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.

Project Spotlight: Retirement Living | Health & Happiness

With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions across the country, BraytonHughes is excited to come together with loved ones, especially our elders, many of whom have experienced a great deal of loneliness during this time. As our children can once again hug their grandparents, maybe even for the first time ever, we are reminded of the importance of social interaction for health and happiness.

In our design for senior living communities, including the Continuing Life® projects Stoneridge Creek in Pleasanton, Reata Glen in San Juan Capistrano, and the recently completed Glen at Scripps Ranch in San Diego, we prioritize residents’ emotional and mental wellbeing and de-institutionalize the look and feel of spaces, often with a blend of hospitality and residential design principles. In addition to creating spaces of comfort and relaxed luxury in our designs, we aim to promote social engagement and nurture a sense of rootedness with references to the surrounding locale so that residents feel connected, physically active, and mentally and emotionally strong.

Photo courtesy of Stoneridge Creek

Photo courtesy of Reata Glen

At Casa Dorinda in Montecito, an 80-room Spanish Revival estate renovated in the ‘70’s and converted to a retirement community, we created a cheerful place to dine with a stylish, high-end look and feel reminiscent of a luxury hotel. In renovating the dining room, foyer, and terrace we chose a light and bright color palette to depart from the ubiquitous gray found in many senior living facilities. The estate’s history influenced the design approach, as did the desires of the residents committee, which was very active during the design process. Balancing a cohesive design that appealed to all while being functional and durable, we brought a fresh Spanish Revival-inspired style while paying attention to functionality and materials and selecting furniture and color palettes that appealed to the residents.

Casa Dorinda, Photos by John Ellis

As we find a resurgence of livelihood in reconnecting with loved ones, may we remember what’s most important in life – good health and a dual sense of purpose + belonging.

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.

Designer Diaries - Michael Muskewitz

Let our resident Santa Claus and IA member, Michael Muskewitz, share a little more about himself in our latest edition of Designer Diaries.

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

Reata Glen Senior Living Facility was one of my first full projects with BHD.  I worked on the Design Concept, Production Drawings, Field Reviews, and Implementation. I really enjoyed working with the client and the Architectural Team to produce a very successful project. The photos below are from the recently completed The Glen at Scripps Ranch.               

Photo by Franklin Lopez Photography

Photo by Franklin Lopez Photography

Photo by Franklin Lopez Photography

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

I really don’t have one person who inspired me to be a designer.  I always had designing in my blood.  As a child, when the furniture stores’ circulars came in the Sunday newspapers, I would cut out the different furniture pieces and redesign the room layouts.  Since that time, I was always creative and organized in whatever I put my mind to. 

3)      What was your first job?

My first paying job was working in my hometown in the Township Municipal Building in the Engineering Department.  My role was to travel throughout the Township to survey and record all the storm drains and drainage pipes. Then I’d go back into the office, and draft by hand on mylar and in ink, the information I found for future records.

4)      What are you streaming right now?

I am not streaming anything now, but I do watch a lot of shows on HGTV and the Food Network.  My favorite show is the home improvement show, Good Bones, and any Food Competition shows.

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

In a parallel universe, my profession would be a Marine Biologist or a Geneticist.  I’ve always had a fascination with those sciences.

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

I don’t really drink coffee or tea in a large quantity, but I do LOVE coffee flavored Frappuccino’s. A wonderful cool sweet drink, like a dessert - mmmm!

Designer Diaries - Mino Bautista

An avid sports fan, meet Mino Bautista, one of our fabulous Associates and a member of our Interior Architecture team.

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

Canopy Baltimore is such a cool project. The designers’ concept, attention to detail, and execution of ideas are on full display. It also doesn’t hurt that the project is in an amazing location providing gorgeous views of the Baltimore Harbor. I also have a personal connection to Overlake Golf and Country Club. It is one of the first projects that I was significantly involved in, allowing me to come into my own as a designer. 

2)      What is your favorite design product?

There are not a lot of options for well-designed automatic faucets. I’m always on the hunt and was happy to discover that Dornbracht now has a full line of them.

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

I haven’t really thought about this, but it seems like the tendency to do something creative is something that I got from my family. I come from a family of 3 kids - I turned out to be an interior designer, my brother is a residential developer, and my sister is a creative director in advertising.

4)      What is your favorite hotel or restaurant?

Amami Sushi Bistro. It doesn’t offer so much in terms of design and ambience but if you love sushi, this is the place to go.

5)      What is your most used emoji?

To the surprise of absolutely nobody, 🍺 and 🥃

6)      What are you streaming right now?

While waiting for the NBA season to start, Watchmen.

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

I grew up in the Philippines and still have family and friends there. I would teleport back home every day if I could.

8)      Where have you gotten lost on purpose?

Did I mention I grew up in the Philippines, home to some of the world’s most beautiful islands? Every time I get the chance, it is so easy to get lost in the crystal-clear waters, whether you are surfing, kayaking, snorkeling in the reefs, or just going out for a morning swim. 

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

Those who know me know that I love sports and am very physically active. I used to play a lot of basketball and now practice Muay Thai religiously. It would be a dream to be a professional in one (or both) of these sports.

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

Coffee. Strong, black, unsweetened.

Designer Diaries - Julia Whittley

Next up on Designer Diaries is one of our Junior Designers, Julia Whittley, a Bay Area native who joined BHD last year. Read on to learn more about her!

1)      What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?
Grand Hyatt SFO. The spaces have those fresh and inviting vibes that make you want to enter the room with a smile on your face. I am also loving our recently completed Canopy by Hilton Baltimore project, especially because of the high attention to detail, which the designers of this project have excelled at. So, keep a look out for that one!

