SoCal Design Spring 2023

GLOW UP SPRING STYLE IS IN THE AIR

In-store interior design & 3D modeling services (1) Quick Ship program available (2)

Bubble 2. Curved 3-4 seat-sofa, designed by Sacha Lakic. Astréa. Armchair, designed by Sacha Lakic. Triolet. Cocktail table, end tables and occasional table, designed by Julie Figueroa Zafiro. Up. Floor lamp and table lamps, designed by Marcel Wanders. Made in Europe.

Discover the possibilities.

The Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom is a creative and collaborative space. Chef demonstrations and interactive products will inspire you, while knowledgeable consultants will guide you through your entire kitchen project. Delicious moments, spent cooking with the ones you love, start here.

SCHEDULE A SHOWROOM APPOINTMENT

38

HELLO, SUNSHINE

On the edge of Griffith Park, a couple of British transplants fell in love with a modernist house that they made their own

SPRING 2023

FEATURES

46 THE GREAT ESCAPE

In Rancho Santa Fe, the cofounders of San Diegobased SD Design Studio have created their dream getaway, combining midcentury California influences with Nordic touches

INTERIOR DESIGN: SD DESIGN STUDIO

54 MOODY BLUES

A young entrepreneur gets the bachelor pad of his dreams in coastal Orange County

INTERIOR DESIGN:

HELENA BRANA OF BRANA DESIGNS

62 SWEETENING

THE POT

From top to bottom, a San Diego-area home receives a glamorous makeover, right down to the casino-like lounge

INTERIOR DESIGN:

ANITA DAWSON, DAWSON

DESIGN GROUP

ARCHITECT OF RECORD:

MARK MORRIS OF OASIS

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

CONTRACTOR: STEIGERWALDDOUGHERTY

46 | The kitchen in this Rancho Santa Fe home is flooded with natural light

26 CREATORS A look at the talent that fuels the SoCal design scene

32 GOING PLACES Golden State destinations and the world beyond 36 DINE + DESIGN Form, function, and food

70 RESOURCES

72 GREATER GOOD Care, serve, contribute

in velvet

38 | The luxe main bath of a Hollywood Hills renovation

Behind every great brand is

a strong team, and I am thrilled to be joining the stellar group at Engine Vision Media. Along with being a part of iconic titles like Los Angeles, Orange Coast, and Pasadena magazines, I am delighted to work with the SoCal Design team and our amazing editorial director Nichol Nelson. Together, we will continue to deliver this unique, beautifully crafted publication for design experts and enthusiasts, both in print and digitally.

Home design has always been my passion, and when I began my media career back in 2000, I was the guy exploring our region’s most influential design locales: Robertson, La Cienega, and Beverly Boulevards, La Brea Avenue, the Pacific Design Center, Stonemill Design Center, SOCO, Laguna Design Center, and more. I cherish getting to meet and know the many faces that kept SoCal at the forefront of design—people like Gary Gibson, Michael Berman, Michael Ostrow, Roger Stoker, Jamie Adler, Rose Tarlow, Martyn Bullard, Oliver Furth, and the late Suzanne Rheinstein, to name a few. We were younger then, of course, but most of that era’s powerhouse designers are still going strong today.

So, welcome to our Spring Issue of SoCal Design. We are the lucky ones that get to live here, where the weather warrants great backyard barbecues, pool parties, and outdoor get-togethers. And now that the rain is behind us (hopefully), it’s time to entertain! Check out our latest edition and get inspired.

Christopher Gialanella President and Publisher cgialanella@lamag.com @socaldesignmag @christophergia

The incredible power of creativity

No matter how specific a client’s needs, every designer brings their own imagination to the table. Finding the right balance of ideas is a dance, and when it’s performed well, the result is a triumph.

The artists at EFC Art Centers in downtown L.A. (Greater Good, page 72) are likewise tapping into their well of creativity. More than 500 painters, woodworkers, ceramists, and printmakers with a wide range of developmental disabilities work out of this studio space each year to express themselves. Here, their creative energy is celebrated—and in some cases, showcased in galleries across SoCal.

Spring feels like the perfect time to celebrate the idea of creativity, as the landscape explodes with the colors and fragrances brought to life by this winter’s heavy rainfall. We decided to celebrate the season by highlighting yellow—the color of sunshine—as well as floral textiles reminiscent of a verdant field of wildflowers in Details, page 15.

I’m inspired to explore more creative outlets—maybe this is the year I’ll finally take a stab at painting the iconic orange poppies blanketing the hillsides near my home. After all, no one will care if my artwork isn’t perfect. The point is to find joy in the process.

Nichol Nelson Editorial Director nnelson@socaldesignmag.com

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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3. SoCal Design is published quarterly by Los Angeles Magazine, LLC. Principal office: 644 S. Figueroa St., 3rd Fl., Los Angeles, CA 90017. Postage paid at Los Angeles, CA, and additional mailing offices. The one-year domestic subscription price is $19.95. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SoCal Design, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. Not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or other materials, which must be accompanied by return postage. SUBSCRIBERS: If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year. Copyright © 2022 Los Angeles Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. SoCal Design® is a registered trademark of Los Angeles Magazine, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. SUBSCRIBER SERVICE: 866-660-6247. GST #R133004424. PRINTED IN THE USA.

Plura 46” pendant

Fresh perspective

THE CROFT HOUSE SIERRA CHAIR, REDESIGNED

A DECADE AGO, AN ICON WAS BORN. Croft House released the Sierra Chair to great fanfare 10 years ago, and to mark the anniversary, the company asked 10 incredible interior designers to put their own spin on the classic. The result is an beautiful collection of unique chairs in a range of dynamic colors and fabrics. (Even better, they're all manufactured in Los Angeles.) The Signature Sierra Chair series, including the chair pictured above by Noz Nozawa of Noz Design, will be available June 1st. ■

NOZ NOZAWA paired Donghia daydream sky fabric with Schumacher fringe for a fresh look

Golden glow

YELLOW IS WONDERFULLY EXUBERANT, WHICH MAKES IT PERFECT FOR SPRING. THESE FINDS REPRESENT THE SPECTRUM OF YELLOW'S CHARM, FROM SUNNY LEMON TO DEEP OCHRE. A CHEERFUL POP OF COLOR THAT EVOKES JOY? YES PLEASE

1. BLU DOT Decade Lounge Chair bludot.com $295

2. ROCHE BOBOIS Bilboquet Pedestal Table roche-bobois.com $1,990

3. WEST ELM Diego Olivero Cotton Double Striped Pillow Cover westelm.com $60

4. SOPHIE LOU JACOBSEN Wave Pitcher sophieloujacobsen. com $195

5.SOHO HOME Garret Armchair, Velvet sohohome.com $2,295

6. LLADRO Sparrows Vase in yellow. lladro.com $2,405

Patio playmates

THE SUN IS BACK AND THE FLOWERS ARE BLOOMING, WHICH MEANS IT'S TIME TO SPRUCE UP YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES. FROM SLEEK LOUNGE CHAIRS TO PRETTY PLANTERS, WE'VE GOT SOMETHING TO ADD CHARM TO ANY PATIO, PORCH, BALCONY, OR DECK

MADELEINE PEREZ

PHOTO CREDIT: STEPHANIE HELGUERA

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[ REAL ESTATE ]

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S HOUSING HOT SPOTS

What are some of the area’s best natural attractions?

