Meet Nicole Roby of Downtown BHAM’s Rome Curate

Nicole Roby, a Birmingham-based interior designer, has launched a new lifestyle brand called Rome Curate. The brand offers a diverse collection of home furnishings, décor, and skincare products designed to be both timeless and functional for everyday living. Roby, a mother of three young children, emphasizes the durability and ease of maintenance of her products, ensuring they can withstand daily use and spills. The Rome Curate collection features custom furnishings and carefully selected notable finds that reflect a classic aesthetic. Roby's motivation for creating Rome Curate stemmed from identifying a gap in the market for accessible yet elevated design pieces. Her goal is to provide customers with curated items that facilitate the creation of an elegant living space without sacrificing practicality. She highlights that every piece in the collection is designed with functionality in mind, intended to be lived on and enjoyed. This philosophy is particularly evident in the materials chosen for items like furniture and rugs, which are made to be easily cleaned. In addition to furnishings, Rome Curate offers a hand-picked selection of rugs featuring timeless patterns and colorways, designed to serve as foundational elements for any room. The brand also supports local artists by showcasing their home décor and art, which complement the overall aesthetic of the collection. A unique aspect of Rome Curate is its inclusion of luxurious Korean skincare products. Roby integrates her family's connection to Korean beauty traditions, offering high-end brands known for their exclusive formulations, such as The History of Whoo and O HUI. As the holiday season approaches, Rome Curate is presented as a destination for holiday décor and gifts. Examples of seasonal offerings include Christmas tree door hangers made with solid brass and real leather, as well as stylish candles and the aforementioned luxury skincare products, suitable for stocking stuffers. To celebrate the launch, Rome Curate and Nicole Roby Designs are hosting a giveaway for a $5,000 gift card towards home furnishings and rugs, coupled with a two-hour design consultation worth $500. The brand's products are available online through their website and by appointment at their showroom located at 3409 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222. #RomeCurate #NicoleRobyDesigns #InteriorDesign #LifestyleBrand #HomeFurnishings #HomeDecor #Skincare #BirminghamBusiness #HolidayShopping

This article features an interview with Vanessa Rome, an interior designer based in New York City, discussing her career, business philosophy, and personal recommendations. Rome attributes her success to a Type A personality, strong organizational skills, and an unwavering passion for interior design. She emphasizes that her work feels less like a job and more like a calling, which allows her to dedicate long hours and weekends to her projects without feeling burdened. Vanessa Rome Interiors operates as a boutique residential interior design studio in New York City. Rome deliberately limits the number of projects taken on each year to fewer than ten. This approach ensures that each client receives a high level of personalized attention and meticulous care, reflecting the standard of service she would expect as a client herself. A key lesson she has learned in her career is the critical importance of measuring and re-measuring everything to ensure accuracy and prevent errors in design execution. When asked about recommendations for a friend visiting New York City, Rome suggests a culinary and cultural tour. Her top dining picks include Indochine, a long-standing favorite from her NYU days, and upscale Asian restaurants like Nobu and Mr. Chow. For activities, she recommends walking through the neighborhoods of Tribeca and Soho to explore various clothing and furniture stores, indulging her passion for both fashion and home aesthetics. A stroll through Central Park is also highlighted for its people-watching opportunities and scenic beauty. Rome acknowledges the significant contributions of several individuals and groups to her professional journey. She expresses gratitude for the support of her husband and family, who provide her with the freedom and encouragement to pursue her demanding career. Her team also receives recognition, as she states that she could not achieve her goals without their collaboration and dedication. Additionally, she values her fellow interior designer colleagues, who serve as sources of inspiration, guidance, and emotional support during stressful periods. The article also provides contact information for Vanessa Rome Interiors, including her website (vanessaromeinteriors.com) and Instagram handle (@vanessaromeinteriors). The illustrations accompanying the article are credited to photographers Marco Ricca and Julia Lynn. The interview concludes by encouraging readers to nominate other deserving individuals for recognition through Shoutout Miami's platform, reinforcing the community-driven mission of the publication. #InteriorDesign #VanessaRome #Entrepreneurship #NewYorkCity #DesignStudio #WorkEthic #BoutiqueBusiness #PersonalInterview

