VIE Magazine July / August 2016

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MODERN MINIMALIST

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A P PA R E L ,

J E W E L R Y,

H O M E

AC C E S S O R I E S ,

A LY S S H O P P E .CO M

A N D

G I F T S

IN THIS ISSUE:

100

26

43

116

132

FEATURE

A SENSE OF PLACE

The Modern Minimalist: Zen by the Bay – Chapter Five 26

Living the Life of Luxury 57

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

The Evolution of Alys Beach 100

A Lifelong Passion: Homes with Style and New Urban Values 48

The Rooftops of 30-A: An Architectural Sea 122

The United States of Architecture: Home Sweet Homes 64 The Perfect Finish: Lighting, Tile, and More for the Modern Minimalist 116 In Awe of the Horizon: Skylines of the World 132

84

92

Special Places in Our Hearts 74

C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION 43 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Block by Block: Gaming’s Contemporary Art Form 174 Talking Walls: Art Utopia 180

Work Hard, Play Hard: Northwest Florida’s Real Estate Family 142

NEW BEGINNINGS

VOYAGER

INSPIRATION

I Can See Clearly Now 92 Find Refuge in Pure Tasmania 158

A Dream Beach Wedding with Indian Flair 84

Good Enough 91 Come Together: The New Creative Spirit 110

The Path Home 150 Zaha Hadid’s Monumental Legacy: 1950–2016 188

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 13

CREATIVE TEAM FOUNDER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com FOUNDER / PUBLISHER GERALD BURWELL Gerald@VIEmagazine.com

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR JORDAN STAGGS Jordan@VIEmagazine.com CHIEF COPY EDITOR MARGARE T STE VENSON CONTRIBUTING W RITERS SALLIE W. BOYLES, PAMEL A DOWLING, ERICA MANTHE Y, TORI PHELPS, MIKE RAGSDALE, ANNE W. SCHULT Z, CHARLES SINGLE TARY JR., CHAD THURMAN

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY ART DIREC TOR TRACE Y THOMAS FILM CUR ATOR TIM DUTROW GR APHIC DESIGNERS RINN GARL ANGER, LUCY MASHBURN CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGR APHERS MA XIM APRYATIN, ALENA BAKUTIS, THOMAS BARRAT, ROB BL AKERS, BRE T T BULTHUIS, PAUL BURK, RON ELLIS, JOE DE SCIOSE, JAMES HAEFNER, JANICE HANRAHAN, BRENNA KNEISS, TIM KRAMER, VICTORIA LIPOV, KURT LISCHK A, VICTOR MASCHEK, BYRD LE WIS MASHBURN, TOM MICHELS, JEFFRE Y NINT ZEL, NANCY NOL AN, WILLIAM B. OLE X Y, CHAD THURMAN, K AYL A NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY, PURE7 STUDIOS, SK Y PRO IMAGING, CHUCKSTOCK, ELNUR, MARY416, MR. INTERIOR, TONY V3112

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VIE is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2008–2015 Cornerstone Marketing and Advertising, Incorporated (Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. VIE is a lifestyle magazine and is published six times annually on a bimonthly schedule. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or the Publisher. VIE is a paid publication. Subscription rates: Digital magazine (iPad only) – One-year $11.99; Two-year $17.99 / Printed magazine – One-year $29.95; Two-year $54.95 (U.S. Only – price includes free access to digital magazine versions for iPad). Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.VIEMagazine.com.

14 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

ON THE COVER:

They say there’s no place like home, and that couldn’t be truer for Mike and Angela Ragsdale of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. After their house on the Choctawhatchee Bay was destroyed by flooding in 2014, the couple embarked on a journey together to find home and happiness in each other, and in life, while also building a new home on the bayside property. We have documented the story in VIE over our past four issues with Mike’s series entitled “The Modern Minimalist: Zen by the Bay.” Chicago-based photographer Brett Bulthuis joined us to capture the beautiful new home as we unveil the final chapter in this issue. Many thanks to the Ragsdales for sharing their moving story with our readers. Welcome home!

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LESS IS MORE It seems of late that a modern sensibility and aesthetic is leading the way in design and decor. Clean, simple lines, black and white, geometrics, and ergonomics are all the rage. The look embodies style and crisp perfection, giving a sense of balance and order. Although, one must first master the art of decluttering before attempting to dwell in such an environment. You simply can’t have extra or unnecessary stuff. After all, where would you put it?

In years gone by, modern design seemed to have been reserved for the artistic sophisticate or the well-heeled eccentric who seemed to know something that the masses did not. But lately the style is experiencing a resurgence and achieving more mass appeal—becoming a more prevalent and wide-spread style than ever before.

Having an eclectic style, in both home and office, for most of my life, I appreciated the modern design acumen only from afar. It is only in the last few years that I have gravitated toward the “less is more” approach. From my own perspective, the modern style creates a sense of order and well-being; everything is purposefully placed and not overly complicated. Since I am an analyzer and forecaster of trend changes, I have an observation as to why the modern design trend has gained so much ground of late. With current world affairs in a deep transition of change and uncertainty, it seems only natural for the human psyche to be attracted to a design style based on purpose and order. To have the ability to control order in a small piece of your world by means of a design aesthetic is a powerful rationale.

Our new headquarters for VIE magazine is now under construction with the grand opening slated for this fall. Based on inspiration boards created by the VIE staff, Publisher and resident architect Gerald Burwell designed the ultramodern interior dominated by whites, deep grays, chrome, and lots of glass, offering a minimal and open work environment. When walking the new space, which is only in the early stages of construction, I can already envision the clean, open area. My mind feels like it can breathe freely just looking forward to what is to come. I think we all need the ability to mentally inhale and exhale deeply as we all learn how to live in a world that is experiencing disorder and disruption. If design and architectural vernaculars can offer a sense of well-being, then I think we should give more credit to the design professionals who create and enhance human spaces of all kinds—homes and offices, gardens and landscapes, interior designs, home goods and decor, and much more.

Enter the Ragsdales. Mike and Angela Ragsdale are a powerhouse couple who have literally made their mark along Scenic Highway 30-A, an 18-mile stretch of architectural nirvana in the Florida Panhandle. There, the New Urbanism movement flourishes alongside some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. As brand ambassadors for this special place, the Ragsdales are the authors and gatekeepers of the mark “30A Life Shines.” What started out as the digital brand 30A.com has amassed over four hundred thousand loyal followers. The 30A logo sells on souvenir

Founder/Editor-In-Chief Lisa Burwell Photo by Lucy Mashburn

products and apparel, and the logo even graces the label of 30A Beach Blonde Pale Ale, a Grayton Beer Company offering. Their iconic 30A bumper sticker shows up, well, just about everywhere. To say they helped to put the area on the map would not be overstating their contribution. Read their poignant and heartwarming story as Mike Ragsdale chronicles the last in his five-part series “The Modern Minimalist: Zen by the Bay.” VIE is proud to be one of the numerous sponsors on their journey of creating their dream home, and we are proud to publish the honest and unfiltered account of their trials and tribulations along the route to a happy ending!

A celebration and appreciation of architecture, interior design, iconic spaces and places, and much more awaits inside this issue.

To Life!

—Lisa Founder/Editor-In-Chief V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 17

THE ARCHITECTURE OF HAPPINESS I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’ They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” This apocryphal quote is widely attributed online to John Lennon, Charles Schwartz, or Goldie Hawn. Regardless of its origin, the sentiment is clear and one I believe everyone should consider and strive for, especially in this age of information when bad news is so quickly and widely spread.

I believe most of us realize at some point in our lives that we are responsible for our own happiness; we can’t rely on others to create it, though we can choose to spend our time with those who make us feel a certain way. Family and friends will influence us, but ultimately, we must design and build our lives in a way that makes us satisfied, and above all, happy. If life were a building, our goals and dreams would be the foundation on which we build. The people we love, our work, our hobbies, our beliefs, and our health would be the pillars that hold us up. At the top of all that lies happiness; like the top of a skyscraper swaying in the breeze, it might waver, but it’s always there if the pillars are kept intact.

Managing Editor Jordan Staggs Photo by Lucy Mashburn

In middle school, we learned that DNA contains the building blocks of life (or was that from Jurassic Park?). From a young age, many kids are fascinated by building things, whether with blocks, Legos, or even just their imaginations. While only a few will grow up to create buildings or accomplish incredible feats of engineering, the truth is that we are all builders, and we are all architects of our own minds, dreams, and lives.

“When I was five years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when

Once in a while, an earthquake might rock the foundations of your life. Other times, someone might bring a sledgehammer to your front door, break it down, and threaten to demolish what you’ve built. But if your foundations and pillars are strong, and with people to help you build them back up if they crack, you will always come out on top. As the wise wizard Dumbledore once said, “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

From the Ragsdale family’s journey of finding their happiness together in a new home by the bay to Pamela Dowling’s sage wisdom in her inspirational column “Good Enough,” I hope the stories in this issue inspire you to find what makes you happy and pursue it with all your might. Keep in mind that fond memories can bring happiness as well, as seen in our staff ’s roundup of favorite places from their hometowns.

As we curate a selection of “Stories with Heart and Soul” in every issue of VIE, we hope to bring you a little bit of happiness, too.

—Jordan

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 19

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THE MODERN MINIMALIST Zen by the Bay

C H A P T E R F I V E – H O M E AT L A S T

BY M I K E R A G S D A L E PHOTOGRAPHY BY B R E T T B U L T H U I S

“How do you make God laugh? Tell him your plans.”

IN APRIL 2014, THE RAGSDALE FAMILY LOST THEIR HOME DURING A FLOOD IN SANTA ROSA BEACH, FLORIDA. THIS IS THE FINAL CHAPTER IN A FIVE-PART SERIES OF VIE ARTICLES ABOUT THE FAMILY’S REBUILDING PROCESS.

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In the days following the flood, we didn’t really comprehend the gravity of our situation. We thought we’d hammer out a quick little renovation. We thought everything would be covered by insurance, as we had the best policies one could buy. We figured we’d return to a freshly painted home, perhaps with a few new pieces of furniture, in six to eight weeks.

Who knew? Maybe this would be our chance to finally redo the master bedroom—something we’d always neglected.

As we sifted through the waterlogged garbage looking for anything salvageable, I opened a footlocker to find my dad’s old revolver all covered in rust. That was the first time I cried. It wouldn’t be the last. We never imagined the insurance companies would fight us, reimbursing just pennies on the dollar. We never imagined bulldozing our mold-infested home and starting completely over. We never imagined it would take us over two years to return to this special place. These would prove to be the hardest years of my life to date, jam-packed with surprises and stresses, changes and challenges.

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 27

WE NEVER IMAGINED IT WOULD TAKE US OVER TWO YEARS TO RETURN TO THIS SPECIAL PLACE. Over the last two years, our business has grown from zero employees to thirty. We visited five continents, and yet I feel like I wasted more time sitting on the couch piloting my laptop than in all my previous years combined. I used our under-construction house as a convenient excuse to defer my happiness.

“I’ll start YOLO Boarding again when we get into the new house.”

“I’ll go fishing when we get back home.”

“I’ll try yoga once we get settled into the new place.”

Above: Built by Hart Builders Residential design by Rolen Studio – Modern Residential Home automation by AVX – Audio Visual Excellence, Inc. Paint by Sherwin-Williams of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Plumbing and gas by SSE Plumbing and Gas Contractors Electrical by Xcell Electric Inc. Doors and windows by Southern Windows and Doors Insulation by Mid-America Insulation and Supply Painting by Venez Painting Home security by Planet Secure 3-D home tour by PerceptionsbyMayer Gutters by Architectural Gutter Systems Opposite: Homeowners Mike and Angela Ragsdale Custom reclaimed cypress table by Not Too Shabby Boutique Art by Matt Lyons

28 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

W

e moved four times, bouncing from rental home to rental home, purging mementos and memories along the way. My son Carlton went off to college in Orlando. He was ready, even if I wasn’t. My oldest daughter, Jayne, moved to Paris and got engaged. My daughter Kelsey moved to New York, occasionally darting off to semisketchy places like Sierra Leone.

Holly became a cheerleader and also proved to be a talented singer-songwriter, performing in local venues.

All told, we spent a few nights in the emergency room, totaled a car, fielded a couple of late-night phone calls from police, blew up an engine, and took a couple of ambulance rides. You know, typical parental stuff.

We laughed at weddings and cried at funerals. I spent a night sleeping on our dock, laying flat on my back and gazing up at the cosmos. I began to doubt we’d ever return home. I once woke up alone in a cheap motel room in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, wondering if I should just keep driving north or turn around and go home. Thankfully, I went home.

Angela and I learned the key to a successful marriage isn’t perfection—it’s persistence.

Truth be told, I largely wasted those two precious years, longing for the things we didn’t have rather than celebrating the things we did.

Throughout this nauseating roller-coaster ride, Cosmo and Dudley—our two fluffy little white dogs—seemed to take all of these sudden life changes in stride. In particular, Dudley was always irrepressibly happy.

I work from home, so I often need an external signal to indicate that it’s time to power down my laptop, at least for a while. That signal would usually consist of Angela asking me if I was ready for a glass of wine, to which my answer was almost always a resounding “YES.” A bottomless well of raw happiness, the dogs would sense this sudden shift in our priorities and begin to bustle about. This is generally when I would host what became known in our household as “The Puppy Puppet Showtime,” starring Dudley.

It’s a rather embarrassing ritual—one that I never imagined divulging outside our immediate family— but, it’s necessary for this story. Anyway, the ritual began with me asking Dudley if it was, in fact, The Puppy Puppet Showtime.

Unable to contain his enthusiasm for some limelight, Dudley would then catapult himself across the room and bounce into my lap, grinning from floppy ear to floppy ear with his pink tongue dangling halfway out of his mouth. I would prop him up on his hind legs and then dance his little paws around like a demented puppy puppeteer, all the while singing: It’s the Puppy Puppet Showtime It’s the best time of the day It’s the Puppy Puppet Showtime Hip hip, Hip hip Hooray!

It’s the Puppy Puppet Showtime Hip Hip, Hip hip Hooray!

It’s the Puppy Puppet Showtime Dudley’s favorite time of day!

The song got more and more off-Broadway as it went.

(Hey, I said it was embarrassing.) However, this simple daily moment enabled me to draw strength from Dudley’s raw, enthusiastic innocence. Dudley was my happiness recharging station. Whatever problems I had wrestled with all day long were instantly diminished during this passing moment of completely silly, unapologetic joy.

At some point during all of our sudden life changes, I decided to speak with a counselor for the very first time in my life. I wanted to see if someone could teach me some practices designed to help calm my frenetic mind.

She told me that, unlike animals, humans are both blessed and cursed with memories. For example, zebras don’t give much thought to the past or the future. They live entirely in the moment. If a lion

DUDLEY WAS MY HAPPINESS RECHARGING STATION. WHATEVER PROBLEMS I HAD WRESTLED WITH ALL DAY LONG WERE INSTANTLY DIMINISHED. V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 29

UNLIKE ANIMALS, MANY OF US HUMANS CONSTANTLY SECOND-GUESS OUR DECISIONS. WE REPLAY MISTAKES IN OUR MINDS OVER AND OVER AND OVER, HYPER-ANALYZING OUR ERRORS AND OMISSIONS. suddenly attacks a harem of zebras, the zebras will instinctively scatter. The lion will likely kill one or more of the zebra family members, and yet, less than an hour later, the surviving zebras won’t give the traumatic matter another thought. “What lion?” they might say, if they could.

Unlike animals, many of us humans constantly second-guess our decisions. We replay mistakes in our minds over and over and over, hyper-analyzing our errors and omissions. We wish we had chosen a different path. We wallow in self-pity and regret.

And when our minds are not preoccupied with the past, we long for a romanticized future that will probably never come to pass. Rarely do we actually live in the unique magic of this very moment. And this moment is the only thing we’re guaranteed in life—nothing more and nothing less.

Tragically, just two weeks before we moved into our new home, Dudley was attacked by another dog.

When I heard Angela screaming for help, I raced outside. The other dog had Dudley squarely in his mouth and was shaking him violently. We wrestled on the ground, with me futilely attempting to pry open the dog’s trap-like jaws. At one point, the dog adjusted his grip on Dudley, and I could feel his teeth puncturing my fingers. What seemed like an eternity later, the dog simply let go. But it was too late. This was one of the lowest moments of our lives.

30 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

Inset: Interior design by Cassidy Lyons Pickens of Lovelace Interiors and Joey LaSalle of Lovelace Interiors Kitchen Work Station

by The Galley Plumbing fixtures by Ferguson Kitchen appliances by Builder Specialties, Inc. (BSI) Lighting by Beautiful Lights Kitchen countertops

by Caesarstone and Classic Design Stone Kitchen island by MSI Stone and Classic Design Stone Flooring and tile by Renovation Flooring Glass platter by Fusion Art Glass V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 31

“WE HAVE EACH OTHER. WE’RE GOING TO GET THROUGH THIS. WE’RE TOGETHER. WE’RE GOING TO GET THROUGH THIS.” As we lay on the ground together, bleeding and weeping, neighbors and first responders offered our family comfort and consolation. Despite the chaos swirling all around us, for a brief moment, Angela and I were the only two people in the world.

“He didn’t suffer,” I promised her. “We have each other. We’re going to get through this. We’re together. We’re going to get through this.”