Malibu has the most magnificent nature — not only the beautiful beaches but the canyons and hills with waterfalls and hiking. Malibu "Surfrider" Beach is one of the most famous surfing spots in the world and is right next to the pier. There's also Big Dume Beach at Point Dume, which is a popular whale watching spot during the gray whale migration. For hiking, Solstice Canyon is beautiful, and there's also a two-hour hike deep into the mountain canyons to Escondido Falls.

How would you di erentiate Malibu’s communities for potential homebuyers, and which communities are the most exclusive?

The most exclusive communities in Malibu include Paradise Cove, Malibu Colony, Carbon Beach, Malibu Road, and Serra Retreat.

MALIBU REAL ESTATE EXPERT IRENE DAZZAN-PALMER PROVIDES AN INSIDER’S LOOK AT LUXURY MARKET TRENDS IN THE COASTAL ENCLAVE | BY

LOTUS ABRAMS

Seaside sanctuary QA &

BLESSED WITH STUNNING stretches of coastline and lush, verdant hills, it’s no surprise that Malibu is one of the most sought-after areas in all of Southern California. Hollywood heavy hitters value the privacy and small-town feeling the coastal hideaway o ers, driving the median home sales price in the area to a whopping $4.5 million. We asked Irene DazzanPalmer, who has 30 years of experience buying and selling properties in Malibu, for some insight on what’s happening in the luxury market.

How has Malibu changed over the past decade?

With the arrival of Nobu and Soho House, Malibu has become a global destination. Our restaurants and high-end shopping attract people from all over the world.

How have rising interest rates a ected the local luxury real estate market? We’re seeing a lot of ultra high-net-worth individuals take their money out of the volatile stock and crypto markets and park their wealth in real estate. These deals are mostly all-cash, so the rising interest rates haven’t a ected the luxury market. Luxury real estate is still considered the safest long-term investment one can add to their portfolio.

The three most recent notable high sales in Malibu are a 7,450-square-foot contemporary villa overlooking El Sol Beach, which sold for $70.4 million, and two sales in exclusive Paradise Cove. One is a Mediterranean oceanfront estate, which sold for $91 million, and the other is a secluded 10,698square-foot oceanfront property purchased by a well-known producer for $100 million.

Can you share any tips for potential homebuyers interested in purchasing a home in Malibu?

Hire local representation. Relationships and market knowledge continue to be the most important factors in our current market. With tight inventory, only a top agent in-the-know can bring buyers deals that don't exist on the market. ■

PHOTO: CARLOS BASTIAS/UNSPLASH

Designed by: Amy Simonyan

THE TALENT THAT FUELS THE SOCAL DESIGN SCENE

The more the merrier

COLLABORATION IS A NEW DRIVING FORCE AT KALON STUDIOS, ONE OF SOCAL'S MOST INNOVATIVE DESIGN COMPANIES | BY MAILE PINGEL

FOR FIFTEEN YEARS, furnishings company Kalon Studios has been creating American-made furnishings that blur the line between handmade and machine. By working with virtuoso craftsmen who embrace traditional methods and new waste-reducing technologies, the studio, founded by husband-and-wife team Michaele Simmering and Johannes Pauwen, has become known for simple, ethereal pieces that emphasize the beauty of natural materials that are even designed to be biodegradable.

But it was COVID-19, perhaps counteractively, that sparked an expansion of thought at the Atwater Village studio. “It felt impossible to execute anything normally, so we found ourselves making things with our own community of creatives,” explains Simmering. Without the pressure of market deadlines, designing also took on a renewed energy of fun.

“Our recent collaborations are the manifestation of that,” she says.

Michaele Simmering (right) and Johannes Pauwen (middle) of Kalon and Frances Merrill of Reath Design collaborated to create the Kalon x Reath collection

For their work with Frances Merrill of Reath, they invited the interior designer to reinterpret their pieces with the addition of textiles inspired by Alexander Girard and Rose Cumming, creating a raucous juxtaposition of minimalist form and maximalist pattern. “A lot of Frances’s work is about storytelling, and the collection captures the way a house evolves over time,” Simmering notes.

The couple has also welcomed Paris-based homewares brand Trame to the studio with the first U.S.-showing of the company’s Seminara masks, grotesque faces designed to ward o evil spirits. “Trame’s handmade masks resonate with our ethos,” she says. “We’re interested in work that invites dialogue with the user and evokes particular experiences. There’s a call and response between object and user that elicits a connection. As designers, that’s what we’re striving for, connections.” A forthcoming rug collaboration with Trame will further those explorations.

“I love the way that working with others pierces bubbles of process and perspective,” Simmering continues. “For a creative, they’re a powerful reminder of why you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place.” kalonstudios.com ■

The showroom will feature an installation of homeware brand Trame's ceramic masks of Seminara

A fresh perspective

WHETHER HE’S DESIGNING HOMES, BARS, OR OFFICES, ANAND SHETH SEEKS TO CREATE SPACES THAT REFLECT THE PEOPLE WHO USE THEM |

BY KELLY VENCILL SANCHEZ

GROWING UP IN THE SOUTH BAY, Anand Sheth saw the world through the disparate perspectives around him: the traditional Indian culture of his immigrant parents, the school he attended in Redondo Beach, and the realities his friends in South L.A. encountered every day. “I got to see firsthand how the built environment a ects people,” he says.

Itching for something di erent, at age 17 he set out for San Francisco. There, he enrolled at the California College of the Arts, earning a degree in architecture and interning at nonprofits like Architecture for Humanity and Public Architecture. The experience, he says, galvanized his belief that architecture hasn’t traditionally reflected the needs of the end user.

“We want to believe that everything that’s built around us is a direct representation of who we are and what we need as humans,” he says. “But it’s really a projection, because so many decisions are made before a building is even built. There’s a fiction we all subscribe to in order to understand buildings.”

