Designer Diaries - Rachel Fischbach

Get to know Principal Rachel Fischbach in this month’s Designer Diaries!

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

The Kuki’o Golf Club. First of all Hawaii is one my favorite places. I’ve been lucky enough to work on quite a few projects there. What I loved about working Kuki’o was that design was seamless between the exterior and interior spaces as well as between the interior architecture and the furnishings. From the art to the furniture, to the lighting to accessories everything just felt cohesive.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

I love the wallcoverings from Phillip Jeffries. They package their product so beautifully, do wonderful vinyl that doesn’t look like vinyl and have great murals. A great wallcovering really serves as a backdrop to any great design scheme.

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

My grandmother inspired me to a designer. She was an artist. For those of you that have been to our office, we have two of her pieces hanging in studio. Whenever I visited, I would help her in her studio. She was a printmaker and a painter. She taught me about color, proportion, and layering. She introduced to me to the world of art and design by taking me to museums and the way she talked about the world around her.

4)     If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?
Jane Austen, Oprah and Amy Schumer.

5)     What was your first job?

I worked in the marketing department at the animation studio that produced “The Simpsons”.

6)  What are you streaming right now?
The Flight Attendant

7)  If you could teleport somewhere right now where would you go?
Paris! I love Paris anytime of the year.

8)     Where have you gotten lost on purpose?

Venice, Italy. It is such a fun to place meander without a map.

9)     Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Equator’s Rooibos Chai Latte

10)      How do you get your news?

Twitter & Streaming

Designer Diaries - Cindy Reyes

Cindy Reyes gives some insight to herself in this month’s Designer Diaries!

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

I'm loving the architectural finishes for The Yellowstone Club; Everything in the details of the space, from the ceiling to the walls has a layered and clean design. You really see this in the Spa area where each space is cohesive and flows well.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

I find the USM Haller system interesting in the way it was created. I love how creative and varied this product can be applied in any sector.

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

A college course in AutoCAD.

4)     If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?
Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates, Barack Obama

5)     What was your first job?

I worked in Napa for a non-profit rehab center for youth.

6)  What are you streaming right now?
Many podcasts from Spotify.

7)  If you could teleport somewhere right now where would you go?
Jay Walker's private library

8)     In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

The modern-day woman version of the Renaissance Man, master of multiple subjects and skills.

9)     Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Tea with Manuka Honey UMF.

10)      How do you get your news?

Online

Designer Diaries - Towan Kim

Get to know one of our partners, Towan Kim in this month’s Designer Diaries!

Kukio

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

I just couldn’t pick one… so here are three

KUKIO

This project was a turning point for me, trained as an architect, and helped me embrace Interior Design to the full extent. It occurred to me that the interior should not be an afterthought, but an inspiration at the onset of the project to culminate in an overall success. It certainly helped to have an amazing team working together on this one and I can proudly say it finished out beautifully.

Avow

AVOW 

Every challenge in this project became a design opportunity

Jackson Street

Jackson Street

This project reveals the recipe for how BraytonHughes creates spaces. It combined the architecture, interiors and objet d’art effortlessly and it came together in a uniquely urban and sophisticated ensemble.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

I’m a big fan of a ‘Bulldog clip’.  Use it every day.

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

My grandmother.  Starting at an early age I would rearrange everything around me and once finished I’d find myself restarting the process all over again.  My grandmother pointed out that there is a profession for people like me.  Nowadays, I draw first before moving anything. 

Side note.  I would, if I could, live in a place that’s surrounded by E. J. Ruhlmann’s furniture in Molino’s interiors with Scarpa’s details in Zumthor’s building, somewhere along the Mediterranean…

Sketches – Ruhlmann + Interiors – Ruhlmann  Carlo Mollino - Wikipedia
Carlo Scarpa - Wikipedia     Peter Zumthor - projects

4)     If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?
Botticelli, David Bowie, Miles Davis with his trumpet

5)     What is your most used emoji?

I don’t like emojis, not yet anyways ; )

6)  What are you streaming right now?
Premier League, UEFA Champions League and plenty of S. Korean shows.

7)  What is your favorite snack food?
Apples, the ones in season! Also, I’m trying to eat more chocolate.

8)     If you could teleport somewhere right now where would you go?

Bottom of the ocean.  I imagine it being wondrous and extraordinary.  I would be speechless.

