Arizona Foothills Magazine has given back to our community for more than 16 years and we are about to take on one of our largest projects yet! Arizona Foothills Magazine will be partnering with The Phoenix Dream Center and some amazing community leaders such as Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Meek, from Desert Star Construction, and Mark and Chrissy Donnelly, authors and philanthropists. The Phoenix Dream Center serves more than 40,000 people every month through a variety of programs and Arizona Foothills Magazine will be helping by supporting The Dream Center Life Recovery Program.
We are so excited to be a part of such a wonderful cause and help in every way we can to make this project spectacular! The Dream Center Life Recovery program is a faith-based, residential recovery program that helps men and women overcome substance abuse, anger management and emotional struggles. The Dream Center Rescue Project operates two separate homes for underage girls and adult women (18-30) who have been rescued from human trafficking and sex slavery from the streets of Phoenix.The Rescue Project is designed specifically to meet all their needs including spiritual and emotional support, while providing an environment that is loving and caring.
Read more to find out about how we are going to help The Rescue Project be a tremendous success! AZfoothills.com is so proud and honored to be a part of such a wonderful cause by helping girls have a safe haven. The 10 top design firms in the Valley will be participating in a contest to create the best room for these girls. These designers were chosen not only because of their incredible skills but also because of their big heart. Each designer came forward to help with The Rescue Project by donating their time, energy and money to help create a beautiful room. By working together to help build a warm and loving environment for these oppressed girls, we are facilitating a better community in Arizona.
Michael Dee (left) and Jerry Meek (right)
The Phoenix Dream Center and Arizona Foothills Magazine has teamed up with Jerry Meek, from Desert Star Construction, to help create 10 new beautiful rooms for girls that are in The Rescue Project. With the help of Jerry, The Phoenix Dream Center has been able to procure the top 10 interior designers in the city to create and design the rooms.
Arizona Foothills Magazine was lucky enough to meet the 10 amazingly talented and good hearted designers that will be helping with this project. Michael Dee told Jerry Meek, “Instead of an annual show house, we wanted to make a difference and this will be a huge impact on our community. We have the top interior designers, all giving their time and talent, to make a difference. We will showcase them in our May issue of Arizona Foothills Magazine.” Read on to meet each of the designers, watch a video on why they are involved in this project, and find out what their vision is to make The Dream Rooms perfect for these girls in horrible conditions.
Stay Tuned! When the rooms are completed, we will have before and after pictures of the rooms and we want you to vote on your favorite rooms!
The Designers will win prizes for these categories so stay tuned to see who will win for:
Grand Prize Winner: Best Overall
1. Best One Person Room
2. Best Two Person Room
3. Best Three Person Room
4. Best Living Area
5. Best Bathroom
6. Best Closet
7. Best Furniture
8. Best Home-like/ Comfortable Design
9. Best Space Utilization
10. Best Theme
All the designers and their sponsors will be acknowledged in Arizona Foothills Magazine’s September Issue. The designer who wins the Grand Prize Category will be featured in an additional two-page spread in the September Issue.
The contest and the voting will begin on April 18, 2012. The contest and voting will end on June 18, 2012. Voters will be able to vote once a day. That’s right, one vote per email address per day! There is a way for designers to receive more votes. You can purchase votes! Voter can buy as many votes as they want. Votes are $5 each and the money will benefit next year’s Dream Room Contest.
However, you are only allowed to purchase votes for one category of your choice. You will not be allowed to purchase votes for more than one category, so stick with one category that you believe your favorite designer deserves to win. 100% of the proceeds during
the voting will go to the Dream Center.
Check out the pictures from the event on Thursday night here:
http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/photo-gallery.html?func=detail&
Photography by Dan Raustadt, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
To learn more about this wonderful cause read our previous articles: http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/features/az-giving/2622-dream-big-with-the-phoenix-dream-center.html
Do not forget to vote for your favorite Custom Home Builder Here: http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/best-of-our-valley-2012/voting/85.html
Vote for your favorite Interior Designers that are in the contest here:
http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/dreamrooms
Read up on an amazing interview with Jerry and Carol Meek: http://arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/features/az-giving/2872-jerry-and-carol-meek-a-couple-to-change-the-world.html
If you would like to be a part of this dream for Phoenix, please visit www.phxdreamcenter.org/volunteer to see volunteer opportunities. Donations can be made online or by contacting the development department at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or
To learn more about the center, we invite you to come to one of our Tuesday Tours, given each Tuesday from noon to 1pm at the Dream Center. You can also visit our website at www.phxdreamcenter.org.