As I sat in the emergency care room getting stitched up, I thought about Dudley and how his unwavering happiness had helped me get through so many dark moments. He’d never get the chance to run around in our new backyard. He’d never paddle with me again out across the bay. There would be no more chasing lizards in the pine straw, no more Puppy Puppet Showtime.

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I WAS SCARRED, YES, BUT SOMEHOW, WE’D SURVIVED. SOMEHOW, I KNEW WITH ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY THAT WE WERE GOING TO BE OKAY. Yet, as I reflected on Dudley’s short and happy life, something pretty miraculous happened to me.

For two years, I had felt as though a great beast had ripped into my world, clamping down on our family and shaking us around mercilessly. I can’t explain it, but following Dudley’s death, it seemed as though I’d been suddenly released from life’s jaws. I was scarred, yes, but somehow, we’d survived.

Somehow, I knew with absolute certainty that we were going to be okay.

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I CAN ONLY PAUSE TO LISTEN FOR VOICES FROM MY FUTURE SELF—REASSURANCES THAT WHATEVER PROBLEMS I FACE TODAY WILL INEVITABLY PASS. As I lay on the X-ray table, I muttered to myself: “What lion?”

As I sit here today in our ridiculously gorgeous new home, I look south out the window to where our old home once sat. I see myself pecking away on my laptop exactly 781 nights ago. I see myself consumed with whatever trivial worries occupied my thoughts that night, mere hours before the water would seep into our lives.

I wish I could warn myself to get up and get packed. I wish I could remember to get Dad’s pistol. I wish I could tell myself it will all be okay—that we’ll survive the tumultuous days ahead—that somehow, one day, it will all seem worthwhile.

However, my past self is too consumed with his mundane problems to hear any wisdom whispered across the bay breeze. I can only pause to listen for voices from my future self—reassurances that whatever problems I face today will inevitably pass and be replaced with all new challenges. Such is the ebb and flow of life, as terrible and wonderful as it can be. Happiness isn’t the destination: it’s how you choose to travel.

Custom bathroom cabinets and carpentry by Zimerman Enterprises Shower glass and bathroom mirrors by Seaview Glass and Mirror Plumbing fixtures by Ferguson Countertops by Caesarstone and Classic Design Stone Custom closets by Alpha Closets & Murphy Beds Inc. Flooring and tile by Renovation Flooring Infrared Sauna by Finnleo Sauna and Steam V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 37

IT’S DUDLEY’S SMILE, HIS FINAL GIFT TO ME, AND IT’S A GIFT I WILL CARRY AND TREASURE FOR ALL MY DAYS. The day before we moved into our new home, I got the stitches removed from my finger. The doctor wrapped it up tightly but told me I could take off the bandage the next day. After a long day of movingrelated commotion, Angela and I sat out on our new deck to watch the sun gently descend across Choctawhatchee Bay. It was the moment we’d been fantasizing about for two long years.

“I want to see it,” said Angela.

“What?”

“I want to see your finger,” she said. “Is it gross? Did it hurt when they took the stitches out?”

“It was a little tender,” I admitted.

“I want to see it.” (Angela has a peculiar penchant for all things gross and disgusting.)

I gently unwrapped the bandage and looked down at my new scar. I smiled. I held my finger up to show Angela.

“It’s shaped like a smile,” I said.

“Of course it is,” she replied, tears welling up in her eyes.

It’s Dudley’s smile, his final gift to me, and it’s a gift I will carry and treasure for all my days.

38 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

Above left: Art by Mary Hong (left) and Matt Lyons (right)

EPILOGUE: We would never have returned home without the help of so many generous friends and partners. Angela and I would like to express our sincere thanks to Kristi and Thom of Hart Builders; Ed of Rolen Studio; Cassidy of Lovelace Interiors; Joey of Lovelace Interiors; Marisol and Tony of Not Too Shabby Boutique; Shannon and Judy at Ferguson; Mike of Renovation Flooring; Will and Katie of Beautiful Lights; Tania of Classic Design Stone; Maggie of Caesarstone; Stan and Chris of AVX Audio Video Excellence; Joseph at Seaview Glass and Mirror; Charley, Justin, and Matt at GreenEarth Landscape Services; Chris and Sam at Cox Pools Sales and Service; Ralph at Riviera Stoneworks; Maria and Hendrik at La Place USA Furniture Outlet; Ashley of Terra Firma Landscapes; Joe of PerceptionsbyMayer; Linda of The Galley; Andres of Venez Painting; Jason of Sherwin-Williams; Shannon and Joel of RAVE; Ken at Planet Secure; Mason at Builder Specialties (BSI); Suzanne at Concept Blinds and Design; Amy at Alpha Closets & Murphy Beds; Rodney of Mid-America Insulation; Wellington at Zimerman Enterprises, Inc.; Albert at Flamingo Hardscapes; Leron at Southern Windows and Doors; Kyle at SSE Plumbing and Gas; Gratton at Xcell Electric; Eric at Architectural Gutter Systems; artists Matt Lyons, Allison Wickey, and Mary Hong; Gillian at Fusion Art Glass; and Lisa and the entire wonderful team at VIE magazine for sharing our family’s story.

Mike and Angela with Cosmo Photo by Lisa Burwell

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This 3,744 square-foot home designed by Domin Bock Architecture features 4-bedrooms, 4.5-baths and is located on a corner homesite south of 30A close to the Gulf Green beach access. The home’s lavish courtyard hosts a large pool complimented with a summer kitchen. The second floor outdoor living area provides views of the Gulf.

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Framing Arboleda Park, this 3,297 square-foot home is designed by renowned Khoury-Vogt Architects. The home features two master suites, two guest bedrooms, bunk area, 4.5 baths, media room, park side loggia, two-car garage, courtyard loggia, and pool. Buyers have the opportunity to make many of the interior finish selections for the home.

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This 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath courtyard home features a courtyard with dipping pool, detached master suite, junior master suite, living and dining rooms, and gourmet kitchen. The master suite has 25-foot vaulted cypress ceilings, a jetted tub, sunken shower, and private poolside seating. Two guest bedrooms, are located on the 2nd floor.

Located just north of Fonville Press across from the Sales Center, this Somerset Home, designed by Architect Gary Justiss, features 4-bedrooms, 4.5-baths, a generous courtyard with a pool, open loggias, and second floor flex space and den. Buyers can make personal interior finish selections for the home.

A6 · 50 SEVEN WELLS COURT

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This 2,672-square-foot courtyard home is designed by renowned architect Robert Orr. A generous dipping pool, built-in seating and an outdoor fireplace ensure the courtyard, encompassed with greenery, will be used every season. On the second floor, two spacious guest suites open into a louvered gallery and a spacious rooftop terrace.

This stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home was designed by the renowned architectural firm and Town Planners of Alys Beach, Duany Plater-Zyherk. The living room, kitchen and master bedroom feature expansive windows that give colorful views of the courtyard and pool, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.

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Homes with Style & N e w U r b a n Va l u e s

By SALLIE W. BOYLES Photography courtesy of ERIC WATSON 48 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

The typical seven-year-old would have preferred Legos or age-appropriate art supplies for Christmas. Eric Watson’s parents, however, wisely placed a drafting kit with T squares and triangles under the tree for their son. From building their traditional redbrick home in Raleigh, North Carolina, they saw how Eric loved accompanying his father to the construction jobsite daily, marveling at the details, and later sketching his own imaginative house designs. While encouraging him with some tools, they had no idea that his childhood hobby of exploring neighborhood houses under construction marked the beginning of his career. n becoming a professional architect, Eric says, “I wasn’t following in anyone’s footsteps,” yet concedes that he probably inherited the sensibility. “Either you have a good eye for proportion and design, or you don’t. It’s an innate ability—not something you can learn from school.”

His formal education began with a bachelor of arts in architecture from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Next, following a one-year internship in Florida, he pursued a master’s degree from the Yale School of Architecture.

“Yale has a tradition of fostering individual talents and creativity,” says Eric, explaining why the curriculum appealed to him. “The school doesn’t have a set doctrine for students to explore a specific kind of architecture or design; they’re able to pursue a course of study in whatever type of design interests them.” Eric was among an elite class of forty-five students, and their diverse undergraduate backgrounds contributed unique perspectives that enriched the learning experience.

Along with the core coursework, Yale exposed Eric to hands-on design studios, chosen as electives, each focusing on a particular area of design or architecture.

Over three years, he took six studios, the last three of which were taught by renowned visiting professors.

Since certain topics filled seats more quickly than others, students ranked their preferences and entered a lottery system that determined the order in which placements occurred. “In my third semester,” Eric relates, “I drew a high lottery number and ended up with my least favorite studio choice.”

The studio, taught by Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk of Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company (DPZ), covered town planning through the concept of New Urbanism, a design movement that fosters a

Top: Entry Portico, Howell House, Panama City, Florida, 2012 Opposite: Malugen House, Rosemary Beach, Florida, 2003 V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 49

sense of community through the sensible design of walkable streets, public urban spaces, and cohesive architectural elements. Students, therefore, faced the daunting task of designing an entire town rather than a single building.

“They taught us design principles on how to plan streets, public spaces, and simple buildings that collectively contribute to a meaningful urban experience,” he says. This was during the late 1980s, not long after DPZ had been recognized for designing the town of Seaside in Northwest Florida. (The firm later planned the neighboring communities of Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach.) Impressed with the idea that buildings should complement one another and not “jostle for attention,” Eric says, “The experience fundamentally changed the way I thought about architecture.

That DPZ studio was, by far, the best of all the studios I took at Yale” After earning his Master of Architecture degree, Eric spent a productive three years with a New York firm involved in high-end residential projects, but he longed to return to Florida. “I contacted DPZ in Miami,” he says, “and spent a Saturday morning talking with Andrés Duany about the firm’s work. He told me the best place for me to work was at Windsor, a private country club community and one of DPZ’s projects in Vero Beach.”

Suddenly, Duany was phoning Windor’s town architect. Eric remembers, “Andrés is telling Scott Merrill, ‘I’m sending you up a former student of mine, and you’re going to hire him.’ Next thing I know, I’m in my car driving north to Vero Beach, and I ended up working at Windsor for over two years.” (Merrill, a champion of 50 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

“THEY TAUGHT US DESIGN PRINCIPLES ON HOW TO PLAN STREETS, PUBLIC SPACES, AND SIMPLE BUILDINGS THAT COLLECTIVELY CONTRIBUTE TO A MEANINGFUL URBAN EXPERIENCE. THE EXPERIENCE FUNDAMENTALLY CHANGED THE WAY I THOUGHT ABOUT ARCHITECTURE.” New Urbanism, is also a prize-winning architect and Yale alumnus.)

When Eric completed his internship and passed his Architect Registration Examination in 1992, he made the next call—to Robert Davis, Seaside’s founder.

“Robert was on my final DPZ jury at Yale,” Eric says, “and had a tradition of hiring young architects just starting out.” Davis charged Eric with designing Seaside’s central beach pavilion. Comfortable in his element, Eric was soon designing homes in Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterColor, and WaterSound—the captivating towns that put South Walton, Florida, on the map.

Top: Ballard House, Tallahassee, Florida, 2010 Opposite Top: Apel House, Rosemary Beach, Florida 2003 Opposite Bottom: Salon, Howell House, Panama City, Florida, 2012

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about their dream house and what inspires them to build. I always ask clients to create a collection of design images of what they like and don’t like. This task helps formulate where we begin and where we go with the design process.”

Primarily, he asks, “What are the three must-haves for this project? They can tell me anything—a brick fireplace, a particular column, a dormer window.

Their responses are always revealing and help to establish priorities in the design. For one client, their number one must-have was a pizza oven, which not only said they like pizza, but also said they like to entertain and required a large kitchen open to the main gathering space for entertaining.

The must-haves are a window into the story a house can become,” Eric says.

“I LET THEM TALK ABOUT THEIR DREAM HOUSE AND WHAT INSPIRES THEM TO BUILD. I ALWAYS ASK CLIENTS TO CREATE A COLLECTION OF DESIGN IMAGES OF WHAT THEY LIKE AND DON’T LIKE. THIS TASK HELPS FORMULATE WHERE WE BEGIN AND WHERE WE GO WITH THE DESIGN PROCESS.” “These communities are dense with small lots and restrictive design codes, including the color palettes and building materials,” Eric says of the architectural constraints. “Every client also has a unique set of requirements impacted by budget, site, scope, and stylistic preferences. In these dense communities, it’s also important to be mindful of the need for privacy. Placement of windows, doors, and porches in relation to surrounding streets and houses has a significant impact on the design.

Responsible design addresses all of the variables.” Instead of stifling his creativity, such challenges ignite it.

Top: Great Room, Haupt-Walstrom House, Seaside, Florida, 1994 Bottom: Walters-Buczko House, Seaside, Florida, 1997 Opposite: Seaside Pavilion, Seaside, Florida, 1996 52 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

His clients look to Eric for expertise, but he does not dictate the design.

“I need the clients’ input to fuel the design. I want them to be excited and involved in the process. Most have never worked with an architect before, so I look for ways to make the process enlightening and enjoyable for them,” he says. “I let them talk

Throughout, Eric remains heavily involved in the design and construction processes. “I’ve always run a small, hands-on office,” he reveals, “so I complete all the design work and much of the drawing. I conduct the site visits and client meetings, allowing me to maintain control of each design. I’m passionate about every project.”

Forging relationships that span decades, Eric now garners repeat business that broadens his already expansive, award-winning portfolio, including a stately mansion in Tallahassee and a classical Italian villa in Panama City. “Perhaps people are attracted to me for its variety,” the architect muses. Indeed, his body of work ranges from refined to rustic, with Florida cracker, Caribbean, Shingle style, contemporary, and Mediterranean influences.

Always Original.

Always Colorful.

Always Lilly.

In lieu of a signature style is Eric’s penchant for variety, using the materials and details appropriate to each style without excessive or unnecessary ornamentation.

“For example, if the design calls for an archway, I see it as an accommodating backdrop to highlight an exciting piece of furniture or art. Natural beauty comes from using quality materials in simple, straightforward configurations.”

Interestingly, Eric confides, he has not designed his own dream home; instead, he’s designed two: a Dutch Caribbean cottage in Rosemary Beach and a contemporary board-and-batten mountain retreat in Northeast Georgia. “My dream style,” he says, “is one that blends the client’s design aspirations with the best of the surrounding context.”

After twenty-four years of professional practice, Eric’s New Urbanism values remain intact. Certainly, his boyhood fascination with architecture has matured, and Eric looks forward to seeing where his next client and project take him.

Readers can learn more about Eric Watson by visiting www.EricWatson.com or by contacting his Florida or Georgia offices.

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LIVING THE LIFE OF LUXURY

BY LAU REN S HAW PH OTO GRA PHY CO U RT ESY O F COASTA L LUXU RY

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 57

began studying the market trends and investing in local real estate. Seeing this career as a natural fit, Erin obtained her license in 2005 and joined a small boutique brokerage firm in Seaside, Florida, and next achieved her broker license.

“I enjoy the opportunity of walking clients stepby-step through the purchase and sales process and developing our relationships along the way,” Erin explained when asked about her career choice.

“Emphasis and a strong investment in marketing are top priorities in representing luxury properties that demand to be showcased on par with their finish level. My concentration in marketing has proved successful for exposure in an ever-changing, high-tech market of savvy buyers.”

Erin Oden consistently ranks as a top producer in the Northwest Florida luxury housing market, leading her team at Coastal Luxury real estate.

From 2011 to 2015, she has closed over $133 million in residential sales and ranks in the top one percent of local agents.

S

taying closely attuned to market trends to keep clients aligned with peak opportunity, and strategically marketing clients’ properties above expectation and the competition, have proved to be successful and rewarding..

Given the opportunity to grow up in Paris, France, Erin spent her holidays at her family’s beach condo in Destin, Florida, where she met her husband, Jon, on the beach. “It was truly the best of both worlds,” Erin says. “On spring break, when I was fifteen, I met a good-looking, local beach boy. Several years later, I moved to the beach and married him! Jon and I now have two daughters and enjoy watching them grow up on the very same beaches where we met.”

Before pursuing a career in real estate, Erin graduated from Florida State University with a degree in communication and business. Soon after, she and Jon 58 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

After being invited to join a luxury boutique real estate firm in 2009 and spending several successful years building her clientele, Erin opened her own brokerage firm, Coastal Luxury, in 2015. Coastal Luxury specializes in second homes and investment real estate along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Having closed $43 million in sales in 2015 and enduring as a perpetual competitor in the coastal communities of Scenic Highway 30-A and in Destin, Erin attributes her success to her devotion to her relationships with her clients. Erin’s communication background has afforded her the ability to relay clear and concise property information, allowing her clients to make confident and informed decisions about their purchases and sales.

“I love the negotiating process,” Erin shares. “It has been a pleasure to sell some of our area’s record highest sales, and the negotiating of these transactions has been critical for me and my clients. It has been an exciting and busy time to work in the secondary home market.

“I am blessed to be well traveled and have yet to come across any beaches that match the beauty of these sugar sands and emerald waters,” she continues. “My family absolutely loves calling this area home. Time spent at the beach is truly a luxury in itself, and it is a pleasure working with clients toward their goal of enjoying this coastal lifestyle.”

Coastal Luxury is ideally located in Seacrest, Florida, just east of Alys Beach and west of Rosemary Beach.