Hitomi Hosono's latest solo exhibition, 'Brook Street: An Artist's Eye,' showcases 30 new ceramic pieces within the historic London showroom of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler. This unexpected pairing brings contemporary botanical ceramics into a space known for its classic English grandeur, a Mayfair townhouse dating back to 1723. The exhibition, held in association with Adrian Sassoon, strategically places Hosono's works among antique furnishings, often near windows overlooking a lush garden, creating a dialogue between crafted and natural beauty. Hosono's work, while deeply rooted in her Japanese upbringing with its delicate leaf and cherry blossom motifs, also draws inspiration from British influences. A significant example is her 'roses and pansies bowls,' which were inspired by a Colefax and Fowler fabric pattern from 1845. This particular series marked a technical and aesthetic departure for Hosono, as these bowls close inward, offering a sturdier, more tactile surface meant to be touched, contrasting with her earlier, more outward-emanating designs. She expresses a desire for people to experience the softness of the porcelain, akin to touching flower petals. The exhibition also features a tropical-themed series, initially created for last year's Jerwood Makers Open, with energetic patterns of hibiscus, coral, mangrove, and banana leaves. The vibrant colors in these pieces are achieved by mixing pigment directly with porcelain powder, a technique Hosono employs to preserve the intricate lines of her designs, as glaze would obscure them. Her use of the term 'delicate' for her work is an understatement, given the extraordinary level of detail and precision involved. Hosono's artistic process is meticulously labor-intensive. It requires months to perfect plaster molds of tiny leaves and flowers. She then uses modified, sharpened dental tools to add intricate detail to each component before individually applying them to a clay surface. Some pieces are so fragile that they cannot be shipped internationally due to the risk of damage. Notably, in her 'dew drop bowls,' each water droplet is individually carved, a detail she acknowledges might not be immediately noticed but is essential for the beauty of the final work. For the first time, Hosono's drawings are also on display, a decision influenced by Philip Hooper, design director of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler. Hosono initially resisted this, considering drawings part of her creative process rather than finished products. She uses drawing to understand the structure and beauty of plants, viewing it as a form of anatomical study. She emphasizes that her ceramic representations are not exact replicas but are based on her memories and interpretations of botanical forms, leading to fantastical yet authentic results. She embraces the individuality of her artistic vision, as seen in her distinctive banana leaf pieces. The influence of the Perrier-Jouët Arts Salon Prize, which Hosono won in 2013, is evident in grape-patterned vessels that pay homage to the champagne house's Art Nouveau heritage, and in the overall adventurous and free-spirited nature of the collection. As a member of the Arts Salon, Hosono now contributes to selecting new winners, acknowledging the Salon's role in broadening her artistic horizons and providing a source of inspiration through its gatherings of creative influencers. #CeramicArt #HitomiHosono #LondonExhibition #InteriorDesign #BotanicalArt #ContemporaryCeramics #ArtAndInteriors #SibylColefaxAndJohnFowler #AdrianSassoon

This article details the transformation of two historic Dumbo paint factories, an 1891 Brick and Timber building and a 1921 Daylight Factory, into modern residential lofts. The project, a collaboration between Alloy's architecture team and Rebecca Robertson of RR Interior, aimed to preserve the original façades and textures of the centuries-old buildings while updating their functionality to meet contemporary housing needs. The resulting apartments feature unique open floor plans, high ceilings, and abundant natural light, designed to enhance the living experience in the Brooklyn borough. Rebecca Robertson, drawing from her own experience living in a historic New York City loft, spearheaded the interior design. Her approach focused on creating distinct living areas within the expansive open spaces through strategic furniture groupings and rugs. A unified color palette, featuring warm tones accented with hints of black, was chosen to complement the strong architectural elements, particularly the windows. Robertson emphasized layering soft, organic textures, furnishings, décor, and accessories to cultivate a harmonious and lived-in atmosphere. A significant aspect of her design philosophy involved sourcing items from small vendors and artisans, resulting in individualized artwork and fixtures that give each piece a sense of discovered uniqueness. The design process also addressed the evolving role of the home, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for multi-functional spaces. Robertson's floor plans incorporate separate corners for working, studying, and socializing. A notable innovation is a flexible worktable, developed in collaboration with Braga Woodworks, which can