9)     In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

Yoga Instructor by day, Jazz musician by night? or Truffle hunter!

10)      Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Americano. I take it piping hot. Also, green tea before coffee.

Designer Diaries - Nicole Smith

Meet our newest addition to our team, Nicole Smith in this month’s Designer Diaries.

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

No secret I’m a newbie to BHD but I would say a lot of the quality of projects drew me to want to work here (in addition to the amazing people 😊). I’m loving Canopy Baltimore and excited to hopefully see this win an award at the BDNY Gold Key Awards this Monday.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

I’m a sucker for Phillip Jeffries wallcoverings. There are my go-to for most products and they’re always coming out with great designs.

Beyond - HEAVEN ON MARSHMALLOW MANILA HEMP

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

Kudos to my Dad, who is an Architect. Growing up he would sometimes bring me to his project sites. I experienced being on the ground in a hard hat to the final install when he met up with his clients. The final install was the most inspiring to me. The memory that sticks out to me is when I tagged along with him to a fancy chocolatier/café he did in Seattle. The name of the Café never stuck with me, but my experience feels like it’s out of a movie scene. People were sipping coffee at the bar, throwing their head back and laughing about who knows what. The sound of my Dad chatting with his client in the background was muffled and it almost felt like it was in slow motion. It was so inspiring to me that these ‘random” people using the space were really enjoying themselves in an environment that my dad had created. The moment in time I think I knew this is what I also wanted to do too. I guess you could say it’s in my blood.

4)     If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?
If you know me, I like to have a good time. I think this would be a fun table.

• Amy Schumer

• Will Ferrell

• Kobe Bryant

5)    What are you streaming right now?
All the things. I’m a big TV watcher. Right now, it’s all about Succession, Insecure and Curb Your Enthusiasm. I may or may not still watch Grey’s Anatomy every Thursday night on ABC 😊

6)     What is something that none of your coworkers know about you?

I’m part Japanese. Below is me in a Kimono at the Kinkaku-Ji. My family and I visited Japan in 2018 where we met family for the first time. I’m so grateful that I got to experience my heritage with my Baba (grandma) and see where she grew up as well.

7)  Where have you gotten lost on purpose?
I do this everywhere I travel. Paris, London, Japan, Puerto Rico, etc. I’m a Sagittarius so big on adventure. The believe the best experiences are the ones unplanned.

8)     In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

I would be a Surgeon, no question.

9)     Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Coffee. Americano, no room for cream (but leave room when I take it to go so there is no spillage)

10)      How do you get your news?

NPR Radio in the mornings

Designer Diaries - Nicole Alcayaga

Get to know Nicole Alcayaga in this month’s designer Diaries!

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

CHUAN SPA, LANGHAM PASADENA - Work — BraytonHughes Design Studios (bhdstudios.com). I really enjoyed being a part of the team on this project with its decorative elements & fun details.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

I have always liked how Johnathan Browning’s pieces combine classic lines with an attention to detail which elevates the designs. Jonathan Browning Studios | (jonathanbrowninginc.com)

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

When I was going to SRJC, right out of high school, I had a job doing retail displays. Several of the regular customers & my boss at the time encouraged me to look into interior design courses. I had always been interested in how a spaces impact people, and until then, had not considered design as serious career choice. To this day I am still friends with that boss & grateful for her encouragement to get into a field that I love as much today as I did when I first started out.

4)     If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?
Mel Brooks, Ian Flemming & Julia Child.

5)    What is your most used emoji?
😘

6)     What was your first job?

Sonoma French Bakery.

7)  What are you streaming right now?

Only Murders in the Building

8)     What is your favorite snack food?

Dark chocolate covered pretzels.

9)     In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

Mystery writer.

10)      Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Coffee, black.

Designer Diaries - Phuong Mai

Today we get hear from our amazing intern Phuong Mai.

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

My favorite project is Canopy Baltimore! The material choices convey a sense of coziness inside and really enhance the beautiful views outside. Also love the color combinations and the amount of details involved. Chef’s kiss!

2)      What is your favorite design product?

Echo Totem Light by the sustainable brand ZZ Driggs. Sculptural looking, minimal, and made from locally-harvested birch.

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

My dad. He’s super into beautiful houses and details, it was probably through the conversations I had with him that I realized interior design was something I’m passionate about.

