Home II 2014

A publication of southbay magazine

OURSOUTHBAY.COM

Twenty-Fourteen

B R I A N K I N G S TO N P H OTO G R A P H Y

I N S P I R E D BY T I M E DESIGNED FOR LIFE

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1584 Via Zurita, Palos Verdes Estates Outstanding architectural design and quality workmanship throughout. Built on 3 levels with 8,000 sq ft (taped). Oneof-a-kind Tuscan Villa with 5 bdrm/9ba provides a spacious master suite with luxurious bath and dream closet, unique wine room with a fabulous viewing tower, maid’s quarters, huge family room with fantastic views, and gourmet chef’s kitchen. Escape to the lower level to be entertained with a fully wired theater, gym, pool & indoor spa. The backyard enjoys an outdoor fire pit, sitting area, outdoor kitchen, and large grassy area, home is fully fenced and gated. A true masterpiece in architecture design!

$7,190,000

www.TuscanVillaPVE.com

Lis New tin g

8 Ringbit Road, Rolling Hills Perched high on the hill on 1.2 acres in the prestigious Rolling Hills gated community. 5 bdrm + office & 6 ba home boasting an expansive master suite with wonderful views, spacious walk-in closet, large shower/jacuzzi tub and fireplace! Bright and sunny with 4,633 sq ft of living space plus a barn that is currently being used as a workshop/hobby room. Single level, great open floor plan, fantastic gourmet kitchen, high ceilings, multiple skylights, 4 fireplaces and beautiful custom cabinetry and built-ins throughout. Enjoy miles of private horse trails with the security of a 24-hr guard-gated entry. Panoramic ocean/Catalina/coastline/ sunset views from all major rooms. Redesigned and renovated in 1993, great opportunity to make it your dream home.

Lis New tin g

Representing Palos Verdes’ Finest Homes & Estates for over 32 years!

1457 Via Asturias, Palos Verdes Estates Be prepared to be awed by this 4 bdrm/5ba modern contemporary home designed by the award winning architect Kirk Shimazu.

Huge corner lot of 18,219 sq ft with a 5-car garage. This home features floor-to-ceiling glass, an indoor Zen garden and 3 of the 4 bdrms are suites. Spacious and airy with soaring ceilings and free-flowing open floor plan with 6,051 sq ft. The gourmet kitchen features a walk-in pantry and chef’s private cooking area that offers stainless steel Viking appliances throughout. Luxurious master suite with fireplace and separate his & her baths and walk-in closets. Sparkling pool/spa and an oversized gazebo make the backyard perfect for entertaining. Spectacular views of the ocean all the way to Malibu with picture-perfect sunsets.

$4,100,000

www.1457ViaAsturias.com

961 Via Del Monte, Palos Verdes Estates This 5 bdrm, 5 bath, 6,270 sq ft estate is situated on a 14,750 sq ft lot. The formal dining room, living room & family room enjoy gorgeous ocean/coastline views. Master suite features a fireplace, sitting area, wlk-in closets & spacious bath. The lower level is an entertainer’s dream come true!

Equipped with a dance floor, full wet bar, and lounge areas, or a possible theater or game room. Other features include: vaulted ceilings in all major rooms, stain glass skylights, gym, sauna, swimming pool, spa & gazebo. New roof has just been installed. Great value! Lease may be considered.

$3,599,000

$3,499,000

32410 Nautilus Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes

1547 Via Coronel, Palos Verdes Estates

Mediterranean dream home! Standing 3 stories with 6,327 sq ft. Excellent floor plan, 8 bdrm, 6 ba + 3 powder rooms and 3-car garage. Flexible guest quarter, private office/study, and a fantastic family room overlooking the pool and open to the gourmet kitchen. High ceilings in all major living areas and boasting fantastic views of the ocean, Catalina Island, golf course and palm trees.

Situated in a quiet cul de sac with only a few homes.

California resort style living at its best with pool and spa!

Elegant 6 bdrm/5 ba estate on lovely spacious grounds extending to the bottom of the canyon with fruit trees.

With soaring ceilings, warm woods, French doors and windows throughout. Two family rooms, one up, one down (with its own kitchenette); formal dining, gourmet kitchen with huge center island and breakfast nook; unusually large master suite with his and her walk-in closets. Beautiful ocean/sunset views from the multiple decks outdoors.

$3,299,000

$2,899,000

www.8RingbitRoad.com

www.32410Nautilus.com

www.961ViadelMontePVE.com

www.1547ViaCoronel.com

916 Via del Monte, Palos Verdes Estates

28973 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rancho Palos Verdes

City and ocean views. 4,443 sq ft 4 bedrooms / 4 baths.

Updated kitchen with two cook tops, one electric and one gas. Separate family room downstairs with fireplace.

Lovely open floor plan with unobstructed views from the living and dining room. Multiple balconies, huge backyard and pool/spa. Street-to-street lot that stretches over 17,000 sq ft.

Privately gated 4 bdrm/4 ba single level home, boasting approx. 4,500 sq ft of living space – per seller. Spacious Chef’s kitchen has a large center island, built-in Sub-Zero refrigerator, dual fueled 60 inch Wolf range w/ 6-burner, griddle & grill. Family room and dining area are with wet bar, fireplace & wine refrigerator. Master retreat includes fireplace, large walk-in closet & French doors that lead outside where the spa flows into the large self-cleaning salt water pool with gorgeous views!

$2,550,000

www.916ViadelMonte.com

$2,250,000

www.28973PalosVerdesDriveEast.com

11 Empty Saddle Road, Rolling Hills Estates

35 Empty Saddle Lane, Rolling Hills Estates

Situated in the prime Rolling Hills Estates area. 4 bdrm/ 4 ba on a flat usable lot with 3,821 sq ft. of living space.

Hardwood floors throughout, crown molding, skylights, recessed lighting and a tastefully remodeled kitchen with top of the line appliances. Sun drenched master suite provides a customized walk-in closet, fireplace and a large bath with jacuzzi tub and dual shower. Enjoy the very private backyard with lush green trees, grassy yard, large slate patio, jacuzzi and access to the shared swimming pool. Great family home!

5 bdrm/4 ba home with country charm situated at the end of a prestigious, quiet, tree lined cul-de-sac in the Empty Saddle area. Updated kitchen with granite and marble counter tops, vaulted and coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, gem-like skylights, French doors, private patio, game/theater room, and a large viewing deck. Spacious Mother-in-law/guest quarters. Great horse property adjoin to the trail in the backyard. Surrounded by mature trees and the tranquil sights and sounds of nature.

$2,198,000

www.35EmptySaddle.com

www.11EmptySaddle.com

$1,499,000

LILY I LIANG www.lilyliang.com

Direct: (310) 373-3333 lily@lilyliang.com DRE # 00837794

THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN REAL ESTATE | edlerderenzis.com

Darin DeRenzis 310.418.6210

CalBRE# 01760239

Rick Edler 310.872.4333 CalBRE# 01113145

Kitty Edler 310.283.8790 CalBRE# 00800837

Jared Sayers

Darren Elms

Publisher

Angela Akers

Editoral Director

Creative Director

Editorial Designers / Ajay Peckham, Elena Lacey Copy Editor / Laura Watts CONTRIBUTORS

Diane E. Barber, Siri Berting, Peter Campbell, Grey Crawford, Suzanna Cullen Hamilton, Shane O’Donnell, Kate Lester, Stefan Slater, Michael Neveux, Lauren Pressey

Advertising ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Jeannie Bolio / 310-403-3035 / jeannie@moontidemedia.com Erika Carrion / 310-897-2424 / erika@moontidemedia.com Debby Goss / 310-424-237-4757 / debby@moontidemedia.com Derek Poole / 310-266-3846 / derek@moontidemedia.com

MARKETING & OPERATIONS Vice President Branded Media / Emily Stewart Director of Marketing / Cherice Tatum Marketing Manager / Kaleena Cano Operations Manager / Allison Jeackjuntra Business and Financial Consultant / Karina Aguiar

Charles C. Koones Managing Partner

Todd Klawin Managing Partner

No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Moon Tide Media, LLC. Any and all submissions to this or any Moon Tide Media, LLC publication become the property of Moon Tide Media, LLC and may be used in any media. We reserve the right to edit.

TO OUR READERS Southbay HOME Magazine welcomes your feedback and reaction to our magazine and stories. Please send your letters to: Reader Response Department, Southbay HOME Magazine, PO Box 3760, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Please include your name and address and email address in case we need to contact you. Letters may be published. We reserve the right to edit.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe by email: info@moontidemedia.com or phone: 310-376-7800.

Subscriptions are $29 per year. Single copies are available at newsstands and other magazine outlets throughout the Los Angeles area.

58 11th Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 Tel 310-376-7800 • Fax 310-376-0200 moontidemedia.com / oursouthbay.com

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P re m i e r h o m e s f ro m Pa l o s Ve rd e s t o M a n hat ta n B e ac h

C h ri s A d l a m 310.493.7216

DRE #00967574 /oursouthbay

oursouthbay.com

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HOME

HOME

EDITOR’S LETTER

CONTRIBUTORS

Siri & Jeff Berting PHOTOGRAPHERS Stefan Slater WRITER

Upward Momentum Perhaps it’s the current real estate climate or the popularity of style-friendly apps like Pinterest, One Kings Lane and Houzz, but there’s definitely a renewed and feverish buzz growing around home building and design.

Could the worst of the recession be behind us? Time will tell, but the news of home improvement and makeover momentum couldn’t be more welcome, especially here in the South Bay. Many talented architects, designers and builders continue to grow formidable businesses with wide appeal. People are spending money on their homes, and that’s great for local business.

This issue we celebrate six South Bay homes, all with a distinct style and point of view. Individually, you can see how the collaboration between expert and owner flourished to achieve its final result. As a group, they reveal the architectural diversity of our neighborhoods and lifestyles. While some take cues from the past with traditional or romantic approaches, others take a sharply modern direction and play on new trends or cultural inspirations. No matter your preference, the sum reflects the South Bay’s eclectic taste.

In this issue we introduce a page called “Artisan,” each profiling a handmade home product and its skilled craftsman or woman. Some of these creators are based here in the South Bay, and others are from different parts of the Western U.S.—but all showcase innovative approaches to art, furniture and lighting design. We’re excited to share their products with you.

As always, our pages feature a wide selection of local architects, interior designers, builders, contractors, stylish décor and more. Be sure to check out our Design Showcase beginning on page 109 as you prepare to take on your next home project.

– Darren Elms, Editor What’s your design style? Share your home at letters@moontidemedia.com.

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Stefan is a freelance writer. He’s covered sports, chiefly surfing, and various cultural events for several magazines, including Angeleno, Huck and Surfer. He graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2010 with a degree in humanities.

With more than 20 years collective experience in art direction and photography, Siri and Jeff have been making imagery for quite a while, half of that time as husband and wife. Sharing a brain and a love for photography is what drives them to create compelling images.

Life is a journey and they are enjoying the ride together.

Suzanna Cullen Hamilton WRITER Suzanna is a writer and regular contributor to regional and national publications and websites featuring articles on lifestyle, entertainment, architecture, interior design, the arts and the environment. She is a former business owner with sales to a high net worth clientele, and she currently resides in Los Angeles.

Laura Watts COPY EDITOR As a writer and editor for the past two decades, Laura Watts knows the power of words. She has been the copy editor for Moon Tide Media, including Southbay HOME magazine, for the past four years, and she edits the magazine’s design showcases. She shares her love of the written word with her 7-year-old son, with whom she’s enjoying the journey of at-home public virtual school.

Lauren Pressey PHOTOGRAPHER Lauren has been photographing South Bay children and their families since 2006. She strives to capture her subjects honestly and artfully and loves the Southern California landscape she gets to work with. A resident of Hermosa Beach and mother of two, she can often be found traveling with camera in hand, documenting the craziness that is her little family.

Diane E. Barber WRITER Diane is a South Baybased lifestyle journalist, interior designer, equestrian and animal lover. Her writing is inspired by her passion for celebrating incredible people, animals and the arts. She is a construction design expert, and when not creating new living spaces or crafting new stories, she is immersed in her beloved horse world.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

38 | STYLE & SUBSTANCE

72 | STEPPING UP

53 | EASTERN EXPOSURE

86 | RANCH REVIVAL

64 | SALVAGE LOVE

94 | FRONT & CENTER

FEATURES

Authenticity and attention to detail bring a fresh approach to beach living.

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Balinese materials and handcrafted elements create a spa-like environment in Hermosa.

A Hermosa couple builds a new home reflecting environmental consciousness and a love of travel. southbay HOME II 2014

A Manhattan Beach couple takes on a new house, twins and community involvement during a whirlwind year.

With style and purpose, a Palos Verdes family stages a barn revival like no other.

A Redondo Beach couple with benevolent ties to the community builds a dream home to accommodate extended family.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING

HOME

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Charles Spenler, MD, FACS • Michael Newman, MD, FACS • Lisa Jewell, MD, FACS

HOME

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE… 35 | FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Cottage Cool 37 | ANATOMY LESSON

Benjamin Klebba 48 | SHADES OF THE SOUTH BAY

Colorful Cove 50 | ILLUMINATING NATURE

Seth Parks 62 | ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR

Naturally inspired dining room 70 | HIVE MENTALITY

Aurelie Tu 81 | HIDE & SEEK

Garza Marfa 82 | PURE ENERGY

South Bay goes solar 92 | SHAPE-SHIFTER

Jeff Berting 100 | WATER WORKS

Outdoor spa furnishings 102 | PARADISE NOW

Casa Aramara in Punta Mita And…

ON THE COVER

Stamm residence, Photographed by Siri Berting

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southbay HOME II 2014

PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL NEVEUX (TOP) AND LAUREN PRESSEY (BOTTOM)

109 DESIGN SHOWCASE The South Bay’s top home professionals

S PORTS & S PINE ORTHOPAEDICS

Peter S. Borden, MD SHOULDER, KNEE AND ANKLE SPORTS MEDICINE SPECIALIST

Chris F. Wolf, MD

CERVICAL, THORACIC AND LUMBAR SPINE SPECIALIST

NEW OFFICE OPENED!

in Manhattan Beach /El Segundo

Allyson A. Estess, MD SHOULDER, KNEE, AND HIP SPORTS MEDICINE SPECIALIST

sportsandspineortho.com 2361 Rosecrans Ave., Suite #165, El Segundo | 310-775-2331 23456 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite #200, Torrance | 310-375-8700

The Perfect Family Retreat

!

