creating beautiful florals, designing seasonal and holiday displays, creating set and stage designs, and home staging for parties.”
Christopher takes a hands-on approach to menu planning, staging, floral design, and creating the perfect ambiance. He leaves no detail untouched, from custom engraved invitations to personalized guest favors.
“Honey, I can throw a party!”
“If there is one thing that amazes people about my work, it’s that I can pull something together in a short amount of time. I have had clients call me with only one day’s notice before a large party in their home, and I’ve been able to transform everything from the hearthside to the poolside in a few hours.”
One of the greatest joys of his business is HOLIDAY DÉCOR.
“I’m always happy to bring my talent and touch to all the various holidays, but I love going all out and creating something magical for the Christmas holidays.”
This holiday decorating started for Christopher at the age of 16. He is often referred to as one of the best in tree décor and design and has an exceptional talent for holiday décor and display. That has allowed him to work in fine homes, luxury hotels, churches, and retail spaces throughout the United States, including the home of his all-time favorite celebrity, Vanessa Williams. Christopher’s unique, one-of-a-kind touch makes his holiday design not only breathtaking but timeless. Christopher and his team work with existing décor honoring family traditions, or they can create a new and fresh theme of class and sophistication for your interior and exterior.
If you are lucky enough to have Christopher Todd Design create your special magical place, whether for everyday living, the holidays, or an event or party, you’re in for a treat.
Some of Christopher Todd’s accolades include:
- Floral Designer for the 2004 Academy Awards
- Floral Designer for California’s Tournament of Rose Parade
- Artistic and Visual Designer for the Launch of the Range Rover L-405
- Artistic and Visual Designer for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event
- Artistic Designer for the 2015 Rolls-Royce Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance
- Artistic Designer for the 2022 Audi Pebble Beach Car Week
During today’s dark times, it is refreshing to walk into a store that makes you stop and take in the pleasure of beautiful things. More so, Christopher Todd Design has a peaceful atmosphere that causes you to sigh with pleasure. While there, I was introduced to his team of four highly talented people: Cody Poe, Claudia Costantino, Denise Henocque, and A.J. Bell. It was immediately apparent there was camaraderie among them and respect and high regard for what each brought to the table. There is no doubt that Christopher Todd and his team are the go-to people to design whatever you have in mind or to allow him to create what he sees for you. You won’t regret it.
Christopher Todd Design
2706 N Green Valley Parkway
Henderson, NV 89014
www.ctdesignlv.com
702.473.9199