be reconfigured into two individual desks, catering to the growing need for adaptable home office solutions. Further design highlights in the model apartment include custom stools by Skagerak in the entryway and Thonet dining chairs accompanying a table crafted by Braga Woodworks. The space is elegantly illuminated by an Artemide chandelier, a design by Neri and Hu. Additional thoughtful touches include an Ethnicraft credenza and a plush Côte à Coast rug in the entryway, complemented by a Norm Architects oval mirror. The second bedroom features cube shelves, offering customizable storage solutions. The master bedroom showcases a tambour wood wall and an extended headboard that ingeniously conceals an Avera custom closet designed by The Container Store. The master bathroom is designed to evoke a spa-like ambiance, adding to the luxurious feel of the lofts. The exterior of 168 Plymouth, one of the transformed buildings, is also presented, along with a rendering of a future penthouse suite, demonstrating the project's comprehensive approach to modernizing historical architecture. #ResidentialLofts #HistoricPreservation #InteriorDesign #DumboBrooklyn #AdaptiveReuse #RebeccaRobertsonInteriors #AlloyDevelopment #UrbanRenovation #FlexibleLiving

Boston City Hall, a prominent example of Brutalist architecture, is often perceived as an 'eyesore' due to its stark concrete design. However, a group of experimental artists from the Boston-based collective Mobius is transforming this perception through an elaborate art installation. Marilyn Arsem, a Mobius member, expresses awe at the building's vast, open lobby and its unique architectural features, including windows soaring nine stories high. She notes the striking contrast between the building's imposing exterior and the intriguing details within. The Mobius collective is preparing for a May 25 installation that will involve 13 artists working in various mediums, aiming to breathe new life into the solemn gray interior. Jane Wang, another Mobius member, details some of the planned performances. One piece by Joanne Rice and Tom Plsek will feature a trombone and tap shoes, with Plsek starting on the fifth floor, creating an acoustic interplay throughout the building. Performance artist Sandrine Schaefer will manipulate the speed of the escalators to alter visitors' sense of time. Wang herself will be knitting an abstract wire sculpture over four hours and will project a video, a collaborative effort of 95 artists and 21 composers, onto a lobby wall. Wang admits that while she still finds the building aesthetically challenging, her involvement has fostered a sense of fondness for it, recognizing its unique personality and pockets of beauty. She describes it as an "ugly, beautiful thing," highlighting the complex emotional response it evokes. Patty McMahon, the city registrar who has worked in Boston City Hall for nearly 30 years, is well aware of the building's polarizing reputation, often hearing it described with terms like "wet cement" and "hideous." She acknowledges the impracticalities of the Brutalist design, such as the difficulty of hanging decorations on concrete walls, exposed wiring, and the lack of windows on her floor. McMahon notes that different administrations have approached the building's challenges differently, with the current Walsh administration focusing on making it more comfortable, pretty, and light. This effort is part of the 'Rethink City Hall' initiative, a city planning project aimed at reimagining the building's use and public perception. Chris Grimley, a historical consultant from the design firm over,under, is involved in the 'Rethink City Hall' project. He explains that the building's original design was intended to promote openness and accessibility, allowing people to move freely through its various spaces, including an elevated courtyard with skylights. This design reflected high-minded democratic ideals, part of a larger urban renewal effort to revitalize downtown Boston and restore public trust in government. However, neglect and modern security concerns, particularly post-9/11, have led to restricted access, reducing the building to a single entry point. Grimley believes the civic spirit of the building can still be revived, which is where the Mobius artists play a crucial role. Artist Jesse Kaminsky describes his contribution: a "tentacular, low-level inflatable sculpture" made of colorful Tyvek. This piece, inspired by early science fiction, will undulate with a fan and seep over a ledge, introducing a sense of comical unease into the building's severe environment. Kaminsky aims for his soft, floppy, and forgiving sculpture to contrast with the building's inherent order and severity. He views the project as an opportunity to introduce something uncertain and acknowledges the possibility of failure, which he considers vital for the creative and even municipal process. For the Mobius artists, Boston City Hall, despite its perceived flaws, has become a rich source of inspiration, demonstrating that even a controversial structure can be reinterpreted and found worthy of appreciation. #BostonCityHall #BrutalistArchitecture #ArtInstallation #MobiusCollective #UrbanRenewal #ArchitecturalRedesign #PublicArt #CityPlanning #CreativeProcess