409 South Irena Avenue

Redondo Beach, California

$1,799,000

Single Family home with 6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, in over 4,400 sq. ft. of living space on large lot of over 7,500 sq. ft. Close to beaches, restaurants, shopping, Marina and some of the best public schools in California. One bedroom suite on main level; 5 bedrooms on 2nd level. Huge family room with formal living room & dining room. Chef’s kitchen opens to family room and back yard patio. Detached 3 car garage. Central A/C. Fantastic family neighborhood that continues to appreciate.

John Capellaro

Coldwell Banker Previews International CA BRE#01842507

310-463-4100

JCap@ColdwellBanker.com

409SIrena.com

©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International® and the Coldwell Banker Previews International Logo, are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

HOME

DOOR COLOR Tranquil Blue

by Benjamin Moore in Manhattan Beach, benjaminmoore.com

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

COTTAGE COOL TROY LIGHTING WALL SCONCE $399 Lightopia in Manhattan Beach, lightopiaonline.com

Though summer has faded into memory, you can still enjoy a fresh, coastal vibe all year long.

Kate Lester of Kate Lester Interiors splashes the patio of a local cottage with a beachy blend of soothing blues and warm natural textures.

One-of-a-kind VINTAGE FABRIC PILLOWS, $130–$245 Gum Tree in Hermosa Beach, gumtreela.com

CUSTOM-MADE BENCH inquire for price Kate Lester Interiors, katelesterinteriors.com

CROSBY SMALL WOOD LANTERN $69.95 Crate & Barrel in Torrance, crateandbarrel.com

BASILE PLANTER $99–$159 Pottery Barn in Rolling Hills, potterybarn.com

For more on Kate, visit her portfolio online at katelesterinteriors.com.

/oursouthbay

BASKET-WEAVE JUTE RUG $19.99–$369.99 World Market in El Segundo, worldmarket.com

oursouthbay.com

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HOME

ARTISAN

ANATOMY LESSON

Don’t be fooled by the name. Though the Peninsula Chair would look handsome in any Palos Verdes home, the piece hails from our northern neighbor Oregon. Before he landed in Portland and opened Phloem Studio, designer Benjamin Klebba learned his trade back home in the Midwest, inspired by his father, who taught construction trades at an industrial arts center for 20 years.

Phloem, pronounced [floh-em], is the vascular structure in plants that provides nutrients through photosynthesis. Benjamin similarly breathes life into his furniture, emphasizing natural materials and traditional joinery.

Co-designed with Matt Pierce, the Peninsula Chair features domestic hardwoods or ebonized ash and gorgeous leather in earth tones or black. For more, visit phloemstudio.com.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Benjamin Klebba grew up in the Great Lake state of Michigan, across the street from Lake Huron. After spending time in Chicago working first for a luthier building acoustic guitars and then for a custom furniture company, he moved to Oregon and opened Phloem Studio in 2009.

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southbay HOME II 2014

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SUBSTANCE AUTHENTICITY AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL BRING A FRESH APPROACH TO BEACH LIVING. WRITTEN BY SUZANNA CULLEN HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHED BY GREY CRAWFORD AND SIRI BERTING

“WE WANTED A SPACE WHERE WE COULD SIT AND TALK WHILE DANA COOKS WHEN WE’RE ENTERTAINING BUT NOT ACTUALLY BE IN THE KITCHEN. THIS FLOOR PLAN GIVES US A DESIGNATED DINING AREA, FAMILY ROOM, LIBRARY AND PORCH—ALL ON THE TOP FLOOR.”

nspired by Spanish colonial revival architecture, Dana and Michael Leyland created an authentic home on a Manhattan Beach walk street. From the architectural planning to the construction to the interior design and landscaping, the house is a rarity in the South Bay due to the equal attention given to all facets in creating the home.

Though not an architectural style frequently seen in the Beach Cities, Spanish colonial revival architecture is perfectly suited to an ocean-oriented climate. Bright white stucco walls, arches and fountains provide relief from the sun, while colorful tiles and wood beams echo the palate of the natural environment.

Working with architect Louie Tomaro and builder Dave Baldwin, Michael and Dana spent three years creating and building the home. “I purchased the original 1948 beach cottage many years ago, but after Dana and I married, we decided to tear it down and build the home of our dreams,” says Michael.

The stark white stucco exterior with hand-painted tiled stairs leading to the massive wood front door sets the Spanish colonial tone of the house. An octagonal-shaped, tile-inlaid foyer floor with a wrought iron dragon chandelier greets visitors, while sweeping curved staircases with more hand-painted tiles connect the three-storied home both literally and decoratively.

A water feature in an interior courtyard is a common feature of Spanish colonial revival architecture, and it creates a special focal point in the Leyland home. Situated on the top floor of the main living area, a small fountain sends cascades of water rippling over the richly colored plants that surround it. From the moment one stands inside the tiled interior and hears the water, it is evident that this is a carefully considered home.

Like most beachside houses in the South Bay, the living area is on the top floor of the house to take advantage of ocean breezes and views. However, the Leyland home elevates the ubiquitous open-concept top floor plan—where typically all of the dirty dishes, television and toys are visible in one big room—to a far more sophisticated plan.

Because the lot was sloped, it was a natural progression to install a step between each area, thereby creating designated spaces yet retaining the open floor plan. This combination of ingenuity and building practicality resulted in a far more civilized floor plan.

“We wanted a space where we could sit and talk while Dana cooks when we’re entertaining but not actually be in the kitchen,” says Michael. “This floor plan gives us a designated dining area, family room, library and porch—all on the top floor.”

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southbay HOME II 2014

Dana holds a degree in horticulture, and her passions include cultivating new plants, cooking and wine. A goal of the architecture was to successfully incorporate areas throughout the house to accommodate all of these interests.

Multiple porches provide an opportunity for different types of plants that need various environments of sun and shade. The top floor balcony provides an area where home-cultivated herbs are just steps away from the chef’s kitchen, while porches on each of the lower floors provide space for flowers.

Designer Phil Norman worked with Dana and Michael to create interiors that are as layered and complete as the house itself. The rooms are methodically designed to be highlyfunctional, comfortable and authentic to the architectural style.

Oriental rugs, kilims, ikat fabrics, heavyweight linens, warm woods and a soft palate of muted colors meld throughout the house, lending a feeling of validity and purpose. “We wanted a warm, cozy feeling instead of a house that was simply furnished and staged,” says Dana. All of the rooms relate, but there are subtle differences that convey a high level of attention to detail.

Meticulous attention to elements such as coffered ceilings, herringbone tile, river rock and copper have been carefully considered and incorporated into each space. In total, the interior finishes convey as much significance as the architecture so that the entire presentation of the house is one of significance.

“Phil made this process seamless for us, because even though we had selected everything, when we walked in for the first time it was superb. Even the beds were made,” says Dana.

The impact of that first visit to their home was galvanizing for them. “It was perfect from the first moment we entered,” says Michael.

Accommodating Dana’s requests for a chef’s kitchen and places for her plantings was an easy task compared to Michael’s one request in the Spanish colonial style house: an Irish pub. After much deliberation and design iterations, the space started to finally come together.

“I wanted an Irish pub, but now I have an Irish cantina,” laughs Michael. Herringbone fabrics and Scottish plaids cover the furnishings, while a sweeping bar, wine cellar and fireplace add architectural weight to the space.

Exiting the house, there is one painting that, while not Spanish colonial, is immediately recognizable. The Lone Cypress at Pebble Beach anchors one stark white wall. “It’s where Michael proposed,” says Dana.

From the site of an original beach home to a significantly constructed new home to the famed tree in Northern California, the Leyland home is one of substance and historical reference.

“PHIL MADE THIS PROCESS SEAMLESS FOR US, BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH WE HAD SELECTED EVERYTHING, WHEN WE WALKED IN FOR THE FIRST TIME IT WAS SUPERB. EVEN THE BEDS WERE MADE.”

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“I PURCHASED THE ORIGINAL 1948 BEACH COTTAGE MANY YEARS AGO, BUT AFTER DANA AND I MARRIED, WE DECIDED TO TEAR IT DOWN AND BUILD THE HOME OF OUR DREAMS.” [ THE COLLABORATORS ] LOUIE TOMARO, ARCHITECT | DAVID BALDWIN, BUILDER | PHIL NORMAN, DESIGNER

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Thorough analysis.

Practical advice.

Outstanding service.

“We are business people who happen to be lawyers.”

DOWNTOWN EXPERTISE. SOUTH BAY CONVENIENCE. General Business & Corporate Law Litigation—Business and Civil Litigation—Employment Employment & Labor Law

Carico Johnson Toomey LLP 841 Apollo Street, Suite 450 El Segundo, CA 90245 (310) 545-0010

w w w. c j t l l p . c o m

HOME

SHADES OF THE SOUTH BAY

COLORFUL COVE

All these Dunn-Edwards paint colors are available at Dunn-Edwards Paints in Torrance. 310-378-0740, dunnedwards.com

The tide pools of Abalone Cove inspire an earthy, autumnal palette with unexpected shades of amethyst, coral and sea green.

Deep Coral

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Seaweed

Exotic Evening

Pebble Walk

Where we live, quality is a universal language.

Innovation Intelligence Integrity Real Estate Reinvented

Rick Bender REALTOR ®

Senior Vice President Serving Discriminating Clients in the South Bay and on the Westside RB@LAdesign.com 916 Manhattan Avenue Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 CA BRE #01461798

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310.306.7600

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ABOUT THE ARTIST: Seth Parks fostered his love of nature growing up on a tree farm in Maine. Following high school, he discovered the art of glassblowing and opened his first studio in 2004. Before migrating to the South Bay, he also learned from some of the best in his craft, including Italian maestros Elio Quarisa and Cesare Toffolo.

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ILLUMINATING NATURE South Bay-based Seth Parks developed his love for art at a very young age but found his true passion in the crafting of blown glass. His works elegantly interpret everything from a sea anemone to a blooming flower.

“I get much of my inspiration from nature,” shares the artist.

“I feel like I’m giving birth to new life when I create glass.

My goal is to create abstract natural forms that will inspire, excite and soothe the minds of admirers.”

The Bella Fiore Chandelier 133 pictured below is handblown and hung by a suspension cable. The piece retails for $5,250.

To view all of Seth’s elaborate glasswork, visit him at sethparksglass.com or stop by Lightopia in Manhattan Beach, lightopiaonline.com.

NW REAL ESTATE BROKERS, INC.

WWW.NWREBROKERS.COM | 310.546.3468

Selling the South Bay Since 1979

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | INCOME PROPERTY SALES | LEASING | DEVELOPMENT Photos by Merrilyn

DO YOU OWN A PIECE OF THE SOUTHBAY?

CHAD HEITZLER FAHLBUSCH | Proven Marketing Plans that sold

50 Luxury homes in last 18 months

| Top 1% of all Realtors in Los Angeles County | Luxury Home Listing Specialist | Selling Homes from Manhattan Beach to Palos Verdes 310.600.3555 chad@southbaychad.com www.SouthBayChad.com

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BALINESE MATERIALS AND HANDCRAFTED ELEMENTS CREATE A SPA-LIKE ENVIRONMENT IN HERMOSA. WRITTEN BY SUZANNA CULLEN HAMILTON | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING

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LIKE MOST HOMES OF THE BEACH CITIES, THE UPSTAIRS OF THE HOUSE IS THE MAIN LIVING AREA. JENNY AND MICHAEL CREATED A MASSIVE, OPEN LIVING AREA COMPLETE WITH A GOURMET KITCHEN, LIVING AND DINING SPACES.

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“WE FLEW TO BALI AND WORKED WITH AN AGENT WHO DIRECTED US TO VARIOUS CRAFTSMEN AND ARTISTS, THEN HELPED US SHIP THE CONTAINER BACK. AND IN A MATTER OF WEEKS WE HAD HANDCRAFTED PIECES FOR OUR HOME.”

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ravel can have such a profound impact on people that it ultimately influences the aesthetics and decoration of their homes. In the case of Jenny and Michael Gregoire, travel throughout the Indian Ocean islands inspired them to create a home from the materials and styles of that region.

After purchasing their Hermosa Beach home in 2001, Jenny and Michael lived in the beach cottage while contemplating how they might one day renovate the house. Realizing that the large lot afforded amazing views from Palos Verdes to Point Mugu, they ultimately decided to tear down the original house and build the house of their dreams.

When Jenny and Michael went on vacation to Maui, they stayed in a home that had been furnished with furniture and fixtures from Bali. Also on that trip, they visited an art market where they fell in love with the work of Hawaiian ceramic artist Albert Molina. His bowls and sinks combine the colors of the ocean with metallic glazes for an organic effect.

Falling in love with a beautiful sink by Molina, Jenny and Michael brought it back from Hawaii. “As crazy as it sounds, the genesis of this house was a sink, and it made us realize that we wanted to shift from a formal, tight, Cape Cod-style home to a more natural and organically inspired house,” says Jenny.

Working with architect Doug Leach and contractor LuAnn Fabian, Jenny and Michael created a home with large, open spaces reminiscent of the homes on many of the islands they’ve visited. Like the plantation style homes of Hawaii and the Caribbean, the house features soaring ceilings, Bahamian-inspired shuttered windows, and wood and stone floors that are all well-suited to keeping a house cool while maximizing trade winds.

Taking the ultimate challenge, Jenny and Michael flew to Bali to procure many of the architectural and design features of the home. From the massive teak doors to the stone floors to the bathroom cabinets and master bed frame, the couple picked out most of the aesthetic features of the home.

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“We flew to Bali and worked with an agent who directed us to various craftsmen and artists, then helped us ship the container back. And in a matter of weeks we had handcrafted pieces for our home,” says Michael.

While Jenny and Michael make it sound easy, traveling to Bali is a series of exhausting flights. Once there, procuring elements for a home can be a frenetic search. “LuAnn was great to work with us, because it was a huge leap of faith that these products would all work,” says Jenny.

Indonesian river stone is used throughout the house.

From the bathrooms to the front entrance, the smooth round stones create a spa-like floor. The custom-built Balinese cabinets in the bathrooms are elegant in both their simplicity and the beautiful teak wood used. Even the master bathroom tub was shipped from Bali.

Like most homes of the Beach Cities, the upstairs of the house is the main living area. Jenny and Michael created a massive, open living area complete with a gourmet kitchen, living and dining spaces.

Because their previous home was a bungalow, Jenny and Michael were thrilled when they finally saw the view their newly constructed second-floor porch afforded them. Sweeping views from one end of the South Bay to the other greet them from the massive outdoor living area.

