INDUSTRY EXPERT Q&A INSIDE THE MIND OF DESIGN
with Jitendra RagunathA The Vergola louver system bridges the gap between a lattice roof and a fixed cover. The louvers are adjustable, and when you rotate them, they interlock and close to form a water-tight roof. The old marketing slogan used to be, ‘It’s not a veranda and not a pergola — it’s a Vergola.’
A Each vergola is custom designed and-built. There is no standard size — each one is made for its own particular home, designed for its new owners’ particular purposes, be it energy efficiency, ventilation, shade or rain protection. Similarly, a lot of the structure is pre-fabricated at Vergola’s manufacturing facilities in Gardena CA. This minimizes the amount of work carried out on site reducing installation time to reduce disruption to the customer.
Jitendra Ragunath Managing Director at VERGOLA®Q How do you work behind the scenes to make the process seamless for customers?
It was 1984 when VERGOLA® launched its first product in warm and sunny Australia. Jitendra Ragunath recalls how Vergola offered a unique product that combined the best features of the pergola and the veranda. While one filtered sunlight and the other offered shelter from rain, neither could provide both. The founders of Vergola designed the world’s first adjustable louver roof system with slats that could be opened to filter in sunlight and ventilation, and closed to afford shade and shelter. Thirtysix years later, Vergola is still a singleproduct company, expertly executing each manufacture and installation project from start to finish.
13800 Crenshaw Boulevard Hawthorne 90249 855-WHY-VERGOLA (855-949-8374)
Vergola.com/us
A We obtain all the necessary permits for on the customer’s behalf. It’s a fairly detailed process from design to execution, and most delays are due to the city’s permit approval process, and not anything to do with us. Consequently, customers see very little of this expended effort, so the process for them is stress-free — We provide a service rather than a product.
A I’m delighted when I see the joy on people’s faces when the product is in action. Not one customer has come back to say they’re not happy with it. And it is an amazing product, if I may say so myself.
A We encourage visits to our California showroom. The remote-controlled system is easy to navigate; the slats open and close at the push of a button, as well as automatically during and after rainfall. Until you play with it, you won’t know what you’re missing.
Q Tell us how the product works.
Q How do you customize to fit each customer’s needs?
Q What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Q Where can customers try Vergola for themselves?
TRENDS
1 Westminster Teak Maya Collection
Highly versatile and scalable, it is ideal for large public spaces such as the open areas by the poolside, loggia, or smaller configurations to fit a terrace or veranda. The pieces can be easily and quickly rearranged to fit the space, function, or event, making it as intimate or as large-scaled as necessary. The pieces can be made into configurations as simple as a love seat or large daybed, to large seating configurations that can be made to accommodate “parties”, large or small. See, touch, and learn more about the Maya Collection at our showroom and distribution center in Anaheim, CA.
844.446.0001 westminsterteak.com
2 VERGOLA
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. 855.949.8374 vergola.com
3 Gaetano Hardwood Floors, Inc.
Contemporary Design with glass railing. These custom stairs are solid white oak treads and risers with a 1-1/2" square edge detail. Hand Crafted and installed by: Gaetano Hardwood Floors, Inc.
714.536.6942 gaetanoinc.com
4 Builders Surplus Kitchen & Bath Cabinets
So Cal’s Largest Kitchen & Bath Cabinets
Warehouse, Over 20,000 Cabinets
Assembled & In Stock. 20 Kitchen Styles
Assembled & In Stock, 65 Vanity Styles
Assembled & In Stock. We can provide assistance with laying out and designing your kitchen and bath, should you need our help.
888.299.1261
BuildersSurplus.Net
5 California Closets
A system the whole family can enjoy This classic built-out display case in Cashmere is perfect for showcasing your favorite books, sentimental items, and add some functionality to your empty wall space. 855.236.1358 californiaclosets.com
6 PIRCH
Set your space apart with AXOR's MyEdition collection. Custom plate coverings allow a range of material choices from glass, metal, wood, marble, or leather crowns, offering limitless unique tactile and aesthetic opportunities. MyEdition defines an age of personalization. See all the Axor bath and kitchen faucet collections on our website and on display in any of our showrooms. brands.pirch.com/axor
Costa Mesa – 949.429.0800
Coming soon to Mission Viejo! Pirch.com
7 Cantoni
Felix Section
Completely configurable, Felix takes the shape you want it to take. By having movable parts on almost all aspects of this sectional, you can place the backrests, armrests, and even headrests anywhere you wish for practically a new seating every time.
949.585.9191 cantoni.com
8 Pacific Shore Stones
Unique kitchen island!
Not only does the kitchen island add efficiency and storage to the space, but it also acts as a hub for gatherings of friends and family. Create a focal point making it a statement piece with its unique flair, using contrasting cabinet and stone selections that enhance its look and feel.
949.536.5055 pacificshorestones.com
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove
The Wolf Dual Fuel Range combines professional heritage, stunning aesthetic, and innovative performance into one bold cooking package. It's durable construction and intuitive features ensure every home chef can enjoy guesswork-free cooking and predictably delicious results for decades.
Showroom: 657.269.5874 subzerosocal.com/costamesa
10 Superior Tree Cares
Sheltering Shade
Mature trees add greatly to the beauty of your property, giving it solid character and quiet charm. When it comes to the health and beauty of your trees, call on a company you can trust. 714.502.0226 superiortreecare.net