2)      What is your favorite design product?
The future is here with the Remi Smart Mirror!

3)      What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?
Once when I was a kid, we got an architectural magazine in the mail and I was obsessed with it. I cut out all my favorite images and glued them into a notebook. Not long after that was the first and only time I told an adult what I wanted to be when I grew up. They asked me some questions, and then, said I should probably pick something else. So, I stuffed that dream away until my early 20s when I decided to take a stab at becoming a designer and applied to my school’s interior design program.

4)      What is your favorite hotel or restaurant?

I recently went to Ozumo. It’s a contemporary Japanese restaurant on the Embarcadero. I have never been inside (because COVID) but the food is great.

5)      What is your most used emoji?

Without a doubt 😬 …It’s probably my most common facial expression as well.

6)      What was your first job?

I started babysitting when I was 10. It’s a job that I really enjoyed and stuck with, all the way through college where I had a part time job working with infants and toddlers.

7)      What are you streaming right now?

Does football count?

8)      What is your favorite snack food?

I wanted to put down something healthier but it’s Cheez-it’s. I love Cheez-it’s.

9)      Where have you gotten lost on purpose?

When I was studying abroad in London, I took a trip by myself to Napoli. Each street had a different market and was so different from anything I had ever experienced, so I decided to keep walking and figure out where I was later.

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

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love my tea. I’m always stocked with a full assortment. Over the past couple of years, I’ve gotten into matcha, and I’ve been able to perfect my matcha latte skills since we’ve been working from home.

Designer Diaries - Megan Gilbert

We’d like to you introduce to one of our associates, Megan, who has been at BraytonHughes since 2016. She’ll share some way more interesting tidbits with you all!

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

Avow (I worked on the design proposal and concept presentation!).

2)    What is your favorite design product?

Aria Chiara Ceiling Fan by Ceadesign – It’s a modern-look ceiling fan that has ozonation and ionization capabilities which means it can break down viruses, bacteria allergens and carbon monoxide.

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

I feel lucky to have been able to see the design process firsthand at an early age – my parents remodeled my childhood home twice when I was a kid.  I remember being fascinated by the blueprints of our house and it inspired me to start drawing.

4)     What is your favorite hotel or restaurant?

My favorite hotel that I’ve been to recently is the Madonna Inn in San Louis Obispo.  Such a strange, cozy little gem!

5)      What was your first job?

I worked for Artik Art & Architecture my last semester of mysenior year of college and a little bit after.  It is a really cool office – they specialize in educational architecture and have designed a lot of the public k-12 and community colleges in Northern California.

6)      What are you streaming right now?

Los Espookys

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

I was homeschooled from 1st grade through 8th grade.  It’s not part of my past that I really embraced as part of my identity until recently.  I now realize that it made me uniquely equipped to handle working from home during the pandemic.

6)     Where have you gotten lost on purpose?

Bodega Bay.  Go to Wild Flour Bread if you find yourself nearby, it is the best!

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

Coffee.  Strong, black and first thing in the morning.

8)     How do you get your news?

Online – The NY Times and the SFist, mostly.  Which reminds me… VOTE!

Designer Diaries - Lisa Vasquez

Our designers are all extremely talented and we value their unique personalities and encourage their individuality. We look forward for you to get to know them.  We are thrilled to have Lisa Vasquez, our new Senior Associate, help us kick off our new monthly blog series, Designer Diaries.  

1) What is your favorite BraytonHughes project?

Grand Hyatt at SFO was a challenging project with so many teams involved, yet it was such a rewarding project.  I enjoyed coming up with the design that referenced the locale, the airport, the state of California, and the city of San Francisco.  My favorite space to work on was the suites, specifically the Presidential Suite.  The colors, textures, and furniture found in the suites are reminiscent of the beautiful California sunset that can be seen over the many bridges found within the city. 

2) What is your favorite design product?

Currently, I am loving the new lamp collection from Porta Romana. The Nina Lamp is like the little black dress, simple yet beautiful for any occasion. 

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

HGTV!  I used to watch HGTV on a regular basis in the 1990’s & early 2000’s. When I was trying to figure out a career path in my mid-twenties, a good friend of mine said, “hey why don’t you try out interior design”.  The next day I made an appointment to tour FIDM in Los Angeles, and a month later, I was an art student.  Looking back, my bedroom was always my canvas, like a chameleon constantly changing colors. 

4) What is your most used emoji?

Those who know me well, will not be surprised:  🤦‍♀️ 🙄

5) What was your first job?

My very first job, right out of high school, was at McDonalds.  I met my next employer, a wholesale computer parts company, through the drive thru and soared from there. You have to start somewhere. 

6) What is your favorite snack food?

Just found out about Pili nuts dusted with cacao powder…they melt in your mouth and “THEY” say they’re healthy.  Win win! Somewhat better than the Trader Joe’s pretzel thins I was addicted to for three months straight.

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

To a beautiful private island with a hammock in the trees, soft white sand, and clear water.  Who doesn’t need to disconnect sometimes?!

8) Where have you gotten lost on purpose?

I tend to do that a lot on my travels.  That’s the best part of traveling.  I just recently wandered the souks of Marrakesh, Tangier, and Essaouira in Morocco. You find the best local food and unique shops that way. 

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

A doctor serving Doctors without Borders giving back to those in need…or a superstar actress. 

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

Both!  I love the apricot Ceylon tea latte from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, my guilty pleasure when I’m in L.A. But on a regular day, a latte with whole milk, a single sugar pack, and if I’m in the mood, a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.