Here's another new series for you guys! The Admire: Designer series. In this series I will profile designers that I admire (duh) and gather a small collection of images showcasing their amazing designs. I'll feature those designers, decorators and creators whose work I tend to return to when in need of inspiration. My Pinterest boards are full of them, and if I'm being completely honest, my computer hard drive as well is stocked with folders cataloging their inspirational works. I hope to one day achieve the success and keen design sense of these masters, but in the mean time, I'll share their creations with you so that maybe you too can find some inspiration for your own environments.
Recently, I had the privilege of flying to Chicago to visit the World of Whirlpool, a design centered showroom featuring the many amazing products offered by Whirlpool and their sister brands. A collection of designers from all over North America, of which I was included, were treated to a two-day intensive experience learning all there is to know about Jenn Air, Whirlpool's luxury appliance division. While there, Whirlpool set us designers up at the amazingly inspirational Hotel Palomar by Kimpton in downtown Chicago. I was excited from the moment I checked in by the design of the hotel. So naturally, as I do with almost all environments I'm amazed by, the first question that popped into my mind as I ooh-ed and aww-ed at every turn was "I wonder who the interior designer is of this hotel". Later that evening as I sat on my bed, I foraged through the many magazines and tourist guides my room had stacked under the bedside table and came across this book. After some quick google research, I learnt that San Francisco-based Orlando Diaz-Azcuy was the creative genius behind the hotels beautiful interiors. I've been hooked ever since.
A University of Berkeley graduate with a Masters degree in Landscape Architecture and City Planning, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy has been active in the American interior design industry for nearly fifty years. He opened his namesake design firm in 1987 and has designed many fantastic residential and commercial spaces since. His work has recently been featured in publications like Veranda and his firm had the opportunity to design and showcase at this years Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse.
Images via Pinterest
Diaz-Azcuy, along with his design associates, David Todd Oldroyd and Greg Stewart design spaces that can't be pinned to one particular style or aesthetic. Eclecticism isn't quite the word to describe their work since every interior evokes it's individual identity and emotion. No two projects, in my opinion, are alike enough to pigeon-hole the aesthetic of the firm. This is a feat difficult to accomplish. The ability to have such dedication to the spirit of the client and project is a testament to the discipline and detail-oriented approach of Diaz-Azcuy and his design team. To be able to, in a sense, embody the client's particular desires and aspirations for their space, is a trait of a designer that approaches each and every project with vigor and enthusiasm. Beyond the beautifully designed interiors, the love and passion of the work is evident and that's one of the biggest points of inspiration for me; to be able to do work that speaks to a multitude of creative expressions all while staying true to the quality of work clients have come to expect.
Images via Orlando Diaz-Azcuy Design Associates