Marcia Zia/Paul Priven: Good Shepherd Interview

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Marcia Zia / Paul Priven

Marcia Zia, formerly an Emmy nominated set decorator and Paul Priven, a former first assistant director, met each other and started their careers in the entertainment industry.  Since 1999, the husband and wife team—through their namesake company Zia•Priven have created extraordinary lighting for the interior design trade. Known for a sleek, modern aesthetic and the use of luxurious materials, their lighting is featured internationally in, among others, the Grand Hotel Stockholm, the Fontainebleau Hotel & Resort, and Four Seasons Santa Barbara. Their client list includes top designers such as Jamie Drake, Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, Roderick Shade and Mark Zeff and their work has been published internationally over 200 times.

This power couple is always on the go and is always a pleasure to hang out with. We are so happy they are participating as designers for the Good Shepherd Charity Design Project.

TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project?
MZ & PP: We heard about this fantastic project through the Designers Networking Group, headed by Vanessa De Vargas.

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
MZ & PP: There are several reasons we chose to design a room. First and foremost, we look for ways to give back to the community when we can.  Secondly, we realize that designing and manufacturing lighting doesn’t save the world, so we try to do our part.  Also, Marcia, who’s a former Emmy-nominated set decorator, was excited at the thought of taking on an interior design project, and Paul has had an increased desire to try his hand at interiors as well.

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be? (i.e., Time,
Donations, Room Size, etc)
MZ & PP: The room size is quite a challenge as we want to make sure the occupant will have all the necessities to feel relaxed and comfortable and truly enjoy the space.

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
MZ & PP: There’s not a particular photo we’re using for inspiration, but there are colors, fabrics and textures we’re excited to work with.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
MZ & PP: We really look forward to creating a warm, welcoming home for the woman who will be living there for the next couple years.  We want her to feel special every time she walks through the door. 

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small? 
MZ & PP: Choose pieces that are multi-functional, such as seating that doubles as storage.  Another good tip would be to keep your color palette limited.  Fewer colors will keep the room feeling cohesive.

TP: Do you have a partner for this project, if so, who is it?
MZ & PP: We’re working together—Marcia Zia and Paul Priven, husband and wife and the creative team behind Zia-Priven Extraordinary Lighting.

TP: What made you decide to partner up for this project?
MZ & PP: We’ve enjoyed doing the interior design of the homes we’ve lived in as well as for friends and family, but when this project came around we jumped at the chance to work together because not only could we do something we loved we could also give back.

TP: How will you split the design responsibilities of the project?
MZ & PP: Since we work so well together as a team, we’re going to go with the flow.  If one of us conks out, the other will be there to save them.

TP: Do you think it will be harder or easier having a partner for this project? Why?
MZ & PP: It will definitely be easier to work together.  We have each other to bounce ideas off of and if we’re going to paint, Paul gets the trim and Marcia gets the walls…

TP: Have you ever participated in a project like this before?
MZ & PP: We’ve donated lighting to numerous projects similar to the Good Shepard.  Two that come to mind immediately are the Domino Design Project in New York and more recently, the Upward Bound House in Culver City, but we’ve never had a chance to design a room.

TP: What are some of the challenges in doing a project like this?
MZ & PP: The biggest challenge for us would be time management. We run Zia-Priven, we’re completing a new collection and we want to create an ultra-chic, ultra-luxurious home for the soon-to-be resident. 

TP: What have you learned, not only about design but about yourself from doing a project like this?
MZ & PP: We’ve learned how fortunate a lot of us in this world are and how we, as a people in this day and age, tend to take too much for granted.  We also learned that we’re willing to beg, borrow and almost steal to make this room as beautiful as possible!

Laura Clayton Baker: Good Shepherd Interview

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Laura Clayton Baker

Laura Clayton Baker grew up in Boston.She received her BFA from Parsons School of Design in New York. Since moving to Los Angeles, she has spent many years designing an eclectic group of homes and offices, creating spaces which her clients tell her are a pleasure to live in and to work in. What unites all these spaces is a desire for simplicity and clarity, enriched by warm textures such as heavy linens, soft velvets, and rich woods, compelling colors both subtle and highly saturated, and the sculptural interaction of forms that the right furniture and accessories provide. Her many years of close collaboration with clients have taught her to find beauty in an environment well suited to its function, as well as in the happiness it brings to all the senses. Laura and her husband Steven live in a mid-century Craig Ellwood house in Santa Monica Canyon, with their children Jed and Lucie and their dog Domino, not far from Laura’s office in Brentwood.

With Laura’s artistic take on design we can’t wait to see the room she creates for the GSCDP. We also couldn’t wait to ask her about why she became involved in the Good Shepherd Charity Design Project.

TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project?
LB: About a year ago I was researching a philanthropic way to use my design skills. I thought about organizing a show house kind of project that could turn into low income housing, but I never found the perfect way to get it going. About that time Sasha Emerson told me about the project Vanessa De Vargas organized last year for transitional homeless housing with Upward Bound, and we took a tour of the beautiful rooms. I was really sorry not to have been able to participate in that one, and joined DNG right away, letting Vanessa know I’d be up for the next project. I was thrilled to see this one turn up, and am excited to be able to take on a room.