“LuAnn and Doug did a tremendous job guiding us, but we added one final design element after the house was finished,” says Michael. In an act that could either be defined as intense therapy or grounds for divorce, they spent five long weekends creating custom, inlaid acacia wood inserts in the cased openings.

Having purchased hundreds of pieces of round-cut acacia wood pieces, the couple pieced them together like a jigsaw puzzle onto wood slabs and then mounted the slabs into the cased openings for a remarkable architectural design element. Any home that is designed and built by the homeowners has a uniquely personal stamp. However, by physically creating the acacia wood insert panels, the Gregoire home was, in part, actually built by Jenny and Michael.

From traveling in Indonesia to actually re-creating the time-honored, handcrafted products of the area, Jenny and Michael have truly created the home of island dreams.

[ THE COLLABORATORS ] DOUG LEACH, ARCHITECT | LUANN FABIAN, CONTRACTOR

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“AS CRAZY AS IT SOUNDS, THE GENESIS OF THIS HOUSE WAS A SINK, AND IT MADE US REALIZE THAT WE WANTED TO SHIFT FROM A FORMAL, TIGHT, CAPE COD-STYLE HOME TO A MORE NATURAL AND ORGANICALLY INSPIRED HOME.”

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FROM TRAVELING IN INDONESIA TO ACTUALLY RE-CREATING THE TIME-HONORED, HANDCRAFTED PRODUCTS OF THE AREA, JENNY AND MICHAEL HAVE TRULY CREATED THE HOME OF ISLAND DREAMS. 60

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HOME

SEASONAL FINDS

Elementary, My Dear EARTH TONES, MIXED METALS AND MOTHER NATURE COME TOGETHER FOR THE PERFECT SEASONAL DINING SPACE. Clockwise from top left: Old Dutch copper Moscow mule mugs, $39.95 each, The Catalina Cooking Store in Redondo, catalinacooking.com. Equine diagram print (set of 2), $1,250, Williams-Sonoma in Manhattan Beach or Rolling Hills, williams-sonoma.com. Dome pendant by Allied Maker, $575, shop.workof.com. Spirit decanter, $44.95, Williams-Sonoma in Manhattan Beach or Rolling Hills, williams-sonoma. com. Kerala jute braided area rug, $300, hayneedle.com.

Gold-dipped flatware, $38, Anthropologie in El Segundo, anthropologie.com. Thomas dining table, $2,780, Maison Luxe in Hermosa Beach, maisonluxehome.com. Curved leather chair (set of 4), $1,196, West Elm, westelm.com.

Parchment hemstitch napkin (set of 4), $15.96, World Market in El Segundo, worldmarket.com. Vintage wood charger, $24, Pottery Barn in Rolling Hills, potterybarn.com

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MANHATTAN BEACH LIVING AT ITS FINEST

Ocean views. Quiet beaches. A small-town feel.

Top-tier public schools. Luxurious residences.

These are just some of the reasons that more people choose to live in Manhattan Beach today.

Dave Fratello has represented more Manhattan Beach buyers in the past 2 years than any other agent.

(Based on MLS-reported sales, April 2012-April 2014.)

Ask Dave to help you achieve your Manhattan Beach dreams!

DAVE FRATELLO

310-243-6299 | df90266@gmail.com

BRE #: 01880469

For the Best Manhattan Beach Real Estate Listings and Updated Information, see: MBCONFIDENTIAL.COM

SALVAGE LOVE

A HERMOSA COUPLE BUILDS A NEW HOME REFLECTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND A LOVE OF TRAVEL. WRITTEN BY SUZANNA CULLEN HAMILTON | PHOTOGRAPHED BY SIRI BERTING

fter living in their Hermosa Beach bungalow for almost 10 years, Deanna Stamm and Brian Pettigrew decided that, with the birth of their second child, they had to have more space. “At first we thought we’d just add a second story, but the more we explored what it entailed, the more we thought we should just start over,” says Deanna.

Hiring Michael Lee as their architect, Deanna and Brian made the decision to tear down their bungalow and build a new contemporary home on the land.

“Michael was very thorough about the project and the details from the beginning, and we were adamant about having a budget,” says Brian.

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That combination of an architect’s clear design scheme and a client’s resolve to stay on budget resulted in a fairly fast design and build project. Kim Komick of KKC Fine Homes executed the build “in a little over a year,” says Deanna.

It was also very important to Deanna and Brian to stay local in their resources and to recycle and reuse where they could.

Because they had a bungalow-style house and were building a contemporary house, they could only reuse certain elements that would translate into the completely different aesthetic.

“We sent a lot of windows, doors and lighting to Habitat for Humanity,” says Brian.

The house has three floors as a result of successfully using the slope of the land. Stepping down into the lower level, concrete floors make the outside-to-inside transition easy to keep clean. With the entire floor devoted to the children’s bedrooms, playroom, bathroom and laundry room, it’s a contained environment for playing and creating.

“At first Michael wasn’t thrilled with our idea of reusing the old kitchen cabinets in the laundry room, but we just couldn’t justify throwing out cabinets that were perfectly good, for design aesthetics,” says Deanna. That practical viewpoint prevailed throughout the house as the growing family contemplated smart choices both for their lifestyle and for the environment.

Deanna and Brian’s travels in Africa influenced not only their concern for the environment but also their overall design aesthetics. Large plate-glass windows provide expansive views while dark, wide-plank floors remind them of the floors found in many African homes.

The master bathroom is designed to replicate many of the features of their favorite African locales. The walk-in shower, dark slate-like heated tile floors and large enclosed bathtub remind them of their travels.

[ THE COLLABORATORS ] MICHAEL LEE, ARCHITECT | KIM KOMICK, KCC FINE HOMES, BUILDER

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“FIRST WE THOUGHT WE’D JUST ADD A SECOND STORY, BUT THE MORE WE EXPLORED, THE MORE WE THOUGHT WE SHOULD JUST START OVER.” The top floor contains the living, dining and kitchen areas as well as an office that can be converted to a guest bedroom. The same porcelain tiles were used throughout several areas of the house as a way to conserve materials. The charcoal-colored kitchen cabinets were another departure from most South Bay homes, but they create a seamless transition from the hardwood floors to carry the eye up visually.

Like most South Bay homes, the large doors slide open to create one huge indoor and outdoor living space. With a patio that runs the length of the house, the space can easily accommodate a crowd for entertaining.

“We’ve made conscious choices about the materials in this house as well as creating an interior that reflects our love for travel, so we intend to continue to furnish the house as we go on various adventures,” says Deanna. A painting from the Caribbean is due to arrive soon, and it will join their collection hanging near a chandelier made from recycled wine barrels.

A desire to experience various cultures and locales has brought Deanna and Brian to a place of appreciating their local community. While supporting local businesses and recycling to preserve the environment, their home will continue to reflect their love of the world at large.

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ARTISAN

HIVE MENTALITY Started as an experiment with technology, design and handwork, CraftedSystems produces art using specially-cut felt pieces with an eye toward community building. Working in collaboration with the YWCA women’s shelter and p:ear, an organization for homeless youth, artisans learn to skillfully weave eco-wool felt pieces to create wall art, vessels and more. These beautiful, tangible and often therapeutic pieces have been coined “healing handwork,” providing income to people in challenging circumstances. Find this original artwork at Room & Board, roomandboard.com.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Portland, Oregon-based Aurelie Tu is an industrial designer by trade and designs products such as laptops, TVs and digital sports watches. While she enjoys the work, she also appreciates working with tactile and natural materials. She founded CraftedSystems in 2010.

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Stepping A MANHATTAN BEACH COUPLE TAKES ON A NEW HOUSE, TWINS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT DURING A WHIRLWIND YEAR. WRITTEN BY SUZANNA CULLEN HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAUREN PRESSEY

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hen Jonathan Levey and Melanie Barr-Levey decided to put down roots and build a home, they picked Manhattan Beach for its small-town vibe. “It has a real family feeling to it, and we love that we can walk to the beach and restaurants,” says Melanie.

At the time, they had no idea how many life changes would occur in the following 12 months and how important it would be to them to have found such a family-friendly place.

Jonathan has a lot of experience in the real estate market, so he recognized that the original house on the deep lot in Manhattan Beach was a good buy. Working with Bobby Rees as the architect and John Stone as the builder, Jonathan and Melanie worked through the design process together.

“We made a list of things we really wanted in a house, while we took the deep lot into consideration for building purposes,” says Melanie.

Taking the time to explore various architectural styles of the area, Jonathan and Melanie spent days looking at houses in the South Bay. “We were really torn between the Mediterranean and Cape Cod styles,” says Jonathan.

However, when they happened upon a soft, light blue-grey, shingled house in the tree section of Manhattan Beach, they both knew that was the style of house they wanted. “We didn’t want a really dark grey shingle that’s more historically referenced like the homes on Nantucket. This shingle felt light and contemporary,” says Melanie.

That leisurely process was soon expedited when Melanie found out she was pregnant with twins. All of a sudden, they were thrown into the midst of building a home and having two children in the same year. With that realization, they started making firm decisions about what was really important in their new home. “We had certain architectural elements that we wanted to incorporate, such as the soft arches and trey ceilings,” says Melanie.

The couple also had to make an important decision about whether to build a two-story home with high ceilings or a three-story home with more traditional-height ceilings. “I’m tall, and it just felt better to have higher ceilings. So we went with two stories and put a lot of effort into finding great lighting for the spaces,” says Jonathan.

Melanie brought in interior designer Caroline Burke to help with furnishing the house. “I wanted a soft palette throughout the house, so we used various shades of grey both inside and out,” says Melanie.

While the house feels like a contemporary Cape Cod-influenced home, there are playful elements throughout. The downstairs powder room has bold wallpaper and an ornate mirror for a more feminine, fun feeling. An oversized capiz shell chandelier anchors the dining room, while a traditional-shaped urn chandelier is made from blue-green shells in the foyer. The bedrooms and bathrooms continue the palette with Carrara marble and fabrics and paint tones in white, silver and grey.

Both Jonathan and Melanie work from home, so creating two home offices was critical to the design of the house. Melanie, an insurance consultant and president of Barr Insurance Services, is also the cochair for Step Up Women’s Network of Los Angeles. Step Up has made an impactful change across the country for girls and young women in under-resourced areas to achieve their potential.

“We help high school girls become confident, college-bound, career-focused young women through both after-school programs and mentoring,” says Melanie. After three years as chair for the Los Angeles Step Up board, Melanie is proud of the progress they’ve made. “For the past five years, 100% of our seniors have graduated from high school and been accepted to college,” she says.

Not many people can build a house, have twins, run a consulting company and co-chair a valuable community resource program, but Melanie has made the past two years look easy. The house is evolving as the twins grow and Melanie and Jonathan are finally settling into their new home. “I think we’re going to take some time as a family to enjoy the house and our new community, and enjoy the pace of life in the South Bay,” says Jonathan.

Manhattan Beach is as fortunate to have the Levey family involved in the community as the Levey family is to have found such a family-friendly place to call home.

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“IT HAS A REAL FAMILY FEELING TO IT, AND WE LOVE THAT WE CAN WALK TO THE BEACH AND RESTAURANTS.”

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[ THE COLLABORATORS ] BOBBY REES, ARCHITECT | JOHN STONE, BUILDER | CAROLINE BURKE, INTERIOR DESIGNER

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HIDE & SEEK After a few years of living in the high plains desert of the Trans-Pecos in Texas, Jamey and Constance Garza started developing a product line inspired by their new surroundings.

The Saddle Leather collection, which includes a series of chairs, ottomans, a cot and the daybed pictured here, combine the rustic craftsmanship of authentic Western style with a more contemporary approach. The result fuses rich, stitched leathers with streamlined, architectural steel bases.

“We debuted these designs at Heath Ceramics’ Los Angeles location in 2012 and haven’t looked back since,” shares Jamey. You can see the entire line for yourself at garzamarfa.com or at Heath Ceramics in Los Angeles, heathceramics.com. Adorable dog not included.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Jamey and Constance Garza lived on the West Coast for several years before turning their gaze to Texas, where they designed and created the furniture for the renovation of Hotel San Jose in Austin. They finally took the plunge and moved to Marfa in 2003, opening their studio and developing their current product line.

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TECH

PURE ENERGY A MANHATTAN BEACH FAMILY TURNS UP THE SOLAR POWER AND REAPS THE BENEFITS. WRITTEN BY STEFAN SLATER PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL NEVEUX

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im and Lisa Schlager have no regrets when it comes to their decision to install a solar system on the roof of their Manhattan Beach home. “It’s one of the best investments that I’ve ever made,” says Jim, who works locally with Moss Adams, LLP. “For where we are, it makes a lot of sense.”

Jim and his family are one of many households in California who invest in solar. In 2013 state residents invested $7.1 billion to install solar systems for their homes, businesses and utility use, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. That investment represents an 83% increase from 2012, and that overall growth is expected to continue.

Southern California receives a great deal of sunlight throughout the year, making solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) systems an excellent option when it comes to pursuing clean, renewable energy.

“Imagine if you could buy a milking cow that you didn’t have to feed, and it could generate all the milk you need for the rest of your life,” says Ben Lochtenberg, president of Xero Solar in Manhattan Beach. “Buying a solar system is kind of that for electricity.”

Though PV technology has existed nationally since the 1950s, the technology has gradu-

“It’s a great feeling to walk through your house and to know that the sun is powering everything.” ally improved over the last few decades, making the installation, cost and use of solar far simpler, cost-effective and more efficient. The Solar Energy Industries Association notes that national prices for installation of residential and commercial PV systems have dropped 39% from 2010. Furthermore,

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solar has become especially relevant recently, as the state government has continued to encourage the growth of clean, renewable energy in California.

“We have saltwater fish tanks, plus we have kids that seem to leave the lights on all the time,” says Jim. “Our electrical bill is probably higher than a lot of homes.”

Solar systems can certainly help South Bay residents reduce their monthly electric bill, and depending on availability and eligibility, there are also tax credits and rebates available that help with the overall system cost.

In Jim and Lisa’s case, they were looking to cut down on their monthly electric bill while also doing their part to help the environment. (They’re also in the process of getting an electrical car.) After doing some research on local contractors and picking the one that worked best for him, Jim made the decision to purchase a solar system for his home (rather than leasing) and went ahead with the installation.

“We have a flat roof,” says Jim, “which is very conducive to solar.” The total system cost of the project was around $39,000, but Jim qualified for a state rebate of $2,000 and was also eligible for a federal tax credit of 30%.