A CUSTOM-DESIGNED GEM 20 SEA VENTURE ALLEY ALYS BEACH, FLORIDA 32461 4 BEDROOM, 6 BATH | $4,950,000 Featuring a stunning recent remodel, 20 Sea Venture Alley offers distinctive Alys Beach beauty. Lending unobstructed Gulf views from the second- and third-floor living areas, the home boasts a rare and impressive westerly vista over undeveloped land.

Designer furnishings with custom linen draperies, whitewashed hardwood flooring, and Covelano silver marble countertops and vanities present a style of coastal elegance. A private pool is enclosed within the walls of the rear gated courtyard, offering a quiet sanctuary. This residence defines the coastal luxury architecture and design notable to the area and sought by discriminating buyers.

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 59

MEET YOUR SOPHISTICATED BEACH HOME 101 SOUTH CHARLES STREET ALYS BEACH, FLORIDA 32461 4 BEDROOM, 3 1/2 BATH | $3,995,000 This sophisticated Alys Beach residence is prominently situated on the Gulf side of Scenic Highway 30-A. Designed by internationally renowned architects Ike Kligerman Barkley of New York with interiors

by Melanie Turner Interiors, this spacious home offers a comfortable plan featuring a large and impressive outdoor covered loggia, which opens to a private courtyard and large swimming pool. 101 South Charles Street is situated and designed with multiple double doors and expansive space to allow for entertaining both inside and out.

60 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

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THE UNITED STATES OF

ARCHITECTURE HOME SWEET HOMES

BY JORDA N S TA GGS

BUT WHY THIS TERM “AMERICA” HAS BECOME REPRESENTATIVE AS THE NAME OF THESE UNITED STATES AT HOME AND ABROAD IS PAST RECALL. SAMUEL BUTLER FITTED US WITH A GOOD NAME. HE CALLED US USONIANS, AND OUR NATION OF COMBINED STATES, USONIA. — FR A N K L L O Y D W R I G H T O N A R C H I TE C TU RE: SEL ECT ED W RI T I NGS 1894–1940

Left: The Bachman-Wilson House at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Bentonville, Arkansas www.CrystalBridges.org Photo by Nancy Nolan Above: The Kraus House in Ebsworth Park Kirkwood, Missouri www.EbsworthPark.org Photo by William B. Olexy/ Modern House Productions

A

lthough the moniker “Usonia” didn’t stick for describing the United States, the mid-1930s did see renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright using it to describe his new architectural style of the time.

In the wake of the Great Depression and with war looming across the globe, the need for affordable middle-class housing was on the rise in the United States. Wright, having grown tired of the Prairie style homes he was known for throughout the early

1900s and dealing with personal turmoil, began experimenting with simpler, more organic residential structures. Widely considered his best work is Fallingwater, a private residence with a stream and waterfall running under the home that was completed in 1937 in Mill Run, Pennsylvania.

The first example of Wright’s true Usonian work appeared in 1936 with the Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House located in Madison, Wisconsin. The Usonian style is characterized by being built in unconventional places, such as cliffsides or inexpensive plots of land that may have previously been thought unsuitable for a home, and by using native materials that are readily available to cut costs. The homes often featured floor-to-ceiling windows and gardens or courtyards as focal V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 65

THE HOMES OFTEN FEATURED FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOWS AND GARDENS OR COURTYARDS AS FOCAL POINTS, CONTINUING THE ORGANIC FLOW AND INTEGRATION OF NATURE IN HIS DESIGNS THAT WAS EVIDENCED IN FALLINGWATER. points, continuing the organic flow and integration of nature in his designs that was evidenced in Fallingwater. Usonian homes have no attics, basements, or enclosed garages (favoring open carports instead), and Wright’s process of including built-in shelving, storage, and even furniture extending from the walls, furthered his studies in low-cost home making.

The roof overhangs and concrete slab foundations allowed for efficient radiant heating and natural cooling. From 1936 to 1963, about sixty of Wright’s Usonian homes were constructed across the country.

The style gave inspiration to the modern American ranch-style homes of the 1950s and ’60s.

Today, many of Wright’s Usonian homes are still standing and open for touring, providing an important look into midcentury America as well as educational opportunities for students of architecture, art, furniture design, and history alike. While Wright’s 66 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

Left top: The Rosenbaum House Florence, Alabama www.WrightinAlabama.com Photo courtesy of Florence Arts and Museums Left bottom: The Pope-Leighey House Alexandria, Virginia www.WoodlawnPopeLeighey.org Photo by Paul Burk, National Trust for Historic Preservation This page: The Zimmerman House at Currier Museum of Art Manchester, New Hampshire www.Currier.org Photo by Jeffrey Nintzel, Currier Museum of Art

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fans can admire his works and those of his pupils across the globe, Usonian homes are purely American.

Visit the impressive Hanna-Honeycomb House (so named for Wright’s hexagonal open floor plan) when it reopens for tours on the Stanford University campus in California this fall. Take a jaunt up the West Coast and visit Wright’s last Usonian design at the Gordon House in Silverton, Oregon, completed in 1963, four years after his death.

Many of Wright’s designs are now cared for by branches of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and private historical conservancy organizations.

Others have been integrated into college campuses and museum grounds, such as the Bachman-Wilson House at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, and the Zimmerman House at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire. After observing the majority of his work in the Midwest and New England, finish your tour of Wright’s Usonian homes across America with a trip down the East Coast to Virginia’s Pope-Leighey House, and to the South, where Wright’s Rosenbaum House features a Japanese garden and views of the Tennessee River in Florence, Alabama.

IN AN AGE WHERE SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AND PRACTICAL DESIGN ARE BECOMING FAVORED OVER MORE ORNATE STYLES ONCE MORE, WRIGHT’S USONIAN RESIDENCES WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE AS INSPIRATION FOR ARCHITECTS, BUILDERS, INTERIOR DESIGNERS, AND FANS OF ALL KINDS, PRESUMABLY FOR DECADES TO COME.

From Fallingwater to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, evidence of Wright’s influential American designs still stands, literally. And in an age where sustainable architecture and practical design are becoming favored over more ornate styles once more, Wright’s Usonian residences will continue to serve as inspiration for architects, builders, interior designers, and fans of all kinds, presumably for decades to come.

For more information on Frank Lloyd Wright’s life, work, and preservation society, visit www.FrankLloydWright.org.

The Affleck House at Lawrence Technical University Bloomfield, Michigan www.LTU.edu/Affleck_House Photo by James Haefner Below: The Kraus House in Ebsworth Park Kirkwood, Missouri www.EbsworthPark.org Photo by William B. Olexy/ Modern House Productions

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 69

SEE W R I G HT ’S WO R K N EAR YOU

This page: The Spring House Photo by Byrd Lewis Mashburn Right top: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Photo by Victoria Lipov/ Shutterstock Right bottom: Wright’s Oak Park Home and Studio Photo by Thomas Barrat/ Shutterstock

SPRING HOUSE Tallahassee, Florida

ZIMMERMAN HOUSE Manchester, New Hampshire

OAK PARK HOME AND STUDIO Oak Park, Illinois

One of only two pod-shaped Wright designs and the only Wright-designed private residence in Florida.

Reservations are highly recommended for the popular tours conducted by the Currier Museum of Art at this prime example of Wright’s Usonian designs.

Tour Wright’s first home and studio just outside Chicago for exclusive insight into his life, work, and experimentation.

www.Currier.org

www.FLWright.org

BACHMAN-WILSON HOUSE Bentonville, Arkansas

TALIESIN WEST Scottsdale, Arizona

Now a staple feature of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Bachman-Wilson House was moved there all the way from New Jersey and meticulously reconstructed in 2015.

Nestled in the desert foothills of the McDowell Mountains is Wright’s beloved winter home, the home of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and Taliesin, the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.

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www.VisitTallahassee.com THE SOLOMON R. GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM New York City Conceived as a “temple of the spirit,” the cylindrical structure with continuous spiral ramp spanning its inner walls is one of Wright’s most well-known and innovative works. www.Guggenheim.org

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IN OUR HEARTS

Curated by JORDAN STAGGS

With our headquarters in such a beautiful vacation destination as the beaches of South Walton, Florida, it’s no wonder our staff members have relocated to this Southern resort-style paradise. For this issue, we asked them to recall their favorite places back home, bringing nostalgia and new destination ideas to our readers through their favorites from the past.

JORDAN STAGGS, managing editor Wilson Dam and the Renaissance Tower Florence, Alabama

dam in 1933. It now can generate 663 megawatts of hydroelectricity per day.

Wilson Reservoir, a renowned bass fishing destination, is known as the Smallmouth Capital of the World.

Florence, Alabama, became nationally known in the 1920s when Wilson Dam (opened in 1925) generated electricity for nitrate production, an important source of explosives manufacturing in World War I. Henry Ford later proposed using Wilson Dam as a major power source for a plant he wished to build in Muscle Shoals. Although Ford’s plan was initially rejected after much controversy, the Tennessee Valley Authority was inspired by it and took control of the

“Growing up, it was always kind of cool driving past this spaceship-looking tower whenever we’d go to ‘town.’ It was a rare treat to actually go there to visit the small aquarium that used to be on the ground floor and then have lunch at the top. When Marriott took over the property, the restaurant became the upscale 360 Grille, and it’s got the best panoramic views of Florence, the Tennessee River, and Wilson Dam.”

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TRACEY THOMAS, art director Sydney Opera House Sydney, Australia “When I was younger, my family lived just outside of Sydney, Australia. One of my favorite things to do was to go into the city. We would visit the museums, browse new and interesting finds at the Rocks, and stroll around Darling Harbour, taking in the view and watching the mimes and street musicians perform.

“During elementary school, I joined the choir, and we would take a field trip every so often to Sydney. On one visit, we were going to the Sydney Opera House. I was thrilled because I had always admired this impressive building from afar and imagined it being the most amazing building on the inside. Well, it was spectacular. When I entered the lobby, there was a wall of windows looking out across Sydney Harbour. Such a beautiful perspective of the city. On this particular day, we were there to visit the world-renowned concert hall and home of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in all its glory. It was magnificent and grand with its high vaulted ceilings and seating for over 2,600 visitors in the concert hall. I was in awe.”

Photo by Victor Maschek / Shutterstock

RINN GARLANGER, graphic designer Boathouse Row Philadelphia, Pennsylvania When the Fairmount Dam was built on Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River in 1821, the once-swift waters became the ideal smooth surface for competitive rowing. The first regatta on the Schuylkill took place in 1835, and the original Boathouse Row just outside the city was built in the following decades, housing sporting teams such as the Schuylkill Navy crew and Philadelphia Skating Club. The historic site consists of fifteen boathouses along the river’s northeastern bank.

“Boathouse Row is a staple of the city of Philadelphia without having to be a part of the skyline. It seems that most buildings become famous for skylines—but Boathouse Row stands out on its own. I remember driving downtown with my dad when he used to work in the city, and we’d take the scenic route up Highway 76 to see the boathouses and the crew teams practicing. Now, whenever I travel home and my parents pick me up from the airport, we go along the Schuylkill River just to see Boathouse Row in lights at night.”

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 75

Photo by Janice Hanrahan

SUVA ANG-MENDOZA, creative stylist Chicago Cultural Center Chicago, Illinois “Choosing just one favorite building in a city that is very near and dear to my heart is like choosing a favorite pair of designer shoes. It was a real struggle, but one of my favorite buildings in my hometown is the Chicago Cultural Center. This five-story Beaux-Arts building, dubbed the People’s Palace, is as historically impressive as it is visually intriguing, inside and out.”

After the city’s only public reading room was lost in the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, England donated eight thousand books to the city, which required a library to hold them. Inspired by neoclassical architecture, the Chicago Cultural Center was built as a public library by the architectural firm of Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge, who had just finished the original Art Institute of Chicago building. The ornate granite and limestone building features marble halls, the world’s largest Tiffany glass dome, and a garden. The central library moved to another location in 1977 and the Cultural Center now serves mainly as a free museum and art center.

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LISA BURWELL, editor-in-chief Powder Point Bridge at Duxbury Beach Duxbury, Massachusetts Originally built in 1892 at 2,200 feet (0.4 miles) in length, Powder Point Bridge was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest and longest wooden bridge in the world until it was damaged by fire in 1985 and completely rebuilt.

“I lost count of how many times I’ve walked across the half-mile-long Powder Point Bridge in my hometown of Duxbury, but a modest guess would be at least two hundred times. Since I was twelve, the bridge has been my favorite place to observe the magnificent beauty of the ever-changing Duxbury Bay and to inhale the magical scents of the frigid Atlantic Ocean.

It provided a limitless source of therapy during brisk walks to and from the beach, where I greeted fellow walkers while exercising, thinking (or not), and solving life’s daily problems. I have fond memories of hearing exaggerated tales of success from the anglers along the side railing while peeking into their buckets to see the catch of the day. Every time I visit Duxbury, I traverse this bridge and all is right with the world.”

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LAUREN SHAW, sales and marketing director Reichsburg Cochem Cochem, Germany The Cochem Castle was first mentioned in a document dated 1051 when Richeza, the former Queen of Poland, gifted it to her nephew Heinrich I, Count Palatine of Lotharingia. In 1151, King Konrad III took control of the castle, and Cochem became an imperial fiefdom in the time of Germany’s Staufer Dynasty. The original structure was destroyed by French troops under Louis XIV in 1689, and it lay in ruins until 1868, when a wealthy businessman bought the grounds and built a neo-Gothic castle in its place.

“As a child growing up in Bitburg, Germany, I was fortunate to have parents who loved to travel, which allowed my sister and me to experience the beautiful culture of Europe. We toured many historical and enchanting castles throughout my five years in the country, but Reichsburg mesmerized me with its romantic interiors and rich, royal colors. Its neoRenaissance dining room and Romanesque architecture are reminiscent of the castles in all children’s fairy tales.”

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MARK THOMAS, web developer City Museum St. Louis, Missouri “This place is an old factory converted into a surreal landscape with slides, underground passages, a Ferris wheel on the roof, and some of the most amazing mosaics.”

Housed in what was once the 600,000-squarefoot International Shoe Company, the museum was envisioned by internationally acclaimed artist Bob Cassilly, who was a classically trained sculptor and serial entrepreneur. The City Museum opened for visitors in 1997 and since has provided a unique educational and creative haven for both the young and the young at heart.

Photo courtesy of City Museum

JULIE DORR, sales executive The America Building Hattiesburg, Mississippi Designed by architect Robert E. Lee and built in 1907, the original Ross Building took its name from its owner, Dr. T. E. Ross, who practiced medicine in Hattiesburg from 1892 until 1935. This building is one of downtown Hattiesburg’s most significant structures and has been known by many different names over the past century, including the Royal St. Andre Hotel and, most recently, the America Building. The building now houses the Hub City Lofts luxury apartments, taking their name from the Hub City sign that once sat atop the building and promoted Hattiesburg’s official nickname.

“The America building holds a lot of fond memories for me. They always used to have fun rooftop parties there back when I was in college. We had to ride this very old elevator up to the roof—not your typical modern elevator—it had been in the building for decades and was always a thrill to step into.”

Photo courtesy of Hub City Lofts

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 79

MEGHN HILL, digital marketing director Umpqua River Light Reedsport, Oregon “The Umpqua lighthouse was a favorite destination of mine while growing up on the Oregon Coast. It was always the first stop before going to our favorite swimming spot at Lake Marie. Going up the hill and seeing the white tower brought the excitement that maybe we would look out over the Oregon dunes and see the migration of the gray whales—I have witnessed it once, and it is something I will never forget. Whenever I’m in Oregon to visit family, I make it a point to get to the lighthouse.”

The first Umpqua River Light was built in 1855 along the river channel and lit in 1857. By 1863, the building’s foundations had become too unstable, and the structure soon collapsed. In 1888, the new lighthouse was approved, and it was lit in 1894. Today, visitors can tour the lighthouse and adjacent Coastal History Museum from May through September.

MARY JANE KIRBY, sales executive Kingsland Manor Nutley, New Jersey The Kingsland Manor property was the site of the original land grant in 1668 by King Charles II to Major Nathaniel Kingsland of Ireland.

Kingsland then dispatched Captain William Sanford to explore and purchase the area that is now New York City. Kingsland’s grandson Edmund built the manor in 1729.

“Kingsland Manor has always been one of my favorite landmarks in Nutley. It overlooks the beautiful Kingsland Pond and waterfalls. In addition to being steeped in history from before and during the Revolutionary War era, it has always held its beauty. There is nothing more scenic to me than this landmark covered in white snow during a peaceful winter day with the relaxing sounds of the waterfalls nearby.”

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Photo by Tom Michels

LUCY MASHBURN, graphic designer The Lyric Theatre Birmingham, Alabama “The Lyric is an intimate entertainment venue in downtown Birmingham that has recently been restored, bringing the existing architecture back to life. I foresee a lot of fun concert nights at this beautiful theater!”

The Lyric was built in 1914 with acoustics and close seating well suited for the raucous music and antics of vaudevillian entertainment. Its stage has seen famous vaudeville acts including the Marx Brothers, Mae West, Sophie Tucker, Will Rogers, and Milton Berle, who is credited with saying the Lyric was “as fine a theater as any in New York.” This year, the Lyric completed a full renovation, and it is listed on the National Register as part of the Downtown Birmingham Retail and Theatre Historic District.

