90210 Magazine
December 2008

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Why did you choose Design as your path?

An extremely creative person with a love for architecture, furniture design and fine art, interior design was a natural choice for me. I am drawn to rich colors and textures and truly enjoy space planning and specifying dramatic lighting. I find that creating the design for a project, from concept to completion, with all its varied details- is quite exciting.

How do you connect with clients in order to accommodate their taste?

When I meet with a new client the first question I ask them what are your needs and what are you trying to achieve? Then I listen to what they have to say and take everything into account while working on their project. My goal is to always give them more than they are expecting or have even imagined. Then I am satisfied. It’s a very rewarding experience.

How often is it that we should redesign our homes?

Redesigning a home is really up to the individual homeowner. I hae found that people with more classic traditional taste like to stay in that style. They then refer to their projects as “freshening up” their home rather than redesigning it. It will still involve remodeling, but they have a better comfort level not using that terminology. Usually anywhere from 5 to 10 years for a touch up to a full remodel, although I have done many jobs where they’ve waited 15 to 20 years and really needed work.

Why should one hire a professional interior designer?

The most obvious answer would be to prevent costly mistakes due to lack of knowledge in all aspects of the design process. Another more enjoyable reason would be to have the creativity of a talented person who is well versed in all areas of design while protecting the heath, safety and welfare of the client and adhering to all building code regulations pertaining to the project.

What do you think defines Beverly Hills?

When mentioning Beverly Hills, tourists automatically think “Rodeo Drive” and also “Hollywood Glamour”. It is thought of as an elite community of very successful, powerful and style setting people. I would say that the one thing they all have in common is a desire to have their own unique look that is above the norm.

What was your favorite project?

My favorite project was actually one I did recently in Palos Verdes. It had views of the Ocean and a golf club. My clients were Asian and I needed to combine their sensibilities with Contemporary style- hence Asian Contemporary. I interpreted their love of color through the use of wonderful art, as they wanted a subdued palette in their fabrics. There were also many design challenges due the architectural shapes of some of the rooms. When I finished the project, I felt like I passed a test. It was very rewarding. I have actually received design award on this project recently from my organization, The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and it will be published in California Homes magazine in January.

What part of your home means the most to you?

I built our current home seven years ago. It feels like living in Tuscany, from its exterior appearance resembling a Tuscan Villa, to its interior finishes and architectural details. I love that house because even though it is 8,500 square feet it feels warm and cozy in every room. The most used room is the kitchen. It is large and well stocked with all the best equipment both for functionability and for preparing gourmet meals for large parties, which we have frequently. Everyone loves to hang out there for some reason and I have to remember to invite them into the living room or they’d stay in the kitchen all night.

If you weren’t an Interior Designer what would you have been?

I can’t imagine not being an interior designer. I feel this is what I was born to do because it comes so naturally to me. I’ve always been creative and loved to do clay sculpture as a child. I think I would always have to be in a design related field.