Meet Janet Brooks from Janet Brooks Design
Janet Brooks
Caylen Yauney (left), Janet Brooks (center), Kim Knudsen (right)
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the name of your company?
JBD: Janet Brooks Design.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: When and where was your company founded?
JBD: The Company was founded in Crested Butte, Colorado, in 1979.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Where is your office located?
8701 E. Vista Bonita Dr., Suite 115, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Why did you choose to become a designer?
JBD: I always loved history and loved studying Art History, but did not take it into a career mode. Then, after spending a few years as a “ski bum” in Crested Butte, CO I had an opportunity to go to work. I worked for a very talented ASID designer, from New York City, as her Showroom manager. Within a few months, I knew I had found my niche in life and went on to open my own studio with a seasoned designer, as a partner the following year.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What other designers have inspired your vision to create beautiful work?
JBD: Annie Rowitz, ASID, my mentor and first employer. She was versatile, practical, responsible and incredibly creative. She taught me that good designers are respectful team players and bring out the best in all the trades and other professionals on each project.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What sets you apart from other designers?
JBD: Not only do I enjoy doing many different design styles, but also I have never used the same piece of furniture or the same fabric twice in my career. No two clients are the same, so why should they have the same design in their homes?
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the craziest idea that someone has asked you to design?
JBD: My son’s tree house. I was actually flattered that he thought I was talented enough to do it!Is there one specific design you have done that is your favorite or you have had the most fun with? I have the most fun when I have a chance to work on a project that is outside my comfort zone. I love when it requires research into materials and design styles I am not familiar with. I really enjoyed doing a restaurant in Santa Fe, NM, which stretched my imagination to new lengths in many different ways.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What are the main reasons you are choosing to participate in such a wonderful and motivating cause?
JBD: I have been looking for a cause close to my heart for a few months, and nothing I looked into until this one was inspiring to me. The Dream Center is a place where the path of a life can be completely changed, and where people have a chance to do a do-over.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What experience do you hope to take away from helping the beautiful and inspiring women from the Phoenix Dream Center?
JBD: I want to imagine young women staying in the room I created, finding the good and the power in themselves, in a way they never thought possible.
Meet Vallone Design
(From left to right) Beth Imbornoni, Zach Vallone, Berkley Vallone, Kris Stockfish, Niki Saulino, Donna Vallone, Kerri Foreman
Donna Vallone (left) and Berkley Vallone (right)
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the name of your company?
Vallone Design, Inc.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: When and where was your company founded?
VD: It was established in 2001 in Scottsdale, AZ.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Where is your office located?
VD: Old Town Scottsdale
7007 E. 3rd Avenue
Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Why did you choose to become a designer?
VD: All of our designers have a different story of their path to interior design. Personally, I feel that it has always been in my blood. My mother, Donna Vallone, has been a designer for over 30 years. I grew up surrounded by creativity, beautiful objects and fabulous style. I found that I love helping people create a beautiful and personal space that makes them happy.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What other designers have inspired your vision to create beautiful work?
VD: There are so many historical designers, as well as current designers that I find inspiring. However, I must give tribute to my mother, who helped shape my sense of style, color, and design from the beginning. She continues to be a great source of inspiration, as well as my fellow designers.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What sets you apart from other designers?
VD: I think the most important thing we do at Vallone Design is create an individual look for our client that reflects their unique personality and lifestyle.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the craziest idea that someone has asked you to design?
VD: I can not think of one thing specifically (that I can talk about). We have had many odd requests over the years. We have come to embrace, and rather enjoy the challenges that are given to us.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Is there one specific design you have done that is your favorite or you have had the most fun with?
