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/.