Brittny Button, an interior designer and real estate investor, discusses her journey in establishing her own business and her unique design philosophy. Her passion for building, architecture, and design naturally led her to open an interior design firm, where she focuses on transforming spaces. Additionally, she realized a long-held dream by opening Button Atelier, a shop within the Agoura Antique Mart. This venture allows her to showcase and sell her collection of vintage furniture, many of which have been revitalized with new upholstery, alongside a curated selection of decorative accessories. Button's distinctive design aesthetic is deeply rooted in Old World European Classicism, with a particular fondness for Spanish architecture and Art Deco-inspired furniture. Her past projects have garnered significant recognition, being featured in prominent publications such as Architectural Digest, Vogue Living, Homes & Gardens, and Living etc. This acclaim underscores her ability to create aesthetically pleasing and functional living environments. A notable challenge she identifies in her work is the difficulty of assembling a cohesive on-site team, including project managers, contractors, and subcontractors, who fully grasp and align with her design vision. She emphasizes the importance of shared understanding, even suggesting that it is better to disengage from a project if the team is not in sync, to ensure the integrity of the final outcome. Button Atelier is envisioned as an evolving 'workshop' or 'studio,' extending beyond a traditional interior design firm, with various exciting projects anticipated for completion later in the year. When asked about local recommendations, Button suggests visiting the Pacific Design Center in LA to explore new home furnishings. For family outings, she highlights the playground at Malibu Country Mart, often combined with lunch at one of the local restaurants. She also enjoys browsing CB2 Design Shop in Malibu for new arrivals. For unwinding with friends, Soho House and Nobu in the same vicinity are her preferred spots. She acknowledges the significant impact of recent fires on the Malibu area, expressing empathy for affected families and businesses, and offering her design services at free or reduced rates to support those who have suffered losses. Button attributes much of her success and development to the influence of her parents, who fostered her artistic eye from a young age through their shared passion for collecting antiques and architectural history, particularly Art Deco. Accompanying them to flea markets and estate sales instilled in her a joy for discovering and reimagining vintage pieces, a practice she has maintained throughout her life. She recalls acquiring a vintage chandelier and mirror for her bedroom in high school, marking the beginning of her fascination with reclaimed items. Her husband, Jenson Button, is credited as a constant source of support over the past decade, granting her full creative freedom in their home renovation projects and bolstering her confidence in her design capabilities. Her four-year-old daughter, Lenny, also expresses an interest in following in her mother's footsteps, aspiring to design houses. #InteriorDesign #RealEstateInvesting #Entrepreneurship #DesignAesthetics #VintageFurniture #ArchitecturalDesign #SmallBusiness #CreativeProcess

Laetitia Rouget, a ceramicist known for her distinctive and playful pieces, shares insights into her artistic journey and creative philosophy. Having transitioned from fashion design after studying at Central Saint Martins, she has since explored various mediums including print, textiles, and paint, before focusing on ceramics. Her work is characterized by a blend of British humor and eccentricity with a touch of French 'je ne sais quoi', infused with the light and sunshine of Lisbon, where she currently resides. Rouget's artistic development began at a young age, with a natural inclination towards drawing and a fascination with bold and vibrant colors. She honed her unique style around the age of 18, particularly through her passion for depicting the human body and creating original characters. Throughout her career, she has found inspiration in various sources, with a significant impact from artist Hylton Nel, whom she met during a trip to South Africa. This encounter directly influenced her decision to delve into ceramics upon her return. Beyond specific artists, Rouget emphasizes that her primary sources of inspiration are the people she encounters daily, the natural world, and the experience of traveling. She believes that visiting countries with diverse cultures opens the mind to unexpected ideas. She highlights that inspiration is fundamentally a state of mind, requiring curiosity, a willingness to step outside one's comfort zone, and an openness to subtle cues. Sometimes, even a minor detail can spark a new project or shift in direction. Her career shift from fashion design to selling her paintings and ceramics was initially a temporary exploration, but it quickly evolved into a full-time pursuit as she realized she could sustain herself through her artistic passion. Rouget cherishes memories and views objects as their vessels. She enjoys