VD: I honestly don’t have favorite projects. Each project has its own challenges and parts that are really fun. I did have a great time designing my own home because it had been living in my head for so many years!
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What are the main reasons you are choosing to participate in such a wonderful and motivating cause?
VD: We are honored to have been chosen to design for the Phoenix Dream Center. Our entire team is going to participate and is excited about the challenge and the opportunity. We all have different reasons why this is important to us. After hearing about the women in this program, my heart ached for them. As a mom, I want them to be safe, healthy and happy. My hope is that we can help them with their journey by giving them a beautiful, warm, safe place to begin their new lives.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What experience do you hope to take away from helping the beautiful and inspiring women from the Phoenix Dream Center?
VD: By giving them a safe and loving space, we hope to make an impact on the lives of these young women.
Meet Overstreet Interiors
Terrie Overstreet
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the name of your company?
OI: Overstreet Interiors LLC
Arizona Foothills Magazine: When and where was your company founded?
OI: Overstreet Interiors was founded in 2003 here in Phoenix Arizona . My first client was my prayer group leader who wanted to update her house. She let me have free reign to release my creative passion and allow to me to realize this was the career path of choice.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Where is your office located?
OI: My office is an In-home studio (by appointment) in Scottsdale, Arizona. It is located on Indian School and the Interstate 101. The location is ideal for being close to design resources and centrally situated making visiting clients easy and enjoyable.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Why did you choose to become a designer?
OI: I spent 20 years in the television industry. My responsibilities varied from sales & marketing, to set design, graphics and branding. Ultimately, I realized it was time for a change both personally and professionally. I lost my husband to cancer in 1998 and it helped me realize to live in the moment. From then on, I looked for meaning and joy in every moment. I began learning the furnishing industry and through that experience mastered fundamentals and nuisances of fine design. Coming to Phoenix I was literally rising from ashes as a phoenix and re-inventing myself. Now I get the joy of working with my clients to create environments that enhance the quality of their daily lives.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What other designers have inspired your vision to create beautiful work?
OI: Because I like to create custom items and make a design relevant to a client’s inspiration, I find HGTV’s Candice Olsen and her mastery of transitional designs as someone who can inspire me. What I admire most about Candice’s work is that she has the ability to use color and items to layer texture and makes a room glamorous, workable, comfortable … all the element are in balance – she does not compromise.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What sets you apart from other designers?
OI: My shoes and my wings! No, seriously while each designer brings his or her own perspective, the process for me begins with an inspiration that originates from the client. I take the time to get to know my client. I try to make the process exciting and fun! We talk about all sorts of topics and find out where they have traveled, what their favorite piece of art or furniture, a book or author, a family heritage, or a client’s pursuit in life. We talk long enough for me to hear about a person, place or thing that brings out a memory or a feeling for them that has strong energy around it. That leads me to create their story and of course every story has its inspiration. Once the inspiration is defined function is foremost. My in-depth interview process continues to give me the exact details necessary to make the space relevant to each individual customer.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the craziest idea that someone has asked you to design?
OI: An ALL OUT, NO BARS HELD, HIGH ROLLING, Las Vegas style event. Oh and Yes, Elvis was in the building!
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Is there one specific design you have done that is your favorite or you have had the most fun with?
OI: As mentioned I begin with the client’s inspiration. My favorite project was inspired by the client’s equestrian interests and facilitated by items from her grandmother, a founder of the Arizona Arts community. Together, we created an Urban/New York City Loft Design that incorporated the high energy of New York along with encompassing an eclectic art collection. As often happens when I shop for my clients, an inspirational piece jumped out at me. A baroque painting of a white stallion caught my attention and awed my client. It became a focal point of our project. From the curb to the back fence, we wove fine art and fashion into a living space. The end result is a unique timeless and elegant design.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What are the main reasons you are choosing to participate in such a wonderful and motivating cause?
OI: I don’t believe interior design is just for the wealthy. I believe we all deserve to be surrounded by beautiful things. It does not have to cost allot to make any space comforting through a few hours of ideas, bargain shopping, elbow grease and elements of design. I believe this was divine intervention. When I was approached to participate I was honored to be considered as a contributor to the project. I’m delighted that my trade partners can also be involved. Sex trafficking is imprisoning these girls and it’s a blessing to help providing a safe retreat that allows an education and the opportunity to become independent young women in their own right!