4)     If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?
My grandfather, Dan Brown, and Helly Tong.

5)    What is your favorite hotel or restaurant?

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam.

6)     What are you streaming right now?

Vagabond on Netflix.

7)  What is your favorite snack food?

Lay’s, seaweed flavor.

8)     If you could teleport somewhere right now where would you go?

Vietnam! I haven’t got a chance to go back and visit my family since the pandemic started.

9)     In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

A detective or a director.

10)      Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Tea (Taro milk tea with boba pearls …)

Designer Diaries - Janea Nakagawa

Today we feature our first Principal for our Designer Diaries, Janea Nakagawa!

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

Jackson Street is my favorite BHD project. It represents the balance of art, architecture, and furnishings which defines BraytonHughes’ work.

Photos by Paul Dyer Photography

2)      What is your favorite design product?

Muji stationary products

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

My journey to becoming a designer was a circuitous path. Originally, I wanted to be a journalist because I was inspired by Connie Chung. I quickly realized that I didn’t enjoy writing or researching so I moved on to fashion design, but I couldn’t even sew on a button (and I still can’t). I took the aspects of fashion design that interested me the most, which was the creative part of putting together individual pieces or elements into a unique combination. This is when I found interior design.

4)     What is your favorite hotel or restaurant?
Sushi Ran

5)    What was your first job?

I was a hostess at a restaurant

6)     What is your favorite snack food?

Lays potato chips

7)  If you could teleport somewhere right now where would you go?

Dubai

8)     Where have you gotten lost on purpose?

Paris

9)     Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Coffee, preferably Illy dark roast, two sugars

10)      How do you get your news?

I read the NY Times and SF Chronicle

Designer Diaries - Serena Park

One of our newest additions to our team, Serena Park shares her inspiration and favorite snacks.

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

Avow. I am impressed how well the space embraces the history of the building with sophisticated design details.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

Bower Studio – Archway Mirror (Black & Clear)

3)     What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

My Mom. She often brought me to home decoration stores that sells imported European furniture, home accessories and fabric in my teenage and asked my opinion when she shopped and I liked to shop with her.

4)     What is your most used emoji?
🙃

5)    What was your first job?

A teacher at a Private institute in Korea

6)    What are you streaming right now?

Jordy Searcy - Fire Radio on Spotify during the day + What/If on Netflix at night.

7)  What is your favorite snack food?

Strawberry Bliss Balls

8)     Where have you gotten lost on purpose?

The Met in NYC

9)      In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

Painter who inspires by impressionism.

10)      Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Straight Americano(Ice/hot) in the morning. Latte with Almond milk after lunch. And Licorice & Peppermint tea at night!

Designer Diaries - Valerie Liang

Senior Associate Valerie Liang shares her inspiration and a few of her favorite things in this edition of Designer Diaries.

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

Grand Hyatt SFO – one of the BHD projects I’ve been lucky enough to experience as a guest. The materiality of the public spaces helps make the hotel feel both grand and welcoming, which are the first things you notice when you check-in.

Grand Hyatt SFO, Photo by Paul Dyer

Grand Hyatt SFO, Photo by Paul Dyer

2)      What is your favorite design product?

Currently eyeing Indigo-dyed linen prints by Bay Area artist Carrie Crawford.

Carrie Crawford

3)      What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

Frank Lloyd Wright – in elementary school my class learned about Falling Water by recreating it out of graham crackers and frosting

4)     What is your most used emoji?

 🤦‍♀️

5)    What was your first job?

A summer internship with a construction company after my first year of college - I worked on the basement level of the REX/OMA-designed Wyly Theater in downtown Dallas

6)  What are you streaming right now?

The Americans and YouTube cooking videos – anything featuring chefs Sohla El-Waylly or June Xie

7)      What is your favorite snack food?

Flaming hot Cheetos with lime. Or extra toasty Cheez-Its. Basically anything with cheese.

8)      In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

Mechanical or aerospace engineer working at NASA

9)      Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Unsweetened green tea for every day and masala chai for special occasions

10)      How do you get your news?

NYTimes app

Designer Diaries - Robel Dimaano

Studio Director and Senior Associate Robel Dimaano shares his inspirations and favorite things in this edition of Designer Diaries.

