A Conversation with Melinda Ritz
Emmy Winning Designer Bases Work on Storytelling (Second in an occasional series of conversations with L.A’s leading architects and designers) Film and television set decorators work in a world [...]
Neo-Whaaaaat?!
We Need to Nix So-Called “Modern Versions of an Historical Style” As residents of Los Angeles, we are faced on a daily basis with a variety of architectural styles [...]
A Conversation with Christopher Sorensen
Sorensen-designed Eco Retreat in Malibu. (Photo by Jason Wolcott) Sustainable Architect Pushes Himself & Clients To Be Even Greener (First in an occasional series of conversations with L.A’s [...]
The Best & Worst of Design in 2014 Ace Hotel Raises Bar, Academy Design a Travesty
(Ace Hotel photo by Spencer Lowell) I can’t resist. At this time of year, writers seem compelled to share their opinions on the best and worst. It’s fun for [...]
Lummis House: Will Historic Gem Be Off Limits?
The Lummis House, also known as El Alisal, is in danger of being closed to the public. Historic preservation, to be truly meaningful, requires more than just [...]
Ennis House: A Bittersweet Reunion
(Photo by Sandra Williams © 2007) Photo by Sandra Williams © 2007 I recently visited an old lover of mine – and the reunion was bittersweet. I’m [...]
South of France Trip: Reviews, Photos and Testimonials
"What a wonderful trip we had! Thank you so much for joining Francois and me. We had such a good time planning the trip for you and anticipating your [...]
New York’s Stunning Holiday Design Inspirations
(Photo Courtesy of douglaslittle.com) There’s no place like New York for the holidays. Particularly for a design freak like me. I was fortunate to have had an apartment in [...]
Ace Hotel: Young, Hip & Historically Preserved
(Photo by Spencer Lowell) I confess: There are times I lose hope that we can imbue our young people with a reverence for our history, for the need to [...]
Glaze a Tile, Help Preserve an Architectural Treasure
For those of you, like me, who cherish the Adamson House in Malibu as a beautiful example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and for its gorgeous tile work, you [...]