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What experience do you hope to take away from helping the beautiful and inspiring women from the Phoenix Dream Center?
OI: An incredibly rewarding one! It is my intention that by leading this project it will inspire those around me to become more aware of the issue of sex trafficking and to also contribute of their own time and resources as well.
Meet Karen Rapp
Karen Rapp
Valerie Norris (left), Karen Rapp (center), Ruth Shaw (right)
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the name of your company?
KRI: Karen Rapp Interiors.
Arizona Foothils Magazine: When and where was your company founded?
KRI: It was founded in 1987 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Arizona Foothils Magazine: Where is your office located?
KRI: My home, 3629 East Colter, Phoenix, AZ 85018.
Arizona Foothils Magazine: Why did you choose to become a designer?
KRI: I was destined to be an interior designer. From the time I was a child, anything to do with the decoration of living spaces captivated my imagination. I purchased my first antique when I was 16. I took this piece, stripped it and refinished it in one summer. I still have it.
Arizona Foothils Magazine: What other designers have inspired your vision to create beautiful work?
KRI: Michael Taylor, Angelo Donghia, Vicente Wolf, Kathryn Ireland, Michael Smith, David Michael Miller, Cathy Hayes, Ralph Lauren, Martha Stewart, Cote’ Sud Magazine and many more.
Arizona Foothils Magazine: What sets you apart from other designers?
KRI: I really don’t have a particular style of design. Every project is an original… I love inspiring a client and helping discover their personal sense of style and taste. I have a lifetime of inspiration, experiences and sources that I can’t wait to share.
Arizona Foothils Magazine: What is the craziest idea that someone has asked you to design?
KRI: I don’t know if it is crazy, but one of my clients was crazy about an art deco dressing vanity she saw in a 1930’s black and white movie. At the time, DVD’s did not exist so we had to view it on a videotape. Then we had to pause the movie in order for me sketch and scale the piece. After that we had one of our talented local craftsman build it, it was fabulous!
Arizona Foothils Magazine: Is there one specific design you have done that is your favorite or you have had the most fun with?
KRI: Oh… please do not ask that question. Actually, all aspects of design are fun. I believe what makes the specific design project more fun is the client and design team I am working with.
Arizona Foothils Magazine: What are the main reasons you are choosing to participate in such a wonderful and motivating cause?
KRI: The career of interior design has provided me with life changing and inspiring experiences. I want to create a room for these women and girls that provides a safe haven. I want to give them the freedom to hope and become inspired to dream about what their lives can be.
Arizona Foothils Magazine: What experience do you hope to take away from helping the beautiful and inspiring women from the Phoenix Dream Center?
Ask me this question in a year… I have an inclination that my response today will fail in comparison to the response in a year. My heart and eyes are open and wide to experience what is to be. I’m honored to be a part of the dream.
Meet Ownby Design
Claire Ownby
Claire Ownby (left) and Kelli Smith (right)
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the name of your company?
OD: Ownby Design.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: When and where was your company founded?
OD: It was established in 1999 in Scottsdale, AZ.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Where is your office located?
OD: 13825 N. Northsight Blvd. #120, Scottsdale,AZ 85260 (Scottsdale Airpark).
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Why did you choose to become a designer?
OD: Being a designer is something I have wanted to do since I was a child. I enjoy creating environments that are inviting and comfortable to live in. I have an internal passion for interior design as well as people. As a designer, it allows me to express my creativity and provide a service for others to enjoy.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What other designers have inspired your vision to create beautiful work?
OD: I have always respected Frank Lloyd Wright’s work for the simplistic approach and embrace of surroundings. I also admire Holly Hunt for the simplicity and diversity of her designs.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What sets you apart from other designers?
OD: In addition to being an interior designer, I have also participated in projects as a developer and contractor. This gives my firm a unique perspective when approaching projects. We have a deeper understanding of the potential challenges and solutions for some of our more complex designs. We can also be more creative and budget focused as we have a better understanding of the entire scope of work.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the craziest idea that someone has asked you to design?
