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ISSUE II 2O15
DEPARTMENTS PAGE SIX PRESIDENT’S LETTER
6 11
PRESIDENT-ELECT’S LETTER 12 DESIGNER NOTEBOOK
20
MUST-HAVE READS
44
FINANCIAL REPORT
52
STUDENT INTERVIEW
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CONTENTS 16
22 36 40 42
ASID NATIONAL CLC EVENT Pasadena’s Sarah Ingrassia, Allied ASID and Cynthia Lambakis, Allied ASID share their experience in Boston at this year’s Chapter Leadership Conference SPECIAL ASID ANNIVERSARY Ron Fields, ASID shares the decades of friends and colleagues in this celebration of our Chapter’s history! DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT Jean Pinto, FASID... For She’s a jolly good Fellow (of the American Society of Interior Designers) SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE An international perspective to fully embracing social responsibility when designing INDUSTRY PARTNER FOCUS Pall Mall Art Advisors share the value of what lurks in your attic, and how to reap the benefits
LADESIGN | ISSUE II 2O15
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PAGE SIX
the dish S
O, I HAD THE MOST AMAZING TOUR of an artist’s studio/ gallery that taught me, there is no such thing as trash. Clare Graham, the master of seeing the potential beauty of the most ordinary cast-off refuse kept me speechless as he took us on a tour of the world through his eyes at MorYork, his studio in Highland Park. His creations are made of pop-tops from soda cans, lids from canned foods, dominos and those typically homely paintby-numbers that our mothers did forty years ago. Clare has the eye of an extraordinary photographer that always sees something special when most of us haven’t given a thought to what we pass by every day. His gallery is a kaleidoscope of not only his memories, but oddly the memories of any person passing through. As a designer, of course, I am amazed and overwhelmed by the detail, skill and creativity at every turn. And then, my wheels start to turn and I can only think of which client would love which piece, and what a statement each item would make in any room it graces. I recommend a visit to this amazing land of Clare! You might have a difficult time convincing yourself that you didn’t fall though the looking glass, but it a journey that must not be missed. And if his gallery just makes you want more, there are many other galleries and funky fun pubs with wonderful eateries to visit and appreciate. You can fill a Saturday with an adventure you won’t forget, especially if you hit the Second Saturday - the York Art Walk & Gallery Night. We should plan a group event and do York Street the ASID way! Food, Fun and Art, What more could we ask for? “I’m always looking for that next extraordinary place to visit, let me know what we all can’t afford to miss!” n MorYork & Clare Graham 4959 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042 (323) 663-3426 http://claregraham.com/CGWbaset.html For more galleries in the Highland Park area: http://www.nelaart.org/read-me-devlin/ http://www.nelaart.org/map/
’Til next issue, Cindi!
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Turning Turning ima agina ation imagination ti into i to reality. int rea ality lit .
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A Special Thank You to Our Chapter Annual Sponsors
ISSUE II, 2O15 Editor in Chief Darra Bishop, Allied ASID Design Director Brad Haan Associate Copy Editors Brad Haan & Will Myers Contributing Writers Darra Bishop, Allied ASID Cynthia Burnett, ASID Ruth Crnkovich, Industry Partner Ron Fields, ASID
ASID LOS ANGELES CHAPTER 8687 Melrose Avenue, Suite B245 West Hollywood, CA 90069-5701 310-659-4716 FAX 310-659-9189
www.asidla.org • asidoffice@asidla.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President
Communications Director
Helen Meisel, ASID
Allan Dallatorre, Industry Partner
President-Elect
At-Large Director
Brad Haan Helen Meisel, ASID Meredith Pominville , ASID Laura Schwartz-Muller, Allied ASID
Laura Schwartz-Muller, Allied ASID
Shelby Wade, Industry Partner
Dennis Shu, ASID Industry Partner Cathryn Taylor, ASID Eva Vennari, Industry Partner
Finance Director Fernando Diaz, ASID
Rachel Winokur, Allied ASID PUBLISHED BY
Rachel Scott, Student ASID
Professional Development Director Darra Bishop, Allied ASID
Executive Director Will Myers
Duff Tussing, Publisher Art Director Dawn Lyon
Student Rep to the Board
Membership Director Cathryn Taylor, Allied ASID
Advertising Sales Mike Watt DSA Publishing & Design, Inc. 972-989-2208 If you have a new product, innovation or some professional tips for our chapter, please submit them to The Quarterly at asidoffice@asidla.org. We look forward to your submissions!
LADESIGN Quarterly is a publication of the American Society of Interior Designers, Los Angeles Chapter. More than 1,200 designers, industry partners and students are members making us one of the largest chapters in the country. The views and opinions expressed in the LADESIGN Quarterly are not necessarily those of the ASID Los Angeles Chapter. Please feel free to comment on features and articles by sending your thoughts to the Editor via the ASID LA Chapter Office. ©2015 ASID Los Angeles Chapter 8687 Melrose Avenue, Suite B245 West Hollywood, CA 90069-5701 310-659-4716 FAX 310-659-9189 www.asidla.org • asidoffice@asidla.org
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Corrections
Correction
In our previous issue of LA DESIGN, a printer error caused Lutron’s ad to print incorrectly. Please take specialissue noteofofLADesign their reprinted ad onfor page In the previous the QR Code The15. We are always very grateful for their unwavering support of the Chapter. Bartley Group, Inc. was incorrect.The correct code is In addition, the QR Codeshown for The Bartley Group, Inc.adwas here and also in their forincorrect. this issue. The correct code is shown here, and in their ad for this issue.
LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
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LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
Drapery Affair, Floor to Ceiling™ Ana Morales 5109 Walker Street Ventura, CA 93003 805-339-0883 draperyaffair.com F & R Blinds and Interiors Robert and Sandra Wininger 1529 S. Robertson Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90035 310-659-8183 fandrwindowtreatments.com
m
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Los Angeles Dear Fellow ASIDLA Member:
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your ASIDLA President for the 2014-2015 term. I started my journey into the world of interior design 40 years ago as a student, and coincidentally, this is the year that ASID celebrates its 40th Anniversary. In July, I attended the 40th Anniversary ASID Celebration and Awards Gala in Boston where three of our chapter members received honors and recognition for their hard work, dedication and inspiration. Jean Pinto, ASID became a newly elected Fellow (now Jean Pinto, FASID). Jean is one of our original ASID members who joined in 1975 through the merger of AID (American Institute of Interior Designers) and NSID (National Society of Interior Designers). She was ASIDLA President in 2002 and 2010, serves as an ASID Foundation trustee and has sponsored many fundraising events for the Foundation. As a member since the inception of ASID, it is most appropriate that Jean is a recipient this anniversary year of the highest honor that the Society bestows. Sybil Barrido, ASID received the Medalist Award for her outstanding service to both the Chapter and to the Society. Sybil was the 2006 Chapter President and then served on the ASID National Board from 2010-2012. She has contributed to the profession as both an outstanding interior designer and educator. The UCLA Extension Student Chapter was recognized with an Honorable Mention for Student Chapter of the Year. In addition, Natasha D’Souza, Student ASID, who has recently completed her term as UCLA Extension‘s Student Chapter President, received an Honorable Mention as Student Chapter Leader of the Year. We look forward to welcoming Natasha as a Professional member when she completes her studies. Is it a coincidence that these three exemplary women at three different career stages are recipients of ASID National awards and honors? Perhaps, but each also represents the best of our chapter demographic. Jean is part of the outstanding legacy of interior designers who have built the Society and the values that guide our profession. Sybil continues that legacy by fostering the importance of education and knowledge. Natasha is pursuing her degree and exhibiting leadership skills that will inspire other students and catapult her career. I thank and applaud Jean, Sybil and Natasha for their service and accomplishments. Please continue to believe that design matters. n
Helen Meisel, ASID ASID Los Angeles Chapter President
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT-ELECT
Los Angeles Greetings! As summer ends and Fall begins you can feel the exciting changes everywhere. School begins again and summer comes to a close, life shifts in one way or another for so many of us. For many students, the shock and awe of graduating is wearing off and reality begins to set in. For parents, grandparents and kids, school ushers in excitement, adjustment, change, stress, sports and of course evenings filled with homework. For designers, industry partners and contractors, we begin to anticipate the holiday season, weather changes, tighter budgets, timelines and potential project delays. For me, it has always been a time of exciting renewal, hope and planning, and yes perhaps also a time of stress. So, as a colleague and more importantly your incoming President, I ask myself - how is my membership supporting me as I navigate through this, and all seasons of change? Here’s how... GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY: By offering inspiring professional opportunities for students, interns and emerging professionals that place them in the center of the design industry. We will be exploring and providing new events and internship connections and ways to access your local association leadership to assist you in creating an exciting career path in all areas of design. CONNECT AND SERVE: By offering diverse volunteer opportunities that FIT YOUR SCHEDULE! We realize that for some of our members it can be challenging to get to events and commit to large committees and hours of your time. Therefore, we will be offering specific and innovative ways and means to connect to your fellow (ASID) members and industry partners in order to not only network but improve your businesses. We will be reaching out to YOU‌ Encouraging and recognizing your involvement and participation on every level. We continue to encourage you to join us as we work together to create high profile networking opportunities that focus on building strong relationships, public awareness and increased membership value. I am honored and grateful to have served as your President-Elect this year and thrilled to begin my term as your President with such a dynamic and dedicated team. I invite you to please join us at our Annual Meeting on September 3rd to hear more about how your Board of Directors is working to support you, and meet your new team of leaders! n Blessings,
Laura D Muller, Allied ASID ASID Los Angeles Chapter President-Elect 2014-2015
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LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
ASI
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Where healthy meets sustainable Please congratulate the ASID Los Angeles 2016 Board of Directors who will take office on October 1, 2015. President Laura Schwartz-Muller, Allied ASID • • • •
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President-Elect Darra Bishop, Allied ASID Financial Director Ernie Roth, Allied ASID Membership Director Cathryn Taylor, Allied ASID Student Rep to the Board Katie Heyer, Student ASID Communications Director Mitch Sebolsky, Industry Partner Rep for Cosentino Professional Development Director Kelly Azzarello, Allied ASID Director-at-Large Shelby Wade, Industry Partner Rep for Sherwin Williams
ASID NATIONAL EVENT
From the 2015 Chapter Leadership Conference In Boston
A
s incoming President of the Pasadena chapter, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at this years CLC conference in Boston. There was great energy there and I learned so much from both the seminars and other attendees. I especially enjoyed the round table break out groups and was happy to meet the incoming Presidents of the other California chapters. Cynthia Lambakis, incoming PE for Pasadena, and I had a great time getting to know each other better and brainstorming ideas for the following years. We spent a lot of time as well with our friends and counterparts from the Los Angeles chapter, both at the conference and out on the town. We all cozied up on a water taxi across the harbor to the North End for a fun dinner and a walk through Boston on our way back. The Gala was held at the Boston Museum of Fine Art and was spectacular! The most intriguing part for me were the “living” sculptures. They were there in the entrance and several galleries we wound through. They all were “painted” bronze and occasionally came into motion, a Degas dancer and Shakespeare were my favorites. The colors and tables and large projections on the soaring limestone walls in the atrium were a stunning backdrop to the awards and presentations over dinner. In the end it seemed that literally everyone was dancing, and the band was fantastic. n Sara Ingrassia, Allied ASID 16
LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
A
s incoming President-Elect for the Pasadena Chapter, I found the Chapter Leadership Conference in Boston to be very rewarding. Not only was there motivating and educational lectures and talks, we spent time bonding with our fellow Los Angeles Chapter board members as well. Having the conference in the historical city of Boston was truly enjoyable. The New England Chapter hosted a great welcome party at the Boston Tea Party Museum and the Gala on the final night was superb at the Museum of Fine Arts. I couldn’t have asked for a better leadership conference and I look forward to the coming year and implementing all of the great ideas and leadership skills shared at the conference. n Regards, Cynthia Lambakis, Allied ASID Master of Interior Architecture Principal Designer - Ederra Design Studio LADESIGN | ISSUE II 2O15
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ASID NATIONAL EVENT
From the 2015 Chapter Leadership Conference In Boston
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LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
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ere are two before and after images of a sadly neglected modern residence that I recently refurbished. My goal was to enhance the distinctive features of the home without compromising the architectural integrity. All of the rooms on the first level open to various outdoor spaces, so I wanted to create a seamless connection between interior and exterior. Walls were repainted a buff color, which diminishes the glare of the intense natural light throughout, yet does not compete with the wall art. I used the same color palette for the art and furnishings in the dining room and the adjacent “zen garden.� The textural combination of metal and cerused wood furniture harmonizes with the exterior lattice roof and dark grey walls. Custom chairs are upholstered in all-weather fabric to avoid fading in this sun-filled room. The dark mahogany stained bar was refaced in light natural birch. I removed the heavy nickel footrail at the base of the bar because it cluttered the space and was a potential hazard. To unify the open floor plan, the dark stained wood floors were sanded and brought back to their natural finish and sisal carpet was removed and replaced with birch to match. n
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LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
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CELEBRATING FORTY YEARS
A FORTY YEAR HISTORY OF THE LOS ANGELES CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS 1975-2015 by Ron Fields, ASID Past President of the Los Angeles Chapter National ASID Board Member
W
hen I was asked to compose an article concerning the formation of ASID some 40 years ago from September of 1975 to the present, I thought ‘Where do I start?’ So I decided to go back to that time and mention the genesis of it all, the players and what followed. I entered the chapter as a member of the then A.I.D., the American Institute of Design in 1974. In 1975 A.I.D. and NSID, the National Society of Interior Designers formed an amalgamation becoming ASID, the American Society of Interior Designers. Our first annual conference took place here in Los Angeles at the Century Plaza hotel. It was an exciting three days for all those who attended. Our national leadership oversaw the event with our local chapter here participating with compelling support and enthusiasm. NORMAN & RICHARD Our first national president was Norman DeHaan, FASID, FAIA. He was the then national president of A.I.D. A great guy from the Chicago chapter. Together with Richard Jones, FASID the national president of NSID they gave the keynote speech covering our past, present and future. As a new and young member I’m remembering being in awe listening to their dynamic presentation complete with an incredible slide show that would be equal or better than today’s PowerPoint. The die had been cast for a future that came to be with excitement and a professional stance that would give us a presence beyond the image of interior “Decorators” back then. That being an elderly man and woman walking down Robertson Boulevard with worn tennis shoes and a shopping bag full of samples. Our chapter officers and our national board presence lead us to a professional image that left the old time clichés in the dust. 22
LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
What follows are some of my recollections of these past 40 years as an ASID member, officer, supporter and witness to so much over these years. I found that telling stories about some of our truly interesting successful members would be a good approach to this article. WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE HAVE BECOME: Today we have members from all over the country and internationally who bring honor to our profession and in turn to our chapter of ASID. An incredible example is Nila Leiserowitz, FASID. I remember meeting her at a presidential workshop circa 1979. She represented the Minneapolis chapter then. Her career has been as good as it gets. One significant honor is her receiving recognition by being hired by Gensler the behemoth architecture and design firm with over three thousand employees. She climbed up the ladder to reach the top at Gensler. Together with an associate she oversaw-ran the firms Los Angeles office at one time, then onto the Chicago office. To have an interior designer oversee the work of hundreds of architects would have been an unheard feat back in 1975 when ASID was launched. ARTHUR I’m remembering a talk that the then up and coming icon to be Arthur Gensler, FAIA gave to a workshop at our San Francisco ASID conference in the late 70’s. With great candor he told us of an important interview he had gone on with a potential client. When the client-to-be ask if his firm did space planning, Arthur answered in the affirmative. Then he told our audience that he returned to his office and met with and asked his partner ‘what is space planning’? So quick his mind was and is. So open to go on to build one of the largest architectural firms in the world, that does space planning.
