Board of Directors

Sturm celebrated acclaim for his 1966 Trinidad Carnival designs while submitting an addition stunning creation for the evening dress category. He won first prize for both entries, which went on to adorn the crowned Carnival queen. Notably, he is the only designer to secure all three titles in the same year, a landmark achievement that remains uncontested.

Shortly after, he crossed the Atlantic to London before spending a decade in New York City, where he worked as a stylist at the Vogue Salon in the Hilton Hotel on 6th Avenue in Manhattan.

In the City Sturm became a fixture on the salon-design-lecture circuit while acting as contributing editor in acclaimed Industry publications while appearing upon the occasional catwalk for preeminent fashion designers of the avant-garde era.

While in New York City, Sturm joined the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum as a member and devote attendee at lectures and symposiums dedicated to furniture design, craft, philosophy and historic relevance.

Evening hours found Sturm attending the Trap Hagen School of Design, where he specialized in fashion design, focusing on costume production and pattern design for the Trinidad Carnival season.

After a number of winters in North America, he relocated to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, where he opened the Philip Sturm Studio, a full-service salon located in the Historic Royal Dane Mall.

By 1974, the salon had developed a reputation for creativity, elegance and refinement, attracting celebrated personalities of international celebrity. Clients traveled from far and wide, remaining loyal patrons as his talents soon became peerless.

During this time, Sturm became actively involved with the St. Thomas Historical Trust, serving as treasurer, vice president, and ultimately president. He also contributed his expertise as a commissioner on the Governmental Board of Historic Preservation. His dedication to antiquities has led to a lecture series spanning the Caribbean, including travels to Trinidad, Grenada, Barbados, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sturm's passion for history and architecture led him to purchase and meticulously restore a villa circa 1861 on Denmark Hill in Historic Charlotte Amalie. This villa, built by Maurice Petit—half-brother to Camille Pissarro, known as the father of Impressionism—was lovingly restored over twenty-five years alongside his mother, Dorothy.

Today, the residence, known as Villa Petit-Sturm, is renowned as one of the most beautiful townhouses in the Lesser Antilles, a designation highlighted by Michael Conors in his acclaimed work, "Caribbean Houses: History, Style and Architecture."

In 2021, Sturm closed his studio doors to focus entirely on antiquarian pursuits. During this time, significant involvement in the collection of West Indian furniture culminated in the third print of his publication of "West Indian Furniture of the Lesser Antilles 1740 to 1940." This work has garnered international acclaim, often being referred to as the "bible" of Caribbean craftsmanship.

Influenced by his mother's artistic instincts, which recognized the need to restore mahogany furniture crafted by West Indian artisans, he developed his expertise in the field alongside her as a devoted pupil. Dorothy's passion for acquiring these masterpieces also facilitated the employment of two skilled craftspeople and furniture makers, thereby enabling sales throughout the Lesser Antilles.

As of 2026, Sturm continues to serve on the Board of Directors for the St. Thomas Historic Trust and, alongside Felipe Ayala, holds the position of Educational Director for Historic Charlotte Amalie.

After stepping away from the vibrant social life indicative of his earlier years, he has dedicated himself to directing the historic residence that boasts the most celebrated collection of West Indian furniture in the world, which was amassed, in large part, from his mother’s collection.

A vibrant life dedicated to the arts and community, Sturm now holds the position of Director at the Historic Residence, which proudly showcases the world's most celebrated collection of West Indian furniture, curated from his mother's extensive collection.

Over the decades, Sturm has been instrumental in assembling and restoring many prominent collections in the Antilles, demonstrating a commitment to preserving and refining these treasures.

Currently, he enjoys a fulfilling life dedicated to the art of collecting while overseeing the legacy established by both mother and son. Their collaborative efforts aim to curate exquisite pieces for his personal collection, highlighting the rich heritage and intrinsic legacy of the Caribbean craft.