collecting pieces that tell a story, whether through interactions with artisans worldwide or by acquiring and refurbishing old furniture and items from second-hand markets. Her most extensive collection is ceramics, reflecting her passion for the medium and her support for fellow ceramicists, with each piece serving as a reminder of a specific period in her life. Rouget's personal preferences also contribute to her creative environment and perspective. She finds solace and motivation in music, particularly genres from South Africa and South America known for their happiness and energy, which she listens to while painting or drawing. She expresses a fondness for the energy and landscape of Menorca, particularly small towns where architectural details and tiles offer unexpected inspiration. Her literary tastes include _The Zebra_ by Alexandre Jardin, valued for its character's freedom and reality-creation, and _Journey to the Centre of the Earth_ by Jules Verne, which she plans to revisit with a fresh perspective. Culinary preferences lean towards French comfort food, such as gratin dauphinois with entrecôte, and a signature passion fruit and mango crumble. She enjoys dining at Mazi, a Greek restaurant in Notting Hill, and appreciates the unique experience of theatre, alongside a broader enjoyment of films and documentaries. Beyond Hylton Nel, she admires David Shrigley for his drawings and Grayson Perry for his tapestries and ceramics. #LaetitiaRouget #Ceramics #ArtisticInspiration #InteriorDesign #CreativeJourney #FashionToArt #ArtistProfile #HomeDecor #CulturalInfluence

Sophie Lou Jacobsen, a designer known for transforming everyday objects with a unique, cool aesthetic, has applied her distinctive vision to La Cantine, a new café in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood. Jacobsen, co-founder of Studio Sayso and graphic design firm Our Studio, approaches interior design by treating the space itself as an object, focusing first on shapes and materials before considering the layout. This philosophy guided her in creating a joyful and unexpected environment for La Cantine. Jacobsen's design for La Cantine successfully blends traditional European café elements with her contemporary, 'Pop-y' personal style. The owner, Ioana Hercberg, desired a space reminiscent of the warm, traditional cafés from her family's French and Spanish roots. Jacobsen achieved this fusion by incorporating elements like granite floor tiles, traditional tables, and a marble checkout counter, which ground the space in a classic European aesthetic. Simultaneously, she infused her signature touch through scalloped countertop edges, wavy curtains, tubular upholstery, and whimsical brass sconces, which were adapted from a previous design with Sarita Posada for Studio Sayso. Even the plates selected for the café feature curvy and colorful designs, further cementing Jacobsen's playful influence. A key aspect of Jacobsen's design approach for La Cantine was her use of color. Initially considering a pale pink palette, she ultimately opted for a more enduring scheme of creamy yellows, complemented by blue, blush, and green furniture and floral accents. These vibrant pops of color were crucial in adding a sense of adventure and joy to the space, which Jacobsen believes is an important element in her designs. The floral arrangements were crafted by Fleurotica, and the bathroom design was handled by Anahit Pogosian, contributing to the café's overall aesthetic. Cohesiveness was paramount in the creation of La Cantine, ensuring that every element, from the countertops and menus to the silverware and wall decor, harmonized aesthetically. Jacobsen emphasized the importance of having influence over all aspects of the design experience, including branding. While Charlotte Delarue designed the café's logo, the rest of the branding was a collaborative effort between Jacobsen and her boyfriend, Adrian Harwood, through their graphic design studio, Our Studio. This integrated approach, focusing on cohesiveness from the project's inception, played a significant role in delivering the café's distinct and inviting atmosphere, making it a well-designed destination for visitors in Bushwick. #interiorDesign #cafeDesign #sophieLouJacobsen #brooklynCafe #designTips #colorPalette #materialSelection #cohesiveDesign

Dana Esser, an interior designer and creative, discusses her business, Dana Michele Design, and its profound impact on the daily lives of occupants in the spaces she designs. Esser highlights the significance of her work in creating therapeutic environments, such as offices for therapists and psychiatrists. These projects involved extensive research into layout, audio and visual privacy, color, texture, and furniture selections to ensure patients feel welcome, calm, comfortable, and safe. The insights gained from designing these therapeutic spaces are now applied to all her projects, ensuring they enhance the well-being of occupants and meet functional needs. Dana Michele Design distinguishes itself through an unwavering commitment to clients, with Esser acting as a 'client advocate.' With eight years of corporate interior design experience, she is now directly involved in every project, ensuring personalized attention