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

There are so many. If I must pick a favorite, it would be my very first project at BHD: Four Seasons Jackson Hole. I appreciated how the design was authentic and timeless.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

Anything Apple makes. From packaging, to the actual product, and to the user interface. Oh, and the Apple campus is not too shabby

3)      What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

Several People influenced me. In my younger years, it was my aunt who is an actress in the Philippines. The very stylish Mrs. Celia Rodriguez. I loved her sense of fashion and the design sensibilities of her home-It was very Luxurious. Later on, it was Jony Ive. He is instrumental in bringing change to our connected lives. He shows us how we interact with design on a day to day basis - "There is beauty when something works, and it works intuitively."

4)     What is your most used emoji?

😎

5)    What are you streaming right now?

Just finished Ted Lasso – It’s really funny, can’t wait for Season 2. More Fizzy water, anyone?

6)  What is your favorite snack food?

Anything with Cheese or Nuts. You are what you eat.

7)      What is something that none of your coworkers know about you?

I share the same birthday as Ronald Reagan and Axl Rose. I guess you can say I share the same qualities – depends on the mood of the day and deadlines.

8)      If you could teleport somewhere right now where would you go?

Back Home to the Philippines. Would love to see Family and Friends – haven’t been back in 30 years!

9)      Where have you gotten lost on purpose?

Anywhere and as much as possible – love to drive around and discovering restaurants, site seeing and learning about new places.

10)    Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?

Simple Coffee with sugar and cream. Must have in the AM…

11) How do you get your news?

I have several news Apps on my phone - LA Times, USA Today, SF Gate, Flipboard and Apple News. Apple News is great; It covers a lot of select news that is catered to your interests.

Designer Diaries - TJ Morgan

IA team member TJ Morgan’s first Designer Diaries gives us an inside look on his inspiration and dreams!

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

I have had the privilege of working on some projects that are still on the boards. Concept ideation and collaboration are some of the most exciting moments of our work. It’s amazing to see these projects come to line. Check out the rendering and in progress photos of the Montage Big Sky which opens in December 2021.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

Sustainably forested wood veneers are a goto design product.

Forest Management Certification | Forest Stewardship Council (fsc.org)

FSC Consumer Marketplace (onesimpleaction.org)

Architectural Woodwork Quality Certification Program | AWI QCP

PEFC - Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification

3)      What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

Carlo Scarpa: One of the most enigmatic and underappreciated architects of the 20th century, Carlo Scarpa is best known for his instinctive approach to materials, combining time-honored crafts with modern manufacturing processes. 

Spotlight: Carlo Scarpa | ArchDaily

4)     What is your favorite hotel or restaurant?

My favorite hotel I have stayed at is the RAAS Devigarh in Udaipur, India

Boutique Luxury Hotel Udaipur : Devigarh - RAAS Hotels

5)     What was your first job?

I was a bike courier.

6)  What are you streaming right now?

The Great Pottery Throw Down

7)      What is your favorite snack food?

Bourbon

8)      What is something that none of your coworkers know about you?

I have a recurring dream in which I have long hair – all the more shocking because I haven’t had hair since I was 30.

9)      If you could teleport somewhere right now where would you go?

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

10)     In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

Did I mention the recurring dream – a hair dresser.

Project Spotlight: Earth Day

In celebration of Earth Day and a welcoming of spring renewal this April, BraytonHughes reflects on how a refresh or redesign of a space provides a “new beginning” and serves as a sustainable alternative to a new build when designed with thoughtful use of materials and timeless qualities. As Zahid Sardar once put it, “Good design that lasts…is ultimately the greenest tactic.” The following solutions saved time, expense and materials with design that enhances existing buildings and evolves without requiring significant updates.

At Cavallo Point, a LEED Gold-certified eco-resort located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge at historic Fort Baker, we worked with ARG and in co-operation with the National Parks Service to preserve as much of the original structures and interiors as possible. The redesign maintains the building’s original tin ceilings and restored fireplaces and accentuates its iconic views of the bridge and natural surroundings. Melding the past and present to enliven the interior, classic furniture and custom designed lighting and carpet create timeless interiors reflecting the lodge’s historic and natural setting.