The venue hosts live performing arts such as the symphony, ballet, opera, and theater.

Photo by Joe De Sciose

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A DREAM BEACH WEDDING WITH FLAIR ALISON

&

ASHWIN March 20, 2016

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HOOV ER

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 85

A LOV E STO RY In true twenty-first-century style, Alison and Ashwin met through a dating app in 2013 while they both were living in New York City. Alison was finishing up graduate school at Yale when she met Ashwin, who is originally from India and was working for American Express at the time. In a city of over eight million people, they each found the one they were looking for. “Ashwin proposed by taking me on a scavenger hunt throughout NYC that ended at a helipad,” Alison shares. She said yes during their romantic helicopter tour above the city.

THE VENUE — ROSEMARY BEACH, FLORIDA The couple already had plans to say their vows along the beaches of Northwest Florida’s Scenic Highway 30-A area, but finding the perfect spot proved to be a little more challenging. With eight unique coastal communities to choose from, 30-A offered an array of options that Ashwin and Alison had to consider.

“I knew I wanted to get married in Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, Seagrove Beach, WaterColor, or WaterSound, as I have been visiting the area since the time I was a baby and it is like a second home to me,” says Alison.

“The Town Hall at Rosemary Beach seemed like an ideal venue and allowed us to create the feel we were looking for.”

“We wanted our wedding to feel like a seamless blending of cultures, and I think we managed to accomplish that.

I was so happy with the way it turned out. It felt beachy and laid-back, while also incorporating several Indian traditions and design elements.”

T H E W E D D I N G D AY “We hired It’s a Shore Thing to help with the planning, and I’m really glad we did,” Alison says. “Planning a wedding from California, where we now live, would have been very challenging otherwise! Despite the distance, we were very involved in the planning process.”

Taking inspiration from Ashwin’s home country, the wedding decor included a beautiful altar adorned in flowing fabrics and red, pink, and white carnations on the beach, along with an elaborate chandelier and hanging lanterns during the reception at the Town Hall. “We wanted our wedding to feel like a seamless blending of cultures, and I think we managed to accomplish that,” Alison shared. “I was so happy with the way it turned out. It felt beachy and laid-back, while also incorporating several Indian traditions and design elements.” Ashwin’s mother even brought a suitcase full of scarves and bangles from India for guests to adorn themselves. “Color was very important to us—we wanted vibrant red, pink, orange, and gold tones that also felt soft

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and romantic. I loved the idea of black tie on the beach. It’s so counterintuitive—but awesome!”

Surrounded by family and friends, Alison and Ashwin said “I do” on the white sands of Rosemary Beach, with sunset photos on the beach and dinner and much dancing following at the Town Hall.

And the celebration is not over yet! The newlyweds plan to hold a huge reception this November in India with the rest of Ashwin’s friends and family.

The couple will no doubt enjoy a well traveled and exciting life together, celebrating their love and remembering a wedding that was crafted specially for them.

SPECIAL T H A NKS P H O T O G R A P H Y Alena Bakutis WEDDING PLANNING A N D C O O R D I N AT I O N It’s a Shore Thing F L O R I S T/ D E C O R Events by Nouveau C AT E R I N G Townsend Catering C A K E La Loba’s Bakery D J B-Boy Productions C E R E M O N Y M U S I C Top Hat Live V I D E O G R A P H Y Josh Kidd Films M A K E U P The Perfect Makeup H A I R Hair Designs by Jessica S TAT I O N E R Y Emily O. Holmes B R I D E ’ S D R E S S Vera Wang G R O O M ’ S T U X Hugo Boss B R I D E S M A I D S ’ D R E S S E S BCBG

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GOOD

Enough What if you fail? Let me ask you this: What if you succeed at living out the dream in your heart?

We were created by God not only to be blessed, but to be a blessing to many.

When we retreat in fear, we deprive others of the gifts that God has given to each of us. What if I had decided not to step into this wonderful opportunity to write a column for VIE? It could be that someone reading this today or in the future needs a little encouragement, but if, out of fear, I had shut the door to this opportunity, that person would not be touched. God loves us and accepts us totally whether we step through the door or not. His love is not based on what we do; His love is unconditional. It is because of that wonderful truth that we can indeed step out and be unafraid of failure—or of success, for that matter.

Dear Friend, What is it that you do when opportunity knocks at the door of your heart? Do you answer the door or do you retreat in fear? You know that it could possibly be a way to fulfill the dream in your heart, but could it actually happen? You question yourself and ask, “Am I good enough?”

Sadly, more often than not the answer is “No, I am not good enough.” We close the door and walk back into the mediocre life, too afraid to even try to live the dream that is within us. After all, what would people think? It really does come down to that one thing: fear of what others might think of us.

One of my heroes is the singer Susan Boyle, who gained her fame after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent. I often watch the YouTube video of her first audition.

Millions have seen it. In it we see how she was judged by her appearance not only by the judges on the show, but also by the audience. This is one of the greatest mistakes we can make toward others. When Simon Cowell asked what her dream was, Susan replied, “I’m trying to be a professional singer.” He then asked why hasn’t it worked out before. She replied, “I’ve never been given the chance before.

Here’s hoping it will change.” Simon also asked whom she would like to be as successful as, and Susan said Elaine Paige.

Then, Susan opened her mouth, stepped through the door of opportunity, and began to sing. The rest is music history. After sharing her talent with the world, she went on to sing a duet with her own hero, Elaine Paige.

Susan was “good enough,” and so are you!

Blessings, Pamela Dowling V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 91

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW

BY AMANDA CROWLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENNA KNEISS

The secret and mysterious depths of the waters we swim, fish, and play in are now being revealed for what they truly are—awesome, wondrous marvels of nature waiting to be explored in a new way. Klear Kanoo of Miramar Beach, Florida, has revolutionized how we experience aquatic fun, and there’s a Klear Kanoo waiting for you!

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 93

Klear Kanoo presents a creative solution to reinvigorate the outdoor enthusiast in all of us. The genius idea to make canoes clear allows riders to experience aquatic life below in a new light. What may seem like an obvious idea stands above the crowd in water sports. The versatile Kanoo accommodates one or two people and can also be used as a stand-up paddleboard or equipped for fishing.

The company recently unveiled its new model design, which includes newly formed ergonomic seats with high back supports and armrests that provide added comfort to users. The first Klear Kanoo model was supported by a metal frame, which has been eliminated, offering even more clarity and unobstructed views.

“There is nothing to hinder the view now that the metal frame is gone,” says company owner and founder Silvia Madriaga. Aladdin may have had his magic carpet, but the charm of Klear Kanoo’s invisibility opens up “a whole new world” of life below.

ALADDIN MAY HAVE HAD HIS MAGIC CARPET, BUT THE CHARM OF KLEAR KANOO’S INVISIBILITY OPENS UP “A WHOLE NEW WORLD” OF LIFE BELOW. Madriaga is a broker and realtor with ResortQuest Real Estate based in Miramar Beach, Florida, when she’s not wearing her entrepreneurial hat and promoting the Klear Kanoo. She relates that over the past few years, countless hours have been invested to improve upon the original model, making a great idea even better. The new Kanoo has a “much better shape and is better for waves,” Madriaga says. “The new designs are also easy to get in and out of, making them perfect for people of all ages to use. We like to say, ‘Any age, any skill level can Kanoo!’”

Weighing in at an incredibly light thirty-nine pounds, the Klear Kanoo is easy to transport and made of a high-tech polycarbonate. This incredibly durable high-impact polymer is also used in the production of bulletproof glass and fighter jet canopies, and the practically indestructible material can go from extremely low to high temperatures without any worries. The material won’t yellow and does not 94 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

Project Designer: Lindsay Miller & Karen Kearns of Lovelace Interiors

heat up in the sun like other plastics can, making for a comfortable ride for paddlers in any climate.

“The popularity of the boats is growing quickly,” Madriaga says. “I’ve seen the Kanoos locally in Northwest Florida at Crab Island and all over the area in rivers, in springs, in the bay, and at the beach.” It’s easy to envision the success of such an idea in and around coastal towns, but Klear Kanoo has expanded and is now selling across the country. Kanoos have been shipped all over—from South Florida to California—to excited clients who are ready to discover a new view of their favorite aquatic locations.

Klear Kanoos can be shipped to anywhere in the United States, but Madriaga delivers locally for free from the warehouse located in Miramar Beach. “We deliver in the Klear Kanoo Mobile, with a big bow on the boat,” she says. “It’s a great gift the whole family can enjoy.” Each boat purchase comes with suction cup drink holders and Klear Kanoo T-shirts and hats as exclusive bonus gifts for owners. Many owners of beach rental homes or condos are buying Klear Kanoos and offering them as amenities for their guests. Beach rental companies are also beginning to offer rentals of the boats.

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“Riding in a Kanoo is a beautiful experience—like scuba diving, but without the tank or the wetsuit,” Madriaga expounds. “It’s amazing to experience the water under and around you. This isn’t a glass-bottom boat; the entire boat is clear! We see turtles, fish, and jellyfish often, but even just seeing the Gulf floor is incredibly cool.”

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The Kanoos can be modified for fishing enthusiasts by attaching rod holders, providing the ultimate fishing experience: seeing the catch before you reel it in!

Additionally, a Klear Kanoo comes with two seats, but Madriaga found a way to modify the boats to accommodate a single rider by making them removable.

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“Though,” she adds, “if you leave it with two, there’s a seat for your cooler. A day on the water wouldn’t be complete without a cooler of snacks!”

For Madriaga, the excitement lies just as much on land as at sea. “I love my job, seeing people so happy and having fun,” she says. “It’s great watching how excited people are when the Klear Kanoo Mobile drives up and we take the boats out on the water.”

Introducing clients to the product and answering questions about the boats are added bonuses for both Madriaga and the customers when they get local delivery. “We are a business, but we also provide a service and love to make people happy.

We’ve become friends with all of our clients and love to get pictures, videos, and comments on how much people love their boats!” Madriaga posts them on the company Facebook page and website.

“I bought my Klear Kanoo a year ago. It’s been one of my best purchases ever,” says Mike Reynolds of Milton, Florida. “It’s opened up a whole new adventure that we are not able to see from on top of the water. Just one outing in the Klear Kanoo and 96 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

SILVIA MADRIAGA AND KLEAR KANOO ARE CONTINUING TO REVOLUTIONIZE THE STANDARD AQUATIC EXPERIENCE, ERASING THE LINE BETWEEN YOU AND THE SEAFLOOR. you’re hooked. Not to mention all the attention it gets from people who see it; no one can simply walk by without taking a look at it.”

The world is wide open, and the vision is clear. Starting in her own backyard of Northwest Florida, Silvia Madriaga and Klear Kanoo are continuing to revolutionize the standard aquatic experience, erasing the line between you and the seafloor. Madriaga and her junior vice president (and son), Marcelo Madriaga, recommend taking the boats out on the Gulf, a lake, a river, or any body of water in your area. You’re sure to see your favorite spot in a new light.

While there are numerous places in Northwest Florida that allow for an exciting trip, when asked where she would go if she could take the Klear Kanoo for a paddle anywhere in the world, Madriaga laughs and says, “Bali!”

Klearly, the possibilities are endless!

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100 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

Alys Beach the evolution of

By Tori Phelps Photography by Brett Bulthuis

Mention “30-A” to people on Florida’s Gulf Coast—and, increasingly, much farther away— and it evokes images of pristine beaches, independent boutiques, and roadside foodie gems.

The enclaves along this celebrated stretch of road are universally appealing with a casual, colorful vibe that blurs town lines.

Then, you hit Alys Beach.

There’s no need for a “Welcome to Alys Beach” sign. It’s clear you’ve entered something different—something special—even in this sea of special communities. Dazzlingly white buildings, both private and public, fill the horizon. Everything feels fresh and new, probably because it is.

This is, in fact, the last beachfront town on Scenic Highway 30-A to be developed.

“There’s no more land like this,” stresses Tom Dodson, vice president of sales for Alys Beach.

Alys Beach has been in the midst of a slow transition for decades, but this last bastion is picking up speed. While it’s practically unheard of for everyone associated with an area—from homeowners to entrepreneurs to town officials— to agree on development, the people of Alys Beach are unanimously excited about what’s next.

The private cabanas at Caliza Pool offer Alys Beach homeowners and guests a tranquil oasis within an oasis.

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T

he area now known as Alys Beach can trace its modern history to the late 1970s, when the Stephens family, founders of the Birmingham, Alabama-based EBSCO Industries, bought it at an auction. They had been vacationing in the area for years, and the spur-of-the-moment purchase was intended to provide a retreat for the family and their employees.

Smart man that he was, patriarch Elton Stephens named the 158 acres after his wife, Alys.

Opposite: Ann Hartley is Alys Beach’s newest retail destination for designer clothes, jewelry, and accessories.

Below: NEAT Bottle Shop is a hip tasting room and store offering artisan spirits, wines, craft beers, and products for the cocktail connoisseur.

According to Dodson, the family was in no hurry to build on the land. They waited patiently, watching as other towns sprang up along 30-A, until they were ready to move forward. Then they brought in Andrés Duany, cofounder of the planning and architecture firm Duany Plater-Zyberk and Company (DPZ).

The firm, headquartered in Miami, is a leader in New Urbanism, a town planning approach whose goal is livable, walkable design rather than sprawl.

Duany had already showcased his unique vision on 30-A with the successful design of Seaside, an

archetype of master-planned communities, and Rosemary Beach. These projects served as a 3-D resume for Duany, as well as practice-makes-perfect exercises— just in time for Alys Beach to come calling.

By mid-2003, DPZ had deployed the charrette, a collaborative planning process that coordinates the architectural, engineering, landscaping, and social aspects of a project. Later that year, Erik Vogt and Marieanne Khoury-Vogt came on board as town architects. In conjunction with DPZ, the couple wrote Alys Beach’s distinctive design code. It includes elements like solid concrete and masonry walls (for hurricane resistance) and restrained yet sculptural architecture. Over the years, the design has evolved organically, Khoury-Vogt says, with the introduction of Moorish and Mediterranean flairs.

However, the original vision—the DNA of the place—has its foundation in more Western locales. The widespread use of courtyards was inspired by homes in Antigua and Guatemala, while the architectural style draws heavily from Bermuda.

Those courtyards are perhaps the biggest difference between Alys Beach and DPZ’s previous town designs. They learned that while residents love engaging in public realms like parks and greenspaces, they want privacy at home. As opposed to front porches, which can feel more like a front-row seat to a busy boulevard, walled courtyards privatize the outdoors.

Ironing out all of these crucial details was a full-time job. Thus, Vogt and Khoury-Vogt, along with their children, became Alys Beach’s first full-time residents. They left a private practice in Miami and moved into one of the first houses they designed—the smallest one in Alys Beach, Khoury-Vogt points out—where they’ve lived ever since. For them, it has been thirteen years of planning, more planning, and construction. Happily, all of that preparation is yielding results at last.

As to why it has taken this long, the answer is a combination of bad luck and patience.

Alys Beach broke ground on sixteen houses in 2004. What broke next was all hell.

First came a season of intense storms, followed by a crippling worldwide recession, and last, but certainly not least, the devastating Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Work didn’t grind to a complete halt during that period, but the Stephens family was largely content to wait, keeping Alys Beach pristine while riding out the natural and man-made disasters.

The market turned around in 2011 and 2012, and the Alys Beach team has been working hard ever since to continue the growth of the town, Dodson says.

Indeed, the landscape has changed dramatically over the last few years, especially when it comes to commercial offerings. One addition is Alys Shoppe, a hot spot for clothing, home goods, and increasingly coveted items bearing the Alys Beach logo. People wander inside for coastal comfort decor and souvenir T-shirts, as well as encounters with manager Latrice Freeman. The former J.Crew corporate employee welcomes customers with a sincere smile and goes the extra mile as a matter of course. Within five minutes of starting a shift, for example, she’s happily digging through back stock to hunt down the perfect pair of pants for a patron.

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From an antique bronze necklace to a piece of decor unearthed at a Marrakesh souk, the surprisingly affordable collection is designed to amaze even fellow world travelers. create something similar to a shop she had owned in Dallas twenty years before moving to the 30-A area.

Ann Hartley was an immediate hit. The boutique’s eye-catching mix of apparel, jewelry, and home goods culled from Hartley’s travels means a constant supply of one-of-a-kind finds. From an antique bronze necklace to a piece of decor unearthed at a Marrakesh souk, the surprisingly affordable collection is designed to amaze even fellow world travelers.

An exceptional customer service experience is what it’s all about. “I love building lasting relationships, especially with homeowners,” she says. “We know them by name.”

Freeman’s mission is for Alys Shoppe to serve as the town’s corner store—the place you end up when you’re out for a walk with no destination in mind.

That’s why she intends to add inventory like toiletries, sunscreen, and other essentials that will position it as a one-stop shop. Also, while the town has an upscale reputation, she stresses that Alys Shoppe is for everyone, from year-round residents to visitors enjoying a day at the beach.

A welcoming spirit and a desire to forge real relationships seem to be the hallmarks of Alys Beach

proprietors. Ann Hartley, who launched her eponymous shop in March, counts handing out hugs to customers-turned-friends as one of the perks of her business, and there are plenty of hugs, since Hartley has been an integral part of the town for years.