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CELEBRATING FORTY YEARS
CAROL Carol Eichen, ASID was just plain brilliant. In 1983 I nominated her for professional membership under the nomination category created by the society for interior designers who had achieved “Celebrity” within the profession. She was the controversial designer-business person who became the foremost interior designer for Model Home projects in the world. Based in Orange County she had a staff of 160 employees. They did projects for homebuilders across the country and in Japan and Europe. Her funeral was standing room only with tributes-eulogies by CEO’s from countless major home building firms. Note: When I brought her up for membership, many of the old-guard members of the Orange Country Chapter of ASID fought against her being a member of ASID having been admitted through the significant celebrity category. In her acceptance speech given at Jody Greenwald’s, FASID UCLA annual design day Carol gave a well deserved credit for her achievements to Virginia Douglas, ASID the first super star interior designer in the model home business. She preceded Carol Eichen as was one of the very few who came into the society under the celebrity category which did not require the normal protocol for membership including a college degree, pass the NCIDQ two day exam and an in-person interview by the local chapter. We enjoy a phenomenon not unlike the motion picture business where certain actors (i.e. Matt, Judy, Marlon, Marilyn, Frank, Angelina and Brad) and in our case interior designers, publishers and vendors in the design world are simply referred to by their first names. Many from the past since ASID was formed in 1975 and present. Of course there are others with not enough room to post here. Yet her are some that certainly were icons in our industry: “Jody, Dorothy, Adele, Tom, Harry & Dorothy, Harold, Carol & Walt, Edna, Suzanne, Fernando, BJ, Marjorie, Charlotte, Barbara and Barbara.” For our “Younger” members, feel free to ask me or another ‘older’ member to fill-in the last names. JODY Jody Greenwald, FASID was a one of a kind passionate lady who new no boundaries. After many years as the innovative inhouse designer for Sears, she together with her great daughter Anne went back to UCLA to earn a degree in planning. Next she “singlehanded” (with other loyal supporters) built the UCLA Interior Design Program from a few classes each semester to a nationally recognized school of design complete with FIDER accreditation in 1982. Together with Carol Soucek King we enjoyed frequent outings and lunches at Jody’s home until she died leaving a large vacuum of disciples if you will. WALTON Walton “Walt” Brown, FASID and Dr. Carol Soucek King. Walt published Designer’s West, our Southern and Bay Area bible on what’s going on in the design world through the 70’s to the 90’s. My 24
LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
dear friend Carol Soucek King was its editor. They were incredible supporters of our ASID chapter and the other regional ones. They traveled over and over to our national conferences every summer, gave us wonderful recognition and more. If Designer’s West hadn’t existed our world would have been much different. At an exciting ASID program held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel we recognized our friend Walt with an Honorary Fellowship in ASID. This past April his loving wife Anita and a large group of family, friends and members of the design community bid Walton good bye at Saint Mathews Parish in Pacific Palisades. Two US Army soldiers played Taps – Walton having been in the infantry in World War II. It’s a bit of a stretch for me to picture this classy man as a GI infantry soldier. Same guy who went from US Army fatigues to grey flannel suits. One of the myriad of benefits in these 40 years are the friendships and connections that are available we can and have made through out the country. If we have an out of town project we can call upon members from that locale to refer local vendors, architects and craftsmen. So many of us have forged out of town relationships with special colleagues. ENTER RITA At my first President’s/National Board Meeting in St. Petersburg I met the incredible Rita St. Clair, FASID, our then national president of ASID from Baltimore. She was the personification of a gifted, charming, beautiful, smart interior designer. She celebrated her 40th year in 2009 as head of her own firm designing hospitality like no one else! She is based in Baltimore and has clientele cost to cost and more. Her work is like here presence loaded with charisma if interiors could have charisma then hers would be so. She gave so much of her self to the society starting back with the amalgamation was being planned. She’s is good friend, a great designer-business woman. As an aside years back I was doing a design-build project in New York City. Rita gave the key to her office down on 10th street for me to come in at night and do my work – the benefits of having out of town colleagues-friends in ASID. BJ B.J. Peterson, FASID Through these 40 years we have worked on various projects for the needy and damaged, one being the Ronald McDonald House here in Los Angeles. It was spear headed by our B.J. Peterson, FASID. B.J. brought much prestige to our chapter as our past ASID National President. McDonalds suports Ronald McDonald Houses, Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms around the world. Such a herculean task to co-ordinate and fund these settings. So generous is an understatement. With some irony that the world wide fast food outlets serving in many cases lessthan-healthy meals supports these generous projects in hospitals, etc. caring for the unhealthy children if you will while bringing some comfort to their visits families.
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EDNA Another was the Rancho Los Amigos facility in Downey. Under the supervision of now deceased Edna O’Brien, ASID we transformed every room plus the public areas into a happy colorful setting for catastrophic illnesses and injuries. The determination of Edna showed up with the vendors donating goods and services for a sixfigure budget in 1983 dollars. HAROLD Harold Grieve, FASID one of the founders of A.I.D. in 1932. In the 20’s he worked “in the picture business” as he referred to it. In 1926 he went to Rome and worked on the original “Cleopatra” in the costume department. He also worked as a set designer. He was born in the year 1900 here in Los Angeles on Sunset Place around the corner from Bullocks Wilshire. Once I asked him if he witnessed Bullocks Wilshire in construction? He quickly answered, “I watered my horse there”. I became good friends with Harold and his wife, a silent screen star name of Jetta Goudal back in the 70s. Jetta was famous for staring in over 15 films. He would take me to his LA Athletic Club for dinner and they would have me to their Beach Club on Sundays for a good time. After his days at the studios, he became a interior decorator. His clients were the leading players in our early film community. He worked for George Burns and Gracie Allen, Irving Thalberg and for Bing Crosby at his five acre Holmby Hills estate. Later on Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Spelling built their 58,000 square foot cottage on what was Bing’s property. He told me that he did five homes for Bing until it stopped when he married the “bitch.” Harold told me that he and Jetta had Bing and his new wife to their beach house in Hermosa Beach for Sunday brunch. That from the time the Crosby’s arrived until two plus hours later when they departed the new bride remained ‘silent’ as in silent movie. On a Sunday back in the early 80’s Harold and three other ASID members drove down to see the Sandpiper Design House in Palos Verdes. On the way we stopped to see his and Jetta’s beach home that he had built in the 30’s. He told us that when he came down to meet the contractor and see the finished house, that the builder had built it by mistake on the lot next door! Wow! He went on to say that he wrote a letter of intent to the owner of that lot who resided in Nevada and had no idea of this error. Harold made his deal with no foul no harm. With huge generosity he left a large amount of money to our chapter of ASID, which became an educational foundation. In a funny kind of way it helped us all get over the ill feelings that followed the less-than-wise sale of our A.I.D. building back in the 70’s at the corner of Melrose and Sweetzer. Turned out that our board of directors powers-that-be were much more talented at design than at holding onto a valuable property for income. CANNELL & CHAFFIN Danford M. Baker, president of Cannell & Chaffin and grandson of S. Bartley Cannell, who founded the company in 1917 with George Chaffin oversaw this truly unique design studio that had the 26
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LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
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appearance of a luxurious furniture store. Yet it was the home(s) to over 65 talented interior designers, not furniture store salespeople. Almost every one of these designers belonged to ASID here in Los Angeles, some at the Orange County chapter and the others at the San Diego chapter. JERRY, VIRGINIA AND TOM I knew all of these designers from Cannells. In the main they were a class act. Real pros. A team of three of them, from our chapter Jerry Alsobrook, FASID, Virginia (Ginny) Knight, ASID and Tom Hamilton, ASID designed the interiors for the Nixon Western White House in San Clemente. Tom was one of my three sponsors to A.I.D. and my mentor. CHARLOTTE Charlotte Jensen, FASID, FNCIDQ before opening her own firm Charlotte Jensen and Associates worked at Cannell’s La Jolla store. She is past president of NCIDQ and a life long friend and colleague of mine. MARJORIE Marjorie Bedell, FASID came out of Cannells to continue designing stunning interiors both here in Los Angeles and fabulous interiors as well out of state. She was a colorful, gifted graduate of The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and never lost her playful charming back bay accent. Marjorie worked with royalty, presidents, diplomats and other “upper crust” clients. She has been recognized in nearly 100 publications over her 40 year career, including appearances in Architectural Digest and Town & Country magazines. She and Malcolm her first husband raised their two children. Later she and Mal would raise their two grandchildren, Erin and Shannon through their formative years of grammar and high school. After Mal died she married her business partner Larry Laughlin. She made it to 87. Marjorie was one of my three sponsors to A.I.D. Later we would travel together to national ASID board meetings across the country as chapter officers. BARBARA BARRY, FASID has become a national design treasure. Besides her beautiful and simple interior work, she had formed relationships with household names in the home furnishing industry. Some of her product designs for these giants include Ann Sacks Tile and Stone, Kallista, Baker, Kravet, Bed Bath and Beyond, Tufenkian Tibetan Carpets, Henredon, McGuire, Boyd Lighting, Bloomingdales, Macy’s and others. Barbara has become an industry. Makes me think of the great line in “Godfather Two” when Hyman Roth the underworld kingpin played by the great acting coach Lee Strasberg on his return from Havana with a fiscal report says to Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), “We are bigger than US Steel”. Yes Barbara Barry has become an industry with her name branded on the same level as her partners. As an ASID member of our Los Angeles chapter, she brings her celebrity and dignity to our organization. 30
LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
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BARBARA LAZAROFF, ASID, Spago Co-Founder, interior designer, philanthropist with scores of fund raising events brings fine attention to our Los Angeles Chapter of ASID. At each year’s AIA’s annual Restaurant Awards event, Barbara performs her role as the annual emcee to present these awards, which honor excellence in the design of restaurants, cafes, bars, lounges, and nightclubs. My favorite of her designs remains ‘Chinois’ on Main Street in Santa Monica. Her partner Wolfgang Puck’s victuals remain out of this world. Barbara’s interior matches the food with a cutting edge romantic ambiance that holds its own since 1983. EDDY FELDMAN, ESQ. was our colleague, legal counsel (pro bono), friend, contributor to our ASID newsletter and much more. Eddy was in the trenches at the inception of the first furniture mart property on Seventh street in Los Angeles in 1947. He went on to be one of the primary figures responsible for the planning and opening of the Los Angeles Home Furnishing Mart here in 1958. He was its director until 1974. In 2008, former ASID Los Angeles President Deborah Davis, ASID bestowed the Honorary Chapter Medal to Eddy for his decades of support for our chapter. Eddy continued proving legal services until his passing in 2013 at 93, with a large portion of his practice having to do with architectural, interior design and construction matters here in Southern California. He was a graduate of DePaul University law school. He served on the board of the Los Angeles Municipal Arts Commission. He was past president of the Correctional Industries Commission within the California Department of Corrections. That is the body that oversees the manufacturing of furniture and other products inside our state prison system. He was the president of the Los Angeles Historical Society. Until we started having our bi-monthly dinners back in the 90s together, I thought I new our city’s history pretty good. Turns out next to Eddy Feldman this guy Fields was an amateur. His published book “The Art of Street Lighting” – 1972 32
LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
contains an overview of the history of “Street Lamps and Lamplighters” dating from the dark ages (pun) to the then present. So interesting it is, containing over fifty photos of street lights around Los Angeles. How interesting that one of the most exciting elements of the new additions to LACMA is Chris Burden’s “Urban Light”, a collection of 202 vintage street lamps Standing-At-Attention outside the new Renzo Piano-designed building. Most likely some of these standards appear in Eddy’s book. Poetically, in the background beyond these mighty lamps sits the Park La Brea towers, home to Eddy Feldman for 45 years. The book is on Amazon. He was a good friend with my father Cyrus Fields who held a master tenant in 1958 at the LA Mart with his Medallion of California upholstery line. Close to 30 years later Eddy and I became good friends as well. I find it interesting that Eddy Feldman, Esq. was instrumental in launching the LA Mart circa 1958 and that Murray Feldman was the man who got the PDC up and rolling in 1975. Eddy was honored by the Los Angeles City Council and his close friend city councilman Tom La Bonge in 2013. At Eddy’s funeral Tom gave a powerful well-deserved eulogy at the historic Lummis house. I too had the honor to speak about Eddy that day at the appropriate setting for this Mr. Los Angeles. OUR CHAPTER has been surrounded by certain people and companies who offered huge support to us through the forty years. Some of them are as follows: Brad Haan who was and remains one of the key players in our once monthly and now quarterly magazine LA DESIGN. Another was MURRAY FELDMAN (deceased) who was brought in to our Pacific Design Center (PDC) circa 1975 to oversee its operation, marketing and in many cases single handed brought in showrooms from the Melrose/Robertson streets of design. An import example was when Murray brought Baker LADESIGN | ISSUE II 2O15
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Knapp and Tubbs to occupy one half of the then fifth floor of the blue building equaling 35,000 square feet. In doing this he was able to attract so many of the others who had been waiting to take the leap from their tony shops on the street to this temple of design. From the being he arranged for our chapter to have space for our officers at a negligible rent. BRET PARSONS contributed his time, acumen and expertise towards the business of our chapter including his participation in our newsletter. Since those days back in the 80s he went on to design acclaim penning his fine book ‘Colcord: Home’ about the great architect-builder Gerard Colcord – my life long friend Stephanie Lee Stern’s Colcord outstanding home is on the cover. Bret has gone on to being the Architectural Division Director of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Beverly Hills. Our esteemed professional member FERNANDO DIAZ, ASID along with running his design office continues to be the glue in helping our chapter run with respect, fine public relations and in the know in our design community. Any time I have a designoriented question about a person, vendor, ASID business or the like I call Fernando and always get the correct answer. Of course Fernando is chairing our chapter’s 40th Anniversary Celebration on September 10, 2015. I feel his invitation into the ASID’s College of Fellows is long over due. WILL MYERS is the Executive Director of our LA Chapter of ASID. He is a gem in our rough. He is always professional, good natured, giving and helpful. He is our treasure and more. Second only to Charlie Rose, Will is a most renowned alum of the prestigious Duke University! In conclusion I have offered lots of facts and people that participated in our great chapter from its infancy to the present some 40 years in the making. Many players, members, associates, vendors were acknowledged. There are countless others that space limitations kept me from mentioning. I remember so clearly my entrance into our then A.I.D. Chapter with due humility as it took me three tries to pass the NCIDQ exam. Within five short years I became our still youngest chapter president in 1980. I close with the term from the title of Fellini’s 1973 personal bio epic “Amarcord” meaning ‘I remember’. I am wealthy with my 40 years of memories at ASID that I so clearly remember and rejoice in. Great people, great happenings, great memories. I wish all the same to you. Hail to all of us past, present and future members. Best, Ron…… n 34
LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
By Anne Wait, ASID CONGRATULATIONS to Sybil for receiving this distinguished honor. The Medalist Award is granted by the society to recognize members who have demonstrated outstanding service to their chapter and ASID, provided significant contributions to the interior design profession, and made significant contributions that have enriched the human experience. Sybil served as President of the Los Angeles Chapter 2005-06 and served on the ASID National Board from 2010-12. She is an adjunct faculty member in the School of Architecture at Woodbury University. The award committee was impressed with her consistent involvement in ASID Programs and leadership as well as her service to the profession outside of ASID. Sybil was recognized and presented her Medalist Award during a Project4_Layout 1 ASID 8/11/15 5:42ofPM 1 on July 18th in Boston. n ceremony at the State the Page Society
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INTERIORS www.myactivdesign.com
Los Angeles Chapter ASID Medalist Award Winner Sybil Jane Barrido, ASID, CID
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
A Zest for Design Jean Pinto, FASID
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he summer of 1959, just after graduating from high school, proved to be a game-changer for Jean Pinto, who grew up in South Central Los Angeles. She was planning on majoring in math in college on her way to becoming an engineer. As a summer job, she managed the books for a general contractor building spec homes in the newly subdivided Trousdale Estates. One day, a decorator came into a house under construction and said, “Do this, do that, use this color, use that color.” Then the contractor turned to Jean and said, “Write him a check for $200.” Jean responded, “What did he do?” “He picked the colors.” Jean said, “You give him $200 for picking colors? I think I’ll become a decorator!” Jean then started peppering the decorator with questions - what was his background, how did he start, where did he go to school? At that time, there were very few schools in the US that taught interior design (as a true professional discipline, distinguished from Home Economics). Woodbury University in Los Angeles was one of them, with a highly regarded program. Jean enrolled at Woodbury that September, at the age of 18. She graduated from the three-year program with a degree in interior design. During her last year of school, in the fall of 1961, she got a job through the school’s placement office at Mel Brown Furniture. At the time, Mel Brown and Jerry Rappaport were the trendsetters for all of southern California. Although the style is now referred to as mid-century modern, at the time it was simply contemporary furniture, and Mel Brown’s store was the place to get it. Jean was a quick study, learning all about the business of selling, buying, and merchandising home furnishings. She created a design department which ended up supporting
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by Cathryn Taylor, Allied ASID
four full time designers. She did the purchasing for the accessory department and the furniture department with Mr. Brown. And that was the beginning of a 54 year career as a professional interior designer that is still going strong.