Currently, Jim is saving roughly $400 a month on his electric bill. “It’s an internal rate of return of over 20% with about a 5½-, six-year breakeven,” says Jim. In addition, the system utilizes something called Net Energy Metering (NEM). This option allows a resident to receive a credit for any surplus electricity that the solar system might supply back to the electric utility grid. This credit can then be applied to the resident’s electric bill to help with the costs that may occur for any energy that’s consumed (say, for instance, when the system isn’t operating because it’s nighttime or cloudy).

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Pleased with his solar so far, Jim notes that there’s little maintenance, and because there are no moving parts, the system can last for years.

Other South Bay residents are also recognizing the potent effectiveness of solar power, albeit in different forms. Sarah Akin is the founder and CEO of Zon Technology, which produces the Powersol™—a system that combines solar technology, an umbrella and a charging station to power a wide range of mobile devices (pictured above).

Two years ago, Sarah was vacationing in Las Vegas. While she was relaxing by the pool, her iPad kept dying. She didn’t have a readily available way to charge her device either, which gave her an idea.

“They’re doing solar on houses and solar for businesses and corporations,” says Sarah.

“So why don’t they have solar on an umbrella when you see everyone around a pool on their mobile devices?”

Together with her co-founders, Cameron Welborn-Wilson and her husband, Robert, Sarah worked to create a device that could solve her particular mobile power dilemma.

She worked with Coupage Design to create the Powersol™: it utilizes a number of solar panels on an umbrella, which charges a hub at user-level. This unit is completely solarpowered, featuring a lithium ion battery and three charging ports.

Sarah notes, “With three mobile phones connected to it, with no sun, [it] will still charge for 16½ hours.”

Currently the device is a business-tobusiness item, with retail being a possibility in the near future. A variety of local businesses, country clubs and schools, such as Loyola Marymount University and Windward School, will have the units available for use in the near future. Furthermore, local South Bay residents will soon be able to test a Powersol™ at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House.

With such a plentiful resource so readily available, it makes sense for South Bay residents to turn to the sun for their energy needs. Jim adds that he takes pride in knowing he’s doing his part to help the environment by relying on clean, renewable energy.

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SOLAR 101 Three important things to consider when pursuing solar for a residence: ELECTRICAL NEEDS: Though pursuing solar for a home is a good option when it comes to promoting sustainable energy, it might not be cost-effective if a homeowner’s energy bill isn’t very high. “If a homeowner is not using much power, then it might not make much sense to put solar up there,” says Ben. ROOF: When installing solar, it’s important that a home’s roof is taken into account.

If the roof is older and might need to be replaced in the next few years, it might be unwise to make the financial commitment to solar at the moment. Furthermore, the duration, cost and complexity of the installation process can vary depending on the roof’s style and age. It’s best to work closely with a contractor or solar consultant to make sure the entire solar installation process is legal, safe and up to code.

AESTHETICS AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Installing solar can be expensive, and it’s important to work with a solar expert to determine if a home’s electrical infrastructure is sound. If the infrastructure is older, it may require upgrading. It’s also important to talk with a contractor or solar consultant on the aesthetics of the unit—to understand where the solar units will be placed and how they will look.

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WITH STYLE AND PURPOSE, A PALOS VERDES FAMILY STAGES A BARN REVIVAL LIKE NO OTHER. WRITTEN BY DIANE E. BARBER PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL NEVEUX

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hirty years ago when equestrian Carole Hoffman and her late husband, radiologist Dr. Richard Hoffman, were living in Rolling Hills with their children, Rex and Heidi, Carole found a neglected, rundown property nearby that she fell in love with.

“I saw the barn, the land and the magnificent view, and I knew that it had great potential. When I showed it to Dick he also loved it, and I felt like the luckiest person in the world. My dream of building my own dressage paradise was about to come true,” says Carole.

The Hoffmans purchased the 1940s-era, ranch-style house and brought Palos Verdes architect George Sweeney and general contractor Rick Marshall of West Construction and Design onboard for the renovation. Unlike most remodeling projects that usually begin with the residence, the Hoffman multi-phase project started with the barn and riding arena—not surprising given that Carole cofounded the Palos Verdes Chapter of the California Dressage Society and was long-listed for the U.S. dressage Olympic team in the ‘80s.

Carole’s great attention to detail coupled with Dick’s admiration for her passion guided the redesign of the large, historic barn and installation of the Olympic-size regulation dressage arena, complete with a sound system, bougainvillea-draped judges box and viewing gazebo. A dirt access road was added, and a stepped pathway was carved into the fruit tree-adorned hillside behind the barn leading to the family residence, which is perched atop the three-acre property.

After the equestrian phase of the project was completed, the transformation of the house began in 1985, with Carole and her design vision at the helm. The original old-English cottage feel was carefully retained when 2,000 square feet of living space was added, ceilings were raised and finished with trussed beams (a hallmark of George Sweeney designs, according to Carole), and skylights were added to wash the home with natural light. The kitchen and the library were remodeled first, followed by the dining room, master suite and family room.

As visitors step through the entryway onto restored original oak floors, they are greeted by an authentic American carousel horse suspended from the ceiling—one of many cherished horse collectibles from Carole and Dick’s travels, artfully displayed in every room.

Other collectibles as notable as the horses are a vast array of clocks and Bavarian furniture, which pay homage to Dick’s medical career

and their life abroad in Germany in the 1960s.

“After completing his radiology residency,” Carole explains, “Dick fulfilled his military obligation in the U.S. Army’s largest European hospital in West Germany, where he created their heart catheterization laboratory. Most of our many antique grandfather and wall clocks are from Heidelberg, Berlin and Wiesbaden, and the wood carved furniture is from Oberammergau, Germany.”

The crisp, blue-and-white barn color scheme was repeated in the kitchen with Walker Zanger tile finds, including an unexpected bold splash of vinyl floor tiles in a checked pattern that added cushiony comfort while visually breaking up the monochromatic alder wood cabinetry. Trompe l’oeil art (“fools the eye”) was whimsically painted by artist Roger Wood onto woodwork and walls to playfully beckon second glances.

Convex glass from a guesthouse in Germany was inserted into kitchen cabinet doors, blending old-world interest with new construction. “It was always an adventure working with Carole. She came up with great ideas, and we built them—such as the brick chimney that disguises the commercial cooktop exhaust hood and designing the library around an antique bar from Germany,” says Rick.

Typical in California architecture and design is bringing the “outside in” to living spaces. Carole considered fabulous views, sunshine and lush gardens with this in mind, but she creatively took it a step further and brought the barn inside too.

One of the faux painted wood walls in their grandson’s room boasts a blue-and-white barn door that duplicates those in the tack room. Rocks from the arena construction were repurposed and used to build the family room fireplace, and a table in the room is made of wood from an old barn fence.

With her adoration for flowers as another design inspiration, Carole blended antiques, collectibles and traditional furnishings while creating a warm and inviting French country decor. “I love flowers and being surrounded by them,” she says.

To complement the Bavarian hand-painted furnishings from Germany, artist Maria Bliss painted floral designs on the dining room floor and family room ceiling beams. Carole also selected Ralph Lauren wallpaper and fabrics that were in keeping with the floral motif for the upholstered furniture and finishing touches.

Still feeling like the luckiest person in the world today, Carole reflects with great pride on the life and the home she and Dick created together for their family. When asked which is her favorite room in the house, she answers with a smile, “The barn, of course.”

[ THE COLLABORATORS ] GEORGE SWEENEY, ARCHITECT | RICK MARSHALL, WEST CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN

OPPOSITE PAGE: THE HOFFMAN HOME IS FILLED WITH ANTIQUES AND TREASURES, MANY CAROLE COLLECTED IN GERMANY WITH HER LATE HUSBAND, DR. RICHARD HOFFMAN, PICTURED TOP LEFT.

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“I SAW THE BARN, THE LAND AND THE MAGNIFICENT VIEW, AND I KNEW THAT IT HAD GREAT POTENTIAL. MY DREAM OF BUILDING MY OWN DRESSAGE PARADISE WAS ABOUT TO COME TRUE.”

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HOME

ARTISAN ABOUT THE ARTIST: Jeff Berting is a professional photographer based in Manhattan Beach with his wife and two children. In addition to his interest in woodwork, Jeff is also an avid waterman and boarding enthusiast.

The photography of Jeff Berting frequently graces the pages of Southbay magazine and Southbay HOME, but many don’t know his artistic talents are not limited to the lens. Turns out Jeff often moonlights in woodcraft, a hobby he picked up from his grandfather as a kid.

“Woodworking really didn’t start in for me until I bought my home and started remodeling while my wife was pregnant,” he says. “My son’s crib was one of the first more elaborate pieces I did.”

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Jeff finds inspiration in the work of George Nakashima and Sam Maloof, two craftsmen he believes to own a great design sense. “With so much of our modern lives being digital and having an undo button available, I really love the design and problem-solving aspect of it,” shares Jeff. “It’s all about finding that balance of form and function.”

The piece pictured is a custom creation for the editor of this magazine—a monkey pod coffee table and centerpiece of his living room. All of Jeff’s pieces are custom and based on availability of materials. For more, contact him at 310-977-7370 or jeff@jeffberting.com.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY PETER CAMPBELL

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Front & Center A REDONDO BEACH COUPLE WITH BENEVOLENT TIES TO THE COMMUNITY BUILDS A DREAM HOME TO ACCOMMODATE EXTENDED FAMILY.

WRITTEN BY SUZANNA CULLEN HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANE O’DONNELL

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fter living in a townhouse in Redondo Beach for many years, Theresa and David Plakos knew they wanted a larger home in the Avenues area of Redondo Beach. “My two requirements for my dream house included that it have an ocean view and that it be large enough to accommodate an apartment for my parents,” says David.

One day while stopping to take in the beautiful ocean view in their neighborhood, they realized they were standing in front of an older beach cottage that was for sale. An added bonus was that it sat on a huge lot with established trees. Serendipitously, the Plakos’ neighbor was Patrick Cunningham of C&C Partners.

“I called Patrick, and we climbed on the roof of the vacant house to see the view. And he said, ‘Buy it,” recalls David.

Theresa and David lived in the original beach cottage for seven years while they spent time collaborating with Patrick and determining exactly what to build. “We had a lot of ideas and knew that we wanted a European-influenced home that would include arches, a rotunda room and great ocean views,” says Theresa.

Patrick’s focus was that the house be properly sited on the lot and that the architectural details be strong. “He kept reminding us that we needed girth and substance,” says David.

To that end, the house features ornate iron railings, gutsy columns, vaulted arches and highly detailed moldings. Additionally the beautiful trees in the front were preserved, thereby giving the house properly proportioned landscaping as well as privacy.

Theresa was active through all stages of the design of the house. She was responsible for selecting the finishes as well as decorating and interior furnishings. Crystal and iron chandeliers, topiaries and a soft, neutral color scheme complement the travertine and hardwood floors used throughout the house.

The palette continues in the kitchen, where soft ecru cabinets complement large slabs of granite countertops that are the perfect surface for baking. Theresa is an accomplished baker and creates exquisitely decorated cakes that she frequently sends as gifts to lucky recipients. The elaborate sugar flowers and beautifully iced cakes are a testament to both her patience and her exactitude.

The house has three levels that flow with similar tones and materials, and amazingly all three levels have ocean views. “We knew we wanted a reverse floor plan, so the main living area is on the

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second floor, which has terrific views,” says Theresa.

The top floor has an exercise room and balcony with spectacular ocean views that inspire longer workouts. The ground floor accommodates an apartment and loggia as well as offices for David and Theresa.

“My father died before we completed the house, but my mother has an apartment downstairs and she’s a tremendous addition to our family and our home,” says David. Frequently everyone gathers in the kitchen to prepare dinner, but the house is large enough for everyone to have a space to retreat for work or rest.

David and Theresa both have significant careers that they incorporate into their South Bay lives. Theresa is the public relations and outreach manager of Cancer Support Community – Redondo Beach. Founded in 1982, the community-funded nonprofit now offers more than 150 free programs of emotional support, education and creative opportunities for people with cancer and their families. The organization has recently expanded to include children and teen programs—so entire families are supported.

David has spent 40 years behind the lens of a television camera, and his office is a testament to his success. Nine Emmy Awards line the shelves, and a collection of antique cameras, certificates and photos are further emphasis of his passion and commitment to his craft. While David is refreshingly modest about his accomplishments, it is evident that his peers and the elite of the television industry hold him in enormous esteem.

Together David and Theresa are committed to and engaged with Cancer Support Community – Redondo Beach. While Theresa raises awareness within the community, David is frequently behind a camera at various events and fundraisers. They truly live their shared passions through their careers and their volunteer work in the South Bay community.

By creating their large home in Redondo Beach, the couple has incorporated all facets of their busy lives under one roof. From the sweeping ocean views to the discretely displayed Emmys to generations of family baking together in a gourmet kitchen, the Plakos home is buzzing with activity.

It took years to plan and execute, but Theresa and David have made their dreams come true. And by extension, the dreams of many South Bay cancer patients and their families have also come true from the generosity and benevolence of the Plakos family.

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“WE HAD A LOT OF IDEAS AND KNEW WE WANTED A EUROPEANINFLUENCED HOME THAT WOULD INCLUDE ARCHES, A ROTUNDA ROOM AND GREAT OCEAN VIEWS.” [ THE COLLABORATOR ] PATRICK CUNNINGHAM, C&C PARTNERS, CONTRACTOR

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OUTDOORS

WATER WORKS WARM UP YOUR OUTDOOR SPA AMBIENCE WITH THE HELP OF THESE STYLISH PATIO COMPANIONS. Clockwise from top left: Natalie Occasional Chair, $845, Teak Warehouse in Redondo Beach, teakwarehouse.com; EcoSmart Stix Outdoor Fireplace, $1,995, ecosmartfire. com; East Side Table, $295, teakwarehouse.com; Govino Champagne Flutes (set of 4), $16, Gum Tree in Hermosa Beach, gumtreela.com; Cotton Turkish Towels, $49.99, shophdb.com; Linear Spa Tile, $32.95, SouthBay Green Design, southbaygreen.com; Platform Reclaimed Teak Sofa, $2,695, teakwarehouse.com; Pacifica 9’ Square Umbrella, $2,599, Room & Board in Culver City, roomandboard.com; Blok Brooklyn Planter, $99, teakwarehouse.com.

