MCM Ltd. - A Special Mention

James Wright is the owner and founder of MCM Ltd in based in the UK. He's really amazing. MCM Ltd makes cost effective modular housing up to 9 stories tall. It's all built in their factory in the UK. Green,Cost Effective, Efficient...A designer and architect's dream. Look at his website- you'll be pleased you did.

website:www.mcmethods.com
Modern Construction Methods Ltd.
212 Hornsey Road
London N7 7LL
United Kingdom

Christmas in London

I was finally getting ready to leave London after so much activity and meetings. I took a few hours with my partner, Kristina Stehling and her son Max to walk the streets of London and look at the decorations. They were great. Definitely made you feel the Xmas Mood. Cold not snowy, but bearable. People rushing about with their packages and just looking at all the sights on the street and the decorations each retail establishment and the City of London threw up for the entertainment of the public. Loved it....

Obama Celebration Party:London Democrats Abroad

November 4, 2008 Democrats Abroad held an amazing celebration party at the Texas, Embassy in London,UK. EFA European Director, Kristina Stehling was part of the preparation Party. I have never seen more Americans in one place in London ever.
It was absolutely Jammin' with wall to wall people just showing what its like to have witnessed and been part of an historic event. Everyone in London was celebrating with us. Besides the Texas,Embassy the Democrats Abroad had set up two other overflow venues to take care of all the people and make sure evryone was having a brilliant time. Evelyn Fujimoto from Gensler,London was in attendance.
What an incredible night!

www.democratsabroad.org
www.democratsabroad.org/user/registration

Michael S Smith Book Signing: Houses at HollyHock

I had a pleasant surprise when I stopped at HollyHock owned by Suzanne Rheinstein who was hosting the booksigning for Michael S Smith's second book published by Rizzoli.

If you have ever ventured outside of the PDC to shop-HollyHock located at 817 Hilldale Ave in West Hollywood has become a destination showroom for unusual and unique items. They also showcase several colections of fabric,lighting , and furniture that you will not find at the PDC.

Robert Kime Fabrics,John Rosselli Furniture & Lighting Collection, and William Yeoward Crystal to name a few.

The original Hollyhock was opened 17yrs ago in Larchmont. Designer Connie McCreight was there to show her support as well as all the Jasper Contingent from Michael S Smith. Frank Mastronuzzi, CFO for Michael S Smith, was holding court with friends.

Hospitality Design Icon, Betty Garber, Vince Jellineo, Kneedler Faucher Alumni with his designer partner,Ed were present to grace the event.

Michael S Smith as Dapper as ever was signing his new book:Houses. This is Michael's second book published by Rizzoli. If you have ever been to a Michael S Smith book signing, it really is an event. Michael is great. He is very approachable and is very excited about telling you about his Jasper furniture and fabric collections represented in showrooms across the U.S. To the Trade.

http://www.michaelssmithinc.com/

http://www.hollyhockinc.com/

New London Hotel is Hot!

After traveling so much over the last two years for business, I missed my friends. I am sure they thought I had fallen off the face of the earth but they had not given up on me. Bob Allred,V.P. Michael S. Smith for Jasper,Valerie Finlayson,Outside Sales Nancy Corzine, and Tim, life partner of Bob Allred, an IT Expert for Verizon."He is very smart,articulate and we like him,Bob."We had a great time just catching up.

We all met at the New London Hotel on San Vicente for cocktails at the Gordon Ramsay Restaurant and Bar. The former Bel Age, it's renovation and interior design was done by David Collins, a London designer. Go! As quickly as you can....it's great. Interesting nuances in different design elements used by the designer. Waterworks collaborated with David Collins Studio and custom designed the fixtures, soaking tubs, and luxury bath linens. All world class. It reminded me of 5 star hotels I have seen in Asia. From the tiles,lighting,softgoods, and casegoods...a good experience and well worth the price of valet parking.

The London West Hollywood

1020 N. San Vicente Boulevard

West Hollywood, Ca 90069

Hotel Information 310.854.1111

www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

London is so Cool

London is great and so are the British. I recently came back from a trip to London and had a great time. You can actually feel "important decisions are made here"- interesting. Will Fisher, owner of Jamb Ltd. , an antique and reproduction showroom on Dove Walk near Pimlico Road, brought my London partner and me to "Decorex".The London version of their Wholesale Interior Design Market. I thought it had a different" spin"in comparison to Market in Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco-much smaller but if you have never been-definitely go and check it out.

They have exhibitors from all over Europe and you will recognize some of the name brands being distributed in the States wholesale showrooms.

I took the tube and bus all over the city. Loved it. Not only was it cost effective but fun and easy.

In fact, it really is the only way to get around the city unless you walk. It felt very similar to New York.

Singapore is Amazing!

One of my favorite places in Asia is Singapore. It has an International flavor without being overbearing. If you've never been to Asia, I would suggest Singapore. Its a place where for the last two years I go to "regenerate" if I am in Asia for an extended period of time for work.

Don't be surprised if you see "expats" from every where working and living in Singapore.

A former British Colony, it is a treasure trove of

amazing architectural buildings.

The Fullerton Hotel, a former postal office, renovated and designed by Hirsch Bedner& Associates is something that should not be missed. I had lunch with Russel and Judy Wong. Russel is a photographer of world renown who's work is represented at Christie's and art galleries in other major cities of the globe. Russel had lived and worked in Los Angeles.

www.russelwongphoto.com

Look for Judy Wong who was featured on an episode of "Anthony Bourdain" recently.

Just before I left Russel drove me around the Formula 1 car race pathway that just occurred in the streets of the city. We also went to an art exhibit installed and shown at the old Judicial buildings.