OD: I designed a modern master bedroom that allowed my client to be able to conduct video tele-conferences in the middle of the night without leaving his bed!
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Is there one specific design you have done that is your favorite or you have had the most fun with?
OD: I don’t have a favorite project but I have the most fun designing when clients are participatory in the process. I also enjoy projects when there is a unique condition or challenge to work around.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What are the main reasons you are choosing to participate in such a wonderful and motivating cause?
OD: Once I learned about and toured the Dream Center, I immediately felt compelled to be involved in a project that gives my firm the opportunity to help young women who have been dealt so much adversity.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What experience do you hope to take away from helping the beautiful and inspiring women from the Phoenix Dream Center?
OD: I am hoping to gain a greater understanding of our humanity, our fragility and be able to better share a greater sense of appreciation of the life I am blessed with.
Meet Treken Interiors
Kim Colletti
Kim Colletti (left) and Fabiola Fuentes (right)
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the name of your company?
TI: Kimberly Colletti - Treken Interiors, Inc.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: When and where was your company founded?
TI: It was founded in Arizona in 1998.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Where is your office located?
TI: 4237 N. Craftsman Court, Suite 204
Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Why did you choose to become a designer?
TI: My choice to become a designer was more of a destiny than a choice. Since childhood I grew up with parents that were building custom homes. My father would build the homes and my mother would design the comfortable and classic interiors. At a young age,I did space planning with Barbie furniture. I used yarn to define the spaces. Thus, there is a Barbie Collection one can see when they enter my office. My fondest memories were visiting landmarks of important historical significance as a child. I have always been drawn to design by the desire to shape the spaces in which we live and raise our families. It is as much as a passion as it is a profession.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What other designers have inspired your vision to create beautiful work?
TI: Coco Channel – “Great design transcends one’s own discipline.” Out of the many talented designers are NAMES, whose work is timeless and whose drive to do great design goes beyond delegating tasks to someone in the office. These designers would rather have a hands-on approach to see their projects through to perfection. More than anything, I admire designers with a VISION, who have INTEGRITY, and have IMPECCABLE taste. Masters through time have inspired me as well as design repeats itself in different settings. I have also been inspired by the colors of a Renaissance painting or the fictional built environments of legendary architects and builders. The passion and talents of great costume designers, musicians, and fashion icons.
One of my favorite quotes by Coco Channel – “Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions.”
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What sets you apart from other designers?
TI: I would say I am fearless. Traveling the world opens one’s eyes to the limitless possibilities in life – I carry this through in my design work…
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the craziest idea that someone has asked you to design?
TI: Let’s just say I’ll keep this PG-13. Also, this project for the Phoenix Dream Center is a great social responsibility.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Is there one specific design you have done that is your favorite or you have had the most fun with?
TI: Yes, I once designed the interior of a private jet!
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What are the main reasons you are choosing to participate in such a wonderful and motivating cause?
TI: Because I believe we are all survivors…
- To my brother Dave and my sisters Cindy who are cancer survivors.
- To all single moms including myself that have risen above the most challenging obstacles.
- To all human kind, through all difficulties, that rise above and beyond fear to embrace their true destiny.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What experience do you hope to take away from helping the beautiful and inspiring women from the Phoenix Dream Center?
TI: The joy of possibly (seeing) and making these young women smile.
Meet Amelia Kizerian Interiors
Amelia Kizerian
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the name of your company?
AKI: Amelia Kizerian Interiors, Inc.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: When and where was your company founded?
AKI: I have been working as a designer since 1994, but started my own company in 1999. It was founded in Park City, Utah.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Where is your office located?
AKI: 4014 N. Goldwater Blvd. Suite 201, Scottsdale, AZ.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Why did you choose to become a designer?
AKI: With the possible exception of genetics, there is nothing that influences our lives more than the environment we live in. Some regard design as inessential or frivolous. However, as humans, we are unique in our ability to adapt the world around us to suit our needs. That is what makes us so successful as a species. Design is nothing less than the refinement of our humanity.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What other designers have inspired your vision to create beautiful work?