The Business of Design While working for Mel Brown, she went back to school at Pepperdine University for an additional undergraduate degree in art education with a minor in business. She stayed with Mel Brown for ten years, during which time she had started to attract her own clients. Jean went out on her own and launched her business in June of 1971 and never looked back. Known for her knowledge, highly developed eye and powerful work ethic, Jean became legendary for her 60-70 hour work weeks and personalized service for her growing stable of devoted clients. Her education and the early years with Mel Brown helped her develop all the skills necessary to run a thriving interior design business. From space planning to drawing floor plans, from specifying plumbing fixtures to designing custom upholstery, from 16,000 square foot mansions in Malibu to multi-branch law firms, Jean has worked with clients, architects and contractors on jobs huge and small. Jean’s talents and professionalism have created lifelong relationships with her clients, and she’s had the pleasure of working with their children as well, as they have grown up and created their own homes and businesses. As Jean says, “they die before they get another designer.” Equally comfortable with residential and contract work, Jean says the only thing she doesn’t like to do is “maple” (Early American). Otherwise, from ultra-modern to
LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
mid-century, from traditional to fine antiques, Jean is comfortable working in every style and genre. Her clients have ranged from members of the Tijuana brass, Donna Summer’s piano player, Warren Christopher (prominent O’Melveny & Myers attorney and former Secretary of State), Tom Phelps, named partner of the Manatt, Phelps, Rothenberg law firm, the Lumbleau family (of real estate school fame), the Stockwell, Harris law firm, Downey Savings and Loan, and Rancho Santa Fe Bank. She also fondly remembers collaborating with Cliff May on a 14,000 sf house on a five acre estate. Jean believes the biggest change in the profession has been the arrival of the internet. Although it hasn’t affected the way she works, at times her clients have attempted to do DIY projects, often with disappointing results. She has used these occasions as opportunities to educate her clients about the challenges involved in effectively specifying and purchasing home furnishings, including addressing matters of quality, scale, and balance, and the consequences of purchasing multiple upholstered pieces of furniture online with the same fabric and having them show up in color shades that don’t quite match. “It’s real simple. It’s called dye lots. You’re buying out of a warehouse. This stuff is boxed. It comes from overseas boxed. There’s no guarantee they’re made from the same dye lot so you don’t know what you’ll get. So you either box them back up and send them back or live with different shades.” More than once, she has helped a client to correct a disastrous online shopping experience. “The most important thing,” she says, “is to listen to your clients. They’ll tell you a lot. When you create that comfort zone, that consistency, when they know you’re going to take care of them, they become your client for life.”
Jean also notes that with the internet, many of the old-school furniture stores and resources have disappeared. It’s tough, she observes, for young designers to get a foothold, especially in a tough market like Los Angeles. “Now you have Houzz and 1stDibs and blogs. And people will hire a blogger who knows nothing except for fluff words. The trick is to become connected to an architect or a contractor and try to build a business that way, but it isn’t easy.” But she has loved the freedom and independence of having her own business. Although, she notes, freedom is an interesting word when describing her practice – “I still work 6070 hours a week, but when I want to shut down for three weeks to go to Europe, I can.”
ASID and a Commitment to Giving Back Jean became a student member of AID (one of the predecessor organizations to ASID) in 1960. She became an Allied member of AID after graduating, and then passed the required test (the predecessor to the NCIDQ) to become a professional member of AID. Then AID merged with NSID to become ASID in 1975, and Jean continued with ASID as a professional member. Jean felt a strong commitment to AID and then ASID from the beginning. In her early years, she became very involved with the Los Angeles chapter, and eventually served on the Board of Directors in various capacities. In the early 80s, her business became so demanding that she had to step back from administrative duties, but always maintained her membership and went to as many social functions as we could. A unique program of the LA Chapter was created in 1993 LADESIGN | ISSUE II 2O15
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due to the generosity of Harold Grieve. Grieve was a scenic artist and set designer for the movie industry in the 20s. From there, he started to decorate the homes of movie stars and, together with his wife, former actress Jetta Goudal, formed an interior design business in the early 30s. His clients included Hollywood legends such as Mary Pickford, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, Lily Pons, Greta Garbo and George Burns as well as the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. He became heavily involved with AID and then ASID throughout his career. When he died in 1993, he left a trust fund, called the Harold W. Grieve Educational Fund, for the LA Chapter of ASID to grant scholarships to promising local design students. As Jean increased her commitment to the chapter in the mid-90s, she became involved with the initiative and has helped to promote awareness of and raise funds for the program and participate in the scholarship selection process. Jean has always had a strong desire to give back and has been an exemplary volunteer over the years. As noted, she has served in many capacities for the Los Angeles chapter of ASID, including as President of the LA Chapter’s Board of Directors twice, the first time during the 2001/2002 term, and again in 2009/2010. In addition to the many ways she has served both ASID and the ASID Foundation, Jean has also been involved with the Special Olympics. Among other initiatives, around ten years ago Jean created what became known as the LA ASID Chapter’s Blue House Parties (blue being the color of her home when she held the first event). This has been a series of parties Jean has hosted over the years at her home to raise money to support the chapter, the ASID Foundation and other important ASID causes, such as supporting legislation for licensing designers in California. From a modest beginning, the Blue House Parties have generated substantial revenues over the years for the Chapter and these causes. Jean also served on the National Board of Directors of the ASID Foundation from 2008 to 2012. The Foundation serves to 38
advance the profession by promoting meaningful collaboration and research, awarding scholarships and funding projects that broaden the value of interior design. While on the Foundation Board, Jean discussed ways in which to get local chapters more involved with the Foundation with colleague and interior designer Fernando Diaz, ASID. With Jean’s help, Fernando developed a program called the Chapter Challenge, which became a nationwide initiative that seeks to raise $100,000 a year from local chapters to support the Foundation’s work. Established in 2009, the program has been resoundingly successful and continues to this day.