Hartley is having fun with her new venture, in part because this second chapter is taking place in her beloved Alys Beach. She and her family have been immersed in the town longer than nearly anyone, buying one of the first sixteen houses and becoming the second full-time residents. Even then, they saw the potential, and she has enjoyed watching it grow into what she believes is the premier destination on 30-A.

She and her husband, George, opened staple restaurant George’s in 2008—their third eatery on 30-A. The couple sold George’s in 2015 and tried to settle into retirement. “We failed miserably at that,” Hartley admits with a laugh.

Alys Beach has always boasted an unparalleled setting and a carefully thought-out design, Hartley says, but there’s a new enthusiasm now that it’s really starting to pop out of the ground. “I know they have great things planned for the future, and it’s starting now.”

She, especially, was anxious to get back to work. Alys Beach had just constructed a series of commercial spaces facing 30-A on Castle Harbour Drive, and the town offered to lease a space to Hartley. Though she had been focused on restaurants, Hartley decided to

She doesn’t have to look far to find evidence of that.

Her Ann Hartley neighbors include Neat, a curated bottle shop with an adjoining tasting room, and a studio belonging to renowned photographer Tommy Crow. Those newbies join established destinations V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 103

Much more than a coffee shop, Fonville Press is a community tradition. Residents and visitors gather at Fonville to eat, drink, and share life. like George’s, Charlie’s Donuts, Caliza Restaurant, and Alys Beach Bike Shop.

The forerunner of them all, though, is Fonville Press.

Much more than a coffee shop, Fonville Press is a community tradition. Residents and visitors gather at Fonville to eat, drink, and share life. It’s housed in one of the first two buildings constructed in Alys Beach and is named after a close friend of the founding family. The iconic spot is a daily destination for about five hundred patrons who want to wake up with coffee, cool down with iced tea, and usher in the evening with a glass of wine.

Fonville Press does offer snacks, and manager Joe Papagni is planning a full kitchen add-on in the near future so that the shop can start serving full meals.

It’s an exciting change for Papagni, particularly in conjunction with what he sees happening around town. He’s noticed a huge difference since he began managing Fonville Press four years ago, and it’s a movement he loves being part of. “Guests are telling us they want more and are constantly talking about what’s next,” he says.

Papagni believes Alys Beach is delivering on its long-held promise, and the transformation is being done in a way that respects the natural beauty of the area and the distinctive architecture that drives the town’s uniqueness. It’s a total package that enthralls the hundreds of visitors and residents who come

George’s at Alys Beach, Charlie’s Donuts, and Piper’s Kitchen offer unique dining and snacking experiences and will be joined by a new restaurant upon completion of the new town center. Top and middle photos courtesy of Alys Beach.

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restaurant on the main floor and three levels of condos on top, is well under construction.

The condos sold out in a matter of weeks, something Dodson expects to happen again when the second town center building gets moving next spring. It, too, will be a mixed-use building with a restaurant and condos.

Another exciting project in the works is a state-of-the-art fitness center. The complex will offer separate areas for weights, cardio, and movement classes, as well as a recovery area with locker rooms, steam and massage rooms, and an indoor lap pool.

through Fonville Press each day, and it still thrills Papagni all these years later. “When people ask me how I’m doing, I always answer, ‘It’s another day in paradise,’” he smiles.

Concept rendering of expansion to Alys Beach’s town center. New condos and retail and dining spaces are under way to make this walkable New Urban community even more appealing.

This might be the only paradise where people are clamoring for more development. The most important piece of that, Dodson says, is the town center, which is being built around the amphitheater. The Lucian, a mixed-use structure with a to-be-determined

The third facet of the town center will be an owners’ beach club. While the glamorous Caliza treats both homeowners and rental guests to a long list of exclusive amenities— a hundred-foot, zero-entry saltwater pool, a shallow family pool with a play fountain, a lap pool with a poolside iPod port for underwater music, and a spa whirlpool— the owners’ beach club will be reserved for, well, homeowners. Among the facilities will be a pool, a restaurant, and a bar—all on the beach and all with those stunning views.

The town center elements, specifically, are what people have been asking for. Alys Beach is designed to be walkable, with easy access to the town center’s many shops and restaurants. Dodson says the increased food and beverage offerings, with more to come soon, plus the new shops springing up are making that concept

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a reality. “There’s a lot to do on 30-A,” he concedes, “but now that we’re developing our town center, you won’t need to get in your car for anything.”

As one of the architects of Alys Beach, Khoury-Vogt loves watching the blueprints literally come to life. It’s conceivable, she says, that the corners along 30-A will be built out in as little as two years, offering residents and guests an even greater number of experiences.

She admits that sometimes she just wants to blink and have it all appear. In reality, though, she enjoys watching everything unfold. “It has been an amazing journey, this opportunity to help craft Alys Beach,” Khoury-Vogt says of her nearly decade-and-a-half investment. “There’s something special about seeing it evolve slowly and deliberately. If it had happened all at once, Alys Beach might not be what it is now.”

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The Alys Shoppe opened in July 2013 and is the flagship of the community’s luxury shopping experiences.

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COME TOGETHER T H E N E W C R E AT I V E S P I R I T

BY ERICA MANTHEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY PURE7 STUDIOS

“A rising tide lifts all boats.” This quote, often used by John F. Kennedy, is responsible for a national movement that just celebrated its first birthday. The Rising Tide Society was founded in June 2015 by Maryland-based photographers Natalie Franke and Krista Jones, who dreamed of cultivating a society of creative entrepreneurs that believe in community and have a desire to lead with love. What started as small gatherings in twelve cities has grown into three hundred groups that now span the globe.

Meeting the second Tuesday of each month, with the motto Community over Competition, these groups of “creativepreneurs” (photographers, artists, writers, bloggers, musicians, event planners, and more) meet to share, learn, and grow in the areas of small business ownership.

As a Northwest Florida-based photography and video studio owner of Pure7 Studios, I lead the Emerald Coast chapter of the Rising Tide Society (RTS), which averages thirty-five to fifty attendees each month, meeting at various restaurants and venues from South Walton to Destin, Florida. After finding that most social events for business owners were primarily for networking or obtaining referrals, I loved the concept of like-minded professionals coming together explicitly for the purpose of sharing, growing, and learning. In the last year of meet-ups, we’ve seen new friendships, working relationships, and businesses form as well as collaborations such as a styled shoot (pictured here) that over a dozen creatives came together to lend their time and talents to create and photograph. Seeing how many fellow creatives yearned for the same type of environment has encouraged me to continue the meetings each month, no matter how many obstacles are put in our path. I’m very thankful for the founders of RTS for taking action and putting a voice to the feelings of loneliness, comparison, and negativity that can often go hand in hand with creative-based careers.

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"I REMEMBER HOW IT FELT TO BE A NEW FACE IN AN ESTABLISHED INDUSTRY."

Photos this page by Kayla Nicole Photography

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Gr ay ton 19 68

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Kitty Taylor, Broker, GRI, CRS, CIPS Catherine Ryland, Broker Associate

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“WE HAVE THE AUDACITY TO TAKE BIG RISKS AND SEEK A LIFE THAT REVOLVES AROUND OUR PASSION RATHER THAN A TIME CLOCK.”

Rising Tide Society cofounder Natalie Franke says, “I remember how it felt to be a new face in an established industry. I vividly recall being told that my dreams were too big and my goals were far too lofty for a smalltown girl trying to build a business after high school.

I still see the nasty forum threads, negative comments, and vulgar remarks thrown around on the dark corners of the Internet toward newcomers who dare to dream of something different for their lives.

“You see, we’re all in this together. Hundreds of thousands of big dreamers, risk takers, and ground shakers. Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely. It doesn’t have to mean going at it alone. We dare to believe that with our hands and in our minds, we can carve out a better future for ourselves and our clients. We have the audacity to take big risks and seek a life that revolves around our passion rather than a time clock.”

“I have been where you are sitting right now, and I have cried those same tears. I have felt inadequate.

I have doubted my work. I have worried and struggled and fought with every ounce of my being to keep this business alive. There have been days where I wanted to quit, roll my hands into fists, and pound away at the brand that I’ve built until it’s nothing but rubble.

I’ve seen doors slammed in my face, and in those early years, I wondered if new ones would ever open. It’s hard to see it now because I’ve come such a long way over the years, but I have been where you are … and believe me when I say that you don’t have to do this alone.

Additionally, the local and national RTS groups also have a heart for philanthropy, often collecting donations for local charities. Some have even participated in service-based projects during an annual philanthropy month. As noted on the RTS website (RisingTideSociety.com), the society is also dedicated to providing affordable and accessible education for small business owners in creative industries. The first Rising Tide Society Summit, an online conference, was held in December 2015 and raised over $20,000 for charitable organizations. This year, the Rising Tide Society will begin hosting free monthly webinars

on such relevant small business topics as drawing up contracts, utilizing mailing lists, and getting published.

The national Rising Tide Society invites fellow creatives from any field to join them at a future Tuesdays Together meet-up. Visit RisingTideSociety.com to find a meet-up in your area. Smiling faces and new friends await you!

STYLED PHOTO SHOOT COLLABORATION BY THE RISING TIDE SOCIETY – NORTHWEST FLORIDA

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More information on the Northwest Florida chapter of the Rising Tide Society and each month’s events can be found at Facebook.com/

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THE PERFECT FINISH

Lighting, Tile, and More for the Modern Minimalist

By SUVA ANG-MENDOZA Photography courtesy of Q-TILE

inimalism in the home can often feel cold or can be misconstrued as just plain and simple, but it’s not as clear-cut as it sounds. In fact, minimalism still offers a range of palettes, shapes, and textures, and can be blended beautifully with other styles or personal touches to make your home truly shine and become uniquely yours.

In order to discover some of the many facets of minimalism, as well as options for using accessories and finishes in the home to make it individualistic, VIE asked Suzy Accola of Q Tile design studio in Grayton Beach, Florida, for some tips.

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 117

VIE: Classic minimalism seems to never really go out of style, but these past couple of years have seen more designers following some of the trends involved in it. Has Q Tile experienced a higher demand for minimalist designs, and what is your opinion on the sleek minimalist look?

SUZY: Yes, we have had more and more clients leaning toward a simple, refined look. We love this lasting trend, as we try to keep our designs as timeless as possible.

VIE: In the home design world, the look, the function, and even the colors of products generally reflect the everyday life of the homeowner and are heavily influenced by current events. For instance, minimalism’s rise in popularity relates to today’s lifestyle trend of “cutting back” or simplifying rather than cluttering the home with unnecessary items. It also highlights the growing desire for more sustainable yet functional products for an eco-conscious world. Do you foresee interior design continuing to head in that direction?

SUZY: I absolutely believe that we all need to carefully select sustainable products, including the tile and flooring, when we build our homes. Many of the lines we work with at Q Tile, such as Oceanside and Fireclay, use a percentage of recycled materials, while others do their best to utilize eco-friendly practices.

Some companies let us know when they find beautiful reclaimed marble, stones, or antique cement tiles, while others—such as Island Stone—have launched new lines of wood cladding and panels using wood from ancient Indonesian buildings. Although cleaned up, even the paint remains authentic.

"I ABSOLUTELY BELIEVE THAT WE ALL NEED TO CAREFULLY SELECT SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING THE TILE AND FLOORING, WHEN WE BUILD OUR HOMES." 118 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

VIE: Since minimalism revolves around functionality, more modern minimalist projects are incorporating “smart” technology in features such as ceiling fans, lighting, heated flooring, and more. What is your favorite technology feature in a sleek design in which you would encourage clients to invest?

While building our own new home, which I like to say is a “beach barn with a modern twist” or “modern rustic,” we chose a brushed ash-colored stone in a slight chevron pattern for the entire first floor. I love the smaller two-by-twelveinch tiles, and I noted when visiting the Biltmore Estate that they used the same pattern in wood. I’d say that is timeless! Our walls will be venetian plaster, yet

SUZY: I am not an expert in technology, but I truly love that which makes life easier without complicating things. A tried-and-true favorite of mine is heated flooring or radiant heat. It may be an extra step, but it saves money in the long run while also saving our skin from the forced-air, dry heat you get with most heating and cooling systems. It also keeps tile and stone floors warm under our feet!

VIE: As far as creating a minimalist color palette, where would you begin? What kinds of main flooring tiles would you choose for a timeless minimalist look?

SUZY: Starting from the ground up makes the most sense in my experience. Choosing a consistent color and simple pattern in flooring sets the stage for the rest of the home. Favorites of mine are large-format tiles or stones, or a repeated simple pattern in one color.

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we’ve created some beautiful glass-and-jewelry-chain lighting to warm up the space, and will do so with reclaimed barn beams, as well.

VIE: Many people believe modern minimalism means a very sleek, simple, and monotone style; however, the look can certainly vary. We’ve seen influences from Bauhaus, midcentury, industrial, and contemporary styles. What advice would you give a client who’s interested in finding a minimal style that suits their personal preferences?

SUZY: I would say to keep an individual stamp on whichever style is chosen.

Minimalism may mean simplifying to many, but this does not mean becoming plain or boring. Create a flow throughout the house so it doesn’t seem to “break” in too many places. A minimalist home should feel calm and not chaotic. Lastly, keeping things timeless and minimal can give homeowners peace of mind that they won’t feel the need to change it all in five years as trends pass.

"KEEP AN INDIVIDUAL STAMP ON WHICHEVER STYLE IS CHOSEN." I am always trying to add unexpected warmth or a twist in unexpected areas of the home, whether it be with the tile on the shower floor or ceiling, or with cascading lights. In my eyes, tile is the art and lighting is the jewelry. It’s as simple as that.

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An Architectural Sea

By JORDAN STAGGS Photography by SKY PRO IMAGING

The scenic corridor along Northwest Florida’s Highway 30-A is quickly becoming one of America’s favorite beach vacation destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The Gulf of Mexico’s waters there are sheltered by the peninsula along the Apalachicola Bay to the east and the Gulf Islands National Seashore to the west, keeping them relatively calm and shallow, and making for brilliant green and turquoise hues. Combine that with the dazzling white quartz sand carried down from the Appalachians and deposited into the Gulf by the Apalachicola River, and the natural result is nothing short of paradise.

Many homes along Northwest Florida’s Scenic Highway 30-A feature a rooftop crow’s nest, the perfect place to enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or relaxing glass of wine with friends and family.

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 123

AS FUN AS IT IS TO EXPLORE EACH OF THESE UNIQUE BEACH TOWNS, THERE’S ALSO NO DENYING THE BEAUTY OF NATURE IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA. In the past few decades, the 30-A area has experienced a boom of growth in the housing and tourism markets, with a unique string of ten defined coastal communities springing up along the eighteen-mile stretch of road. From east to west, visitors encounter a distinct personality in each 30-A community: Rosemary Beach, Seacrest Beach, Alys Beach, WaterSound, Seagrove Beach, Seaside, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, and Dune Allen Beach.

The planned New Urban community of Seaside features many popular 30–A landmarks including Central Square, the Seaside Amphitheater, the Coleman Pavilion, and the Rooftop Bar at Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant.

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The beachside, island-inspired culture created in these communities merges with the interesting architecture and the heavy influence of New Urban town planning

by Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk in Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and Seaside, and by David Rockwell in WaterColor. The European vibe of Rosemary Beach is soon replaced by the sophisticated white walls of Alys Beach as you travel west. Keep driving (or, as many locals prefer, cycling along the eighteen-mile bike path), and you’ll discover classic Americana in Seaside. Then, find yourself engrossed in the funky groove of Grayton Beach just two miles away.

The New England–style homes of the WaterSound community are ideally situated with Camp Creek Lake to the east, Deer Lake to the west, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south.

Viewed from above, the colorful sea of rooftops blends with 30-A’s lush greenery, rare coastal dune lakes, and white-sand beaches to create a stunning landscape.

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 125

As fun as it is to explore each of these unique beach towns, there’s also no denying the beauty of nature in Northwest Florida. What’s the best way to get the best view of both the architecture and the area’s natural wonders? From the air! That’s why VIE teamed up with the professional photography and videography team at Sky Pro Imaging, who used drone technology to capture some brilliant vistas of 30-A’s coastal communities and their beloved beaches.

“Since childhood, I have been an enthusiast of both radio-controlled flight and photography. When drones hit the market, I was able to combine two things I love into one,” says Sky Pro Imaging founder Joshua Lanier about starting his business four years ago. “Since the industry was so new, I spent a great deal of time researching the technology, the market, and the regulations before purchasing the components needed to build my first drone. I was determined to capture the best aerial imaging our area has seen, and I was up to the challenge.”

Joshua and his business partner, Ryan VanderPloeg, have taken their shared interests in photography and technology to new heights—literally—and have used them to capture some incredible shots of

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“SINCE CHILDHOOD, I HAVE BEEN AN ENTHUSIAST OF BOTH RADIO-CONTROLLED FLIGHT AND PHOTOGRAPHY. WHEN DRONES HIT THE MARKET, I WAS ABLE TO COMBINE TWO THINGS I LOVE INTO ONE.” Northwest Florida’s most popular areas. (Their video of Memorial Day 2016 at Crab Island near Destin has nearly three hundred thousand views on Facebook so far.) “Drone photography and videography combine our favorite hobbies into one marketable business,” Ryan says. “It has certainly had its challenges, such as following the ever-changing rules set out by the FAA and staying up to date on all of the current UAV and camera technology. It is fun because we often are the first people to gain a different perspective on this unique area where we live.” Other challenges come with the subject matter they’re shooting, Ryan adds. “Sunsets and dolphins always make for a pretty picture, but our favorite shoots include speed boats, race cars, or motorcycles. Anything that moves fast is a challenge, but when you nail those types of shots, it’s really gratifying—and fun to watch!”