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Lifestyle | Luxury | Community

COURTNEY & ANTHONY SELF Broker/ Owners 310-350-6205 | 310-901-1000 New Southbay Location 23848 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 100, Torrance CA 9055 info@huntermason.com www.HunterMason.com

CA Real Estate Brokers License #01229263 | 01906720

Sales | Leasing Residential | Investment Property

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TRAVEL

Paradise Now

EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE HOME AWAY FROM HOME AT PUNTA MITA’S CASA ARAMARA. WRITTEN BY DARREN ELMS

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n the age of Airbnb and HomeAway, it’s not uncommon for even the most discerning traveler to skip the convenience of a five-star hotel for the comfort and spaciousness of a private home or estate. A week at a farmhouse in Tuscany, a villa on Kauai or a chateau in Provence … there’s no shortage of fantastic properties in the world’s most desired locations.

But how many of your rentals also boast a prior guest list that included people like Demi Moore, Jennifer Aniston, Kanye West, Quincy Jones, Sheryl Crow and Manhattan Beach’s own Vince Vaughn? Few. Unless you’ve been lucky enough to set foot in Casa Aramara.

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Punta Mita is no stranger to luxury. This private, gated enclave about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico hosts both a St. Regis and a Four Seasons, not to mention two Jack Nicklaus-designed, 18-hole golf courses and numerous other private, oceanfront estates.

The Casa Aramara holds the distinction of being the only private residence in the community with five-star status. Only recently, the home opened its doors for a new chapter as a premier destination rental in paradise.

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HOME

TRAVEL

An all-inclusive experience, there are no supplemental charges, no tipping, no fuss. You book and the home is yours, including the 15-person staff, accommodations, amenities, dining, activities … all of it, all at your whim.

There’s even an “Anything” button on nearby phones, for pretty much anything … when and where you want it.

Immersed in lush, tropical gardens, the property features two distinct buildings, the main house and a smaller—but equally impressive—guesthouse, rumored to soon become exclusively a spa venue. Both styled by renowned designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the spaces evokes casual elegance on the grandest scale.

You only need to walk in the main home’s great room to understand the scope. Sheltered by a giant, vaulted, thatched roof, the expansive living area abounds with deep, cushioned seating that faces disappearing windows to an infinity pool and ocean beyond.

To the left, an incredible dining table with enough seating for a small banquet sits under illuminated mesh globes suspended above. Blue tones, beachy whites and a tasteful blend of exotic patterns meld into a soothing ambience that’s inherently island.

Equally beautiful bedrooms feature all the amenities you’d expect of a first-class resort: plush lines, walk-in showers, elegant robes, Turkish towels, satellite TV, a stocked mini-bar and much more. Each night a lantern is lit on your private patio to welcome you home, with a sweet treat placed bedside for a late-night snack.

Speaking of food, dining is not just a convenience at Casa Aramara; it’s an experience unto its own. Two professionally trained chefs create multi-course, locallysourced meals guaranteed to elicit satisfying sounds from your guests. The menu can also be tailored to preference, diet or location upon request. Throw in some acoustic Spanish guitar and fireworks off the beach and try not to float back to your room.

With the ocean only steps from the home, the Pacific provides the ultimate backdrop for a roster of daily activities. Jet Skis, parasailing, fishing, tennis, golf, horseback riding and surfing are only a few adventures on the list. If you prefer to take it easy, lounge by the pool, take beachside yoga or melt away under the hands of a skilled masseuse.

Then there’s Litibu. Imagine walking out onto the sun deck and seeing a giant sea lion happily perched on the side of the pool. Meet Litibu, a local marine center’s mustached mammal and sometimes houseguest. Accompanied by his skilled trainer, Litibu will dive, smile, kiss and even let you piggyback for a generous helping of fish—all in the convenience of the house’s main pool.

But according to the trainer, his visits must be limited to about 30 minutes, or Litibu will adjust to his surroundings and never want to leave. We can relate.

For more on Casa Aramara, visit them online at casaaramara.com.

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HOME

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2014 DESIGN SHOWCASE

THE ARCHITECTS 110 Tomaro Design Group, Inc. 112 Michael Lee Architects, Inc. 114 Pritzkat & Johnson Architects, Inc. 116 Joyce Flood + Associates

THE BUILDERS 118 LuAnn Development 120 Gunderlock & Son Construction | Timme G Design 122 Tri/Sam Development Inc. 124 KKC Development, Inc.

DESIGN / BUILD EDITED BY LAURA WATTS | HEADSHOT PHOTOS BY SIRI BERTING, LAUREN PRESSEY, KAT MONK, NICOLE LEONE

126 Evergreen Design Build, Inc. 128 C&C Partners Design/Build Firm 130 Boudreau Construction 132 design+build by SOUTH SWELL 134 The (W)orkshop

THE DESIGNERS 136 Caroline Burke Designs and Associates, Inc. 138 Kate Lester Interiors 140 Nadia Designs 142 Quatrine Furniture, Inc. 144 Kelly Sutton Design, LLC 146 von Hemert Interiors 148 Konni Tanaka Design Group 150 Knudsen Design Studio

AUDIO / VIDEO 152 The New Home Automator

THE OUTSIDERS 154 JDS Outdoor Designs

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY GEOFF CAPTAIN STUDIOS

»DESIGN SHOWCASE 2014

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THE ARCHITECTS

{

TOMARO DESIGN GROUP, INC.

2617 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 100 Manhattan Beach | 310-318-8089 info@tomaro.com | Tomaro.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. A contemporary-style home on a rare, 4,327-square-foot beachfront lot with 70-footwide frontage on The Strand. The tranquil reflecting pool and 60-foot-long infinity edge make the structure appear to float above the pool. At the main entrance is a three-story glass atrium segmented by a glass staircase, glass bridges and water wall. The atrium receives ample natural light from the 22-foot glass curtain walls and roof glass structure. The first floor is comprised of the great room with reading nook, kitchen and garage. The second floor has the master suite, three guest bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms and laundry room. The basement is set up for entertaining with rec room, living room, bar, wine cellar, theater and guest suite. Lending itself to the California lifestyle, the main living space and master suite open almost completely on the west-facing facades with 10-foot sliding doors that disappear behind stone walls.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. Established in 1991, Tomaro Design Group has always designed and built the highest quality structures. As a design/build firm, we offer our clients architectural, interior and landscape design, along with construction management services. We are 100% referral-based, and we

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commonly design second and third homes for our clients. We are at the forefront of design and computer graphics, allowing us to give our clients a vision of their new project at a very early stage.

HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOUR FIRM FROM THE COMPETITION? With more than 100 projects built, we understand what works, what’s good and what lasts. Operating as a full-service firm, we are with our clients every step of the way.

It is important to us to understand the way our clients live their day-to-day lives, as this drives the design. All our work is incorporated into a 3-D model that allows our clients to take a virtual tour of their project—a wonderful tool that has helped tremendously in eliminating revisions during construction. Our staff is also very knowledgeable in all the newest green building techniques, allowing us to be on the forefront of design, construction and building technologies.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CLIENTS HAPPY FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION? Listening is the #1 tool we utilize to keep our clients happy. From our initial client meetings through construction and project completion it is important that all our clients’ needs and desires are met with the final product. Each project is unique, as are our clients, and it is our goal to create a distinctive and inspirational project for each and every client. With our experience and knowledge in all types of construction and architectural styles, we are able to bring a diverse perspective to every project.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY MANOLO LANGIS

»DESIGN SHOWCASE 2014

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THE ARCHITECTS

{

MICHAEL LEE, AIA Michael Lee Architects, Inc.

2200 Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach 310-545-5771 | info@MLeeArchitects.com MLeeArchitects.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. Scott Residence – The owners of this 5,000-square-foot, single-family residence in Santa Monica asked for a home that took advantage of their property’s large, southfacing rear yard and its distant ocean views.

They also wanted a traditional-looking home with a bit of modern spirit to it. Our solution was to design an L-shaped floor plan that organized all of the home’s public spaces around a huge, sunny, pool deck, oriented toward Catalina Island.

Large, sliding wood doors open the kitchen, dining and family rooms to a covered deck and outdoor fireplace area. Stacked stone, gray stained cedar shingles and white window trim combine in a timeless palette that evokes the Eastern seaboard. An overscaled fireplace, a blue front door and a playful porthole at the entry make the house whimsical and stately at the same time.

DESCRIBE THE VERNACULAR OF YOUR PRACTICE. We are primarily a custom residential design firm. We specialize in private homes throughout the LA Basin and Southern California, with some of our newer projects in Temecula, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Topanga and throughout the Hollywood Hills. Our belief in the basics of good design enables us to design successfully in a range of styles.

We also do multi-family residential, small commercial and restaurant work, along with

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interior design and construction management. Design/build has been a very successful formula for us on numerous projects.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU? Working in architecture is challenging, given the huge range of skills and responsibilities that an architect must take on. However, this is what makes being an architect so rewarding.

An architect must solve problems in an aesthetic way, engineer projects cost-effectively, guide them through the byzantine municipal approval processes, and then coordinate the construction and finishes of those projects.

Having an understanding of all aspects of the design process and a deep appreciation for good architecture and all of its various components gives us great satisfaction.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? We look at every project with fresh eyes and as a chance to design a unique and exciting building that will enhance the lives of its inhabitants. We carry this enthusiasm forward through the design and construction process, and we work diligently to ensure our projects exceed our clients’ expectations.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU OFFER TO CLIENTS? Our belief in good design and our understanding of what it takes to create lasting quality architecture.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY PETER MCMENAMIN

»DESIGN SHOWCASE 2014

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THE ARCHITECTS

{

MILES PRITZKAT & KEITH JOHNSON Pritzkat & Johnson Architects, Inc.

306 Vista del Mar, Suite A, Redondo Beach 310-375-7700 | info@pritzkatjohnson.com pritzkatjohnson.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

Located within the gated community of Portuguese Bend in Rancho Palos Verdes, this California cottage is approached from a secluded street but opens up to panoramic ocean views.

The one-story home is also situated among many existing mature trees. The style evokes an earlier time in Southern California with the sophistication and clean lines of a more modern sensibility. Despite the traditional, woodshingle appearance, the home was designed to meet the stringent high fire zone requirements of LA County Fire Department. Our clients were interested in making the home more sustainable, and to that end, there is a gray water treatment system that uses recycled water to irrigate the extensive grounds. Solar photovoltaic panels were installed to minimize electrical demands of the 4,000-square-foot home. The owners assumed key roles on the project team.

He acted as the builder, and she took on the interior design.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE INTERESTING PROJECTS YOU ARE WORKING ON? We are under construction on a new South Bay beach cottage in Hermosa Beach and a new Balboa Island-style beach home in Manhattan Beach. We are also finishing up a major remodel and addition to a home on a walk street in Manhattan that will create a better connection to the walk street and ocean access. We are in the process of getting entitlements for a new 7,000-square-foot home on a large, undeveloped property in Rancho Palos Verdes. We are also working on approvals for a

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Redondo Beach historical house by developing the land to extend the viability of the historic structure for years to come.

DESCRIBE THE VERNACULAR OF YOUR PRACTICE. Architectural styles, like clothing, cars or music, vary by the individual. We believe that any style can be designed well as long as the finished design follows the universal language of architecture. We pride ourselves on distilling timeless design elements to create a completed project that looks beautiful and exceeds the expectations of our clients.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU? When our clients decide to start the design process, it signals the beginning of one of the most unique endeavors in the human experience: the shaping and customizing of your own surroundings. Going on that journey with our clients by designing and delivering distinguished homes that combine a high level of artistry and functionality—no matter the style or scale—is a truly gratifying experience.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. We are a small, quality-focused design firm specializing in custom residential architecture, renovations and new construction. We provide detailed plans required for truly custom designs, whether with architecture, interior design or exterior hardscape features. This can be done in-house or in conjunction with other design professionals.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY DANIEL SOFER

»DESIGN SHOWCASE 2014

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THE ARCHITECTS

{

JOYCE FLOOD Joyce Flood + Associates

505 N. Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 4 Manhattan Beach | 310-376-4797 info@joycefloodarchitect.com joycefloodarchitect.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. This project was designed for Perry and Kathi Colligan and built by Mike Woodcock of MRW Construction. The brand new, single-family home started as a remodel. It had an existing swimming pool that the client wanted to keep. Because of the extent of the remodel, we decided to tear down the house and build a brand new house, which was planned around the pool.

Since the owners are an active, outdoor-loving family, the goal of the project was to have an indoor/ outdoor feeling, which was achieved by having the kitchen, dining area and family room open into the backyard with 12-foot-wide bifold doors. There is also a covered patio for outdoor entertaining that was oriented toward the pool. The idea was to make everything light and airy so the exterior and interior finishes and color are on the beachy side.

Since Kathi loves the coastal look (lots of blues and glass), most of the interiors and finishes are on the light side and were picked by her and Mike. I decided to make the exterior all white to contrast with the dark windows and shutters. The palm frond railings give an extra touch to the coastal look.

HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOURSELF FROM THE COMPETITION? I pay close attention to the client’s needs, and with my vision and experience I merge the two to-

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gether. I present to the clients a lot of options in the design of their home, and together we come up with the best solution for their project. I work closely with the clients and the builders and am still around during construction.

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRM’S VERNACULAR. My design is functional, catering to clients’ needs.

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SOUTH BAY? I started Joyce Flood + Associates in 1996. I have worked in the industry for 30 years.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE? I don’t impose my designs on the clients. I listen to and consider their lifestyle and needs and design around those factors.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CLIENTS HAPPY FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION? Working closely with them and giving them updates at every phase. I’m always coming up with ideas and maximizing options.

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? Most of the designs are informal yet functional and geared toward the outdoors. We can make a tight space look spacious by opening up the indoor to the outdoor or vice versa.

WHAT IS KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT? Working with the right builders. It helps to have a good builder realize our vision. I am lucky to work with good builders—they should get credit too.

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THE BUILDERS

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LUANN FABIAN LuAnn Development

P.O. Box 1911, Redondo Beach 310-428-3578 lfabian@luanndev.com luanndev.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. One of my favorite homes to date for multiple reasons, this home designed by Douglas Leach and inspired by our clients’ travels has details that are quite unique to the South Bay. I think this home really exemplifies our strengths as a custom homebuilder.

The original interior finishes were planned months in advance. After our clients came back from a recent trip to Hawaii, they decided to change everything they originally selected and traveled to Bali for many of their interior finishes.

Solid teak doors, cabinetry, tile and sinks all were part of our new design. The scheduling challenges were handled with ease, and our flexibility working with a design change turned out a finished home that is truly client-inspired.

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our clients about what is involved throughout the process, the happier they are along the way.

HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOUR FIRM FROM THE COMPETITION? In my opinion, while it may be important to distinguish yourself from the competition in this industry, it is not as necessary here in the South Bay. Our community is fortunate to have some of the finest homebuilders in Southern California. Choosing who builds your home is more of a personal choice of whom you feel you can work with side-byside to bring your dream home to reality.

Having said that, I believe we are extremely approachable. We focus on what is important to our clients, and we build beautiful homes unique to each owner, with quality and comfort in mind.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CLIENTS HAPPY FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION?

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU?

We have some fundamental beliefs that we employ throughout the process that we believe are strong cornerstones in keeping our clients happy. Communication is key to happy clients—understanding their goals and truly hearing them.

Recently a client shared with us, “We always feel that we are the only client you have.” That is a huge compliment!

We strive for transparency in an industry that is not known it. Information is power—so the more information we provide to

Every day, every client, every home is different; there is no boredom when it comes to being a custom homebuilder. Regardless of how much pre-planning goes into building a custom home, our work is unique by the minute. We take something from paper and make it become someone’s home where they will make memories that will last a lifetime.

We are beyond blessed and honored to build quality, high-end homes for our amazing clients in this gorgeous South Bay area.

How can that not be CAPTIVATING?

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY KANUIT PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE BUILDERS

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KURT AND TIMME GUNDERLOCK Gunderlock & Son Construction | Timme G Design

116 S. Catalina, Suite 102, Redondo Beach | 310-798-4500 | kurt@gunderlockconstruction.com gunderlockconstruction.com | timmegdesign@gmail.com | timmegdesigns.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. A 12-unit apartment complex converted into 11 units. The basic footprint was kept, and the units were reconfigured to improve living space, storage and to give each unit a maximum view of our spectacular California coastline. The previously empty courtyard now contains a beautiful pool, Jacuzzi, cabanas, two high-end gas BBQs and a fire pit for those cool beach nights.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU OFFER CLIENTS? EXPERIENCE! We have more than 60 years of combined experience. There is not much we haven’t experienced in the building and design process. That’s not to say that we don’t have new challenges, because we certainly do, but our experience enables us to respond quickly with effective options. Experience also enables us to guide our clients through the process.

When the client knows what to expect, it can really help reduce the stress that is often part of this process. The final result of all our experience is our ability to really focus on the details and creative use of interesting materials.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM. We are a team that offers both general contracting and interior design. The majority of our projects are residential, but we have had great success with some commercial projects also.

We work on spec and custom homes and new

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construction or remodel of both residential and commercial projects. We have experience with remodeling historical homes, which can be challenging, and are currently working on one in Redondo Beach. We also offer a full-service team that keep projects moving forward with attention to the details, such as budgets and scheduling, weekly meetings and follow-up with our clients and subcontractors. It takes a great amount of coordination to keep projects on time and within budget, and we believe having a full team is an integral part of our success.

HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOURSELF FROM THE COMPETITION? The goal, at the beginning of every project, is to set an accurate budget and schedule. We invest many hours in creating proposals—not only including what is drawn on the plans, but also including the items that we know will be necessary to complete the project. Time is spent with each client discussing their vision and intentions for their project, so we can be sure to include their desires in our proposal.

Because client communication is established even before we have the project, they trust us.

They know that everything we can anticipate has been disclosed and we are not holding the cost down in an attempt to get the project.

This takes experience and thoroughness—critical in setting accurate expectations. We find our clients very grateful for our thoroughness, and they appreciate the candidness.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARIA KROHA

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THE BUILDERS

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MATTHEW & MARIA KROHA Tri/Sam Development Inc.

20710 Earl Street, Torrance 310-370-4999 trisamdev@gmail.com | trisamdev.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

This ranch-style home is owned by Linda and Lee Rosen and is located behind the gates in Rolling Hills on six acres; it is very private. We cleared approximately 2½ acres of beautiful, sloping hills that had been completely covered in brush and transformed it into a beautiful orchard and garden.

Since the rest of the property (3½ acres) is relatively flat, we were able to build a 7,500-square-foot, single-story home with enough room for a large pool, patios, pool house, fountains and fire pit. The pool house has a complete bar, BBQ, fireplace with living space and built-in benches. There is also a spacious, two-story barn.

The home features five large bedrooms, seven bathrooms, large kitchen/family room, formal dining room and living room. The interior of the house features maple cabinets, distressed wood floors and travertine throughout. The house and property were designed around the Rosens’ casual lifestyle that they share with three very active children.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THIS INDUSTRY? I have worked building custom homes, office buildings, restaurants, banks and pools/ spas all my life. I come from a family of builders and started building as a teenager with my father, brothers and sisters back in New York and Rhode Island. We did all phases of construction needed to build whatever project

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our family business was working on—so that puts me at around 40 years in this trade.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTURAL STYLE? I really don’t have a favorite. I am passionate about building all types of homes. I’ve built Cape Cod-style, Mediterranean, ranch, contemporary, French château and houses that look as if they were built in Tuscany 200 years ago. I have traveled throughout the U.S. and Europe and spend time looking at the architectural featues of homes built in the region. My wife, Maria, and I take hundreds of pictures on each trip, getting new ideas to share with clients, designers and architects!

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU OFFER CLIENTS? I believe patience is critical in dealing with clients. Some clients know what they want and come to meetings with files of photos. They point to one and say, “Can we do this?” Other clients are still struggling with design choices and what direction they want to go. I feel some clients are afraid to make a mistake and are unable to make choices. We will do whatever it takes to help them feel comfortable to make decisions while still trying to keep the project on budget and on schedule. Juggling decisions, budget and schedule is very difficult, but we work closely with our clients to make the complete process fun, painless and as stress-free as possible.

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KIM KOMICK KKC Development, Inc.

3216 Manhattan Ave, Suite E, Hermosa Beach 310-372-6027 | komick@yahoo.com | kkcdevelopment.com

DESCRIBE YOUR FEATURED PROJECT. 128 14th Street, Manhattan Beach – This residence near downtown Manhattan Beach is a unique property in that it is three houses from The Strand and two blocks from Fishing with Dynamite. 14th is a quiet little street with all the beach life access. I had a vision for this house unlike any house in the area. Although it is a typical three-story house on a 30x90 lot, it has a panoramic ocean view from the Manhattan Pier to Santa Monica Bay, which is anything but typical.

The entire first floor, front yard and rear yard open up as one spectacular flex space.

The ultimate play room/garage is built with all the details and luxury of the main house, featuring an entertainment kitchen, pantry,

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keg fridge, beverage center, six TVs and surround sound. This fully air-conditioned entertainment space can accommodate up to six cars, has stunning glass rollup doors both on the front and back, with epoxy gloss floors and 9-foot ceilings. The back door looks out to a Zen yard with built-in seating, fire pit, BBQ and indoor/outdoor showers. It’s a great place to bring everyone home after the beach. And when the weekend is over, you can treat your luxury cars to the air-conditioned garage.

It’s all about the indoor/outdoor living and the level of detail and sophistication.

This house is contemporary and stylish but ultimately in step with the Manhattan Beach lifestyle.

THE BUILDERS

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KIM KOMICK KKC Fine Homes

3216 Manhattan Avenue, Suite E in Hermosa Beach 310-372-6027 | komick@yahoo.com | kkcfinehomes.com

DESCRIBE YOUR FEATURED PROJECT. 14th Street, Hermosa Beach – This project is another design by Michael Lee. It was built for clients and was easily one of the smoothest processes we have been through. Our clients were very decisive and made all their decisions in advance of us starting. That is the way to do it!

Although it is rare to find us east of Sepulveda, we loved this project. Overlooking downtown Hermosa Beach, great ocean views and bold black stains make this house a special work of art. See the feature article in this issue for more details.

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WHAT’S NEW IN YOUR BUSINESS? We have been working with many great architects on upcoming projects. John Starr has designed a great home for us at 216 28th Street. Doug Leach has designed two townhomes at 814 Highland Avenue and a single-family home at 540 8th Street. AGA Design has designed a great condo project in the Hermosa Valley. Pat Killen has a designed modern home at 435 25th Street and is also working on a new commercial project at 2101 Pacific Coast Highway. Alas, that is where we have all bought our pumpkins and Christmas trees for the past 20 years. We are trying to help Debbie find a new spot. Let us know if you have ideas!

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INTERIOR SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEVE GAFFNEY

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DESIGN / BUILD

DANIEL SALZMAN & GARY STILES Evergreen Design Build, Inc.

160 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 2, El Segundo 310-717-8690 | Daniel@evergreendb.com gcstiles@yahoo.com | evergreendb.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. TreeHouse No. 7 is a quintessential beach colonial with a ton of green features, including a cool roof, LED lighting, synthetic grass, electric car charging station, special insulation and several recycled and reclaimed materials. The owners are a dynamic couple—he runs New Evolution Ventures (which created the UFC Gyms that are sprouting up everywhere) and Caveman performance foods, and she is an accomplished actress, model and founder of a bespoke personal shopping service called KP Style. The home reflects their daily lifestyle, which entails lots of casual indoor/outdoor entertaining.

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR YOUR FIRM? We are in the design phase of an exciting new spec home on one of the premier South Manhattan flat walk streets, working with Douglas Leach to create a fresh, breezy take on beach living. We are also building an ultimate Sand Section custom for a secondtime client and completing the renovation of Congregation Tikvat Jacob Beth Torah’s synagogue, among other projects.

WHAT INFLUENCES DO YOU DRAW ON IN THE DECORATION AND AESTHETICS OF A CLIENT’S HOME? We are influenced by many great designers and builders, from the masters of California modernism and design like Schindler, Neutra, Jones and Eichler to some of the great work being done right here in the South Bay. We like mash-ups—we may develop a traditional coastal plantation but freshen up the interiors with modern lighting or some amazing porcelain or glass tile.

These days everyone can be a designer to some degree, with all the amazing resources online and in magazines. The ability to sift through all that information and create a cohesive vision or theme for a home is something we do well.

DESCRIBE YOUR CLIENTS. We do not have any specific client profile, though we tend to attract people who appreciate design detail, want the latest in building technology and are looking to value-engineer their home. A recent trend has us working more with interior designers, and we enjoy the collaborative nature of those jobs. While many clients approach us looking for green features, most just want a home that is well-built and future-proofed. To the extent that greenbuilding techniques can be incorporated, we are here for them.

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WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? In the Beach Cities we are usually faced with a tight set of physical parameters, considering the typical size of the lots here.

We enjoy the challenge of thoughtfully making the most of the canvas, with considerations of natural light and open space.

Sometimes the coolest details we are the most proud of involve preserving something original to the lot or previous home, whether it’s an old mahogany bedroom door or a fantastic lemon tree.

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DESIGN / BUILD

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PATRICK CUNNINGHAM & MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM C&C Partners Design/Build Firm

1601 Pacific Coast Highway #160, Hermosa Beach 310-322-0803 | Patrick@candcpartners.com | candcpartners.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. Another custom home designed and built by the team at C&C Partners, this brand new, modern-style home is 4,152 square feet and boasts stunning architectural design with clean lines and the highest quality finishes. The home was designed with an open floor plan, high ceilings, a 25-foot glass façade and incredible natural light throughout.

The spacious great room with a linear fireplace and dual Fleetwood sliding doors opens to a covered loggia and spacious backyard.

The chef’s kitchen features a 10-foot island, breakfast nook, Viking appliances, Ceasarstone countertops, double dishwasher and sinks, wine fridge and walk-in pantry. The first floor includes an office and bath with dramatic barn doors, which converts to a fifth room.

A floating staircase leads to the second level, where four en suite bedrooms and a loft are included. The master suite boasts a balcony with generous views and a master bathroom with soaking tub, oversized spa-like shower, heated floors and his/hers custom walk-in closets. Other features of the home include walnut flooring, a mud room, a gated front yard and an attached two-car garage. An exceptional home and lifestyle!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM. C&C Partners was founded in 1987 by brothers Patrick Cunningham and Michael Cunningham. We are the preferred design and construction firm in Los Angeles’ most established and exclusive neighborhoods in the South Bay. Patrick heads the design

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phase, ensuring that every detail reflects the client’s individual preferences. Michael leads a group of seasoned and proven building professionals, resulting in a seamless transition from design to construction.

DESCRIBE YOUR UNIQUE, TEAM-ORIENTED APPROACH. We pride ourselves in the “Art & Craft of Custom Home Building” with a team-oriented approach, using our unique three-phase, 15step design/build process. We assemble team members who will add valuable input at different stages of the planning and design process, ensuring that we meet our clients’ unique wants and needs. The team approach of bringing the professional design team together early helps us design a successful project that is well thought out, cost-effective and minimizes costly changes during construction.

HOW DO YOU PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DETAIL ON YOUR PROJECTS? All attention to detail in our custom homes is achieved through our team-oriented approach. Instead of having one individual working on the design of the home, we have our whole team of professionals add their two cents and value-engineering ideas. That is how we finalize the working drawings before the construction phase starts. By working with different architects and interior designers, we have the opportunity to explore different design ideas and make sure we achieve the attention to detail by introducing our clients to the latest in design trends.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICOLE LEONE

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DESIGN / BUILD

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JEAN-LOUIS BOUDREAU Boudreau Construction

233 Arena Street, El Segundo | 310-640-9000 jeanlouislebeniste@yahoo.com | boudreauconstruction.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. This project is very personal because it is our very own home! Before moving in, we gutted almost every room, moved walls, and designed and built custom cabinets for many of the spaces. Everything has a classic, timeless quality that is very soothing to come home to.

It is also a great example of the collaborative design + build process we offer to our clients.

Josette designed the interiors of our home, and Jean-Louis was the general contractor and also built all the wood elements: cabinets, doors and trim, wood ceilings and wall paneling.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. We are a general contracting firm, and we also have a fully equipped custom cabinet shop, so all our cabinets and woodwork are fabricated in-house. Hence, Boudreau Construction is ideally suited to residential interior remodeling projects that include custom cabinetry or woodwork as an important component.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? You’ve heard the phrase “behind every successful man is a woman” … well in my case, behind my successful contracting business is my wife, interior designer Josette Murphy!

Since we first met almost 11 years ago, we have been collaborating on projects, and we still love working together.

Josette, and her team of six designers at About:Space, LLC, (aboutspacestudios.com)

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come up with a clear vision of each project, creating detailed construction drawings, designing the custom cabinetry, and selecting all the finish materials and other components. Then Boudreau Construction executes that vision, with an ongoing process of continuous communication between our two companies and our client. For a client who appreciates attention to detail, we are an excellent fit!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THIS INDUSTRY? I’ve been a licensed general contractor for more than 25 years and have been building custom cabinets in our El Segundo shop for 16 years. Many of my clients are surprised when they learn we offer general contracting services in addition to woodwork.