Fellowship Jean was thrilled to be nominated for ASID Fellowship. According to the criteria for Fellowship, “Election to the ASID College of Fellows, the Society’s highest honor, is bestowed on less than 1% of the ASID membership. Fellowship is bestowed on professional members who have made notable and outstanding contributions to the profession not only through their work but also through their demonstrated commitment to ASID and to the interior design industry.” After a months’ long review process, Jean received word that she had been elected a Fellow, and she and the other four individuals elected as 2015 Fellows were honored for this achievement at this year’s ASID Chapter Leadership Conference in Boston. Reflecting on her remarkable career and long-standing commitment to ASID, Jean sums up her thoughts perfectly: “I am a member of ASID because I believe in professionalism. That’s what I do. That’s why I’m still active in it. And always have been. I’m a professional interior designer who thinks that ASID is the epitome, and that’s why I belong to it. How simple is that?” The Los Angeles design community and the LA Chapter of ASID extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jean on this outstanding achievement. n
LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
COMMITTEE WORKS
Fair Trade - A Crucial Ingredient to Sustainability By Rachel Winokur, Allied ASID and member of the Sustainability Committee of ASID-LA Can a design be visually stunning and sustainable? Yes! The popular definition of sustainability is a balance between environmental, economic AND social responsibility. The most common emphasis is on elements like health (i.e., non-toxic), planet (i.e., made with renewable material), and economic viability. But there is a lesser-known, yet essential component to sustainability. It is social accountability. How were the individuals who made the items treated? Were the artisans compensated fairly? Were their working conditions healthy? Were children used in 40
production? Fair trade ensures that artisans (and farmers) behind a range of products are paid fairly, so that they make a living wage and contribute to a sustainable world. At the same time, fair trade alone is not truly sustainable. What is the point of treating the producers fairly if their land is damaged? I often hear the arguments asking why we should we be responsible for items made abroad, and that we should all use exclusively made USA products. If you’re not concerned with the power of global sustainability, then consider that it’s unlikely to create a design that is completely USA made. The inevitable truth is that we’re bound to select items made in other countries, often Third World. An easy illustration is to read the labels on your clothing; you’re likely already supporting foreign manufacturing. So, you have a choice, to purchase fair trade or not, to change lives or not. There are many areas where you, and your client, can make a difference. For example, let’s take a look at the rug industry. To identify rugs not made by child labor, look for the GoodWeave label. GoodWeave researches the methods by which the rugs are made. This non-profit estimates that child labor on South Asia’s carpet looms is 250,000, down from 1 million in 1995. If you’re interested in getting involved in sustainability locally, please join me at ASID LA’s Sustainability Committee monthly meetings at the ASID LA office in the PDC. Our upcoming meeting is scheduled for September 10th. Also, I invite you to join me at Fair Trade LA’s monthly meetings (www.fairtradela.org). n
LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
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INDUSTRY PARTNER FOCUS
A
by Ruth Crnkovich
n area of untapped income seasoned designers are sitting on is that of stored inventories. Does your storage look like an episode from the tv show Hoarders? Do you have decades of merchandise that you have stored so long you no longer remember what you have? The market for tangible assets such as fine art and fine furnishings change regularly, as seen in seasonal auctions. It seems only natural that the same holds true for similar items that are held in storage by designers for years, sometimes even decades. Is it possible that your hoard could be worth a small fortune? Why are you waiting to find out? The time has come where technology and service have arrived to make organizing life easier. Isn’t that what we have all been working towards, the easier and organized life? To assist with that goal, professional appraiser and advisors specialize with the process at every level. Designers are very knowledgeable professionals. Yet, everyone can use a little help when it comes to demystifying the art market and other markets where tangible assets are sold without much opacity when it comes to pricing. Rugs, fine antiques, fine silver, and collectibles can be sourced from a variety of places with as many different prices as there are different venders. By organizing information in a database, it will make tracing the information much easier and getting current market values much quicker. It also helps with keeping up with inventory. One rule for valuation applies to both distinguished designers as well as the clients who are under the auspices of a well-heeled designer is that of regular valuations. Every few years, furniture, decorative objects, art 42
More Than Spare Change and collectables need to be inventoried, condition noted, and appraised. Knowing current values is key to making informed decisions about what to keep and what to sell. Utilizing experts will save time and money as they know not only the values for objects, but also the best venues for selling property. Having realistic expectations for oneself as well as one’s clients when selling objects of worth is also an important step in managing expectations. Using a professional appraiser will help avoid over valuing items that will eventually have to come down in price to meet the market price. Professional advisors consign furniture and art to antique stores, galleries and auction house on behalf of the client. They work for the client, negotiating consignment terms, commissions and arranging shipping details. The identity of the seller can be kept private. The advisor can handle all of the negotiations, paperwork, and shipping on behalf of the client. Commissions are paid only once items are sold, so there is nothing to lose. There are online options such as Etsy, Ebay and Craigslist for smaller, less valuable or more difficult items to sell. A good inventory list with correct descriptions and detailed and clear photos will save a lot of time when uploading information onto the web. Knowing what price will sell the piece is important to keep items moving in these online sites. The best and most often overlooked buyers are in the design community. Young designers who have not yet built up inventories are an excellent pool for selling designer furnishings. Items that have lost appeal to designers and clients of one generation may have a new appeal
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to a different set of eyes, and who better than a designer to understand how good design never goes out of style? Consider putting inventories in an online database that hip, avant-garde designers can search. Make items available for designers who are looking to repurpose and upcycle furniture and objects from different decades. Let members of local, state and regional ASID have first opportunities to buy directly from this database before sending it to auction or online. It sends out good will to young colleagues and it does good things for the earth when items are recycled and upcycled. The key to a lifetime of success is recognizing that everything changes. Styles change. Prices change. Markets change. People change. In the end, change is the only constant. As the needs of clients vary, so do the needs of designers. Keeping up with the adjustments can be the most challenging part of any profession. When it comes to tangible assets, markets never stop changing. Keeping current on values for antiques and art can be a daunting task. Never be afraid to ask a professional for advice or an appraisal, especially for items that have been in inventories for more than five years. You will be happy you did. Knowing where to go and who to trust is the other half of the challenge. n Ruth Crnkovich, VP Business Development for Pall Mall Art Advisors and Appraisers, Los Angeles, CA 310.562.2471 www.pallmallartadvisors.com Ruth Crnkovich has thirty years experience as an art historian, curator, appraiser, and art advisor. Pall Mall Art Advisors is a UK and US tangible asset management firm with offices worldwide.
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SMART READS
Good to Great Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don’t Jim Collins, Author
For years, a question preyed on the mind of Jim Collins. Are there companies that defy gravity and convert long-term mediocrity or worse into long-term superiority? And if so, what are the universal distinguishing characteristics that cause a company to go from good to great? Using tough benchmarks, Collins and his research team identified a set of elite companies that made the leap to great results and sustained those results for at least fifteen years. How great? After the leap, the good-to-great companies generated cumulative stock returns that beat the general stock market by an average of seven times in fifteen years. Over five years, the team analyzed the histories of twenty-eight companies. After sifting through mountains of data and thousands of pages of interviews, they discovered the key determinants of greatness – why some companies make the leap and others don’t.
Drawing on the Artist Within
Outliers The Story of Success
Whether you are a business manager, teacher, writer, technician, or student, you’ll find Drawing on the Artist Within the most effective program ever created for tapping your creative powers. Profusely illustrated with hundreds of instructional drawings and the work of master artists, this book is written for people with no previous experience in art. Creativity is the force that drives problem-solving, informs effective decision-making and opens new frontiers for ambition and intelligence. Those who succeed have learned to harness their creative power by keeping that light bulb turned on. Betty Edwards has decoded the secrets of the creative process to help you tap your full creative potential and apply that power to everyday problems. She does this through the power of drawing – power you can harness to see problems in new ways.
