I always wanted to be an actor, but I always loved design, and growing up in New Orleans there was such great style, great architecture. I would decorate my little apartment in New York over and over again, because it only had a couple of rooms. And I did it for friends and family on the side just for fun.

In this reflective quote, Bryan Batt, an American actor known for his role on Mad Men, shares his lifelong passion for both performance and design. While he pursued a career in acting, he admits to always being drawn to the world of interior design and architecture. Growing up in New Orleans, a city renowned for its rich architectural heritage and distinctive style, deeply influenced his visual sensibilities and appreciation for aesthetic environments.

Batt fondly recalls how he would frequently redecorate his small New York apartment, using its limited space as a creative canvas. The act of reimagining interiors, even in a confined setting, speaks to his intuitive love for design and personal expression through space. Despite his apartment having “only a couple of rooms,” he treated it as a design playground, demonstrating how passion can flourish even without professional training or grand conditions.

What began as a hobby evolved into something more meaningful, as Batt started designing for friends and family, purely for fun. This highlights how a personal interest in architecture and decor can naturally extend into a fulfilling creative outlet, regardless of one’s primary profession. His enthusiasm wasn’t driven by financial gain or formal obligation, but by the joy of transforming spaces and sharing that joy with others.

Ultimately, Batt’s quote underscores the deep, often personal connection people can have with architecture and design, even when their careers lie elsewhere. His story illustrates how a love for beautiful, well-designed spaces can coexist with and even enhance other forms of creativity—showing that artistic inspiration knows no boundaries between disciplines.