Just draw it!

Ask any artist about the source of his or her inspiration, and you'll most likely get an answer that includes finding it anywhere, at any time. It doesn't matter if the artist is creating a piece of sculpture, painting a picture or designing a piece of furniture.

Roger Thomas knows this well. It's the reason why the interior designer is never far from a sketch book.

"I carry sketch books with me wherever I go. I must have between 50 and 70 sketch books. If I get an idea, I just draw it," he said. "I don't know if I'll use it or not, I just draw."

His sketches have not only provided the basis for his designs, they have inspired countless others as they have molded the interiors of properties built by Steve Wynn.

For 28 years, Thomas has been creating interiors for Wynn's projects. Through Thomas Design Group and Atlandia Design, a subsidiary of Mirage Resorts Inc., he has helped shape Las Vegas and bring high-end luxury resorts to the Strip. Projects he has worked on include The Mirage, Treasure Island and Bellagio. Now, as executive vice president of design for Wynn Design and Development, he is directing the interior design of Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.

He also debuted his own signature collection of furniture at the recent Hospitality Design expo in Las Vegas.

The collection debuted with 26 pieces ranging from a dining table and chairs to a cocktail table and mirrors. It also includes consoles, chests, a bed, a desk and sofas. It is the first co-branded effort by Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, a High Point, N.C.-based manufacturer of high-end case goods and upholstery.

The idea for the Roger Thomas Signature Collection was born about a year and a half ago during a casual dinner between Thomas; Steven Mittman, chairman of Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman; and Mitch Zerg of Mitch Zerg and Associates, the manufacturer's West Coast hospitality representative. Thomas had worked with Lewis Mittman on past projects through his work for Wynn Design and Development. He said he had between 600 and 700 designs, some of which he called just doodles with 12 drawings on a single piece of paper.

"The process of working on this collection with Roger was incredible. The combination of Roger's unique and special designs, along with the craftsmanship of our European-style workroom, created a collection that is truly unique, both in design and in execution," said Jobi Blachy, president of Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman.

Amanda Mittman, director of media relations for the manufacturer, said the designs reflect Thomas' passion, travels and life.

As a result, each piece evokes a memory for the designer.

"Each piece has a story of its inspiration," Thomas said. For example, an 18th-century turned balustrade rail "that I love could become the right arm of a chair. The Bianca bench (found in the lobby of Wynn Las Vegas) is wearing the hind leg of my Italian greyhound."

The bench and a matching chaise were inspired by a similar chaise Thomas designed for Alex, a restaurant at Wynn. "The prototype of the chaise is in my home."

He said the hand-carved prototype isn't holding up as well as the pieces created by Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, instilling confidence that the furniture he designs for the company will be around for generations, which is extremely important to him.

Perhaps it is the nature of doing business in Las Vegas, where old things are constantly being replaced with newer, bigger and better versions, that has caused Thomas to design furnishings that will last for generations and create their own histories.

"I think it's refreshing that the furniture will have the kind of permanence that Las Vegas doesn't have."

Each piece gets its own history attached to it "at birth" as it is carefully stamped with the name of the artisan who made it, who designed it and when it was completed.

He also appreciates Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman's multigenerational commitment to making quality, hand-crafted furniture. "When I encounter craftsmanship, I encourage it. It's to be celebrated as one of the greatest hallmarks of luxury," Thomas said.

The manufacturer is using the same furniture-building techniques that have been employed since the 18th century.

That desire to create lasting designs also poses challenges for Thomas, who strives to make sure his pieces have classic lines that will endure trends, yet remain functional for modern conveniences such as laptop computers and durable enough to be used by families.

Still, he wants his designs to do more.

Thomas is an ardent follower of Vitruvius and believes, like the ancient architect and writer, that designs somehow have to delight the soul.

He said he strives to touch emotions. "They make you feel a heightened sense of romance and a heightened sense of drama. It's very cinematic." Thomas likens the experience to "starring in a movie of your life. I want you to have that sense when you're in the hotel or on the furniture."

A highlight of the collection is the Etoile dresser, which has a ceruse walnut finish, Golden Calcutta marble top and rock crystal drawer pulls.

With the exception of being polished, the crystals are exactly as they are found in nature, an accident Thomas likes to celebrate.

"I love accidents and the serendipity of accidents."

Thomas hand picks each of the crystals from his "great local source" in Las Vegas and will go through 1,000 or more pieces until he finds 50 that he likes. He then carefully marks each crystal, noting which side should face out and which side should be attached to the dresser.

He does the same for natural red agate pieces that also can be used as drawer pulls.

Despite Thomas' appreciation for beautiful accidents of nature, Mittman said nothing in his collection is accidental. Each line, each curve and each material used has been carefully selected to elicit a response.

"People have been coming up and touching things," she said of the furniture on display at the expo. "It's what we want."

Pieces from Thomas' collection can be purchased through Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman's West Coast hospitality showroom, Mitch Zerg and Associates, (818) 991-4200.

For additional information, visit the manufacturer's Web site at www.ef-lm.com.