Inspiring projects

  • The Schaffer House

    This open and relaxed kitchen in the Schaffer house by John Lautner is one of the most beautiful examples of Mid-Century modern house designs, which strive to bring the outdoors inside by using large expanses of glass, integrating with natural landscapes, and emphasizing natural materials.

    Constructed largely of redwood and glass supported by red brick and concrete, the Schaffer House feels like a newly pitched tent or a wood cabin that provides shelter and privacy without boxing out nature.

    Lautner designed the house for the Schaffer family, who originally used the property for picnics under the majestic oak trees and decided they wanted to live there permanently. 

  • The Gallery at Sketch

    Celebrated British artist, David Shrigley, has transformed the gallery at Sketch as part of a long-term programme of artist-conceived restaurants. India Mahdavi, who has created a backdrop for David Shrigley’s artwork, conceived a soothing, monochromatic, strikingly comprehensive interior. The classic, almost bourgeois design invites a deliberately playful contrast with the witty, outré art works; all is most certainly not what it seems. While matching sketch’s delight in the avant-garde, this harmonious vibe breaks with the Gallery’s usual eclecticism.

  • An Apartment by R. Schindler

    In this apartment by Rudolph Schindler, the wood-paneled walls and natural light create a comfortable space that brings us closer to nature. A stool by J.B. Blunk sits in front of the built-in sofa, next to a pair of Frank Lloyd Wright tables.

    A seamless integration with nature is one of Schindler’s values in architecture and can be found in most of his projects across Southern California. 

     

  • Maison de Verre

    Maison de Verre (House of Glass), a live/work house built bewteen 1928 to 1932 in Paris for Dr. Jean Dalsace, is a masterpiece of 20th-century modernist architecture. The design was a collaboration bewteen Pierre Chareau (lead architect and interior designer), Bernard Bijvoet (architect) and Louis Dalbet (metal craftsman). Much of the intricate moving scenery of the house was designed on site as the project developed. The beautiful interior of house is unique for the wonderful uses of various industrial materials and custom mechanical fixtures juxtaposed with traditional home furnishings all illuminated by the dramatic light glowing through the translucent glass-block façade.

  • Villa for an Industrialist

    House for an Industrialist, Shenzhen, 2009. This interior renovation of a 700 m² villa embodies new ideas about craft, geometry, and ornament. Installations on the ceilings, floors, and walls are built up of custom-fabricated repetitive elements: sculptural ceramic tiles, anodized aluminum branches, lacquered hardwood spindles, marble floor tiles, woven rattan panels… hundreds of these elements are arranged in non-repetitive patterns. The visitor's experience unfolds musically as he or she explores the space. One theme that emerges is the dome: from the entry vestibule to the most private spaces, various types of domes are encountered. One goal of the project was to demonstrate the high skill level of Chinese craftspeople.

  • The American Restaurant

    An iconic design by renowned architect Warren Platner in 1974. The airy interior is set by the oak columns branching into layered flower canopies that is both decorative and functional. The pink velvet upholstery and brass lamps complete the look with beautiful contrasts. 
     

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