In 2021, after a decade at awardwinning Studio BBA, where he ultimately served as design director and worked on such projects as the Manufactory in downtown L.A, Sheth opened his own firm. His design proj.ects have been

remarkably diverse, ranging from the creation of a dynamic headquarters in the Mission District for technology company Retool to the transformation of an abandoned dive bar into a natural wine bar/vinyl-driven dance hall called Bar Part Time. Along the way he designed a two-level home and studio for himself in an 1885 building that displays his flair for experimentation.

Sheth can add three new projects to the list: Popi’s Oysterette oyster bar in the Marina District, a natural wine bar/strip bar on Folsom Street called Sluts, and a satellite headquarters in New York for Retool. Nearing completion is a flagship location for a mental health clinic in Berkeley and a home for art collectors in Noe Valley.

"It’s exciting to see all the ways residential design is di erent and also the same as my other projects,” he says. “Since a lot of my residential clients are building environments for gathering and hosting, I get to use a hospitality approach.”

Reflecting the “nimble” quality of his practice, he’s also expanding with satellite o ces in L.A. and Brooklyn. “In some ways, my design studio is an art practice in disguise,” he says. “Though I’m deeply motivated by the end product, I want to honor the power of the process to make an impact, like how a human feels when they develop their own surroundings. I’m here for that. My licensed architect cap doesn’t sit on my head all day long.” anandsheth.com ■

Sheth’s design for Retool’s San Francisco headquarters fosters interaction as well as reflection

Retool’s roof deck was meant as a place for entertaining guests

Spatial odyssey

MULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGNER ADI GOODRICH'S WORLDVIEW AND WORK ARE IMPACTFUL AT ALL SCALES | BY

JESSICA RITZ

WHEN

SHE ENTERS CANTER’S

DELI on Fairfax Avenue, Adi Goodrich is specific about where she wants to sit. She picks a booth positioned beneath the iconic illuminated ceiling emblazoned with images of fall foliage. This feature also happens to be the inspiration behind a key element at Dreams, the eclectic boutique that the spatial designer created in Atwater Village. "I'm going to have the memory of this soft light, this conversation, and the music in the background," she observes about the setting. The beloved restaurant's immersive vibe and storied history resonates, too, since Goodrich's primary interest "is to build worlds, big or small," she explains.

The Illinois native, who condenses her early biography into "farm girl, grew up in a wood shop, went to art school," has pursued this endeavor at all scales. After arriving in L.A. with a degree in painting from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, her impressively multidisciplinary resumé began with a job dressing windows in Beverly Hills department stores. She then started building sets with filmmaker friends. As her own production industry clientele grew, she used her skills to custom fabricate everything "from the floor to the walls to the

ceiling, although there's rarely a ceiling," she laughs about the surreal nature of sets and other ephemeral installations.

Goodrich's transition to interiors from production, in which she was mostly focused on commercials and marketing campaigns, is a result of new ambitions that came into focus during the pandemic. In a sense, she's unwittingly part of an entertainment-to-interior-design trajectory and tradition that includes legendary figures such as Billy Haines and Don Loper. She also collaborates with her husband, director Sean Pecknold, on various multimedia projects at their Sing-Sing Studio.

"I want to interact with the daily life of the public," Goodrich states. "People should be able to enter spaces and feel something conceptually. It should feel like a composition or a painting." She devised a colorful, joyful scheme for the independent neighborhood grocery store Wine + Eggs, and extended a similarly simpatico playful ethos at Dreams for the same owner, Monica Navarro. Other interior design clients include lifestyle brand Flamingo Estate and indie clothing shop Lisa Says Gah.

This past fall, Goodrich's Sing-Thing brand debuted the Frunchroom, a furniture collection that advances multiple design principles. The cherry wood and laminate tables, seating, and mirror—plus lighting pieces that are an outgrowth of custom work at Wine + Eggs—marry fabrication e ciency and readily available materials with a decidedly human touch and humor. Goodrich and her small team of all-female makers start with pre-cut 4' x 8' sheets and work within the limitations of a compact workspace. This undertaking is further proof how modest resources can have a sizable impact. "If someone can a ord a lamp and it makes their room more beautiful, let them have that little dash of salt," she says. adigoodrich.com ■

IMAGES: HAMILTON-SCHULTE

Goodrich recently launched the Frunchroom furniture collection under her Sing-Thing brand, creating a pleasing mix of functionality and whimsy

GOING PLACES

DESTINATIONS IN THE GOLDEN STATE AND THE WORLD BEYOND

Each of Naviva’s 15 tented lodgings has its own private deck and plunge pool

Nature goes nextlevel

FOUR SEASONS NAVIVA OFFERS A LUXURIOUSLY SUSTAINABLE WAY TO COMMUNE WITH NATURE IN PUNTA MITA, MEXICO

BY KELLY VENCILL SANCHEZ

THERE’S CAMPING, there’s glamping, and then there’s Naviva, the new Four Seasons resort in Punta Mita, Mexico. The all-inclusive, adults-only property, which opened in December 2022, o ers guests a one-of-a-kind experience in luxury tents on 48 forested acres overlooking the Bahía de Banderas.

Drawing inspiration from the site, Luxury Frontiers took a biophilic approach to designing Naviva, ensuring that guests are immersed in nature from the moment they arrive. Once on the property, they cross a cocoon-like pedestrian bridge crafted of woven bamboo and timber and trimmed with copper shingles. Curving stone paths lead to Copal, the resort’s central indoor-outdoor gathering space, restaurant, and bar.

“All building forms, interior designs, and guest narratives can be tied back to a form or natural phenomenon found in the surrounding context, thus creating a design concept that is fully derived from nature,” says Graeme Labe, Luxury Frontiers’ head of design and development.

The connection to nature continues in Naviva’s 15 standalone guest suites, which range in size from 1,250 to 1,700 square feet. Each features an airy living room with roll-up canvas panels

Cumaru floors and zapote columns and beams lend a rustic air to Copal’s lounge

Guests

along with an air-conditioned bedroom and a bathroom whose walls are finished by hand in environmentallyfriendly, lime-based tadelakt. And each “tent” has a private deck outfitted with a plunge pool and an outdoor shower.

Tapping into local traditions was key to Naviva’s design says senior interior designer Idalina Silva Grech-Cumbo, who collaborated with area firms to fabricate everything from the vanities to the chaises. “This not only supported local businesses but also gave us insight into local traditions and materials used in Mexican culture,” she says. The design team also incorporated pieces from Onora Casa and Rasttro and artwork by Emma Boomkamp.

The daily activities menu invites guests to look inward with yoga and meditation sessions and Shamanic sound healing. They can take a dip in the main pool, which is actually three connected pools, each on its own level, or head down to Naviva’s private beach. There’s even a traditional temazcal, or sweat lodge, and two spa pods, each with a private garden, outdoor shower, and timber soaking tub.