In addition to refreshing historic structures within park settings, we are proud of our work within the City’s urban environment, at the iconic InterContinental San Francisco. Originally a LEED project, the hotel underwent an extensive renovation to optimize every space and be as sustainable as possible with our choices. Bringing the cosmopolitan side of San Francisco inside the hotel, we transformed the Presidential Suite into a stylish and vibrant home away from home. By keeping original elements such as cabinetry, headboards and bath fixtures, this two-level suite suits San Francisco’s perfect blend of contemporary and timeless elegance. The redesign accentuates the suite’s stunning skyline views, introducing a refined color palette with tailored finishes that run throughout the suite’s upholstery, textile wall hangings, light fixtures, and artwork.

We hope the idea of redesigning a space to give it a new beginning sparks some creative ideas for you.

Designer Diaries - Paulette Sarmiento

Making her Designer Diaries debut, one of our FF&E designers, Paulette Sarmiento, gives us the inside scoop on some of her favorite things!

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

Ventana Big Sur is one of my favorite BHD projects. It’s such a beautiful hotel not only because of the location and the unbelievable views, but also, I just love how the interior architecture, rustic materiality and different textures blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. You will always be connected to the outdoors even when you are inside.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

I have been obsessed with the ceramic work from artist Eric Roinestead. His ability to create unique, functional, sculptural pieces is very inspiring. This geometric chair represents the kind of art that I am drawn to: minimal and natural, but with a strong presence.

3)      What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

I’ve been a creative person since I was a little girl, and I always enjoyed the classes that required me to draw or paint. I also remember when my mom renovated our 3-bedroom apartment that we used to live back in Colombia. The apartment building was old, but my mom saw great potential.  She ended up converting the 3- bed apartment into a 5-bed apartment after she opened a few walls and redesigned the floor plan; just seeing the outcome of that renovation was something that inspiring to love interior design.

Although I spent a few years working in the tech industry as an Account Executive, it was not until my mid-twenties when I decided to pursue my passion for Interior Design and Architecture. So far, it has been the most enjoyable ride that I’ve ever taken, and I feel like I’m exactly where I am supposed to be.

4)      If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?

Cristina Celestino, Lewis Hamilton and Bobby Flay (in a perfect world, Bobby Flay cooking dinner).

5)      What is your favorite hotel or restaurant?

My favorite restaurant in the Bay Area is Sol Food. The flavors and ingredients are similar to Colombian food. If you want to get a taste of delicious, comfort, Latin American food, this is the place to try.

6)      What is your most used emoji?

😊

7)      What is your favorite snack food?

Apple with almond butter and cinnamon.

8)      What is something that your co-workers don’t know about you?

I have five siblings.

9)   If you could teleport somewhere right now, where would go?

Parque Tayrona in Santa Marta, Colombia. A beautiful national park, secluded, with a few sandy beaches tucked into the jungle. There is no Internet connectivity out there, so it feels like the perfect place to relax.

Designer Diaries - Melissa Bell

Making her Designer Diaries debut, one of our senior FF&E designers, Melissa Bell, gives us the inside scoop on some of her favorite things!

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?

I have to go with Casa San Pancho in Mexico. I’m a sucker for combining modern and local design. Plus I’ve heard I can stay there for a night or two.

2)      What is your favorite design product?

I love this collection from Apparatus Studio. The horsehair sconce and pendant are beautiful examples of mixed materials.

3)      What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?

I have always been interested in design. My major in college was Art History and I always gravitated more toward architecture, interior design, and furniture design. Even though I started my career in advertising, I was always reading design books and going to design shows and museums. I eventually made the decision to go back to art school and start over as an interior designer. No regrets.

4)      If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would they be?

Ice Cube, Jon Stewart, and Charles & Ray Eames (I know that’s 4, but they’re a team).

5)      What is your favorite hotel or restaurant?

The Marshall Store on Tomales Bay. It’s not much to look at, but it’s my favorite place to go for clam chowder and a plate of oysters (grilled or raw).

6)      What is your most used emoji?

It’s a toss-up between 😬 and 🤘

7)      What are you streaming right now?

I just finished Lupin on Netflix. I’m starting Season 2 of The Sinner but thinking The Queen’s Gambit might need to come before that.

8)      What is your favorite snack food?

Chips and Salsa

9)      If you could teleport somewhere right now where would you go?

St. Lucia sounds nice right about now.

10)   How do you get your news?

The Daily Show.