PROFILE
MARK WEAVER Creating a Symphony of Design
| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
His fascination with architecture as a youngster inspired Mark Weaver to study interior design, resulting in the opportunity to work in both fields. Half a century on, Mark Weaver & Associates has left an indelible mark on homes across the globe, creating a symphony of design. Mark, tell us a bit about yourself. I am a native of California and moved to Los Angeles from the desert area, to go to design school. I started my own business after a brief internship with a prominent design firm. I am very fortunate to share my time between residences in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Was there an event in your life that sparked your interest in interior design? Growing up, I was fascinated with architecture. When it came time to go to college, I debated whether to study architecture or design. Ultimately, I decided that a career in interior design would give me an opportunity to work in both fields. Congratulations on starting your interior design and architecture firm, Mark Weaver & Associates, fifty years ago! What, in your opinion has been the secret to the firm’s longevity and success?
Thank you! I believe our clients, our staff and our dedication, have been the secrets to the firm’s success. We have a very loyal clientele. My first two clients are still clients and dear friends today. We are a very service-oriented firm and tend to spoil our clients, taking care of their every need. My associate Darrell Wilson and I have worked together for over 21 years. With a master’s degree and background in architecture, he handles most of the construction and architectural detailing for the firm. What is your process of thoughtfully crafting and putting together a space? We collect information from the client about their lifestyles, likes and dislikes and take inspirations from the architecture, the landscape and the setting. The result is a natural progression from these inspirations. How important is it, that at the end of a project, everything ‘sings’ together? Having everything ‘sing’ together at the end of a project is very important. We spend a great deal of time and energy on each project to ensure it is unique and carefully curated. You strive for something better, something more original in your creativity. Please explain.
36 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2020
We strive to ensure each project reflects the tastes of its owners. We want to create something beautiful and exceptional for our clients. The result is a comfortable home environment that is visually exciting. We like to add something unexpected to a space to tease the eye. You said: ‘it’s a contribution of everybody’s ideas that makes a project great’. All of our projects are a group effort. Success is achieved through a collaboration of ideas, from myself, my staff and our clientele. How essential is client participation and their excitement to you? Client participation and excitement is essential. Thankfully, as several of our clients are good friends, this is easily accomplished. Their enthusiastic response to our ideas is motivating. I especially enjoy shopping with some of our clients for antiques, art and collectibles. Involving the client in the design process and getting them excited ensures success. A synergy between all components is vital: architecture, landscape, interior design – how do you go about creating that? Thankfully, we are lucky enough to frequently work with colleagues with whom we have built relationships. Having a synergy between us is