Enjoy incredible views while luxuriating in the deep soaking tub

have their choice of activities, from shore fishing and hiking to meditation

Emphasizing the ”unscripted” experience at Naviva, on any given day there may be classes in smallbatch Mexican spirits or street corn tasting, as well as hiking and shore fishing. That individualized approach is reflected in the resort’s dining options. Whether guests opt for meals in their tents or at Copal, there are no set menus. Instead, the sta o ers customized suggestions based on each guest’s mood, preferences, and dietary restrictions.

With an eye to sustainability, Naviva, which describes itself as a “zero-plastics” property, relies largely on solar power, while rainwater is channeled to on-site water treatment plants. Clean water is also extracted from the air using hydropanels from SOURCE, the world’s first renewable drinking water system. With rates starting at $3,950 a night, such luxury doesn’t come cheap. But it includes all meals and drinks, some

activities, and a complimentary spa treatment. And Naviva guests also have full access to the neighboring Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, its 10 restaurants and bars, three pools, two golf courses, and two beaches. fourseasons.com/naviva ■

Top to bottom: Centrally located main pools open at sunrise; a traditional temazcal encourages visitors to travel inward

The individualized menu served at Risco Terrace comes with a sunset panorama

There are views for miles from a seating area and firepit overlooking the Pacific

FORM, FUNCTION, AND FOOD

Making waves

STUDIO UNLTD UPDATES LA JOLLA’S MARINE ROOM RESTAURANT TO CREATE SEAWORTHY NEW LOUNGE | BY KELLY

VENCILL SANCHEZ

green to deep turquoise.

As in the restaurant, the lounge’s window tables are first-come, first-served, but guests can also take in the view from one of the velvety swivel chairs at the wave-shaped bar, which Studio UNLTD accented with a so t clad in ribbed white oak. Completing the convivial scene are innovative craft cocktails, like a kelp martini and a wagyu-infused old fashioned, and seafoodforward small plates whipped up by Executive Chef Mike Minor.

OVERLOOKING

A

POSTCARD-WORTHY

stretch of coast at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, the Marine Room restaurant has long been a favorite spot to enjoy the seaside panorama, particularly when high tides bring waves crashing against the west-facing windows. The venerable eatery, which opened in 1941, has undergone a major refresh by Los Angeles-based Studio UNLTD that includes an expanded bar area and lounge.

The hospitality design firm behind such restaurants as Callie in San Diego’s East Village and Bar Moruno and Otium in L.A. was given just two weeks to update the restaurant and transform what was once part of the dining room into the more informal Lounge at the Marine Room. Reflecting its waterfront location, the 30-seat space features curving banquettes upholstered in a bone-colored chenille flecked with gold and iridescent mosaic-topped cocktail tables by Ornella Pisano of Ercole Home that resemble abalone shells. Throughout the space, blond wood flooring is paired with a new swirl-patterned carpet in shades ranging from seafoam

“We’re excited to o er our guests an exclusive experience to match our incomparable views of La Jolla cove and shores,” Minor said. “It’s all about luxury and indulgence in an atmosphere that’s refined but with a vibe that’s more relaxed than diners have known in the past.” marineroom.com ■

Studio UNLTD kept things dynamic by pairing the bar with a curved so t of ribbed white oak.

Cocktail tables and fex seating lend an informal vibe to the Marine Room’s new lounge

WORDS: KARINE MONIÉ | IMAGES: YOSHIHIRO MAKINO

A COUPLE OF BRITISH TRANSPLANTS FELL IN LOVE WITH A MODERNIST HOUSE ON THE EDGE OF GRIFFITH PARK, MAKING IT THEIR OWN WITH SCULPTURAL INTERIORS AND INVITING OUTDOOR HANGOUT SPACES

oth originally from the U.K., James Williams and Jonno Burden now call California home. After a move from San Francisco to Hollywood Hills, they found this architectural masterpiece after visiting 50 different properties. (Yes, you read that correctly.)

“As a Brit, sunshine is almost all you need, but the indoor-outdoor nature of our home really brings us joy. From the poolside cabin to the supersized dining table where we can—and do— squeeze as many friends as possible around for dinners,” says Burden, who is a tech executive.

Nestled into the woodland of Beachwood Canyon and located directly below the Hollywood sign, the modernist villa originally designed by Jay Vanos from Vanos Architects was once owned by celebrity photographer Tony Duran and most recently pop star Halsey.

The soft color palette in the home creates a relaxing atmosphere

“AS A BRIT, SUNSHINE IS ALMOST ALL YOU NEED, BUT THE INDOOR-OUTDOOR NATURE OF OUR HOME REALLY BRINGS US JOY. FROM THE POOLSIDE CABIN TO THE SUPERSIZED DINING TABLE WHERE WE CAN—AND DO—SQUEEZE AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE AROUND FOR DINNERS,” SAYS BURDEN

The couple, who are in their 30s, love to entertain friends in the home’s lush green surroundings, and their location also gives them close proximity to L.A.’s restaurants and culture. “This house has such a history with those that love to celebrate, so why not lean in—which is where our little club ‘Tiempos’ came from,” says Williams.

With its steep amphitheater shape, the lot occupies a tight interior corner of the street, providing privacy to the inhabitants. The three-bedroom, V-shaped home comprises two wings connected by a two-level bridge.

“The slope of the site allowed us to create two exterior yard areas: the upper one in the shape of a small amphitheater and the lower one, 12 feet below, shaped as its mirror,” describes Williams. “The home is a study in complex geometry and its extension. The focus is a seven-sided flaring volume whose walls extend into the adjacent forms, tying them together. This central volume is a prominent component of the entry, kitchen, dining, and living areas.”

Williams and Burden built a cocktail bar, lounge, and club for entertaining accented with pops of color, velvet, marble, and brass to create a vibrant spirit. In the rest of the living spaces, neutral tones prevail to reflect a relaxed atmosphere with treasures in every corner: from a bowl by Arno Declercq and a vessel by Jojo Corväiá to sculptures by Rrres Studio and a vase by Kate Hume, among others.

Williams is the American CEO of ATRA, a furniture brand produced by ATRA Form, a Mexico

The main living room is filled with natural light thanks to high ceilings

“THE HOME IS A STUDY IN COMPLEX GEOMETRY AND ITS EXTENSION. THE FOCUS IS A SEVEN-SIDED FLARING VOLUME WHOSE WALLS EXTEND INTO THE ADJACENT FORMS, TYING THEM TOGETHER,” SAYS WILLIAMS

The elegant kitchen is adorned with dark tones

Most of the furniture in the home is by ATRA

City-based, high-end production facility that also houses the architecture and design studio of the founder and creative director, Alexander Díaz Andersson. Many of the furnishings in the home were selected from ATRA’s collections.