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOUR COMPANY? I simply do not know how to build subpar quality, and I never want to learn! Once a project is completed, the price and time frame become fuzzy in one’s memory, but quality always lasts a long time. We prefer to proceed at a steady pace, putting things together the way we know works and will last. Shortcuts become regrets later on! Work/life balance is also an important part of mine and Josette’s business philosophy. We have two beautiful daughters (pictured here, goofing around in some retail store fixtures we are building in my shop). They are certainly used to Mom and Dad talking incessantly about projects, and they are learning both of our crafts by example!

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOEL SILVA PHOTOGRAPHY

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DESIGN / BUILD

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STEVE LAZAR design+build by SOUTH SWELL

1307 Curtis Avenue, Manhattan Beach 310-545-0145 | info@designbuildbySOUTHSWELL.com | designbuildbySOUTHSWELL.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. This 4,725-square-foot, four-bedroom, 4½-bath home sits on a sunny, west-facing lot in Hermosa Beach. It was designed to drink in the environmental atmosphere of beach living with natural sunlight, indoor/outdoor living areas and sweeping ocean views, all while reaffirming a tranquil, comfortable home that feels very private. Integrating premium materials and state-of-the-art amenities including a four-stop elevator and three-zone sound system with touch pad controls in each room, we created a home that is as memorable and transcendent as it is warm and inviting.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM. As a full-service firm, design+build by SOUTH SWELL is responsible for each project in its entirety, from conceptual design through completion of construction. We begin with an understanding of our clients’ individual needs, style and preferences. We develop the building plans, shepherd them through the city permitting process and oversee every aspect of home construction. The benefit of the design+build approach is an efficient, seamlessly expedited process with sole accountability for cost, timing and quality. In addition to new construction, we also remodel homes. With low market inventory, this is often a great alternative. One needn’t necessarily expand their property in order to deliver greater functionality and comfort.

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR FIRM? I’ve been designing and building homes for over 30 years in the South Bay. My early years working as a construction crew member

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gave me critical hands-on experience that has informed my design choices and philosophy, making for a smarter, more streamlined translation of ideas into the realization of a beautiful home. I intuitively grasp not only what it means to live here but also the complexity of our local building codes.

DESCRIBE THE VERNACULAR OF YOUR PRACTICE. I believe in “Thoughtful Design,” which means that every element of home design and construction—from the most nuanced to the more obvious features of a home—is conceived to maximize living comfort and intelligent use of space. This is particularly cogent here in the South Bay, where many lots invite the challenge of creating spaciousness, versatility and privacy within a narrow lot with close proximity to neighbors. My aesthetic spans many architectural styles—from more traditional New England styles to West Coast beach chic. Creating a home that is timeless, visually impactful and responds to its owner’s individual needs is paramount.

DESCRIBE SOME RECENT PROJECTS. We recently completed a home in Hermosa Beach that synthesized decades of experience and brought my design+build philosophy to a new level. Striking in its presence, this home is magically simple in its ensemble of color and texture. It is washed with light and openness, yet surprisingly private. It is replete with modern-day innovations, and the floor plan yields tremendous versatility that can evolve through the years.

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»DESIGN SHOWCASE 2014 DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

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Landscape Design/Implementation: Abramson Residence — The Abramsons were looking to create more usable indoor/outdoor space for their home in Palos Verdes Estates. We converted a dark space with dead grass into a remarkable outdoor entertaining area where they now serve cocktails and BBQ steaks to guests watching TV on either side of the two-way fireplace. The overhead trellis connects seamlessly to house, containing heaters and LED lights that extend entertaining far past the summer months. Their response: “Jett and I were amazed at how simple and enjoyable the guys made the whole process. We absolutely love our new backyard and couldn’t be happier with The (W)orkshop.”

BRENT COERT, ALEX OCAMPO & SCOTT MARTIN The (W)orkshop

We offer “The (W)orkshop Experience”—pairing project dreams and goals with timelines and bottom lines. Working with local architects and designers, our team conducts early analysis of concept sketches before they are complete and have gone through the city to determine feasibility. This reflexive process plays to the strengths of each team member.

The (W)orkshop Experience makes for a much more relaxed, informed and enjoyable process.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY OSCAR A. ZAGAL

2455 one ninetieth street (a) Redondo Beach 310-379-9747 dream@theworkshop-la.com theworkshop-la.com

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY?

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DESIGN / BUILD

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

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Construction: The Shen Residence — The mission was to transform an unusable third floor into a tranquil master suite for a young surgeon on the cusp of starting a family. Jeannie Shen trusted The (W)orkshop to handle every aspect of this complex transformation, which included converting a narrow galley kitchen into an open layout where layers of function combine for the perfect backdrop for entertaining. Working with architect Michael Lee on layout and finishes, The (W)orkshop guided Jeannie through the task of hitting important budget and scheduling marks—freeing her up to focus on her surgical practice. She says, “Words cannot express how much joy, peace and sanity my new home has given me. The best part of my day is coming home. The (W)orkshop has done an amazing job and given me an incredible gift.”

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER.

BRENT COERT, ALEX OCAMPO & SCOTT MARTIN The (W)orkshop

2455 one ninetieth street (a) Redondo Beach 310-379-9747 dream@theworkshop-la.com theworkshop-la.com

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The (W)orkshop is a collaborative of professionals with backgrounds ranging from Landscape Architecture and Custom Contracting to Project Management and Finance. We are a dynamic team that offers our clients a unique, relationship-oriented experience to best achieve their vision.

TELL US ABOUT A RECENT PROJECT. Many of our clients want to continue working with The (W)orkshop long after their own home is complete. We have created a development entity called 190 Capital Management, which currently partners with private equity and high-worth individuals. We are excited about an innovative, custom home on the corner of Highview and Manhattan Beach Boulevard. Construction of the three-level, ocean-view residence will begin this fall and reflect the vision we have for the South Bay.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARK LOHMAN

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THE DESIGNERS

CAROLINE BURKE Caroline Burke Designs and Associates, Inc.

1020 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Suite #210 Manhattan Beach 310-546-6862 info@carolineburkedesigns.com carolineburkedesigns.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. The project is a contemporary, fun beach house that sits on The Strand in Hermosa.

The architect is Louie Tomaro. The family is young, fun and active. They wanted a home that is interesting and fun for kids and adults. It looks great but is extremely durable. Each room has its own personality. We used a lot of pleather and outdoor materials inside to prevent sun damage and to keep the designs looking great for years to come.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THIS INDUSTRY?

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR YOUR FIRM?

I have worked in this business for over 15 years! I have worked for retail design firms, design firms that only have a celebrity clientele and as an independent designer.

In 2008 I started my own company, Caroline Burke Designs and Associates, Inc., where we work as a team.

We work on projects that are as small as a single room to large-scale residential projects. Currently we are working on a 7,000-square-foot home designed by Doug Leach in Palos Verdes, an 11,000square-foot home designed by KAA group in Manhattan Beach and a 7,500-squarefoot home designed by Louie Tomaro in Manhattan Beach. Some of our exciting smaller jobs include creative bathroom remodels, kitchen designs, master suites and interior design for full homes. It is important for my company to have a nice mix of projects at all sizes and designs. It keeps the business exciting.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR OWN HOME! I live and breathe interior design. My philosophy is that good design allows for a healthy, successful lifestyle. My home is pretty, serene and has all the comforts that are important to me. I love walking in at night and being happy to be home.

My goals are the same for myself and my clients.

WHAT INFLUENCES DO YOU DRAW ON? There are so many things that influence my designs. First and foremost it is the clients themselves. It could be an inspiring fabric or a beautiful painting. One of the biggest inspirations, I believe, is traveling.

I go crazy photographing bars, windows, furniture, fire pits, landscape, pools, tile and bedding when I travel. Traveling for me is like going to a huge design trade show. I am constantly looking for unique items to influence my designs for clients.

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WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU OFFER TO CLIENTS? My team is my most valuable asset to my clients. I believe in a team effort to get the projects completed properly, creatively and professionally. All of the ladies in my office are full-time professionals. I have an office manager, another designer and a junior designer all ready to assist our clients.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY SOUTH BAY IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY (HEADSHOT) AND AMY BARTLAM PHOTOGRAPHY (HOME PHOTOS)

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THE DESIGNERS

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KATE LESTER Kate Lester Interiors

101 N. PCH, Ste. #103, Redondo Beach 310-316-3167 info@katelesterinteriors.com katelesterinteriors.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. This project is a modern farmhouse we completed early last year. Our clients wanted a very open layout, with the kitchen being the central hub of the home. The original interior design concept was inspired by a traditional farmhouse, including elements like a lighter planked floor and a built-in banquette in the kitchen. To give the interior a modern twist, we designed transitional lighting, cleaner Shakerstyle white cabinetry, sleek marble and quartz countertops, and added pops of reclaimed and vintage wood. Keeping the color palette neutral and classic opens the interior and makes the home feel airy and bright.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM. Kate Lester Interiors is a completely fullservice interior design firm. We specialize in custom home design and are involved in the design/build process—from framing to furniture installation. Our architectural and construction knowledge enables us to work seamlessly with all trades and has helped create a brand that is synonymous with luxury, comfort and a direct reflection of each and every client.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THIS INDUSTRY?

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOUR COMPANY, AND HOW DOES THAT INFLUENCE THE WAY YOU PRACTICE YOUR CRAFT? A man’s home is his castle, and it provides sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. At Kate Lester Interiors, we create spaces that become the backdrop to life’s experiences and give our clients a sense of livable luxury. Sharing my expertise, joy and passion for design is not only my career; it’s what I truly love to do.

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? One of the most interesting (and sometimes challenging) things about creating spaces in the Beach Cities is that people want beautiful a home they can LIVE in. They want a home that is luxurious and unique, but they also want materials, fabrics and furniture that will enable them to enjoy an active, coastal lifestyle with their families and pets. Often this means sand, sun and entertaining indoors and out! At Kate Lester Interiors we call it “Livable Luxury,” and that means creating a custom interior design for our clients that is gorgeous and will also endure their active lifestyle for years to come.

Ten years ago, after leaving a job in finance, I started my journey in interior design. I began in the sample library of a celebrity design firm in Hollywood and worked my way to senior project manager. After four years of leading, the next logical step was to branch out and start my own firm.

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THE DESIGNERS

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NADIA ELGRABLY, ALLIED ASID Nadia Designs

1601 N. Sepulveda Blvd. #383, Manhattan Beach 310-892-1799 nadia.tidg@gmail.com | nadiadesigns.org

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

A comprehensive remodel of a 1970s Palos Verdes Estates home. This home represents a labor of love, with clients whom I met 15 years ago when I was given the opportunity to assist in a remodel of their former home. I cherish the lifelong friendship that began during the design process.

That was three homes and projects ago.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. For the past 20 years, we have provided comprehensive interior design service— from planning through completion, budgeting, space planning, ordering and installation—managing all aspects of the project as needed. We work with a team of talented craftsman and specialists.

WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THIS INDUSTRY? I was working for a RTW firm and had been promoted to store planning. I was thrilled and confident I could take on the challenge, but I had to ask, “Why me?” My VP explained that they all felt my spacial planning skills, combined with my sense of fashion, fabric and color, made me the ideal choice. That is what motivated me to go to design school.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE? One of the many things clients have commented on is the transparency of our services. We are a fee-based company. Clients are able to purchase items and services at our cost. Our fee is tailored specific to

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each project. We do not tack on additional commission or percentage charges. Clients are able to quantify and budget.

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT WORKING ON HOMES IN THE BEACH CITIES? I love the casual elegance of coastal living. There is a broad spectrum of styles and influences. The blending and harmony between the interior and exterior spaces allow for seamless indoor/out door living.

WHAT ARE SOME OF EXCITING PROJECTS YOU’VE COMPLETED? I believe every project tells a story, personal and individual to the wants and needs of the client. The art of design is in the balance and harmony of elements. I love all the projects we have been honored to be a part of. Recently we completed the offices for The Consulate General of Angola. Working with the embassy staff was fascinating.

The featured remodel in Palos Verdes was a wonderful collaboration. In addition, we just put finishing touches on a vacation retreat on the sand in San Diego.

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOUR COMPANY, AND HOW DOES THAT INFLUENCE THE WAY YOU PRACTICE YOUR CRAFT? I believe in the value of personalized customer service. A warm greeting, a handshake and eye contact go a long way with me. When I opened Nadia Designs, I knew I wanted to run my business with those traditional values.

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THE DESIGNERS

GINA QUATRINE Quatrine Furniture, Inc.

1117 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach 310-379-2045 manbeach@quatrine.com quatrine.com

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CLIENTS HAPPY FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION? Quality and customer service. We have a fantastic return rate of clients as proof we are doing our job. We stay in touch with our clients after they receive delivery of their pieces to answer any questions they might have.

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. The project was for a Dallas client who wanted a comfortable and livable look for her beach home in Seaside, Florida. She has had Quatrine Furniture for 12 years and raised her family on it. So when it was time to furnish her second home, she came to us to do everything to make it look like a relaxing summer home.

She also rents out the home in the fall, so she wanted slipcovered furniture so it could be washed and stay new-looking after each client left her home.

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SOUTH BAY? We opened our first store in Manhattan Beach 25 years ago, and we remain in that space today. Since then we have opened seven stores around the country. We hand-make every piece ordered out of those stores in our own manufacturing facility in Long Beach.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? We are one of the last hand-made furniture manufacturers. We make our furniture from the wood frame up and import nothing. We are sustainable and truly custom. Our fabrics for our slipcovers can be washed at home and do not shrink in your washer and dryer—we guarantee that!

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WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DETAIL ON YOUR PROJECTS? Every order from a client is handwritten in detail. After that order is received by our manufacturing facility, it is sent to each department in detail. We have a dedicated quality control department that inspects every piece after it is complete and ready to ship. Someone from our executive staff looks over the piece as well, to ensure that our clients’ piece is perfect.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR SIGNATURE TOUCHES? Since we are completely custom, our clients can pick from more than 400 fabrics. They choose their seat and back cushion fills, spring system and size of the piece, plus the ribbon detailing, special welting and decorative skirts.

Often we do custom button closures and custom wood stains for furniture legs. The sky is the limit!

WHAT BENEFITS DO CLIENTS GAIN FROM WORKING WITH YOUR FIRM? Our staff is very knowledgeable about furniture and the process of making furniture.