AKI: Definitely Ulf Moritz. He creates beautiful and extremely unique fabrics. Also, Dorothy Draper, Juan Montoya,Dale Jones - Evans Pty Ltd, Playground Melbourne Pty Ltd are some others with great vision.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What sets you apart from other designers?
First, I would say my education. I was trained as an architect, and am able to see a project from all points of view. I am also a very good listener and I pay strict attention to my client's thoughts and needs.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the craziest idea that someone has asked you to design?
I believe that all clients are crazy. Not that that is a bad thing: The creative impulse is a kind of insanity, and that's what drives us to seek the impossible. Ultimately, transform the world. It is my job to find the spark of genius within the insanity, and translate that genius into real, functional, livable space.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Is there one specific design you have done that is your favorite or have you had the most fun with?
One client had an amazing collection of antique medical devices and articulated animal skeletons. However, they couldn't figure out how to display them in a fun way. Together, we came up with a cheerful lighting scheme, accented with comfortable yet tasteful period furnishings that made that room pop. It was truly my favorite experience.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What are the main reasons you are choosing to participate in such a wonderful and motivating cause?
AKI: As I said before, we have the ability to transform the world with design. I am a very visual person and am most comfortable in a beautiful environment. These girls in the Dream Center have seen and experienced the worst horror imaginable. I believe that they deserve a beautiful environment to live in, socialize in, relax in, and recover.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What experience do you hope to take away from helping the beautiful and inspiring women from the Phoenix Dream Center?
AKI: Peace and Hope.
Meet Oz Architects
Inga Brooks
Don Ziebell (left), Amy Johannsen (left center), Inga Brooks (right center), Merritt Larson (right)
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the name of your company?
OA: Oz Architects, Inc. – Lead Interior Designer
Arizona Foothills Magazine: When and where was your company founded?
OA: Our company was founded in 1992 in California, with the main office. It was then relocated to Phoenix in 1995. In 2009, Interior Design was added as a key component of the business, exclusively to compliment the architectural projects of Oz.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Where is your office located?
OA: We are located in the Scottsdale Airpark at 7401 E. Redfield Rd, sharing a building with Antiquities. Antiquities is our sister company that imports antique and reclaimed European building materials for our own clients and projects .
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Why did you choose to become a designer?
OA: Pursuing a career in design came naturally after being raised in a home that embraced the beauty and function of antique. I also learned to embrace classic designs alongside contemporary art and ideas. Traditionally, buildings themselves were often both beautiful and functional. For example, one of the things I most enjoy about my work at Oz is being able to fully integrate the style and details of the interiors with the architectural design for our clients’ homes.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What other designers have inspired your vision to create beautiful work?
OA: I feel that we are often surrounded by inspiring people, places, and objects ‐ the key is taking the time to notice. I seek inspiration in many different places, from nature to classic design style, from artists, architects, and designers to current fashions. I admire and appreciate a range of styles from the comforting, sophisticated work of Rose Tarlow to the rich natural simplicity and beauty created by European designers such as Alex Vervoodt and Marcel Wolternick.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What sets you apart from other designers?
OA: A commitment to creating comfortable, functional designs that reflect the owner’s goals and lifestyle. I also love to help reinforce the quality of the architecture. While I try to acknowledge current styles, I also believe it is very important to create designs that are time‐ worthy and lasting. We feel it is very important, particularly in the current state of the economy, to provide owner’s with cost effective, value oriented solutions that are fully coordinated with the building and construction process.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the craziest idea that someone has asked you to design?
OA: There are no crazy ideas, just creative ones!
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Is there one specific design you have done that is your favorite or you have had the most fun with?
OA: I just completed a wonderful project in Silverleaf. I partnered with the clients to help bring their visions to reality. She has a great sense of style and design and it really was fun to work together incorporating the found antiques and family treasures within the new designs of the home. A mix of new and antique materials throughout both the architecture and interiors of the house added to the welcoming feel of their home. Designed with the clients, to fit their lifestyle and needs, it truly will be a beautiful gathering place for the whole family!