“The home construction has a raw wabi-sabi nature to it, with polished concrete floors, granite kitchen counters and being swathed in glass,” says Williams. “The furniture selection materials both complement the clean lines and also contrast with comfort through the use of thick mohair, wool boucle and the travertine and Shou Sugi Ban dining table.”

A mix of American and Mexican design characterizes the interiors of what the couple describes as “a post-modern spaceship of a villa [that has] landed in the heart of the canyon.”

After years in the relative gloom of England, the couple never take the SoCal sun for granted. “The dining area is completely outdoors,” says Williams. “It’s an indulgence of being California transplants.” ■

SOURCES

KITCHEN

Artwork: ceramic vessel vase - Jojo Corväiá (Berlin, Germany)

Furniture: redo bar stools - ATRA (Juárez, CDMX, Mexico)

LIVING ROOM

Accessories: “rock” vase - Kate Hume (katehume. com)

Artwork: triptych, quadriptych by Andres

Diaz Andersson - ATRA (Juárez, CDMX, Mexico)

Furniture: Beluga curved sofa and mini chairs, teardrop co ee table and side tableATRA (Juárez, CDMX, Mexico)

Rug - Mehraban (Los Angeles, CA)

LOUNGE AREA

Artwork: stoneware vessel - Je rey Loura (New York, NY)

Furniture: Ala chair,

Nerthus sofa, travertine cubes - ATRA (Juárez, CDMX, Mexico)

MAIN BATHROOM

Accessories: small, large nose pitchers by Aldo Bakker - Thomas Eych (Easternijtsjerk, Netherlands)

Artwork: goblet bowl - Arno Declercq (Zaventem, Belgium)

Furniture: George stool - Bogus Studio (Juárez, CDMX, Mexico)

The main bathroom serves as a peaceful refuge

The owners, Jonno Burden (left) and James Williams (right)

The exterior areas allow the couple and their friends to enjoy the sunny weather of Los Angeles

GREAT THE ESCAPE

In Rancho Santa Fe, the cofounders of San Diego-based SD Design Studio have created their dream getaway, combining midcentury California influences with Nordic touches

WORDS: KARINE MONIÉ

IMAGES: SAMANTHA GOH

INTERIOR DESIGN: SD DESIGN STUDIO

SDDESIGNSTUDIO.COM

Sometimes, luck is on your side.

Architect Salomon Daniel and interior designer Dalia Feldman—the husband and wife duo behind SD Design Studio—were on the hunt for a weekend getaway when a realtor friend suggested they take a look at a property. The home was located in the highly soughtafter community The Covenant in Rancho Santa Fe, about 20 miles from San Diego. The previous owners had started a full renovation but gave up a few weeks after the initial demolition.

When the couple went to check it out, they were able to look beyond the debris to see the incredible potential. Perched on a 2.11-acre secluded hilltop, the house boasts 270-degree views and abundant natural light from every room. The original 1960s California

ranch-style residence has been transformed with a nod to midcentury modernism as well as Nordic touches. It’s the ideal weekend destination for the couple, their oneyear-old son Abbie, and their boxer Paco.

Daniel and Feldman are originally from Mexico City but relocated to California, where they founded their San Diego studio in 2016. The Rancho Santa Fe home gives them the chance to disconnect from city living and focus on their family. Spread over 5,200 square feet (including the detached guest house), the five-bedroom main home features an open great room with high vaulted ceilings, expansive floor-to-ceiling doors and windows, a cozy wood burning fireplace, and a chef’s kitchen for Daniel, who loves to cook. Downstairs, a second suite features a large deck and an attached en suite casita with its own private entrance.

Thanks to the large windows in the great room, the house is bathed in natural light

Neutral tones to keep the spaces clean and crisp

“WE WANTED THIS GETAWAY TO FEEL OPEN, AIRY, COMFORTABLE, CALM, AND RELAXING”

Daniel enjoys cooking in the home's light and airy kitchen

“WE WERE ADAMANT ABOUT RESPECTING THE ORIGINAL MIDCENTURY/CALIFORNIA RANCH VIBES”

“We wanted this getaway to feel open, airy, comfortable, calm, and relaxing,” says Daniel. The couple opted for a palette of neutral tones alongside white walls and ceilings complemented by touches of warmer tones and slightly cooler grays. “Some hints of black help it all tie together, contrasting with the changing colors of the natural landscape outside and creating a soothing aesthetic,” he says.

They deliberately used neutral tones to keep the spaces clean and crisp with minimal clutter. Natural wood floors, Italian marble slabs in the kitchen, and concrete tile for the fireplace were chosen for the same reason, Daniel says.

“We were adamant about respecting the original midcentury/California ranch vibes, while drawing inspiration from Scandinavian design and making sure both

styles could work in harmony,” says Daniel.

Next up: the backyard, which is designed with multiple patios and bench seating for entertaining. Now that the interiors have been transformed, it’s time to remodel the pool and spa. No doubt the project will be as thoughtfully designed as the rest of the remodel. ■

The main bath features a large shower as well as a deep soaking tub

DINING ROOM

Furniture: crescent wishbone dining chair, sideboard, Terra dining tableCrate & Barrel (San Diego, CA); Mistana counter stools - Wayfair.com

Rug: vintage

EXTERIOR DECK

Furniture: Gladom side table - IKEA (San Diego, CA); Miami club chair, Newport cushion sofa and co ee table - Sunset West (Vista, CA)

FAMILY ROOM

Furniture: George Nelson platform bench for Knoll, black - vintage; Lara Acacia low dresser - CB2 (San Diego, CA) Rug: vintage

FIREPLACE SITTING ROOM

Furniture: The 45 Chair, black leather - House of Finn Juhl (Copenhagen, Denmark); Ryla Rattan stool - Urban Outfitters (San Diego, CA)

LIVING ROOM

Furniture: status accent chair - Old Bones Co (Costa Mesa, CA); Chelsea sofa - Joybird (Los Angeles, CA); co ee table; optic ines side table - Urban Outfitters (San Diego, CA)

Lighting - director floor lamp, natural wood - Adesso (Los Angeles, CA)

OFFICE

Furniture: Tyler armchair - Four Hands (Austin, TX); printmaker’s deskRestoration Hardware (San Diego, CA)

Lighting: Leanne Ford desk lampProject 62 at Target (San Diego, CA); etagere - IKEA (San Diego, CA)

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Furniture: Dean bed - Living Spaces (San Diego, CA); Circulus 7-drawer dresser - Crate & Barrel (San Diego, CA); cue white chair, tux nightstand - CB2 (San Diego, CA); Miami armless club chair - Sunset West (Vista, CA)

“HINTS OF BLACK HELP IT ALL TIE TOGETHER, CONTRASTING WITH THE CHANGING COLORS OF THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE OUTSIDE AND CREATING A SOOTHING AESTHETIC”

BY JESSICA RITZ | IMAGES BY BRANDON BEECHLER

INTERIOR DESIGNER HELENA BRANA

GIVES A YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR THE BACHELOR PAD OF HIS DREAMS IN COASTAL ORANGE COUNTY

Sometimes

commissioned her

envision an unconventional

Charcoal gray venetian plaster walls add depth in the living room area. The television is connected to a state-of-the-art audio system

The fourbedroom home Abramsky purchased in summer 2021 had more or less the right open-concept floor plan that suited his lifestyle and entertaining, but stylistically it called for a major identity shift. Abramsky wanted to transform his modern farmhouse into a tastefully tricked-out contemporary crib.