and expertise for each client. The design process at Dana Michele Design integrates spatial intelligence with creative intuition, focusing on solving complex puzzles and understanding human needs to create spaces that resonate deeply. This process begins with in-depth client engagement to understand their aspirations and challenges, leading to designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also supportive of their present and future needs. Esser emphasizes the importance of professional integrity and personal well-being, stating a rule to only accept projects where her team is respected and valued, especially as a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry. Looking ahead, Esser plans to launch a non-profit arm of Dana Michele Design. This initiative will focus on community engagement by partnering with organizations that provide housing and support to vulnerable communities, aiming to create nurturing environments that empower individuals to thrive. The success of Dana Michele Design is attributed to human connection and the transformative power of thoughtful design, driven by a commitment to clients and the wider community. Outside of her professional life, Esser shares recommendations for enjoying Los Angeles with a visiting friend. Her ideal week would include coffee from Primo on Montana Street, brunch at Courtyard Kitchen in Santa Monica, leisurely strolls along the boardwalk, and beach volleyball. Nature excursions would involve hiking the Los Leones trail in Pacific Palisades for panoramic ocean views. Cultural experiences would include visiting the Broad or Hammer museum exhibits. Evenings would feature live entertainment at venues like the Hollywood Bowl or Aviator Nation’s Dreamland in Malibu, or attending a comedy show. Dining options range from Fia in Santa Monica to Osteria Mozza, followed by a night out in West Hollywood or Hollywood. Esser acknowledges several individuals who have significantly influenced her journey. She credits her family for providing essential physical and financial security and unwavering love. Her high school art teacher is recognized for channeling her creativity and introducing her to interior design at 16, a pivotal moment in discovering her passion. Lastly, she highlights the continuous inspiration, encouragement, and love from her closest friends, whom she considers her chosen family, calling them her backbone and biggest cheerleaders, especially when she experiences imposter syndrome. #InteriorDesign #CreativeEntrepreneur #TherapeuticSpaces #ClientAdvocacy #CommunityImpact #FemaleEntrepreneur #NonProfitInitiative #LosAngelesLifestyle #PersonalDevelopment

The article presents an interview with Rachel Valenziano, ASLA, an associate at TEN x TEN Landscape Architecture and Urbanism, and the first recipient of the Roger Bond Martin Travel Prize. This $10,000 fellowship, established by the ASLA Minnesota Chapter and the University of Minnesota, is awarded annually to an emerging landscape architect. Valenziano recently returned from Rome, where her project concentrated on the city's "everyday and the in-between" aspects. Valenziano explains her choice of Rome, highlighting the city's rich history, politics, and constant change, which she describes as a "lasagna" of layers. Her project intentionally focused on exploring areas exclusively within walking distance, anticipating that every location would offer meaningful narratives for investigation through pedestrian movement. Preparations for the experience involved extensive reading and discussions with individuals interested in walking as a practice. A significant part of her preparation centered on experimenting with various drawing techniques. She aimed to create long, linear drawings to document her walks and refined these methods before her trip to effectively capture her observations. Valenziano details how her experimental drawing approach influenced her perceptions during the walks. She realized the impracticality of creating a single drawing that encompassed an entire day's journey across the city, leading her to concentrate on distilling ideas. During her time in Rome, she also utilized GPS to track her movements, generating a map that visually represented her path through the city. This digital trace, she notes, revealed the main thoroughfares and the underlying urban fabric, effectively becoming a form of drawing with her body in space. She found inspiration in Richard Long's work, which explores the traces left by walking, with her digital tracks serving a similar purpose. She recommends three influential books that guided her project. The first is Francesco Careri’s *Walkscapes*, which examines walking as an aesthetic practice and chronicles its history as an art form. The second, *Through Time and the City: Notes on Rome* by Kristi Cheramie, is noted for its ability to distill Rome's complex, layered history. The third, Will Self’s *Psychogeography*, helped her to frame her role as an observer and a designer, maintaining a degree of detachment from her immediate surroundings. Valenziano acknowledges the inherently romantic nature of her project, emphasizing her desire to find inspiration and delight. She contrasts this with the potential for cynicism, particularly concerning contemporary issues like climate change, and advocates for designers to appreciate intriguing moments and develop a keen eye for detail. Despite the romantic ideal, she admits there were moments of unpleasantness and days when she chose not to draw, opting to engage in the creative process only when genuinely inspired. Timothy A. Schuler, a contributing editor at the magazine, conducted the interview. Schuler's work has appeared in various publications, including *Metropolis*, *Bloomberg CityLab*, and *Places Journal*. #RachelValenziano #RomeTravel #LandscapeArchitecture #WalkingResearch #RogerBondMartinTravelPrize #UrbanExploration #DrawingTechniques #Psychogeography