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What are the main reasons you are choosing to participate in such a wonderful and motivating cause?
OA: I am excited to be participating in this wonderful cause and believe that design can be inspirational and nurturing, which are qualities that could be very important to the young women at the Dream Center. It is often the perception that only the wealthy have access to good design, so we hope our participation can be a small part of expanding that access.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What experience do you hope to take away from helping the beautiful and inspiring women from the Phoenix Dream Center?
OA: I believe that those helping others often benefit as much as those being helped. I know I look forward to learning from these women who are demonstrating such courage and a commitment to overcome a kind of adversity most of us can’t begin to imagine.
Meet Palm Design Group
Dana Lyon
Dana Lyon (left) and Michelle Heriaud (right)
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the name of your company?
PGD: Palm Design Group.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: When and where was your company founded?
PGD: 2001 in Phoenix, AZ. While spending 15 years in publishing with Conde Nast, I was always surrounded by luxury goods. I would constantly renovate and sell homes. Ten years ago, I made it my full time job to design homes.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Where is your office located?
PGD: 4521 N. 39th Place, Phoenix, AZ 85018.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Why did you choose to become a designer?
PGD: I don’t think it is something you learn, it is a gene you are born with. I love antiquities and contemporary design. I love to mix historical with modern to create sophisticated and timeless looks. I like everything to be one-of-a-kind, which is what being a designer is all about.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What other designers have inspired your vision to create beautiful work?
PGD: Several designers have inspired me, but to name a couple would be John Saladino and Bobby McAlpin.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What sets you apart from other designers?
PGD: Simplicity.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the craziest idea that someone has asked you to design?
PGD: A 10,000 bottle wine cellar.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Is there one specific design you have done that is your favorite or you have had the most fun with?
PGD: No one particular favorite, they have all been great experiences.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What are the main reasons you are choosing to participate in such a wonderful and motivating cause?
PGD: To give these courageous women a safe haven on their journey towards a new life.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What experience do you hope to take away from helping the beautiful and inspiring women from the Phoenix Dream Center?
PGD: We will take away the comfort in knowing we did something to help turn their lives in a positive direction.
Meet Tamm -Marlowe Design Studio, Inc.
Michael Marlowe (left) and KT Tamm (right)
Michael Marlow (left), Natalie Schuetz (center), and KT Tamm (right)
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the name of your company?
TMDS: Tamm -Marlowe Design Studio, Inc.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: When and where was your company founded?
TMDS: The two principals merged and formed this company in 2005
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Where is your office located?
TMDS: Old Town Scottsdale: 4160 N. Craftsman Court, Suite 101
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Why did you choose to become a designer?
TMDS: It was like equations to a mathematician. Design simply/intuitively always made sense to me.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What other designers have inspired your vision to create beautiful work?
TMDS: We pull from a range of influence. We are inspired by historic work, as well as, contemporary. A couple of designers I am consistently blown away by are Alex Vervoordt and Albert Pinto. I also love the French Art Deco designers, Ruhlmann and Adnet.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What sets you apart from other designers?
TMDS: Our diverse design experience. We have a large creative tool box to pull from. On top of over 25 years, in the high end Interior Design field, Tamm- Marlowe Design credits include Set Design work in the Film and Television industry as well as restaurant, club and retail design.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What is the craziest idea that someone has asked you to design?
TMDS: A client in the Hollywood Hills ask me to design a Mid Century Modern Tree House-, complete with 2/3 scale mid century furniture. I had a ball- I think it was more for the parents then the kids
Arizona Foothills Magazine: Is there one specific design you have done that is your favorite or you have had the most fun with?
TMDS: At this point, in our careers, we have designed almost every aspect of interior architecture and themed entertainment. My favorite aspect of design is to watch the client come up with a great idea then being able to facilitate it that dream into reality.
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What are the main reasons you are choosing to participate in such a wonderful and motivating cause?
TMDS: Because we can- those of us who can, should. Can you think of a better cause…?
Arizona Foothills Magazine: What experience do you hope to take away from helping the beautiful and inspiring women from the Phoenix Dream Center?
TMDS: JOY!