"I needed to find a designer that shared that vision I had," he

an iterative, extendeddecisionmaking process is necessary, and other times efficient choices can lead to considered, cohesive design outcomes. The latter proved to be the case for designer Helena Brana of BRANA Designs when entrepreneur Pete Abramsky

to

bachelor pad in a quiet pocket of Corona del Mar. "It was absolutely new to me," Brana says about the project brief. "He was one of the best clients in terms of being decisive."

explains. He also preferred to work with a designer closer to his own age. Online research led him to Brana, whose crisp yet judicious use of color and statement pieces immediately inspired confidence that she'd be right for the job. It was somewhat of a departure from her usual projects—her portfolio of Southern California residences often showcase a feminine flair—but she was excited to take on the challenge.

Abramsky had a very clear vision, pointing to basketball legend Kobe Bryant as a guiding inspiration. Brana leaned into the blue and gray shades her client requested, exploring this palette via different textures and materials. In the main room, Brana transformed one wall with charcoal gray venetian plaster, and an ebonized oak wood panel contains a white marble-clad fireplace and one of the multiple televisions strategically placed for group viewing throughout the home. Dark polished concrete floors replaced the wood floors. Luxurious custom pieces from BRANA Designs’ rug collection add depth and color through the designer’s experiments with abstraction, gradients, and pattern.

A Bloom swivel chair by Kenneth Cobonpue in black adds a dramatic flourish to the seating

The preexisting open plan was further modified so the pool area outdoors is always easily accessible.

A flexible On the Rocks sofa by Edra allows guests to lounge and watch TV

area, while a two-sided On the Rocks modular sofa manufactured by Edra anchors the space with a lounge-like feel. This piece also activates the part of the room that holds another unorthodox accessory. In lieu of a dining table, Brana designed a custom black-topped billiards table on a tiered pedestal illuminated by a Dew Drops pendant from Bomma. "Crystal lighting helps to make that space exciting, contemporary and elevated, but not heavy," Brana observes. Feathr wallpaper by L.A. artist Stacy Solodkin with a delicate, billowing gray-hued graphic adds a subtle distinction to the niche that holds the billiards equipment, appearing like smoke gently wafting through.

In the kitchen that bookends the great room, Brana retained the existing cabinets but swapped in new surfaces such as dark Emperador marble on the vent hood and island. Adding a glass extension to the island and outfitting the kitchen with plenty of comfortable, swiveling leather stools is a practical solution for Abramsky's preference to entertain casually rather than maintain a traditional dining table setup.

The hallway makes an ideal backdrop for the wall-mounted, multicolored stainless steel and acrylic sculptures by L.A.-based artist Brad Howe to play off the twisted profile of the Tobia wall sconces from Foscarini. In the home's private spaces, Brana sets moodier scenes. A pair of Togo sofa seats by Ligne Roset are irresistible cozy icons of modern

Glass lighting helps to make that space exciting, contemporary and elevated, but not heavy,” Brana observes.

Feathr wallpaper by L.A. artist Stacy Solodkin creates a bespoke and intriguing backdrop for storing the gaming equipment, and the Dew Drops pendant from Czech maker BOMMA lends an ethereal touch

Brana updated and expanded the kitchen island with dark Emperador stone and a glass extension

furniture design and add to the comfort of the restful primary bedroom awash in more shades of purplish gray and an asymmetrical rug.

The den is Abramsky's true escape and refuge, which Brana describes as "masculine but playful," featuring custom wallpaper embellished with coppershade accents that appear to be asymmetrical patterns found in nature (think tree bark or reptile skin) and the ultimate childhood fantasy amenity: a candy bar. In the primary bathroom, Brana upgraded the lighting, plumbing fixtures, and materials, opting for

Santorini marble tiles in the steam shower and dark Emperador marble on the vanity top.

Naturally, the yard and the pool are essential to how Abramsky lives and hosts in his home. The team added a wall with a TV that connects with new state-of-the-art smart tech and AV systems, updated lighting, plus a fire pit. Outdoor lounge furnishings from makers such as Brazilian brand Tidelli add to the vibe. "When I have people over, they're open 24/7," Abramsky says about the fully pocketing doors, which mark the ultimate hallmark of the SoCal lifestyle. ■

Classic Togo seating pieces from Ligne Roset sit atop one of the multiple custom rugs

SOURCES

GAME ROOM

Furniture: billiard, custom - BRANA Designs (Newport Beach, CA)

Lighting: dew drops, crystal with leather - BOMMA (Prague, Czech Republic)

Wallcovering: L.A. artist Stacy Solodkin - Feathr (feathr.com)

HALL

Lighting: Tobia wall sconcesFoscarini (Marcon, VE, Italy)

KITCHEN

Lighting: soap pendants, crystalBOMMA (Prague, Czech Republic)

Furniture: kitchen bar stools, leather - KFF (Lemgo, NW, Germany)

LIVING ROOM

Furniture: On the Rocks sofa - Edra (Perignano, PI, Italy); Bloom swivel chair - Kenneth Cobonpue (New York, NY); soda side table with Murano blown glass - Miniforms (Meolo, VE, Italy)

Lighting: Tuareg floor lampFoscarini (Marcon, VE, Italy)

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Furniture: Togo sofa - Ligne Roset (Briord, France)

THROUGHOUT

Rugs: custom - BRANA Designs (Newport Beach, CA)

Materials including a dark Emperador marble vanity top and Santorini tiles in the steam shower transform the primary bathroom into a contemporary sanctuary

Stainless steel and acrylic sculptures by artist Brad Howe in the hallway are visible from the den

The den contains the ultimate fantasy wish fulfillment of a candy bar

The den is Abramsky's true escape and refuge. Brana describes it as “masculine but playful.”

SWEETENING the POT

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, A SAN DIEGO-AREA HOME RECEIVES A GLAMOROUS MAKEOVER, RIGHT DOWN TO A NEW CASINO-LIKE LOUNGE.