StudioTamat, a Rome-based architectural firm, has undertaken the renovation of an 80-square-metre "villino" in the heart of Rome, situated within the courtyard of a late-19th-century building on Viale di Trastevere. The project, known as RA House, was designed to create a sense of spaciousness and vibrancy for a couple who split their time between multiple residences. The intervention strategically employs elements of color, transparency, and reflection to achieve this objective within the compact three-level property. The design ethos centers on amplifying spatial dynamism while maintaining a coherent aesthetic that nods to the existing charm of the villino and the lively Trastevere neighborhood. Architects Matteo Soddu, Tommaso Amato, and Valentina Paiola spearheaded the transformation, which involved a significant rethinking of the vertical arrangement of the house. A key modification was the replacement of part of the original first-floor mezzanine with a structural glass floor. This innovative feature establishes a direct visual connection between the ground-floor living areas and the bedroom located above, promoting a more open and integrated living experience. Further enhancing the feeling of openness, a void was introduced into this new glass floor, creating a double-height lightwell. This lightwell is complemented by a new window, allowing natural light to permeate deeper into the interior. Mirrored ceilings are strategically incorporated throughout the house, contributing to an illusion of expanded space and vertical infinity. These reflective surfaces work in conjunction with the transparent elements to dematerialize boundaries and make the relatively small footprint feel significantly larger. A central blue volume acts as a functional core, extending between two levels. On the lower floor, it neatly houses the kitchen and utility spaces, while on the upper level, it accommodates an en-suite bathroom. This clever integration of services within a unified volume optimizes space and maintains visual continuity. The circulation within the house is also thoughtfully designed; a bookshelf ingeniously doubles as a space-saving staircase connecting the two main floors, while a spiral staircase provides access to the second floor, which serves as a flexible study or guest room. In addition to these structural and spatial interventions, the project meticulously restored the art-nouveau-style stained glass, which now forms an orangery at the entrance, infusing the space with shades of green, orange, and yellow. New materials are introduced with a discerning eye, including Verde Alpi marble, which is prominently featured as a podium at the base of the chestnut wood staircase and on kitchen surfaces. Fluted glass is used for partitions in the upstairs en-suite, offering a degree of privacy while maintaining light and an open feel. The kitchen also showcases metal cabinets with an ombre effect, fading from rose-gold to black. The interior is furnished with a mix of contemporary and vintage pieces, including a concrete table, vintage Thonet chairs, and a custom-made bed, providing the final touches to a sophisticated and spatially efficient urban residence. The project successfully blends historical preservation with modern design principles, creating a functional, elegant, and seemingly expansive home within its compact Roman setting. #StudioTamat #RAHouse #RomeArchitecture #VillinoRenovation #GlassFloors #MirrorCeilings #SpatialDynamism #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture

Hannah Bell Tringham, an interior designer based in Los Angeles, discusses her journey into the creative field, the philosophy behind her design firm, and insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Her passion for creation manifested early, starting from rearranging her childhood bedroom at age 10 and evolving into tracing floor plans by 12. Tringham's natural competitiveness fueled her desire to refine her work and think proactively, ultimately leading her to pursue a career in interior design where she helps clients shape their living and working spaces. Tringham's firm specializes in residential and commercial interior design, characterized by elevated, livable spaces with a casual California aesthetic. She emphasizes a personalized, hands-on approach to each project, rejecting 'cookie-cutter' designs in favor of thoughtful, intentional environments that reflect the client's identity. Her style merges relaxed West Coast elements with clean lines and curated details, earning her clients' trust in