The unique rooftops of Rosemary Beach include the Town Hall and the chic Pearl Hotel’s Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

From 30-A’s east end, the towns of Rosemary Beach, Seacrest Beach, and Alys Beach meld to create a sea of rooftops stretching to the horizon.

Sky Pro Imaging was one of the first thousand companies in the nation approved by the FAA to operate drones for use in commercial, film, and television production. Since then, Joshua and Ryan have produced photography for various real estate and tourism clients and have created commercials, music videos, and instructional videos for others.

Joshua says the introduction of drone videography into the market a few years ago was ultimately what rekindled his high school love of creating and editing videos. Of course, having such spectacular scenery to work with can certainly inspire as well.

“I absolutely love the diverse environmental features that we are blessed to be able to shoot,” he says. “We have it all: beaches, coastal dune lakes, spring-fed rivers, and wetlands—not to mention the beautiful architecture that surrounds us. We truly live in a photographer’s paradise!”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SKY PRO IMAGING, AND TO VIEW MORE OF RYAN AND JOSHUA’S WORK, VISIT WWW.SKYPROIMAGING.COM AND FOLLOW THEM ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM @SKYPROIMAGING. 128 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

“I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES THAT WE ARE BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO SHOOT.”

Gulf Place, one of 30-A’s shopping and dining hubs, features condos atop retail spaces and restaurants and is situated near the Green, an outdoor entertainment venue.

Designed by Khoury & Vogt Architects, Alys Beach’s white walls, courtyards, and pavilions combine Bermudan influences with planned New Urbanism to create a community like no other.

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Skylines of the World

By Lauren Shaw

hat classifies a beautiful city skyline? Is it an abundance of towering skyscrapers that seem to redefine the circumference of the world? What about flashy neon lights, innovative architecture, and cutting-edge technology? Is it the natural beauty of buildings with decades of history and meaning behind them?

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the truth is that if there is no awe-inspiring or wanderlustawakening aspect of a city’s skyline, it most likely will not be remembered or draw visitors to see it. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of some of the world’s most stunning cityscapes, whether their beauty comes from groundbreaking human engineering or a colorful past.

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

The Showstopper

The world-famous harbor in Sydney, known as Australia’s showcase city, has contributed greatly to making it one of the most recognizable skylines in the world. Looking beyond the natural beauty of its vibrant green parks and turquoise waters, Sydney Harbour is an ideal vantage point to view many famed landmarks. While taller skyscrapers typically steal the spotlight in most cities, the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the stars of the show here.

SHANGHAI, CHINA The Futurist

China’s largest city is located on the central coast of the East China Sea and is the fastest-growing city in the world for skyscraper construction. The Shanghai skyline outlines a futuristic metropolis that is distinctly original when it comes to the shapes and colors of its structures. Standing out in the crowd and resembling a space module is the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower, lined with multiple large spheres and bright pink hues. This cityscape is a true representation of creative architecture and the ways ultramodern concepts are being brought to life.

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SANTORINI, GREECE The Romantic

Widely considered the Gem of the Aegean, Santorini is a crescent-shaped island known for its picturesque villages that, at a glance, resemble an oil painting. The illustrious skyline of Oia, the island’s most popular town, is instantly recognizable by its whitewashed cubist houses with pops of color from sapphire rooftops, yellow doors, and red window shutters. The buildings are beautifully stacked, clinging to the cliffs of the rugged landscape, while the royal blue waters of the Aegean Sea swim below.

It’s no wonder Santorini is Greece’s most popular island for romance.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND The Royal

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a cultural tapestry that boasts magnificent castles, sweeping landscapes, and bewitching cathedrals. It is a charming mix of the Old Town, the medieval part of the city, and the New Town, home to elegant gardens and neoclassical buildings. The skyline wouldn’t be the wonder it is without the iconic Edinburgh Castle, whose towers and buildings were built over the span of nearly a millennium, overlooking the city.

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA The Modernist

This Asian cybercity is full of historic monuments, steel-clad skyscrapers, and lush parks boasting trendy design. While most of the world’s memorable skylines are located on large bodies of water, Kuala Lumpur’s skyline dominates with its unique combination of modern skyscrapers and natural greenery. Clearly distinguishable among its other buildings are the Petronas Twin Towers, with the world’s highest two-story bridge connecting them at 558 feet. The identical landmarks standing against the horizon are truly a sight to behold.

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MANHATTAN, NEW YORK The Traditional

As the true skyline standard, New York City is the epitome of impressive skyscrapers and classic vision.

Due to the devastating attacks on September 11, 2001, its skyline has seen a drastic change in the last fifteen years, but the city has never been a stronger symbol of unity and perseverance. With worldrenowned structures such as the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and the new One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, it’s no surprise that other cities look to New York for their skyline inspiration.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES The Daredevil

Like a mirage that suddenly appears in the desert, Dubai has an almost magical essence in the midst of an ocean of red sand. Marvel at this sparkling jewel on the coast of the Persian Gulf, where the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa (2,722 feet high at its tip), soars into the sky and seemingly into space. The impressive truth of Dubai is that the city never rests on its laurels and continues to push the limits of architecture and engineering. An unnamed new building addition to the Dubai skyline will be completed in 2020, amazingly surpassing Burj Khalifa in height.

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30Avenue 850.231.5100

Pier Park 850.234.6200

FRESH SEAFOOD?

One of the first questions people ask when they visit our area is “How can we be sure we’re getting fresh seafood?”

That’s an excellent question. There is a good chance that the seafood you will be offered traveled farther than you did. In the state of Florida, even though we are surrounded by water, more than 90% of the seafood sold this year will be imported from other countries.

Throughout the United States, the huge majority of seafood is imported.

Most of it is mislabeled. Frozen seafood is sold as “fresh” and imported seafood is sold as “local.” According to Oceana, 93% of fish sold as red snapper is actually some other species. 57% of tuna sold at sushi bars throughout the country is not tuna. Most of the tilapia served in this country comes from Viet Nam and Thailand and much of it is farmed in waters with sewage run-off and the source of feed is pig feces.

Harbor Docks has been selling fish through its wholesale market since 1981. We sell to markets across the United States and Canada. We also sell to select restaurants along the Gulf Coast. Harbor Docks contracts with over 100 commercial boats to insure that we have an adequate supply of fresh fish.

We invite you to dine at our restaurants – Harbor Docks, in the heart of Destin, and Camille’s, overlooking the Gulf in Crystal Beach. But we’d also encourage you to try any of the wonderful, independent, local restaurants in our area that are committed to serving Florida seafood. We know who they are, because we sell them their fish.

check our website to find out which restaurants sell certified Gulf-to-Table fish from harbor Docks Seafood market.

DES TIN , FL | 850. 837. 2506 | h a r b o r D o c k S .co m S E A F O O D & C O C K TA I L S

Snapper and Tuna stats: http://oceana.org/en/news-media/publications/reports/oceana-study-reveals-seafood-fraud-nationwide Imported seafood stat: http://www.fishwatch.gov/farmed_seafood/outside_the_us.htm Tilapia/pig feces: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-11/asian-seafood-raised-on-pig-feces-approved-for-u-s-consumers.html

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WORK HARD PLAY HARD NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S REAL ESTATE FAMILY

by jordan staggs Photography by tim kramer

As the real estate market along Scenic Highway 30-A in Northwest Florida thrives, one agency that stands out is Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty. With forty full-time agents under the expert guidance of owners Blake Morar and Chris Abbott, the agency achieved $442 million in sales in 2015 and has had a record-breaking year so far in 2016, producing just shy of $243 million since January (an increase of 68 percent from this time last year). The success of this leading brokerage firm may be attributed to its unique culture, its dedicated team, and its location along white-sand beaches and the Gulf of Mexico. Twenty-four-year-old rising star Jonathan Spears is evidence of the amazing agents working at Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty, with career sales exceeding $115 million and $78 million in closed residential sales volume throughout 2015 and 2016 thus far.

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3 Garniers Post Road, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Spears grew up in the Northwest Florida area along what’s commonly referred to as the Emerald Coast, a nod to the Gulf ’s emerald-green and turquoise waters. Thanks to its natural beauty and a laid-back lifestyle infused with Southern hospitality, the beaches of Destin, South Walton, 30-A, and western Panama City Beach have seen a huge influx of visitors and industry in the past decade. As a true local among many transplants, Spears has been around to see it grow firsthand. “I was born at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and have lived in either Okaloosa or Walton County all my life,” he says. “I’m thankful to have been raised on our beautiful beaches! My parents built personal homes every few years, and we would move around to different cities and areas along Northwest Florida. During my elementary education, I attended a few different schools ranging from the north end of Okaloosa County to south Walton County. This experience helped me gain an intimate knowledge base of Northwest Florida.”

graduated with a minor in business administration from NWFSC before going on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business and finance from Florida State University at nineteen.

It was fall of 2009, as Spears was anticipating his eighteenth birthday and therefore his legal eligibility to obtain his real estate license, when he knew the course he wanted his career to take. “I was simultaneously studying finance and real estate,” he says. “At the time, our country was knee-deep in the Great Recession. It was a somber atmosphere in the business world. My college professors evinced the despair, and it was clear that real estate salesman was not a popular job choice by any means.” As luck, or perhaps fate, would have it, Spears was granted his license in February 2010 and landed a job that summer working as an assistant to a successful broker near his hometown who specialized in foreclosure inventory. In the wake of the crushing Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the real estate market

“I was very fortunate to gain a market perspective that I otherwise would not have been able to experience.” along the Gulf Coast was shaky at best, but the broker became a great mentor for Spears. “I was very fortunate to gain a market perspective that I otherwise would not have been able to experience,” he says. “Working with distressed properties allowed me to pair my finance background with investment opportunities and learn niche markets in Northwest Florida.”

Jonathan Spears

That knowledge, along with an entrepreneurial spirit, has served Spears well from a young age—he was dual enrolled in high school and Northwest Florida State College (formerly Okaloosa-Walton Community College) from the age of fourteen. “I remember my mom dropping me off for my classes with classmates who were on average eight to ten years older than I was,” Spears recalls. “I also remember getting called ‘Doogie Howser’ from multiple peers. Not knowing who Doogie was, I’d just go along with it—the show was on before I was born!” Spears 144 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

During the next few years, Spears worked on finishing his degree while simultaneously growing his portfolio of properties in Northwest Florida. He focused on investors looking to find the best deals and also on clients seeking “legacy” properties that would become long-term family investments.

In 2015, Spears joined the esteemed team of brokers at Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty, owned by Blake Morar and Christ Abbott. Morar’s Destin Real Estate Company served the Emerald Coast area for sixteen years before the Sotheby’s International Realty brand invited them to become part of its luxury network of real estate companies in 2013, shortly after Abbott became co-owner.

The company relaunched as Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty in January 2014. Along with its existing Blue Mountain Beach location, a second office at the newly developed 30Avenue was opened, accommodating the company’s

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33 Caicos Cay, Destin, Florida 146 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

LO C A L S H O P P I N G , UNIQUE DINING AND EVENTS

Chris Abbott, Blake Morar, and Jonathan Spears

“Since 2014, we’ve nearly doubled our number of transactions every year, and our company continues to outpace competition in luxury sales.” growth to a team of forty realtors and staff. The Sotheby’s International Realty brand recently added Santa Rosa Beach to its list of worldwide destinations.

“It’s been incredible,” Morar notes. “Since 2014, we’ve nearly doubled our number of transactions every year, and our company continues to outpace competition in luxury sales. We sell homes from Panama City Beach to Destin. Plus, our connection to Sotheby’s International Realty allows us to facilitate global sales. I helped a client find a home in Park City, Utah, last year and I helped connect a buyer in Turks and Caicos.” With plans to open another office in Destin in 2017, the team hopes to grow its workforce and numbers even more in the coming months.

Abbott, another Northwest Florida native who is passionate about the area’s lifestyle and its real estate opportunities, says the agents, staff, and familial culture at Scenic Sotheby’s are what makes their success possible. “We’re a family of local professionals who work and play together,” he explains. “I live in a restored 1950s cinder-block cottage in Crystal Beach, Blake lives in new construction on Draper Lake, and Jonathan recently got married. My wife, Christina, and I have a one-year-old son, and Blake has boys in middle school. We are all part of this incredible community and are living our dreams in ways we would like to share with others.”

No doubt Spears will continue to generate great sales numbers and market knowledge for the company. “The best real estate professionals are highly intuitive,” Morar says. “They can speak with a client once or twice, ask the right questions, and gain enough insight to create a winning strategy. Jonathan has a

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genuine way about him that puts people at ease. They trust him, so they’re willing to listen. I’ve never seen a twenty-four-year-old demonstrate the kind of passion, determination, and work ethic Jonathan shows on a daily basis. But what do you expect from a kid who graduated from college at seventeen?”

Spears admits that his nickname around the office is “Babyface,” but he has learned to see his young age as an asset rather than a hindrance to his work. “With popular television shows highlighting young, successful real estate professionals, such as Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing, I’ve been able to leverage my youth to connect with my consumer base in a dynamic way,” he says. “I’ve found that authenticity is a key to connecting, and I don’t ever try to downplay my age, but rather use it as an advantage. We operate in a fast-paced industry where technology is demanding, and I believe my age benefits me as I’ve grown up in a millennial culture of fostering tech-savvy habits, always learning the latest social media trends and leveraging those platforms to best position my customers’ listings.”

Along with the phenomenal real estate team and support staff at Scenic Sotheby’s, Spears credits his assistant, Sara Hinckley, with keeping his business operations running smoothly in what can be a very demanding and sometimes hectic industry.

“I currently represent roughly $50 million in listing inventory,” Spears explains.

“Sara and I focus heavily on listings and making sure that each potential buyer, seller, or cooperating agent receives personal attention and prompt response and follow-up. Our team also includes my buyer specialists, C.J. Adams and my brother, Caleb Spears.”

Although the job means working transactions and showing properties at night, on weekends, and pretty much anytime that is most convenient for his clients, Spears says it never truly feels like work. “I love what I do, and I’m very passionate about it. Every day is a challenge, and I love waking up and embracing it.” He says balance is often the trickiest part of being a real estate professional. “I’ve found it helpful to regiment my schedule to the best of my ability, putting everything on my calendar in advance, from gym time and client meetings to dinner dates with my wife. I’m thankful I have an incredible wife, Juliane, who is gracious and allows me to live out my passion.” Like Spears, his wife is an avid traveler, and the couple—who just celebrated their third wedding anniversary on June 1—love spending their vacation time pursuing adventures abroad. “We most recently visited Saint Lucia in the southeastern Caribbean and hiked two vertical miles on the Gros Piton. My wife grew up in Europe and speaks fluent German. We visit her family on the Moselle River southwest of Frankfurt as often as possible. We are also planning a trip to Ireland in the fall.”

As much as they love traveling, Jonathan and Juliane are proud to call Northwest Florida home. They often take advantage of the stunning scenery and outdoor adventures available in the area, along with their miniature dachshund, Lola. “She loves long walks and going paddleboarding,” Jonathan says. “We love to take her out on South Walton’s scenic coastal dune lakes, especially when they outflow to the Gulf. We are so fortunate to live in Northwest Florida, an area that affords us an abundance of natural beauty. We try to get out and enjoy it as often as possible.”

For details on available properties listed by Jonathan Spears, contact him at jonathan@scenicsir.com or (850) 974-1761, or see all properties from Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty at www.ScenicSIR.com.

We have signed yet another

great tenant.

Especially

if you love sound financial advice.

SHOP . DINE . PLAY . STAY

By focusing on their Vision and Values, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC has built a reputation for earning an unprecedented relationship with its customers. What does that mean for us? They will fit in very well here.

Please join us in celebrating their arrival to Grand Boulevard.

“While our location has changed, our focus on helping our clients achieve their financial goals has not. We’re excited to welcome everyone to our new location on Grand Boulevard and we look forward to providing our clients with tools that will strengthen their financial portfolio and better prepare them for the years to come.”

Jeffery K. Barnes First Vice President – Branch Manager

Contact Dana Hahn, Vice President of Real Estate, at dana@howardgrp.com or 850-837-1886 ext.205 and see for yourself how having your business in Grand Boulevard is a grand experience in every sense.

495 GRAND BOULEVARD, SUITE 220 | MIRAMAR BEACH | FLORIDA 32550 | GRANDBOULEVARD.COM A HOWARD GROUP | MERCHANTS RETAIL PARTNERS DEVELOPMENT

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Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Member SIPC

THE PATH

HOME

BY AMANDA CROWL EY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KURT L ISCHKA

I

nterior design is about more than paint colors and furniture. It helps infuse the very character of a home, inviting families to connect and friends to linger. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for inspired design; rather it requires skill, hard work, and just a touch of magic.

Sugar Beach Interiors of Miramar Beach, Florida, has been conjuring its unique brand of magic for thirty years, specializing in distinctive design that reflects each client’s lifestyle and personality. It’s an approach that has served owner Karen Waterfield well since 1986. “When we started, the area was very bare,” she recalls. “There were only two furniture stores. The market was wide open, allowing Sugar Beach to get in on the ground floor.”