BY MAILE PINGEL

INTERIOR DESIGN: ANITA DAWSON, DAWSON DESIGN GROUP

ARCHITECT OF RECORD: MARK MORRIS OF OASIS ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

CONTRACTOR: STEIGERWALD-DOUGHERTY

PHOTOGRAPHER: JIM BRADY, BRADY ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Stepping through the front door of this hilltop home overlooking San Diego Bay, one might think they’ve been transported to a luxury hotel on the French Riviera. Its vivacious glamorous spirit matches the vibrant personalities of the homeowners, who, like happy hoteliers, now welcome their friends to an impeccable destination.

“This home belongs to a couple who love travel,

A handy pass-through window now connects the new kitchen with the patio

music, fine wines, and games,” says designer Anita Dawson. “They’d been living in the home for some time, but maintenance issues facilitated a renovation, which gave them the chance to make this house their own.”

With a wish list that included redoing nearly twothirds of the home (only the guest wing remained untouched), Dawson set about rethinking the main floor’s public spaces. “The clients were tired of the dated

scheme and wanted to refresh everything,” she explains, noting the help of local architect Mark Morris. Work began with photographic renderings so that the clients could “see” what the rooms would look like. “It’s an expensive process and it takes time, but it helps you find opportunities, and it’s fun to envision everything early on.”

The living room and dining room, which flank a marble-floored hallway that flows from the front door to the rear of the house (and those extraordinary ocean views), were given a new palette of soft, warm reds and gold tones. Dawson repurposed many of the clients’ traditional furnishings but brought in modern accents for a more contemporary feel. She also opted for a trio of big, overscale chandeliers above the dining table to add drama. “One fixture wouldn’t have been as interesting,” she says. “These clients like showstopper pieces.”

Dawson also transformed the blackpainted kitchen into an airy, eat-in space, opening one wall with retractable

The mainfloor wine room houses the owners’ collection of American wines

windows to create a pass-through to the patio. “All of the main spaces really needed to be opened up and to take better advantage of natural light,” she adds. The owners also requested a nearby wine room that they could devote solely to American wines.

Upstairs, Dawson gutted the couple’s bedroom suite, which, like much of the home, had been painted black. “Now it reflects their outlook: bright and elegant,” she says. The room, as well as its newly redone bathroom, his-and-hers closets, and hair salon (“I’d never done a salon before,” she says) features a palette of creams and

bronzy grays, with gold accents that create a visual tie to the downstairs spaces. “Gold runs through the whole house,” says Dawson, who brought contrast to the suite with dark and light furnishings and “fluffy and silky” textiles. Crystal lighting pieces “add to the hotel look,” she notes.

But it’s the home’s lower level that pushed Dawson to think outside the norm. “It was an underused area with just a television and a really dark, scary wine area, so the homeowners let us go wild—and it was such a blast!” she says. The challenge was to make the 8-foot-ceilinged

The bedroom suite features a palette of creams and bronzy grays with gold accents

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT WITH YOUR HOME, DON’T HESITATE TO EXPLORE IDEAS—HOMEOWNERS WHO ARE UNAFRAID ALWAYS END UP BEING MY HAPPIEST CLIENTS, SAYS DAWSON

SOURCES

DINING ROOM

Furniture: dining chairs

- A. Rudin (PDC, West Hollywood, CA)

KITCHEN

Appliances: cooktop, warming drawers, microwave (subzerowolf.com); dishwasher, co ee system - Miele (mieleusa.com)

Furniture: counter stools - Century Furniture (Hickory, NC)

PIANO ROOM

Furniture: chairs, sofa, ottomans - A. Rudin (PDC, West Hollywood, CA)

Rug: Kravet (PDC, West Hollywood, CA)

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Furniture: accent tables, chairs, ottomans - Baker (PDC, West Hollywood, CA)

Lighting: sconces - Boyd

Lighting (San Francisco, CA)

PRIMARY BATH

Lighting: chandelierZia Priven at A. Rudin (PDC, West Hollywood, CA); vanity - Boyd Lighting (San Francisco, CA)

PRIMARY CLOSET

Cabinetry: custom - Clyde Turner (San Diego, CA)

Lighting: ceiling fixture - Best & Lloyd (Smethwick, England)

GAME ROOM

Furniture: armchairsA. Rudin (PDC, West Hollywood, CA)

POWDER ROOM

Fixtures: vanity, customJean de Merry (PDC, West Hollywood, CA)

THEATRE & CANDY BAR

Appliances: refrigerationSub-Zero (subzero-wolf.com); cooktop - Wolf (subzero-wolf. com); dishwasher - Miele (meileusa.com)

Furniture: seating - CINEAK (Hollywood, CA)

Lighting: ceiling lightApparatus (Los Angeles, CA); optic ceilingStarryNight

BASEMENT LOUNGE AREAS

Appliances: ice machine - Scotsman (scotsmanhomeice.com); beer dispenser - Perlick (perlick.com)

Lighting: bar lamps - Felix Lighting (La Mirada, CA); specialist - LightWorks (Los Angeles, CA)

Furniture: barstoolsA. Rudin (PDC, West Hollywood, CA); wine room chairs - Eric Brand (Burlingame, CA)

BASEMENT POWDER ROOM

Fixtures: vanityNeo-Metro (Industry, CA)

Glasswork: walls - Pulp Studio (Gardena, CA)

space feel inviting, which Dawson resolved with barrel-vaulting that gives the illusion of greater height. She also divided the space into focused areas: a theater with a candy station, a billiards table, a wine cellar (this one for the couple’s collection of European wines), glass humidor cases, a spirits bar (“It’s a commercial bar—another first for me!”), and the husband’s music room. Adding to the historic European feel are redvelvet draperies and antique wood floors custom fit to the space.

“If you’re looking to do something different with your home, don’t hesitate to explore ideas—homeowners who are unafraid always end up being my happiest clients,” says Dawson. “This house is all about entertaining and how much this couple truly enjoys having fun with their friends.” ■

A candy bar and pool table occupy the area adjacent to the theater

lncuded on the home’s lower level is a cellar solely for European wines

The powder room’s illuminated vanity furthers the floor’s clublike feel

Comfortable lounge chairs and a commercial bar make entertaining easy

RESOURCES ]

SOCAL DESIGN’S PREMIUM PARTNER DIRECTORY

BILLINGS

1919 Bay St., Los Angeles 213.947.3784

billingsauction.com

BILLINGS o ers live in-house auctions of modern art and design at its brick-and-mortar space in the heart of downtown L.A.’s Arts District. Representing a wide range of American and international art and design, its catalog is often heavily weighted in mid-century modern selections with o erings from the 1960s through the early 2000s. Those unable to attend in person can bid online by registering at liveauctioneers.com.