both her creativity and clarity throughout the design process. Establishing her business presented significant challenges, particularly as a single woman without additional income. However, Tringham leveraged slower periods to refine her business plan, strengthen her brand, and expand her professional network. Her consistent effort in seeking new clients and opportunities eventually led to the firm's current success, attracting high-caliber projects and clientele. She encourages other women, especially those who are young and single, to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations without waiting for ideal conditions or external validation, stressing the importance of a solid plan, genuine passion, and persistence through difficulties. Beyond her professional life, Tringham shares recommendations for experiencing Los Angeles. A perfect week with a visiting friend would include coffee at Satchi.LA, biking to the beach along the boardwalk, and dinners in Culver City, with Father's Office being a highlight. Outdoor activities like hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains with her dog are essential. Cultural outings involve visits to The Broad or the Getty for art and inspiration, balanced with relaxing pool days. She suggests day trips to Joshua Tree or an overnight stay in Santa Barbara, and catching a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, always concluding at least one day by watching the sunset in Santa Monica. Tringham acknowledges the pivotal role of various individuals in her professional development. Her professors at San Jose State are credited for igniting her early passion and fostering critical and creative thinking. Her two previous bosses were instrumental in building her foundational knowledge in design and providing opportunities for growth, which formed the basis for her independent venture. Special recognition is given to Rebecca Quandt, who serves as a sounding board and a continuous source of inspiration within the design community, highlighting the collective support that contributed to Tringham's achievements. #InteriorDesign #CreativePath #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #CaliforniaStyle #WomenInBusiness #LosAngeles #Mentorship

Abbi Jacobson, known for her role in Comedy Central's 'Broad City,' discusses her art podcast, 'A Piece of Work,' created in collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and WNYC. Jacobson, a trained illustrator with a fine arts and video production background from the Maryland Institute College of Art, comes from a family of creatives. Her father and brother are graphic designers, and her mother is a found-object artist. The podcast offers an accessible entry point into the art world, featuring Jacobson and guests like Questlove and Tavi Gevinson exploring various art topics with MoMA's expert curators. Jacobson aimed to learn alongside her audience, making the content relatable for those without extensive art backgrounds. Key moments from the podcast include a visit to MoMA's restoration lab, where Jacobson saw an Yves Klein painting up close, and witnessing Hannibal Buress attempt to spin Marcel Duchamp's 'Bicycle Wheel.' Jacobson also recounts walking through Donald Judd's house with his son, Flavin, gaining insight into Judd's unique lifestyle. She expresses a desire for a second season, noting how her interest in art history has grown since college and how the positive feedback confirmed the podcast's goal of making art accessible. Discussing her personal art collection, Jacobson mentions owning poodle drawings by Susumu Kamijo and artwork from friends. She primarily has larger pieces from her college days, some of which were used in her character Abbi's apartment on 'Broad City.' Jacobson reveals a strong interest in interior design, influenced by her upbringing in a historic 1821 house near Philadelphia, where her mother favored antiques and her father leaned towards midcentury modern aesthetics. Her own design style is a blend of midcentury pieces with a cozier feel, incorporating items from various sources like Anthropologie. Despite her acting career, Jacobson still harbors a passion for art, having published a graphic novel, 'Carry This Book.' She looks forward to dedicating more time to drawing and hopes to establish a studio space someday. Jacobson also shares an amusing anecdote about an embarrassing moment at a Matisse exhibit at MoMA with her 'Broad City' co-star Ilana Glazer, highlighting how their combined presence drew unwanted attention. Her dream art acquisition would be a painting by Jonas Wood, an artist she greatly admires for his work and his collaboration with his potter wife, Shio Kusaka, despite the high cost of his pieces. Jacobson's podcast successfully bridges the gap between the art world and a broader audience, fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for art among listeners who might otherwise find it intimidating. Her personal journey and evolving relationship with art underscore the podcast's core mission of demystifying complex artistic concepts through engaging and humorous discussions. #AbbiJacobson #APieceOfWork #ArtPodcast #MoMA #WNYC #InteriorDesign #ArtHistory #BroadCity #CelebrityInterview #MidcenturyModern