We have a large database of every piece of furniture we have ever made in 25 years, so we can reference older orders for clients when they are ready to purchase new slipcovers.

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THE DESIGNERS

KELLY SUTTON, ASID & LEED AP Kelly Sutton Design, LLC

Manhattan Beach 310-975-4088 kellysutton@kellysuttondesign.com kellysuttondesign.com

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. The featured project was designed for Nadja Swarovski. I wanted to create a very livable, elegant space. There are glamorous details in the design, but they are mixed with a soft, neutral color palette to create a warm and inviting room. It has this beautiful pushand-pull between cool, gray tones and warm honey and champagne tones. The unexpected mix of finishes blends together so effortlessly, as if the room was collected for many years. One glamorous detail is the custom rug I designed. The pattern is based on abstracted crystals and the angles they create, which I then highlighted with smoky-colored Swarovski crystals that were sewn into the rug. It is very subtle and textural but still gives some wow factor to the design of the room.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. Full-service interior design, design consulting and product design for high-end residential properties and boutique hospitality properties.

I started the company two years ago and have worked in the industry for 10 years.

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My background is very diverse and has given me a large perspective on design, which I bring into my projects and working relationships. Growing up near New Orleans, I was exposed to a city full of history and beautiful architecture. Then there was Hong Kong. I spent two years there and traveled extensively through Asia and the Middle East.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CLIENTS HAPPY FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION? I really get to know my clients and their lifestyles. It’s their home, and that is sacred space. I don’t want to give them something that just looks good. I want it to function for them and be true to who they are as well.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR SIGNATURE TOUCHES THAT MAKE YOUR FIRM STAND OUT FROM THE REST? I am known for mixing styles and finishes.

I typically will bring in vintage pieces to the design to give extra character and depth to a project. Anyone can buy a set from a catalog.

It is more about creating a unique and customized look.

DESCRIBE YOUR CLIENTS.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU?

A homeowner in need of a custom-designed home: a bachelor looking to entertain, a growing family seeking more space or a developer with a residential or boutique hospitality project wanting to create a highly-designed, unique property.

Creating and building something and then getting to see it realized—whether it’s an entire home or a piece of furniture—is very rewarding. Each project is unique and dynamic, and I am always pushing myself to create something new.

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THE DESIGNERS

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GREGORY TOWLE, FLOYD ELWELL & KAMAREN HENSON-UHLS

Von Hemert Interiors

23649 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance | 310-373-0442 | info@vonhemert.com | vonhemertinteriors.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE?

Our Pacific Palisades client wanted a transitional-style living room that would tie in some of the traditional pieces while incorporating a modern influence. The client wanted her home to be ideal for entertaining. The designer and client decided to add mostly warm tones and gold accents to the upholstery and walls to contrast against the dark wood floors and to make the rooms appear larger. The client was so happy with the end product that she has referred many clients to von Hemert’s.

Our clients love that they can purchase just about anything from our showroom floor and have it delivered by our company within days. There aren’t many upscale interior design firms of this caliber left in our trading area that offer all of these services under one roof!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM. Anna von Hemert founded von Hemert Interiors in 1920 and opened a small interior design boutique on what is now the famous Sunset Boulevard. She set the tone for three generations to follow in her footsteps—representing exemplary interior design and luxury furniture brands for the community. Much has changed in these 94 years, including additional showrooms, an ever-changing inventory of exclusive furniture and accessory lines (including Italian furniture brands) and a growing staff of expert interior designers.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS INDUSTRY THAT CAPTIVATES YOU? Our industry is not dull. Furniture styles, color trends and fashion change yearly. This keeps our inventory fresh, our interior designers inspired and our company on our toes.

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WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU OFFER TO CLIENTS? We provide complimentary interior design services with highly experienced designers that exceed the expectations of our clients, offer the best selection of top home furnishings brands and Italian iImports at a remarkable value, and provide the best overall shopping experience. We continue to educate our interior designers with training from manufacturers, field trips, seminars and trips to the furniture market. Von Hemert’s is constantly bringing in new manufacturers to their product mix and keeping their stores fresh, with new inventory arriving weekly.

DESCRIBE YOUR CLIENTS. Clients who have had their main residences designed by von Hemert’s often have the same designer assist them with their second and third homes. Our designers enjoy the process of getting to know their customers, their families and how they aspire to live. Many of these clients become close friends. We treasure the relationships that we build with our clientele!

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THE DESIGNERS

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KONNI TANAKA, ALLIED ASID Konni Tanaka Design Group

Redondo Beach | 310-265-3632 konni@konnitanaka.com | konnitanaka.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. A young Palos Verdes family purchased this condo in the Ritz-Carlton Residences at LA Live as a second home. Already big LA Kings fans and conducting business in the downtown area, they sealed the deal when their son started playing hockey.

The custom wallpaper was the idea of the wife, who used wallpaper in a New York hotel she was developing. I reviewed over 40 graphic artists to find one with the right artistic sensitivity and skills.

To enlarge the living space we opened up the kitchen and added a bar. The clients envisioned touches of modern glamour along with a cool, contemporary look, as seen in the metal-faced bar. Above the bar, Swarovski crystal pendants give off a brilliant, shimmering light that is echoed in the lights over the dining table. The distressed wood table lends an edgy feel to the glamour. A soothing blue-gray dominates the sophisticated master suite.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CLIENTS HAPPY FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION? Clients want a seamless and predictable process, for which communication and coordination is key. We collaborate with clients on the design, manage design budgets and provide detailed working drawings so contractors can give accurate estimates. Successful collaboration between our team and the construction team(s) unifies the process and greatly helps our client.

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WHAT INFLUENCES DO YOU DRAW ON IN THE DECORATION AND AESTHETICS OF A CLIENT’S HOME? The clients’ own aesthetic regarding environments is important, as well as the historical period of the décor style they desire and the home’s architecture. To provide a highly individualized design, we identify the environments that foster a sense of wellbeing for the client and weave those characteristics into the design. Along with colors and textures, bringing together all these factors results in spaces that are very satisfying for our clients.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE IN THIS INDUSTRY? I am trained and certified by a traditional Chinese feng shui master, and I bring feng shui into the designs, to support my clients’ relationships, health and prosperity. Also, I have degrees in both interior design and fine arts, and I exhibited and brokered contemporary art in Tokyo. The bonus for my clients is that I truly enjoy collaborating with other designers, artisans and fabricators to realize their dreams.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CLIENTS. Many of my clients have an appreciation for the arts and performing arts. They desire artistry in their environment and are often adventurous with the design. We share a belief that harmonious environments foster serenity and creativity for those in them.

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THE DESIGNERS

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ANN KNUDSEN Knudsen Design Studio

Palos Verdes Estates 310-375-1283 knudsendesignstudio@gmail.com knudsendesignstudio.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. Built in the 1920s, this Cheviot Hills house with treetop views of Century City is home to a single mother of two teenage boys who has a full-time career as a wealth advisor. Raised on both Long Island and the beaches of Ventura, she wanted a home that reflected both coastal aesthetics and gave her a calm place to come home to after her hectic days. Using these influences as inspiration, I designed a home that would be a place of respite and have a subtle visual impact.

Colors became muted, and natural textures took center stage. Our vision for the home was to provide spaces that were techfree, inviting rooms to read, play chess and discuss the day’s activities. In the living room, this meant comfy, cream linen sofas with Italian silk pillows and simple window treatments that emphasize the high ceilings and great architecture. Though initially designed to be a more grown-up room, the client has found that both she her boys use it daily.

In the dining room, located in the center of the house, I added a splash of China blue with dark walnut furniture to reflect her East Coast background. It has, in turn, inspired the family to host weekly Sunday dinners for friends and family.

The master bedroom and bathroom get more muted as places to rest and recharge, with the help of natural materials like mohair, limestone countertops and floors. Because of

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the clients’ early-morning routine, she needed these rooms to be especially calm, as this is where she starts and ends her days.

This project is a reflection of how our firm designs for our clients: collaboratively but on an individual level. I love the process of listening to their specific needs and addressing them thoughtfully, creating rooms that are both beautiful as well as functional and will last stylistically for years to come.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. We are a full-service design firm with a range of services, including a two-hour “Paint and Primp” consultation and a full-day “Design for a Day” consultation—depending on the project we will take the client shopping, choose paints colors and help with furniture arrangements and style direction.

DESCRIBE THE VERNACULAR OF YOUR PRACTICE. Our firm started in New York City after I graduated from Parsons The New School for Design. My professional training has given me a more global and architectural perspective that I love to combine with my Manhattan Beach roots. I create interiors that reflect who my clients are: multi-faceted and unique. We pull from many styles and sources—some high and some low—to create a more layered look that will stand the test of time and style.

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THE OUTSIDERS

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JEFF STIMPFIG & ANA STIMPFIG JDS Outdoor Designs

1023 4th Street in Hermosa Beach 310-880-5028 jeff@jds-outdoordesigns.com jds-outdoordesigns.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT.

Our clients, Jeff and Alissa Miller, love to entertain for friends and family throughout the year at their beautiful home in Hermosa Beach. They came to JDS asking us to resolve their neglected, dysfunctional backyard that no one wanted to spend time in. With Alissa’s good eye for design and Jeff’s attention to detail, we moved forward and designed and built a multi-functional space that followed all of their functional and aesthetic requests.

The new space included a lounge fire pit area with a custom concrete couch, a custom built-in outdoor kitchen with a concrete countertop, an IPE wood bench and accent fences, a new concrete patio with basalt natural stone tiles, a synthetic lawn area for their kids to play, surrounding raised planters with multiple low-maintenance shrubs, succulents, designer plants and LED landscape lighting.

Now the Millers have an outdoor space that has become their favorite place to spend quality time with their kids and guests.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. JDS Outdoor Designs is an exterior design and construction company offering a full range of outdoor design and build services.

These services include complete hardscape makeovers, plant and irrigation installations, and rooftop deck and balcony transformations. We specialize in designing and building outdoor escapes that connect the inside

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of our clients homes to the outside. Small or large, we listen closely to our client’s functional needs and we implement their aesthetic taste and style into their overall project.

WHAT MAKES YOUR FIRM UNIQUE? Manhattan Beach native Jeff Stimpfig has been a naturally gifted artist from a young age and comes from a long line of amazing artists and designers. Over the last decade, Jeff merged his true design passions into the world of landscape design, architecture and construction. In 2010 Jeff met his wife to be, Ana Stimpfig, who also comes from an impressive design background. A native of Brazil, Ana graduated with a degree in architecture and worked for top architecture firms in Rio De Janeiro.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE SERVICE YOU OFFER TO CLIENTS? We have a strong passion for architecture, landscape design, construction, fabric design and horticulture. With that said, our biggest asset is our ability to visualize these exterior spaces, create them in digital format and build them into functional outdoor rooms.

There are no surprises for JDS clients because we present them with multiple drawings, 3D renderings, CAD drawings, photographs and material ideas. From there we execute the plan in front of us. It’s important to know that we are a build company, but first and foremost we’re an outdoor design firm.

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AUDIO/VIDEO

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BOB MCDANIEL The New Home Automator

1060 Aviation Blvd., Hermosa Beach 310-379-2222 BobM@Home-Automator.com Home-Automator.com

DESCRIBE THE FEATURED PROJECT. The home, in the tree section of Manhattan Beach, was expertly designed and built by Michael Lee Architects for two busy professionals with two young children. The lighting installed throughout the home’s main living area can be controlled with in-wall keypads or from mobile devices. The homeowners designed “scenes” around their lifestyle to allow for adjustments to multiple lights with one button-push. They also wanted to enjoy whole-house distributed audio and video while keeping that portion of their technology as hidden as possible. We located all the equipment in an upstairs cabinet, and it can be controlled throughout the house from dedicated remotes or from mobile devices. The home’s network was bolstered by locating multiple hidden wireless-access points to provide for uninterrupted service throughout the house. The home also has a state-of-the-art security and surveillance system that provides peace of mind for the family.

WHAT’S NEW WITH YOUR FIRM? It’s probably easier to explain what’s not new. I bought the company earlier this year with an eye on re-inventing it in a big way.

We hired an exceptional industry professional, David Fallica, as GM to oversee the relaunch. We just finished completely remodeling the showroom so that our customers can see the systems in an environment that is like their home. We kept the news under wraps a bit until we were able to install and test new operating procedures, develop the right personnel, and create the energy and culture

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that I wanted at Home Automator. I am really proud of the company that we have created, and I am excited that we can use this great publication to share the news!

TELL US ABOUT THE SERVICES YOU OFFER. We are a home electronics integrator. We do custom design and installation of theaters, automated window coverings, intelligent lighting controls, whole-house audio and video systems, surveillance, and smartphone and tablet integration.

HOW DO YOU DISTINGUISH YOUR FIRM FROM THE COMPETITION? Some folks try to make home automation cryptic and complicated. We pride ourselves on clear communication, not tech-speak.

Additionally, we really got behind the idea of “invisible technology” recently and we do it very well. Most new homes have clean lines and minimal embellishment. Speakers, TVs, switches and keypads don’t blend well into that architecture. We dedicated a section of our showroom to showing technology that can be enjoyed without detracting from aesthetics.

WHY DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SOUTH BAY? I have lived in Manhattan Beach for almost 15 years. It’s a special place, and I have really enjoyed getting involved in the community.

I loved the idea of working here too, and when the opportunity to purchase Home Automator was presented, it was a natural fit.

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HOME

FINAL OFFER

By the Numbers ...

The Sandpipers Holiday Homes Tour AS THE LOCAL PHILANTHROPIC WOMEN’S GROUP PREPARES FOR THEIR ANNUAL EVENT, YOU’D BE SURPRISED HOW MANY DETAILS GO INTO PRODUCING A FULL WEEKEND OF HOME TOURS. LET’S SEE HOW THEY ADD UP:

2,000 People who attend each year

700

SANDPIPERS CURRENT MEMBERSHIP

1 Incredible

70

4$382,000

Complimentary shuttles from home to home each day

holiday event for the community!

LOCAL NONPROFITS SUPPORTED BY SANDPIPERS

3 to 4

Homes on display

Funds raised over the weekend over the last five years of the tour

22

100

Years of the Holiday Homes Tour

Bottles of wine

consumed

75

Poinsettias on display

Join the Sandpipers for their Holiday Homes Tour on December 5, 6 and 7. For more, visit sandpipers.org.

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DISTINCTIVE ARTISIAN RUGS

AMARA

23645 MADISON STREET TORRANCE CA | AMARARUGS.COM

BY APPOINTMENT | 310.378.6999