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

Multiple locations

888.336.9707

californiaclosets.com

Founded in 1978, California Closets is the leader and design authority in premium space management, delivering customdesigned organizational solutions and exceptional service. The company believes home is more than just a place—it should be a source of creativity, comfort, and connection. From beautiful walk-in closets and entertainment centers to versatile pantries and home o ces, California Closets designs custom storage solutions that add value to your life and home by making space for what belongs.

CERNO

22892 Glenwood Dr., Aliso Viejo 949.715.1534

cernogroup.com

Cerno designs and builds original lighting products in California with the finest craftsmanship, authentic materials, and an aesthetic that intersects modernism and contemporary design. To make this possible, Cerno advocates for creativity and ingenuity in every step of the process—a philosophy grounded in the utmost respect for the materials, the craftsmanship, and their entire team.

PACIFIC SHORE STONES

2200 Alton Pkwy., Irvine 949-536-5055

pacificshorestones.com

Pacific Shore Stones aims to provide its customers with the highest quality materials and service. By developing joint ventures with quarries globally, built by strong relationships, it has access to the finest blocks in the world. Pacific Shore Stones o ers a wide choice of carefully hand-selected stone and surface products with great value, and is committed to expand its reach further so that more people can experience the best products.

PIRCH

28341 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo 949.220.0656

pirch.com

PIRCH brings you the best in kitchen, bath, and outdoor design from the world’s most coveted brands. Their showrooms allow you to fully experience a vast array of products, so you can be sure you make the right choices. With the guidance of expert sales consultants, you can discover kitchen appliances, plumbing, hardware, and outdoor appliances that stretch your imagination.

SUB-ZERO, WOLF, AND COVE SHOWROOM

655 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa 657.269.5874

subzero-wolf.com

Begin at a Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove showroom: Sub-Zero, the preservation specialist; Wolf, the cooking specialist; and Cove, the dishwashing specialist. You will be paired with a dedicated consultant to help you through every phase of your project— from gathering initial inspiration to getting the most out of your carefully selected appliances once they are home. The showroom will provide everything you need to start, ensuring the entire experience is catered specifically to you.

VERGOLA®

13800 Crenshaw Blvd., Hawthorne 855.949.8374

vergola.com

The VERGOLA® opening and closing roof system gives you control over your environment. With smart rain sensor technology and double skin aerofoil louvers for better insulation, the VERGOLA® lets you relax or entertain outdoors, rain or shine.

WESTMINSTER TEAK

1350 S. State College Blvd., Anaheim 888-592-8325

westminsterteak.com

For over 27 years, Westminster Teak has been the embodiment of the finest in teak furniture for its design, materials, and craftsmanship. The company's unrelenting commitment to quality, passion for timeless design, and exceptional service have been the narrative and hallmark driving the company forward. Westminster Teak furniture is seen in some of the finest hotels, resorts, private clubs, and residences throughout the world, including Camp David, the President’s country retreat.

The artist's way

IT’S

LATE MORNING ON A FRIDAY,

and there’s a steady hum of activity at ECF Art Centers’ studio and gallery in downtown L.A. Jazz plays in the background as Jose Hernandez sits at his work station, intently putting the finishing touches on an acrylic of a yucca in bloom, one of several meticulously rendered paintings of desert plants. Across the high-ceilinged main room, Thomas Birdsong mulls over what to add to his series of bold portraits of musicians like Ray Charles and George Harrison. And in a space facing South Broadway, Christina Yoo has arrived ready to work on one of her impressionistic landscapes, assisted by resident instructor Barry Bridgwood.

ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES FIND SPACE FOR CREATIVITY AT ECF ART CENTERS

BY KELLY VENCILL SANCHEZ

The studio, one of five in the greater L.A. area, is driven by a singular mission: to o er adults with developmental disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and intellectual challenges a supportive place to explore creative pursuits. The more than 200 artists that ECF serves annually aren't defined by their disabilities here—at this studio, it’s all about the art. “People come to us because they’re interested in art or because they have a drive to make things,” says program director Adriane Mota. “We support their art regardless of what their abilities are.”

When the ECF Art Centers launched in 1968 as an o shoot of the nonprofit Exceptional Children’s Foundation in collaboration with the Otis Art Institute, there were no spaces where adults with developmental disabilities could receive art training. Now, some 50 years later, ECF’s studios open their doors for periodic “art crawls,” and artists can exhibit and sell their work in dedicated galleries. A number of ECF artists have appeared in local shows. In 2021, painter Vanessa McConnell, who’s been with ECF since 1983, was featured in a show at L.A. Municipal Art Gallery. “She wasn’t chosen because she’s an artist with a disability,” Mota emphasizes. “She was chosen because she’s an amazing artist.”

Each center operates like an open studio, providing work spaces, materials, instruction, and mentoring in all manner of creative expression, including drawing, painting, printmaking, woodworking, and ceramics to artists who range in age from 18 to 80. Some require support, such as help mixing paint colors or setting up their work areas, while others work independently. But all are encouraged to follow and expand their interests. Hernandez comes to ECF a couple of days a week in addition to taking courses at L.A. Trade Tech and interning at a fashion business. Of his work at ECF, he says, “I do heavy research on what I want to draw. I don’t just do plants. I also like to study scientific things and historical events,” he adds, taking a break from the yucca painting to show o an illustrated sci-fi book he plans to update.

“Everyone has their own ideas about what a good artist is,” says Mota. “We want people to open their minds about who can be an artist and what art can be.” artecf.org ■

Clockwise from upper left: Josh Burwell teaches screen painting to Cindy Miyashiro and Vanessa McConnell; Jose Hernandez with his acrylic of yucca in the downtown L.A. studio; painting by artist Willie Walls showcasing his signature checkerboard patterns; and Darren Daughty holding artwork of a classic Nike sneaker

A NEW GRILL TAKES FLIGHT

With years of experience developing outdoor appliances for some of the top brands in the industry, Twin Eagles is now out on their own. This brand is driven by a pursuit of perfection: in stylish design, precision engineering, and unrivaled performance. They’re manufactured right here in Southern California. We’re excited to welcome Twin Eagles into our family of premium brands. See them in any of our 7 Southern California showrooms.

LA JOLLA | SOLANA BEACH | COSTA MESA | GLENDALE RANCHO MIRAGE | MISSION VIEJO | LAGUNA DESIGN CENTER

LA JOLLA | SOLANA BEACH | COSTA MESA | GLENDALE RANCHO MIRAGE | MISSION VIEJO | LAGUNA DESIGN CENTER

KITCHEN. BATH. OUTDOOR.