There is a story that is usually told about extremely successful people, a story that focuses on intelligence and ambition. Gladwell argues that the true story of success is very different, and that if we want to understand how some people thrive, we should spend more time looking around them-at such things as their family, their birthplace, or even their birth date. And in revealing that hidden logic, Gladwell presents a fascinating and provocative blueprint for making the most of human potential.
Betty Edwards, Author
Malcolm Gladwell, Author
For this issue, we asked friend and former ASID-LA President Deborah Davis what her favorite books were in her library. It was difficult to pin her down to just
inspiration & 44
LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
six – she is a dedicated researcher
and true book hound. These are
her choices for finding inspiration and the most informative...
All descriptions adapted from Amazon.com
Interior Design and Decoration 6th Edition
Stanley Abercrombie and Sherrill Whiton, Authors Addressing interior design and decoration from the ancients to the moderns, this text describes the dominant influences of fashion design and focuses on the close relationship between interior design and the architecture of our times. With the Sixth Edition of Interior Design and Decoration, Stanley Abercrombie continues the revival of this time-tested and well-respected text — first published in 1937 — to make it meet the needs of today’s teachers and students. In his second revision of Sherrill Whiton’s classic text, Abercrombie presents the full history of interior design—during all periods and throughout all regions—in a manner that facilitates easy comparisons among different times, places, and styles.
Lettering for Architects and Designers Martha Sutherland, Author
If you have ever wondered how architects and designers form such uniform letters, this is an essential reference. It is one of few books that focus on the beauty of written forms presented on blueprints. Outside, the book has a simple cover. Inside, every page is filled with the author’s handwriting; the letters are incredibly consistent from page to page. Although the author presents a limited variety of alphabets, she offers many pointers on how to perfect them. This is clearly a case where quality receives a greater emphasis than quantity.
Building Codes Illustrated A Guide to Understanding the International Building Code
Francis D. K. Ching and Steven R. Winkel, Authors Updated periodically, this must-have resource book provides and easy-tofollow explanation of codes throughout the built environment. As the U.S. building industry adapts the international standards, architects and other building professionals need a clear, practical guide to the International Building Code. Marrying the graphic skills of bestselling author Frank Ching with the code expertise of Steven Winkel, FAIA, this invaluable reference provides an easy-tounderstand interpretation in both words and illustrations of the portions of the building code that are most relevant for the architect. Highlighting major changes between the new code and previous model building codes, this book will help architects understand how this code change will affect their practice.
& information LADESIGN LADESIGN | ISSUE I 2O15 | ISSUE | ISSUE II 2O15 30
45
The Benefits of Offering Free Advise
By: Meredith Pominville , ASID
This year I was contacted by the president of ASID LA to discuss how “productive” taking part in ASID’s The Designer Is In at Dwell on Design last year had been for my business. Did I book any actual clients? Was it worth it for ASID members to offer their services for free? What can I say? ABSOLUTELY worth every moment. I had fun, I met new people and introduced them to the experience of consulting with an interior designer working at a professional level. I was able to leverage my experience into multiple posts on social media: My website now boasts that I have presented at Dwell on Design, I was asked to contribute an article last year to LA Design and put out press releases on social media and my website about that article. Hella good free promotion for donating 2 hours of my time to do exactly what I love doing!
How could I top that?
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I took part again this year. In addition to the perks my participation did again for my business, it went one better. Two wonderful clients that I met with this year signed a contract with me to have me partner with their architect and design a 3400 square foot house in Hawaii, from scratch. I am currently knee deep in master bathroom layouts and making plans to visit them in Hawaii in October. You never know who is sitting in front of you when you say hello and ask “what brings you here today?” Having partnerships with a design power-house like Dwell Magazine benefits ASID and gives smaller designers like myself the opportunity to be seen in a more prestigious way. It’s hard to be an independent designer in today’s market. Promotion and advertising are so expensive and to do it right requires a huge commitment of time and, if you can afford it, money, to get your name out there. But, ASID, and its commitment to creating strategic partnerships, really does help to create opportunities for our members to take the next step and gain recognition for what we do best. The majority of my business comes from referrals and repeat customers. This introduction to my Hawaii clients was a huge break. I am having a blast working with them, and if it continues to go well, it may lead to a whole new market for me and my business. Yep. Can’t wait for next year’s Dwell on Design. n
INDUSTRY PARTNER NEWS
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Laurent Fauvel, of ASID Los Angeles annual sponsor Lladró, presents Elaine Morrison, Allied ASID the exquisite lamp that she won at Lladró’s showroom opening on Rodeo Drive. Her husband Richard Rothenberg and special friend Oliver joined her for the occasion. n
Wide collection of prints and acoustic solutions available thanks to exclusive partnerships with French National Museums such as the Louvre and the French National Museum of Textiles.
Come Celebrate Our Chapter’s Founding Members! SEPTEMBER 10TH 6:00 PM at the Beverly Hills Home of
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Make checks payable to the ASID Foundation. No credit or debit cards accepted.
We are Honoring 20 Founding Members Who are Still Active Members of Our Chapter! Rita Barnett, ASID James Blakeley, III, ASID Susan Cohen, ASID Deanna DeCherney, ASID Ron Fields, ASID Marlys Gladen, ASID Sherry Hacket, Allied ASID
Sharon Rose Horowitz, ASID J. Jonathan Joseph, ASID Virginia Knight, ASID Karlyn Kuper, FASID C. G. Ochsner, ASID BJ Peterson, FASID
Jean M. Pinto, FASID Martha Rayle, FASID Garry M. Sandlin, ASID Darrell Schmitt, FASID Gloria Strasburger, ASID Angie Thornbury, ASID Jerome Zerg, ASID
For more information, call or email Will Myers at (310) 659-4716 | asidoffice@asidla.org
The Bartley Group, Inc. 27071 Cabot Road, Suite 125 Laguna Hills, CA 92653 Direct 323.250.0684 Fax: 949.600.5309 In the previous issue of LADesign the QR Code for The info@bartleygroupinc.com Bartley Group, Inc. was incorrect.The correct code is www.bartleygroup.com shown here and also in their ad for this issue.
Correction
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“It’s Carved in Stone.” Exotics make the difference.
by Eva Vennari
Exotic stone is boutique, different, and unique. Everyone has seen the uba tubas, ornamentals, and santa cecilias of the world. If you want something different, what do you need to consider? What should a person look for when selecting exotic stone besides simply loving how it looks? Often a stone is selected for a project based solely on its looks. Ask your stone representative questions like: • Will this stone hold up to my lifestyle? • What’s the care and maintenance? • Do I need a certified installer? • Does this product come with any warranty? • Is it appropriate for my design? (Can it go outside, in wet areas, steam saunas? etc.) Now, what if you love most of the slab? Consider this… you’re going to cut it up into pieces, put an edge detail on it, cut some holes for sinks and appliances and who knows what else. Bring your fabricator with you or take quality digital photos of the slabs and work with your fabricator to see if those spots and undesirables can be worked around. It may change how book-matching, if any, turns out, and flow or direction of the stone’s overall movement. Explore options together. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Lastly, what makes a slab inferior? Stone can be refinished. 50
Stains can be pulled out. Cracks can be filled with all types of products. But if you’re spending more on a slab to fix it than it costs to buy and install it, it’s probably not worth it. If it cracks in half and can’t be repaired to your liking… make some matching end tables, shelves, or cheese boards. Stone won’t change on you. That’s what I love about it. What you see is what you get. So, if you find yourself rocking between some choices, keep looking. With exotics it’s imperative to see it in person. Run your fingers over the surface to feel for cracks. If you don’t like the slab at the front of the bundle, ask to see the slabs behind it. Ultimately, you want to love your stone. Eva Vennari is the manager of Elements Room, a new concept stone boutique due to open this fall at 13245 Sherman Way, North Hollywood, 91605. Elements Room is brought to you by Pacific Shore Stones, an importer of natural stone and quartz with 15 locations nationwide, including 5 in California. Elements Room aims to offer a comfortable environment for architects and designers to work with clients to specify material. Different from the usual slab yard, the light and inviting area will contain office space and work stations designed to inspire and make the process of selecting surfaces easier.
LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
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Be Prepared: Tips for Caring for an Ill or Elderly Parent
I
llness or disability can come without warning. If you are faced with taking on the responsibility of caring for an aging parent or ailing loved one, these checklists may serve as a starting point for organizing your thoughts and building the network of financial, medical and other resources that can help.
Consider the need for taking care of your loved one’s finances. • Look into obtaining a power of attorney. This legal document enables you to make legally binding decisions on your loved one’s behalf, and to access his or her bank accounts and financial records. The person granting you power of attorney must generally do so in writing. • If your loved one cannot grant you power of attorney, a conservatorship could be an alternative. This is a court-ordered arrangement used when someone is not able to communicate with others or sign documents. A court-designated conservator would manage the individual’s assets in a way that is in the individual’s best interests.
Understand what types of assistance may be needed. • Ask about the medical outlook for the person you will be caring for. Sometimes the primary goal is getting the patient back on his or her feet. Sometimes it’s just stopping a patient’s condition from becoming worse. Discuss the person’s prognosis with his or her doctor to better understand what the future may hold. • Identify the tasks you will need to perform. If you are asked to help with meals, it could mean anything from weekly grocery shopping to actually feeding someone who cannot 52
By Dennis Shu manage utensils. If you are asked to help with medication, it might simply mean counting pills and putting them in marked containers once or twice a week. But it could also mean monitoring and servicing complex medical devices such as infusion pumps. It could even mean giving injections on a daily basis. • Determine whether your loved one can remain at home. That may be the preferred arrangement, but the decision may not be clear-cut. Other options may include moving your loved one in with you, or to an assisted living facility or nursing home. Discuss the alternatives candidly with your loved one’s doctors, nurses, physical therapists and mental health care providers as well as with the person you would be caring for. • Be sure that the home is safe and accessible. Your loved one may need ramps, lifts, grab bars and similar features in order to get around. Make sure there’s enough space around furniture for a walker or wheelchair. Rugs and loose wires can trip people who use walkers, canes or crutches. Easy-to-use remote controls for heat, air conditioning, entertainment systems and lighting can ease frustration for people who can’t readily get around on their own. • See what professional support is available. Visiting nurses and home health aides can help you fill in gaps in your own caregiving efforts and improve the quality of life for your loved one. Determine what services might be available from local providers and whether any might be covered by insurance.
Know what options are available when in-home care might not be viable. • Assisted living facilities are suitable
LADESIGN is a Quarterly Publication of the American Society of Interior Designers - Los Angeles Chapter
for people who can generally take care of themselves independently but may need some help with routine tasks such as preparing meals, housekeeping and getting around. They are the most home-like and least restrictive living environments outside the home. Outside transportation and recreation opportunities can vary widely. • Nursing homes are designed to house and care for very frail or disabled people who are not capable of caring for themselves.
Take into account atmosphere and quality of life concerns for assisted living facilities and nursing homes. For example: • The size and general layout of the facility. Look at living quarters, the dining area, recreational facilities and group activity spaces. • The overall cleanliness of the facility. • The physical situation of the facility. Busy main streets may make it easier for visitors to gain access, but the noise may be intrusive for residents. • Proximity to family and friends. People close to their loved one may be more likely to visit if the facility is nearby and conveniently located. • The organized activity programs for residents, if any. • Safety features. Look for adequate lighting, smoke and fire alarm systems and clearly marked exits. You can request evidence that the facility has all mandated features and is current with its code and safety inspections. • Proximity to a hospital or urgent care clinic. • Proximity to outside resources. Easy access to parks, libraries, theaters and stores can be important for your loved one’s quality of life.
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• Pets. Pets can be meaningful companions but they can also be sources of allergens or other irritations.
Consider financial factors for assisted living facilities and nursing homes. • Obtain a detailed list of all fees and costs. The documentation should indicate what services are covered by the base payment as well as the cost for any optional services. It should also indicate any costs that might be contingent on a particular circumstance. • Understand the billing arrangements. You may be expected to make regularly scheduled payments without receiving any prior notice or statement. You may also be expected to set up a cash reserve to finance any optional costs or services. • Rate adjustments may be a factor for indefinite arrangements. Ascertain how frequently rate adjustments can be made and how much advance notification of changes you can expect. n Additional resources: AARP Caregiving Resource Center Assisted Living Federation of America U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging
This article was provided courtesy of Dennis Shu, Industry Partner and Financial Advisor Vice President of Perennial Financial Services, LLC. He is located at 11620 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90025 and can be contacted by phone at 424-4422507, email Dennis.Shu@LPL. com, or on his website www. perennialfinancialservices. com/team/dennis-shu. Dennis Shu and the financial consultants of Perennial Financial Services, LLC are Registered Representatives with and securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/ SIPC. This article was prepared by Wealth Management Systems Inc. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. Please consult me if you have any questions. Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by Wealth Management Systems Inc., or its sources, neither Wealth Management Systems Inc., nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall Wealth Management Systems Inc. be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscribers’ or others’ use of the content.
When does furniture become sculpture?
Proje
STUDENT INTERVIEW
H
For their first UCLA EXTENSION ASID ALUMNI FEATURE ARTICLE, Helen Meisel was asked to describe some of her experiences at UCLA Extension, and her professional endeavors. Name: Helen Meisel, ASID/CID Title: Principal Company: Helen Meisel Design Services Website: www.helenmeisel.com
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Please describe your role within your current company: “I am the owner and principal designer.” What year did you complete the Arc+ID program? “I completed the program in 1979. At that time, it was called the UCLA Extension Interior and Environmental Design Program. It offered a Professional Designation in Interior Design. When I enrolled in the program in 1975, it was really in its infancy and has now matured to a Masters in Interior Architecture.” What did you like about the UCLA Extension Arc+ID program? “I loved the instructors. My initial interest in the program was for the graphic design courses since I had started a custom invitation business. Then, on a whim, I took the Introductory Interior Design course taught by Jody Greenwald (the founder of the program) and was hooked. She introduced me to the great decorators and interior design influencers of the twentieth century, the iconic furniture designers and architectural designers, and put it all into a historical context. I gradually shifted my course selections to more Interior Design related.” How did the program help prepare you for what you are currently doing? “The program gave me the technical skills I needed to be a designer. I learned how to draft, do elevations, put boards together. But, most of all, the program taught me how to see. I learned how to focus on the elements of my surrounding environment, to look at the relationship and scale of patterns and shapes, and to pay attention to the details that make good design.” What do you enjoy most about what you are currently doing? “Being a problem solver and coming up with solutions for my clients that they would not be able to achieve on their own. While we always want to make things look beautiful, I also want to make sure that the design functions well, that it is durable and timeless, and makes the client feel happy and relaxed.” Any advice for students currently in the program? “Be open to different career paths in design. I shifted my focus from graphic design to interior design.. The same principles apply, but in a different platform and with different elements or tools. Then, about 15 years ago, I formed a multi-line representative company providing furnishings for the luxury hospitality industry. Now I am back to only practicing interior design. I also know other interior designers who have become furniture designers, textile designers or lighting designers, either independently or for major manufacturers. So with your design training, you can do different things separately or even simultaneously.” n
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310.477.1522 310.477.1522