The company’s evolution has paralleled the surrounding area’s expansion (and contraction) over the years. Now that the economy is back on solid ground, Sugar Beach Interiors is once again tackling projects as far away as Louisiana. But there’s something extra special about completing a job close to home— like the firm’s recent work on Vermillion Way in WaterColor, Florida.

The endeavor reunited Waterfield with old friends and colleagues. She’d previously worked with the

homeowners, as well as builder John Brown of Gulfview Construction and architect Matthew Savoie of Savoie Architects, all of whom she calls “fabulous.” This reteaming came with the added bonus of the house itself: a five-bedroom, sevenbath residence with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.

While many people think of interior design as simple aesthetics, Waterfield works with builders and architects to fine-tune physical elements of a house from her client’s point of view. How the family will move through the space and which furnishings will function best are just two of the aspects considered. This constant communication between project leads ensures an exceptional finished product.

During the Vermillion Way project, Waterfield met monthly with the homeowners, Brown, and Savoie. The get-togethers not only kept the

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 151

Waterfield coordinated everything from large-scale installations, such as custom-built cabinets and barn doors, to seemingly small details like doorknobs.

Her clients trusted her keen eye and were open to a variety of ideas, as long as they didn’t include anything traditionally “beachy.” decision, resulting in full accessibility to every room, an interior elevator, and exterior ramps.

Once the entire family’s needs were carefully considered, Sugar Beach Interiors could concentrate on the family’s wants—like the showstopper main staircase. Savoie and Brown collaborated with Tom Stilp of Arcways to strategize the stairs’ cantilevered structure and riser components, as well as the handrail system and its attachment. The finishing touch: a suspended light fixture that complements the under-lit staircase and illuminates all three floors.

Everything about the project speaks to the way Sugar Beach works. The team strongly believes in cultivating relationships and making themselves available to clients. Because Waterfield lives on the Emerald Coast, she’s able to pop into a project site to meet with the client, builder, or architect when the need arises. project on schedule, but kept the pros focused on their clients’ happiness.

For Waterfield, that meant fulfilling requests like beetle kill pinewood, found in the homeowners’ native Colorado, whose unique grain transformed a utilitarian powder room into a stunning space.

Waterfield coordinated everything from large-scale installations, such as custombuilt cabinets and barn doors, to seemingly small details like doorknobs. Her clients trusted her keen eye and were open to a variety of ideas, as long as they didn’t include anything traditionally “beachy.”

The clients were very clear on one aspect: as parents of a child with disabilities, their home had to be easily navigable for their son. His needs were part of every

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She’s found that taking the time to familiarize herself with a client’s sense of style also leads to smoother sailing. That’s why, even before an initial meeting, Waterfield suggests that homeowners browse Sugar Beach’s Houzz.com account and save ideas to a Pinterest page. Looking through color preferences and design pieces that speak to a client gives Sugar Beach a solid jumping off point.

Next, Waterfield and her team dig into the bigpicture essentials, asking clients how the home will be used, how and where they entertain, and

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about any unique needs. “Understanding how the home is utilized allows me to lead the client down the right path,” Waterfield says.

Getting to know the client is one part of the equation. Recognizing how to pair that information with relevant interior design elements is another. The Sugar Beach team keeps their arsenal of tools fresh by attending the furniture industry’s major fall and spring markets. Like fashion shows, interior design shows preview trends before they’re introduced to consumers. So Sugar Beach clients always have access to the latest products.

A long list of clients can attest to the benefits of using the licensed designers at Sugar Beach, including the opportunity to discover a style they never knew they loved.

The number of decorators on the Emerald Coast has increased significantly since Waterfield launched Sugar Beach three decades ago. The key to deciding on a professional within the crowded field is to look for a licensed interior designer, she advises, especially when it comes to substantial, potentially lengthy remodels. Waterfield emphasizes that licensed designers can save time, money, and regret.

A long list of clients can attest to the benefits of using the licensed designers at Sugar Beach, including the opportunity to discover a style they never knew they loved. The firm presents options ranging from conventional to innovative, Waterfield explains, but cookiecutter plans aren’t part of their portfolio. “We challenge homeowners to take a different path,” she says.

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1.866.563.0070 Watersound.com The St. Joe Company 2016 All Rights Reserved. “JOE®”, “St. Joe®”, “St. Joe (and the Taking Flight design)®”, the “Taking Flight” design®, “Fish Out of Water®” and “Watercolor®”are registered service marks of The St. Joe Company or its affiliates. “Watersound OriginsSM”, “OriginsSM” and “St. Joe Club & ResortsSM” are service marks of The St. Joe Company or its affiliates. The materials and features and amenities described and depicted herein are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change without notice. This does not constitute an offer to sell real property in any jurisdiction where prior registration or other advance qualifications of real property is required, including New York. Void where prohibited by law. Equal Housing Opportunity. St. Joe Club & Resorts is a private club, membership in which permits Watersound OriginsSM owners the use of facilities designated by the Club. Use of additional Club Facilities requires purchase of a separate membership upgrade. Club membership may be subject to application and acceptance, payment of fees, membership requirements, rules or other limitations, all of which are subject to change. Club Facilities are also available to other club members and persons who stay in rental program residences. The St. Joe Company does not guarantee the obligations of, nor provide any warranties for unaffiliated parties who build homes or offer services in the Watersound OriginsSM community.

Obtain the Property Report required by Federal Law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property.

FIND REFUGE IN PURE

TASMANIA B Y A N N E W. S C H U LT Z // P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y R O B B L A K E R S

MY HUSBAND, BILL, AND I FLY SOME TWENTY-FIVE HOURS—PACKED TIGHT AS SARDINES IN A TIN—ON FOUR CONNECTING FLIGHTS TO A SMALL ISLAND CLEAR ACROSS THE GLOBE AND WAY DOWN UNDER, ALL BECAUSE OF A RUMOR. 158 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

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W

ord’s out that Tasmania, the southern island of Australia, is one of the planet’s last unspoiled places, and it’s reputed to have the world’s purest air and cleanest water. We are on a quest to find what we’ve lost back home. Too many times we have watched reckless development bury a beautiful pristine landscape under an avalanche of vacation homes and sprawling acres of shopping malls and restaurants, along with pharmacy and fast-food chains on every corner, until almost nothing remains of the authentic soulful qualities that attracted people in the first place.

Chances are good that this won’t happen here, as 40 percent of Tasmania is protected, including large areas of wilderness in UNESCO World Heritage sites, while the rest is preserved in nineteen national parks and more than eight hundred reserves. Also, Tasmanians love their adorable wallabies, wombats, duck-billed platypuses, and other quirky species.

They revere their ancient colossal trees so much that they build platforms in their crowns and stage sit-ins to fiercely defend them from the chainsaws of timber and wood chip industries.

It appears God gathered up some of the world’s most stupendous natural features and artfully arranged them in a small space so that awe-inspiring panoramas could be glimpsed around every bend in the road.

Cool temperate rain forests cover the landscape in lush greens and soaring trees (some of the world’s tallest), mountains rise up in serrated peaks while waterfalls cascade down their sides, and sea cliffs tower above “some of the world’s top ten beaches,” according to Outside magazine. The crystalline water is so aquamarine that it could be the Caribbean.

The sand is the same dazzling white as the beaches of Northwest Florida where we live, except these are backed by thickly vegetated dunes instead of houses, and practically empty instead of blanketed in rows of umbrellas, beach chairs, and tourists. It’s

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easy to explore by car or on boat tours around islands and peninsulas.

We arrive at the Launceston airport in joyful anticipation of once again experiencing a healthy flourishing environment that still radiates the glory of God and provides refuge from a turbulent world.

Right away, we discover the wild Cataract Gorge running through the center of this small hilly town, not far from Stillwater, one of Australia’s finest restaurants quaintly housed in Ritchie’s Mill. All this clean air and pure water nourish some of the earth’s freshest produce and seafood, attracting chefs from all over Australia to open award-winning restaurants. We are spared the conformity of hotel chains; throughout Tasmania there are slews of independently owned B and Bs, cottages, boutique hotels, and classy rental houses perched above the sea.

Such houses include Alice’s Cottages and Spa Hideaways, a collection of restored nineteenthcentury workers’ cottages with modern comforts, where we spend the night before heading out for Cradle Mountain. “Tasmania is about the size of Denmark,” says our host Rob Widdowson, who with wife Louise restored the cottages and then opened them as a B and B after retiring from dairy farming. “But the difference is Denmark has five million people, and we have only around five hundred and twelve thousand.”

That means during our February visit we have empty highways and national parks almost to ourselves— except for the World Heritage–listed Cradle Mountain-Lake Saint Clair National Park located on the mountainous west coast. People flock from all over the world to see the iconic serrated peaks of Cradle Mountain reflected in the glassy surface of Lake Saint Clair. Join these international travelers on a stroll down the popular Dove Lake circuit through alpine terrain beneath the spires of Cradle Mountain.

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IT’S CLEAR A SUPERNATURAL POWER IS AT WORK IN THE NORTH STYX FOREST RESERVE. IT’S A SANCTUARY OF CENTURIESOLD EUCALYPTUS TREES, THE TALLEST FLOWERING PLANTS IN THE WORLD. The trail passes through Tasmania’s temperate rain forest dominated by ancient myrtle beech trees that date back over sixty million years. Enjoy the serenity of this comforting landscape where mosses and lichen carpet the forest floor and tree trunks in velvety softness.

Grab a 60 Great Short Walks brochure at the main visitor center and then duck into the Interpretive Center to learn about what you’ll be seeing on the hikes. It’s not only because you’re in the Southern Hemisphere that flora and fauna are so unique.

Some plants such as fagus and pandani are survivors of species that grew millions of years ago on the ancient supercontinent Gondwana when Australia, Africa, South America, New Zealand, and Antarctica formed one gigantic land mass.

The rare flora and fauna are part of the criteria giving the region its UNESCO World Heritage status.

Out of ten World Heritage criteria, Tasmania meets a whopping seven of them; given all one thousand World Heritage destinations, only China’s Mount Tai meets as many criteria. Take advantage of all Tasmania’s beauty when you stay at the cozy, well-appointed Highlander Cottages, where marsupial pademelons graze outside your cabin door. Spend several days hiking Cradle Mountain trails before heading toward the spectacular east coast beaches. Stop at the North Styx Forest Reserve on the way from Cradle Mountain to Mount Field National Park, about an hour’s drive northwest of Hobart, the state capital. In 1916, Mount Field and parts of the Freycinet Peninsula were designated Tasmania’s first national parks.

“You can’t miss the Styx Reserve. It is part of the World Heritage area,” says the chef and owner of Possum Shed, a gourmet outpost next door to our riverside cottage in Westerway, a short drive from Mount Field. “These are some of the tallest trees in the world,” she exclaims. “They bring tears to your eyes.”

She’s right. It’s clear a supernatural power is at work in the North Styx Forest Reserve. It’s a sanctuary of centuries-old eucalyptus trees, the tallest flowering

plants in the world. All we can do is stare in awe at these giants with their feet planted in the earth and their heads lost in the clouds. It’s hard not to think of God in this hushed old-growth forest, where sunlight slants through tree branches that reach to the sky as if in reverent praise. It is written that Jesus needed to slip off to the mountaintop for prayer, and after seeing this place, there’s no doubt why spiritual seekers, patriarchs, and prophets throughout history have done the same.

The Styx Valley brochure refers to the giant trees as the “lungs of the land” for the work they do sponging up carbon dioxide from the air and storing it in branches, trunks, roots, and soil. Preserving a forest is one solution for global warming, as individual trees here store around a hundred tons of carbon each. “Native forests cover around 50 percent of Tasmania and are some of the most carbon-dense of all forests in the world,” the brochure informs.

The next stop is Mount Field National Park, known for its mountain scenery, lakes, rain forest, and Russell Falls, a dramatic waterfall. “For a good introduction to the park, drive up through several ecosystems to Lake Dobson for an alpine hike on Pandani Grove Nature Walk,” says a park ranger.

Massive glaciers sculpted the highlands and valleys of the park to expose rocks from every geological period in Tasmania.

TASMAN PENINSULA Stand along the rim of some of the highest, most spectacular cliffs in Australia located on the Tasman Peninsula. Look down and across at arches, blowholes, and other bizarre shapes of dolerite, an ancient rock type that is extremely rare on the mainland. The rock began as molten rock that cooled beneath the earth’s surface and cracked into vertical columns and pinnacles. These daunting cliffs provide a natural fortification at Port Arthur, originally a British settlement primarily made up of convicts who had been deported from England to Australia and then committed further crimes in the colony.

“My great-grandmother was only thirteen years old when she was sent here for stealing a horse,” says a local gentleman we met on a beach walk.

“Many Australians like me are descended from these convicts, who later settled here and raised families, which in our case produced a long line of preachers and good folks!”

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Snow gums near Lake Saint Clair Opposite: Granite shoreline, Bay of Fires 164 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

TODAY, NATURE LOVERS HIKE SOUTH BRUNY NATIONAL PARK AND ADVENTURE BAY, WHILE FOODIES FOLLOW THE MADE ON BRUNY ISLAND GOURMET TRAIL. “I recommend going to the Coal Mines Historic Site for a quiet reflection on what these convicts endured instead of fighting the crowds at Port Arthur,” suggests Jill, our host at Harpers on the Beach, a charming B and B with adjoining cottages overlooking a deserted cove of white-sand beach.

Jill not only whips up gourmet meals for guests, but also spices up their travels with insider tips.

She recommends the Waterfall Bay hike for great views of cliffs plummeting into the sea and hikes at Tasman National Park, such as Remarkable Cave, where a stairway leads visitors down into the mouth of a cavern.

BRUNY ISLAND Take a ferry southeast of Hobart to Bruny Island.

Aborigines lived on this windswept, sparsely populated island for thousands of years before Abel Tasman

sailed by in 1642, followed by other famous navigators like James Cook and William Bligh in the 1700s.

Today, nature lovers hike South Bruny National Park and Adventure Bay, while foodies follow the Made on Bruny Island gourmet trail. Slurp down oysters at Get Shucked oyster farm and bar. Nibble on artisan cheeses and wood-fired breads at Bruny Island Cheese Company, and splurge on seasonal berry concoctions at Bruny Island Berry Farm. A good choice for lunch is Bruny Island Premium Wines Bar and Grill, where you can’t beat fresh seafood chowders and lamb sourced from a neighboring farm.

A local fudge company, Bruny Island Providore, takes homemade fudge to a whole new level.

Watch gale-force winds churn up whitecaps across the Southern Ocean through rain-spattered walls of a rectangular glass house on the aptly named Cloudy

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Bay overlooking the rocky headlands of South Bruny National Park. After the storm ends, walk to the park lighthouse and on to the Labillardiere Peninsula, where you might spot an echidna rustling through thick grasses. Native to Tasmania, these small mammals have porcupine-like quills and long, narrow snouts.

Grim reminders of the whaling industry are seen along the Grass Point hike at Adventure Bay, where thousands bloodied the waters below in the late nineteenth century. While at Adventure Bay, take a wilderness boat tour with Rob Pennicott’s awardwinning Bruny Island Cruises and see migrating whales and dolphins below, along with white-bellied eagles and albatross soaring above.

FREYCINET PENINSULA “Here we are at the famous Wineglass Bay, named one of the world’s ten best beaches,” the caption announces over the loudspeaker. Choose a boat tour over an arduous, steep, four-mile hike to visit this perfect crescent of pure white sand and crystalline waters.

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FOR A HIGHER PERSPECTIVE ON THE REGION, TAKE THE CAPE TOURVILLE WALK TO A LIGHTHOUSE FOR ASTONISHING VIEWS OF WINEGLASS BAY AND FRIENDLY BEACHES RESERVE. on a lunch of smoked salmon and capers, Camembert cheese, and crispy wafers, topped off by a chocolatecherry brownie, all served in a Japanese bento box.

The captain maintains a running commentary while the boat passes rocky islands and staggering granite cliffs: “The French arrived here in the 1800s, almost a hundred and fifty years after Abel Tasman, and named the peninsula. They explored the interior, studying its flora and fauna, some of which they acquired for Napoleon Bonaparte’s zoo! Worried that France might beat them to it, the British ignored the large population of Aborigines, called it ‘uninhabited,’ and claimed it for England.”

On the way back, the boat passes a large colony of Australian fur seals that were almost decimated by the British along with the whales. A large school of common dolphins leaps beside the boat, clipping along at the same speed. Arrive back at Coles Bay thrilled by what cannot be seen by land. For a higher perspective on the region, take the Cape Tourville Walk to a lighthouse for astonishing views of Wineglass Bay and Friendly Beaches Reserve.

Freycinet National Park offers beautiful deserted beaches that rival Wineglass and are easily accessible by car. Friendly Beaches Reserve is one that offers great walking for miles on hard-packed white sand broken only by granite outcroppings. Across the road from the beach entrance is Moulting Lagoon 168 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

Sunrise view to the Hazards, Freycinet National Park V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 169

Game Reserve, where ten thousand black swans reside along with ducks and other migrating species.

Coles Bay village is ideally situated near Freycinet National Park and provides excellent restaurants and conveniences. An elegant rental home called At the Bay perches above Coles Bay near the departure site for cruises and looks at the peaks of the Hazards mountain range.

