Inspiration outside hospitality
The majority of my work is in the high-end residential sector, so I take much of my inspiration from the human spirit and what our living spaces mean to us.
Favorite fashion designer
Right now I am drawn to the rocker looks by Hedi Slimane; layers and texture by Dries Van Noten; the fearlessness of Rei Kawakubo; and modern cuts of Phoebe Philo.
Artistic influence
I’m currently enjoying the work of California artists who incorporate text, such as Cliff Hengst, Dashiell Manley, and Ed Ruscha. I am also having a Frida Kahlo moment. She is currently my 5-year-old daughter’s favorite artist so we are deep into exploring her work and planning a trip to Mexico City to visit Kahlo’s home and studio. Her art addresses personal, social, political, and feminist issues and she has influenced so many female artists of this century.
Key to thinking outside the box
Collaboration. Working side by side with artists, talented fabricators, and expert craftsman is always inspiring.
Coping with a hectic schedule
I say ‘no’ more than ‘yes.’ I need to protect my time in the studio and my time with my family. The rest will have to wait.
Upcoming project
A boutique hotel in Palo Alto—it will take hospitality to the next level for Silicon Valley.
Recent work
The Vineyardist, a winery in Calistoga, California. It’s set on the top of a mountain overlooking all of Calistoga and Napa Valley. It’s a working winery and not open to the public. We also completed a softgoods refresh of the Ovid Napa Valley—it’s the 10th anniversary of the winery’s design and was my first project after establishing my own firm.
The Ovid Napa Valley, California
Keeping focus
People ask me how I manage a 40-person design firm, travel internationally, spend quality time with my kids, and somehow carve time for myself. I have an amazing studio of talented designers and management whom I trust to support and execute my creative vision, which allows me to focus on the creative process, conceptual thinking, and keeping my head above the fray.