FYI-Singapore is a major hub for Contract and Hospitality design with some of the best Hotel designers in the world taking residence.

One office to really look into is Silver Fox Studios,headed by world class hotel and award winning designer,Patrick James Waring.

Patrick James Waring,former Deputy Managing Director for Wilson & Associates, has opened his own firm in partnership with another alumni from Wilson's, Susan Heng,former Creative Director. Patrick's creative genius manifest's itself in projects executed all over the globe. Patrick James Waring was pivotal in building Wilson's in Singapore from 4 people in 1992 to 180 strong by 2007. Silver Fox Studios http://www.silverfoxstudios.com.sg/.

Back To La Land - For Real

Leaving for LA Land today and am so glad to get back home. There is truth to the fact it is good to be around your "stuff" and just "being". Off again to London for two weeks for work then home again....Yay! More later.......

Gay Polo League

Interior Designer Tom Landry

Gay Polo League

Two years ago Chip McKenney founded the Gay Polo League recognizing a need for a vehicle to meet other gay men and women in a positive venue. Interior Designer, Tom Landry joined the Gay Polo League and has never looked back. If ever you want to see "Hot Men On Horseback" take a drive to the California Polo Club as I did. Seriously, I was pleasantly surprised. It was GPL's practice session and it was amazing. These men are serious about their polo. The following are photos in a magazine article in "Refresh"U.K. that came out about Polo and specifically about the Gay Polo League. It is significant that it is the only League of it's kind in the world.If you would like to join or contact the Gay Polo League please email gaypolola@yahoo.com.

Jamb Ltd. Favorite London Vendor

I have never wanted to go to England since I was young. For whatever reason, it was never a priority to me until about 2 1/2yrs ago. I just woke up one morning "feeling" England. Never been. Two months ago, I had business in London and was determined to check it all out. I love doing the research and attention to detail is a "no brainer" for me. While working for Michael Smith,I made friends with an antique dealer in London, Will Fisher. His showroom, Jamb Ltd., is located off of Pimlico on 3 Dove Walk in a very charming alleyway reminiscent of Charles Dickens.
Once you ring the bell, you hear someone very politely asking who it is and then letting you in to the showroom. Be prepared. It is fabulous. Will keeps his showroom interesting and well appointed. Included in his antique collections, he has furniture and lighting reproduction line that is amazing. The wonderful thing about Will and his staff, if you have an installation in London or if you are just doing a search for antiques (authentique) for your installation anywhere, Will and his staff are knowledgable,competent,capable,and very good. They get back to you(what a concept!)when you have an inquiry. Shipping is not a problem to any continent.
Charlotte Feemantle manages and keeps everything all together at the showroom.
A major part of their business is antique mantels and reproduction mantels. Keep in mind they also have a large collection of antique garden accessories.
Will has been in the Antique business for a very long time with an excellent reputation in the Trade. FYI-if you want to see Will for a "one on one" consultation-call for an appointment.
Did I say that Will's staff is so funny and smart.That's a plus. Our business is stressful enough as it is. It doesn't help when showroom's make it hard to work and interface with them...We are all in it together. It's the same in that respect on every continent.

Jamb
3 Dove walk
Pimlico, London SW1W 8PS
United Kingdom
t+44(0)20 7730 2122
f+44(0)20 7730 2132
www.jamblimited.com
Contact:charlotte@jamblimited.com
Director: Will Fisher

Party at Exquisite Surfaces

You know-I really did not want to go out of my house last night but I was invited
out of my house by Stephen Stone, Builder and Lanscape Designer Extraordinaire and was very pleasantly surprised by the new showroom for Exquisite Surfaces on Robertson Blvd. It was the Old Masonic building. Very cool! I had not been in the country for a while and it was nice seeing old friends. Monty(Real estate maven), John Cole(designer), Scott Hunt(Panache),and Bill Maxwell(Finestra). I've been to a lot of openings and this one was really fun. "No Drama!"
I love designers - what can I say? Plus who doesn't enjoy being around a lot of hot men. Albeit they don't want me but hey -"Beauty is Beauty." Our business is all about "Pretty" anyway.
I literally ran into my dear friend,Frank Mastronuzzi, CFO of Michael S Smith. Looking "hot" Frank- Michael and Frank had just come from the "Good-Bye" party for Rose Tarlow. It was great seeing Michael and Kim Alexandriuk -both who I haven't seen since I left the country over a year ago.

Gary Gibson Interior Designer Interview Prt 2

OMG Gary Gibson

Oh My God, Gary! Finally, We're on....It took two years but as you know-I always keep my word. One of the most creative and artistic designers in Los Angeles with a wicked sense of humor. Look for his Atelier on Beverly Blvd filled with high end furniture to order,unusual objet d'art, Larsen Fabric,and amazing artists that Gary helps showcase their work. He's always been one to recognize talent. If you're looking for something exceptional - go to Gary Gibson.
The address is : Gary Gibson
7350 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca 90036

He's right across the street from fellow interior designer, Michael Berman. We have to add also - we noticed that you're awfully close to El Coyote...Hmmmmmmm

To The Trade Interior Design Files

This is a trailer for a show I worked on a couple of years ago dedicated to the interior design industry produced and directed by Vanessa Layug & Malcolm Goodwin. For more info about the show log onto www.meanduproductions.com

Beginning From where You Are At.....

In order to establish a forum where I can talk about the Wholesale Design Industry I love so well... I wanted to begin this Blog. Where do I begin except where I am now....After spending a great deal of my life in the Industry and traveling a great deal in the last 16 months I realize that our Industry is changing irrevocably. I will be giving my observations and opinions about what I see is going on in the Industry. As well as introducing designers,friends,vendors,mfr's who I believe are amazing at home as well as abroad.