BAY OF FIRES You might guess this bay was named for the fiery-orange lichen-encrusted boulders tumbling along the coastline that stretches from Binalong Bay to Mount William National Park. However, historical records indicate that Captain Tobias Furneaux named the bay in 1773 for the fires he saw when Aboriginal people burned off vegetation for regeneration of the forest. Miles of beaches and seaside trails make Binalong Bay the perfect retreat for total relaxation.

Access a trail at Grants Point that straddles lagoon and beach and ends at a secluded beach sheltered by rocky headlands. Head to Humbug Point Nature Recreation Area around sunset and climb a rocky trail high above the beach through a forest of gum trees where you look down upon isolated coves framed by huge boulders.

For a refreshing day trip, head to Pyengana, a lush valley of dairy farms surrounded by thickly forested mountains graced with Tasmania’s highest waterfall. Stroll along an easy path through an ancient rain forest of sassafras, myrtle beech, and ten-foot tree ferns until you reach Saint Columba Falls, which rushes down nearly three hundred feet of rock facing. The air tingles with the clean scent of eucalyptus sweetened by white myrtle flowers. Enjoy lunch at the Pyengana Dairy Company’s Holy Cow Café, known for exceptional homemade ice cream enhanced with Tasmanian ingredients, such as pepperberries and leatherwood honey.

“No worries” is a common Tasmanian refrain. Ask anyone who has traveled to Tasmania, and they exclaim without hesitation, “I’d live there in a minute.” Without shopping malls, sprawling suburbs, skyscraper cities, or congested freeways, the people live a slower-paced, simplified lifestyle comparable to America in the 1950s.

Tasmanians know they have a good thing going and aim to keep it that way. This bold, rugged landscape emboldens me to continue searching for these unexploited wild places where nature is God’s antidote for the strains and stresses of living.

Nothing else seems to rejuvenate the spirit, nourish the soul, and kindle the lust for adventure and exploration like wild places—even if experiencing this means flying some twenty-five hours to a far-flung place down under!

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V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 171

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By Charles Singletary, Jr. Artwork by Sir Carma 174 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

ARE VIDEO GAMES ART? NO MATTER YOUR STANCE, IT CAN CERTAINLY BE ARGUED THAT, AT THE LEAST, THE WONDROUS ENVIRONMENTS GAMERS TRAVERSE FALL INTO THIS ABSTRACT DEFINITION: ART – \�ÄRT\ NOUN: THE CONSCIOUS USE OF SKILL AND CREATIVE IMAGINATION ESPECIALLY IN THE PRODUCTION OF AESTHETIC OBJECTS f video games can fall into this mainstream definition of art, do gamers break the imaginative illusion when they play within these beautifully crafted set pieces? “Not at all, since I consider video games as art themselves,” says voxel artist Sir Carma. “Some of them can be art masterpieces.

When I play Journey, for example, or Shadow of the Colossus, being able to interact and walk through those landscapes—it transcends the art form. The whole piece transports you, gives you emotions that an illustration couldn’t.”

The birthdate of “art” may never be truly known, but the discipline of art history took shape in the nineteenth century. The appreciation of art, of the beautiful and the ugly, has evolved from the archaic methods of Stone Age petroglyphs to the “antitraditional”

methods of postmodernism. But art in the digital space is in its infancy. Sir Carma, whose real name is Antoine Lendrevie, has firmly embedded himself in this youthful artistic discipline, albeit just in his free time while also working a full-time job.

“Digital art” falls under the wide umbrella of any work using digital media for production or display, with the earliest form arriving in the 1960s with British artist Desmond Paul Henry’s drawing machine.

Today, digital drawing pads and even virtual-reality sculpting blur the line between digital and traditional art forms. Pixel art has gained more notoriety from video games such as Hotline Miami (2012), Fez (2012), and Super Meat Boy (2010), which utilized a vintage style of design. Popularized by Minecraft (2009), voxel art is growing at a similar pace.

To understand voxel art, you must understand pixel art as well. While all digital images technically contain pixels—those tiny dots that make up the completed picture—pixel art involves the building of an image pixel by pixel. Voxel art is the same, but on a 3-D plane, using digital building blocks instead of flat pixels to create a computerized landscape. “A bit more than a year ago, I started to follow more and more pixel artists on Twitter,” says Sir Carma. “The indie scene was still blooming; pixel art was very popular, and I particularly liked it. I started playing video games in the eighties, so I liked that nostalgic feeling that comes with pixel art.”

“I LOVED INSTANTLY THE AESTHETICS OF VOXEL ART. THE TOOL WAS FREE, SO I GAVE IT A GO. I FOUND IT SUPERINTUITIVE AND EASY, LIKE PLAYING WITH DIGITAL LEGOS, AND I HAVEN’T STOPPED SINCE.” Though voxel art is fairly young, Sir Carma still finds himself inspired by fellow artists in the medium including Marco Peschiera (@marcoapc_art) and Zach Soares (@y2bcrazy). “My biggest source of inspiration is the indie video game community, which is very active and creative at the moment,” Sir Carma says.

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Outside of gaming and voxels, he’s also motivated by more prominent creators such as Katsuhiro Otomo, Hayao Miyazaki, Syd Mead, Moebius ( Jean Giraud), Shigeru Miyamoto, Joe Madureira, and his favorite modern artist, Kilian Eng. Sir Carma tried his hand with pixel art, but it just wasn’t for him. It took someone sharing Ephtracy’s MagicaVoxel tool on Twitter, along with an example of what could be done with it, to steer Sir Carma toward the path he’s on now. “I loved instantly the aesthetics of voxel art,” he says. “The tool was free, so I gave it a go.

I found it superintuitive and easy, like playing with digital Legos, and I haven’t stopped since.”

Previous to his emergence as a digital artist, Sir Carma had some interest in hand drawings. He created a few and did some post-processing in Adobe Photoshop, but he hasn’t done any traditional art since discovering voxels, feeling he has found his true calling as an artist in this medium. Influenced by adventure game titles such as Minecraft, Sir Carma embraced a medieval style with his first voxel project: a castle on a seashore. Since then he’s tried his hand at scenes rooted in science fiction, fantasy, cartoons, and even a few grounded in the real world.

Spending about six hundred hours on his craft over the past year, Sir Carma has created sixty scenes with a diverse palette of influences. He’s lived in France, Canada, the United States, Morocco, and Japan, so not only do many cultures impact his art, but games and live-action/animated films also help to shape his digital sculptures.

gulf place

seagrove

rosemary beach

pier park

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DIGITAL PLATFORMS OPEN UP OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS WHO MAY NOT BE AS SKILLED OR AS INTERESTED IN TRADITIONAL STYLES, BUT ARE STILL CAPABLE OF CREATING BEAUTIFUL THINGS. As Sir Carma’s skill and style have evolved, so has the technology available to hone his craft. Virtual reality (VR) is quickly rising in importance in the digital arena, but Sir Carma doesn’t feel it’s currently a great fit for voxel art. “I have a lot of people who approach me to do voxel art for VR,” he says, “but I’m not really interested, because most of the projects for VR are in first-person view, and that would mean getting close to the voxels. I really don’t like how voxels look when you look at them too closely.”

As a result, all of Sir Carma’s work is presented from an isometric angle a good distance away from the subject. “Maybe we’ll find a nice concept for VR that goes with that kind of view—maybe a city builder.” Regardless of whether he will be creating artwork for VR, Sir Carma says he is still excited to see how the technology develops.

Sir Carma’s tune may change in the future with 3-D sculpting. Major technology developers of the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift have announced that a significant part of the plans for their VR gaming platforms will involve 3-D sculpting. The

Vive has controller input in its base form, using its two controllers and Google’s Tilt Brush program for VR painting, and the Rift will be launching a 3-D sculpting and painting program called Medium when the upcoming Oculus Touch controller arrives this year. Thanks to 3-D printing, there is also the potential for works of art created by these programs to live outside their digital confines. Though creating physical sculptures of these digital works is currently an expensive venture, Sir Carma believe it’s perfect for voxels, because everything is crafted in cubes.

Block by block, Sir Carma has crafted some truly elegant and complex scenes with voxels, blazing a creative path for himself while staying inspired by video games and other visual mediums. Digital platforms open up opportunities for artists who may not be as skilled or as interested in traditional styles, but who are still capable of creating beautiful things.

As technology grows, so does the chance that we’re all able to witness the artist inside each other in some way, without limitations.

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ART UTOPIA Perhaps you’ve been told that when visiting Miami, it is a must to see the iconic and historic art deco buildings along Collins Avenue, Lincoln Road, and, of course, Ocean Drive. Others would implore that it is necessary to visit Little Havana for what is arguably the “most Cuban” Cuban food outside of the island that sits some ninety miles south of Florida. Nature and nautical enthusiasts will insist that you tour Key Biscayne to see its perfectly manicured grounds, seafoam green and glass-blue waters, and what seems to be approximately three sailboats for every resident of the island.

Photo by M

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182 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

26 LANES OF BOWLING ARCADE POOL TABLES AIR HOCKEY PING PONG DARTS hile I can verify that the aforementioned travel advice is worthy, I emphatically insist that it is also imperative that, when touring Miami, one also experience the Wynwood Arts District and the Wynwood Walls.

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My initial foray into the Wynwood neighborhood was, in a single word, magical.

Coming off I-95—where it is important to note that everyone drives fast, really fast—and entering the neighborhood along Northwest Second Avenue, time seemingly slowed. I immediately had a pronounced feeling of being awash in a curious mixture of both unease and tranquility.

Every wall on every building along Northwest Second Avenue entering Wynwood is adorned with a meaningful and simply beautiful display of street art.

Every wall on every building along Northwest Second Avenue entering Wynwood is adorned with a meaningful and simply beautiful display of street art. The colors, patterns, and myriad shades of the images on the buildings welcomed me and drew me in. It was as if I was traveling up some unknown, alluring river where the banks were alive with such vivid foliage as to be reminiscent of a Dr. Seuss book.

All of these hues were canopied by palms tall and short, along with pink, silver, and gold ipê (rhymes with “hippie”) trees that were in full late-spring bloom, dripping blossoms as if the artists had poured paint over them just before I arrived. The Wynwood Arts District had put me in what I would describe as “Dada and surrealism mode”—I felt I was in the urban landscape of a Spike Lee film that had just hosted a Color Run.

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Gracing the walls within the open-air exhibit is a stunning and annually rotating street museum with works from veteran and emerging talents from the graffiti and street art spheres. Wynwood is an area where even the sidewalks are part of the display.

184 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

Still, the art is what the area is all about. Every year, the Wynwood Walls become the de facto center of the acclaimed Art Basel fair. Gracing the walls within the open-air exhibit is a stunning and annually rotating street museum with works from veteran and emerging talents from the graffiti and street art spheres.

Wynwood is an area where even the sidewalks are part of the display. Accomplished artists such as Swoon, Haas and Hahn, the London Police, Gaia, Cryptik, and Logan Hicks are but a few of the notable members of the elite fellowship of creators who have brightened the Wynwood Walls since 2009.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE WYNWOOD ARTS DISTRICT OR THE WYNWOOD WALLS VISIT WWW.WYNWOODMIAMI.COM OR WWW.THEWYNWOODWALLS.COM.

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The Wynwood Arts District is nestled in the heart of the old garment district.

It is a neighborhood north of downtown Miami that fell into disrepair and was plagued with crime for many years, until earnest revitalization efforts began in the 1990s. A decade later, this development was further nurtured along its positive path under the guidance of the late Tony Goldman, a renowned community revitalizer. Regardless of political opinions on urban renewal and the good and bad of the process, it is undeniable that the central art garrison of Miami is surrounded by an astoundingly eclectic and progressive array of over seventy art galleries, businesses, dining establishments, and bars. A Ducati motorcycle dealership neighbors a pipe and supply company, a boutique shoe store sits next to a casual fine-dining restaurant, and across the street is an art gallery, a bakery, an antiques shop, and a tattoo parlor. Talk about one-stop shopping.

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Sky SOHO office and retail building near Hongqiao Transportation Hub in Shanghai, China. Photo by chuckstock / Shutterstock

V I E MAGAZINE .COM | 189

TO PARAPHRASE FRANK SINATRA, ZAHA HADID DID IT HER WAY. THE LATE ARCHITECT SHATTERED BARRIERS AND CREATED A GROUNDBREAKING CAREER SIMPLY BY CHASING HER PASSION. As a woman, the door to architectural success was barely ajar. As an Iraqi, it might as well have been closed. But Hadid either didn’t notice—or didn’t care. Ultimately, her life was punctuated by a series of firsts that won’t be seen again.

This page: Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo

by Elnur / Shutterstock Opposite page: Galaxy SOHO office, retail, and entertainment complex in Beijing, China. With no corners or abrupt transitions, the design is a reinvention of the classical Chinese courtyard. Photo

by TonyV3112 / Shutterstock

190 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

She was the first woman and the first Iraqi to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, considered the Nobel Prize of architecture, and the first woman in her own right to receive the Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Yet Hadid was more than just a remarkable female architect; she was one of the best architects the world has seen. Period.

Born October 31, 1950, in Baghdad to an artist mother and a father who cofounded the National Democratic Party, Hadid did have one advantage:

an upper-class family. For her, that meant boarding schools in England and Switzerland and mathematics studies at the American University of Beirut.

In 1972, she returned to England to study at London’s Architectural Association School of Architecture. Hadid clearly impressed her instructors; she joined them at the Office for Metropolitan Architecture in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, earning partner status a short time later. She ventured out on her own in 1979 when she launched an eponymous London-based architecture firm.

A few years later, Harvard called. Hadid left her adopted home country—she had become a naturalized citizen of the United Kingdom—to accept a Kenzo Tange Professorship at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. She taught off and on for decades at prestigious institutions like Yale and Columbia University and in cities from Chicago to Hamburg to Vienna.

Teaching the next generation of architects didn’t slow her creative streak, and in 1988, her inclusion in an architectural drawing exhibition at New York City’s

Museum of Modern Art put her on the map. She began racking up commissions in every corner of the world, including standouts like the MAXXI (National Museum of the 21st Century Arts) in Rome, Italy. According to Hadid, the MAXXI, with its curved concrete walls and suspended black staircases, was intended to be “a new fluid kind of spatiality of multiple perspective points and fragmented geometry, designed to embody the chaotic fluidity of modern life.”

SHE TAUGHT OFF AND ON FOR DECADES AT PRESTIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS LIKE YALE AND COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY AND IN CITIES FROM CHICAGO TO HAMBURG TO VIENNA. China’s Guangzhou Opera House was another feather in her professional cap.

Noted for its harmonious integration with its riverside locale, Hadid’s design was influenced by the way erosion changes river valleys.

Then, when the city she loved landed a bid for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, Hadid was tapped to design the London Aquatics Centre, which was seen on televisions around the world.

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HADID WAS A PIONEER OF PARAMETRICISM, A STYLE THAT DRAWS HEAVILY ON THE PRINCIPLES OF HER FIRST LOVE, MATHEMATICS, BUT HER WORK IS ALSO CELEBRATED FOR ITS OUTSIDETHE-BOX INGENUITY. Hadid was a pioneer of parametricism, a style that draws heavily on the principles of her first love, mathematics, but her work is also celebrated for its outside-the-box ingenuity. This rare fusion of abilities is, perhaps, why she was drawn to high-profile projects outside of architecture—like upscale furniture, brassware and, in a collaboration with the apparel company Lacoste, an avant-garde boot.

The world took notice of her contributions. Hadid was named to the Forbes list of the world’s most powerful women and as one of Time magazine’s one hundred most influential people in the world.

Not everyone was a fan, however. In its truest form, architecture is an art that reflects a bit of its creator’s soul, and like all art, it invites commentary. Both the public and the critics generally had positive responses to Hadid’s offerings; in fact, they often drew rave reviews. Her critics, though, deemed her structures too grand, too expensive, and too dismissive of ecological concerns. She made no apologies for any of it. Her focus was her art.

In what would be the last years of her life, Hadid’s accumulation of achievements picked up speed, a seemingly impossible feat considering her long list of 192 | J U LY/AUGUST 2016

This page (top): The London Aquatics Centre at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, was inspired by the fluidity of moving water and the River Thames outside. Photo by Ron Ellis / Shutterstock This page (bottom): Interior of the Museum of XXI Century Arts (the MAXXI) in Rome, Italy. Photo by Maxim Apryatin / Shutterstock Opposite page: The state-of-the-art Guangzhou Opera House lights up in Guangzhou, China, along the Pearl River. Photo by mary416 / Shutterstock

triumphs. In 2010, the Iraqi government finally commissioned her for a project in her homeland: the new headquarters of the Central Bank of Iraq in Baghdad. In the UK, she also received the Stirling Prize, among the most prestigious architecture awards in the United Kingdom, back to back in 2010 and 2011, and in 2012, she was named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. The year 2015 saw the announcement that she had won the RIBA Gold Medal.

Then, in an abrupt end to an astonishing career, while being treated for bronchitis in a Miami hospital, Hadid died on March 31, 2016, at the age of sixty-five.

Her London architectural design firm, Zaha Hadid Architects, remains. Most importantly, her innovative ideas and stunning architectural masterpieces live on as enduring testimonies to a trailblazing virtuosa.

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