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
LB: I’m a strong believer in the ability for environment to be a catalyst for personal change. Having a chance to create a space that can give a homeless woman a sense that she’s cared for, that she’s important, and that life can be joyful, is an incredible opportunity. I find colors can give enormous pleasure, so that will a focus for me. By my choices I hope to help this woman find a place of calm and order while creating excitement about future possibilities. I hope to help instill a feeling of pride and self respect. I want to do this with materials that are very inexpensive so that she might carry some of the ideas into her next home. 

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?
LB: In my work I design a lot of custom built in furniture, which works well in a small space. For budget reasons I can’t turn to that, so I need to find other creative solutions. It’s a compelling challenge!

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
LB: There are inspirational artists, but not one photo… artists like Maira Kalman who use color in a joyful way which I plan to make a part of my approach.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
LB: I love the process…seeing the room come together, and working on it in a very hands on way. Being fully responsible is exciting; as of course normally I work with a client… this time it’s all up to me. I’d love to be there when the first woman to make herself at home there first sees the space.

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small? 
LB: Clean lines are important, to create an ordered space. There should be places to put everything so that the room feels restful. You can create architecture in a small space through the use of paint and pattern. There shouldn’t be too many objects around as it will feel busy, just a few favorite things.

Kelly Edwards: Good Shepherd Interview

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Kelly Edwards


Kelly Edwards is a host, designer, and lifestyle expert. The Style Network and HGTV star offers dwellers with decorating dilemmas distinctive design tips, bargain-decorating projects and total home makeover transformations inspired by personal style and popular trends. Kelly is well known for her knack in repurposing everyday items into extraordinary collectibles, refurbishing unique home accessories, and crafting recipes for creative cleaning solutions. Most recently Kelly has been seen on The Tyra Banks Show, in the pages of national magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style and Midwest Living, and deemed over the airwaves as the “MacGyver of Design,” thanks to her amazing ability to turn a simple space into an innovative interior with only a $1,000 budget. Not just another designing diva, this former teen beauty queen is also a do-it-yourself darling with passion for all things self-created from fabrics to fashions to foods.

It is a pleasure to have Kelly on board with the GSCDP and we are thrilled to have had the chance to ask her a few questions about being involved with the project.

TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project? 
KE: Through the DNG Blog.

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
KE: It is the least I could do. I’ve been blessed with many great things and it feels good to give back and help people who really need it. 

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?
KE: Right now, its donations, making them all cohesively work together and picking out the perfect rug...hahaha

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
KE: Since Z Gallerie was gracious enough to donate furniture and artwork to this project I am focusing my room design on what we were given.  I have this gigantic print that incorporates browns, pinks, grays and a few other neutrals. I’m hoping to work around this. It'll be my centerpiece.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
KE: Working alongside all the other talented and amazing designers on this project. It’s really when people come together that great things happen.

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small? 
KE: Have fun!  A small space doesn’t have to feel that way. Add splashes of color, mix textures together and make sure you have plenty of storage. Everyone needs storage!  And maybe

Thank you Tilton Fewick!

Thank you Tilton Fenwick for posting our TradHome press on your blog last week! We very much appreciate it! (Vanessa De Vargas)

Jessica Pakzad Bennett: Good Shepherd Interview

Situated in the heart of gorgeous Southern California, Jessica Bennett Interiors is a full service residential interior design firm with one mission in mind: put the client (and their budget) first to create a comfortable yet sophisticated home to suit their needs. Known for a style that reflects her constantly discerning eye, Jessica Pakzad Bennett, is committed to delivering designs that are fresh yet timeless, livable yet tailored, and above-all, completely authentic to the client who has trusted her with their most personal space.
 
Jessica attended USC’s Marshall School of Business, graduating Magna Cum Laude with an emphasis in Entrepreneurial Studies. Throughout college, Jessica worked at family-owned, Ebanista, a nationwide chain of high-end to-the-trade home furnishings showrooms ultimately taking over as their Business and Operations Manager where she resided for four years.
 
Always wanting to one day open her own design firm, Jessica combined her skills in small business and design to establish Jessica Bennett Interiors with the goal of making quality interior design accessible to young professionals and families. Breaking the myth that professional design service is only for their parents’ generation, Jessica excels at maximizing the potential hidden in each of her client’s homes…leaving them with a place they can live, love, work, and play in ultimate pride and comfort.
 
With Jessica’s propensity towards creating tailored interiors, we were excited to ask her a few questions about decorating small spaces and being a part of the GSCDP.
 
TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project?
JB: I follow Vanessa De Vargas on Twitter and she Tweeted about it! Got to LOVE social media!

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
JB: How could I resist? This project is such a wonderful opportunity to combine my business, my passion, and a great cause, all while getting to know other great Southern California designers.

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?
JB: Donations! I can work around the clock, and I can easily work with a small space but I really want to have the funds and materials to make this room gorgeous for the women who are going to call it home.

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
JB: No photo yet, but I can’t stop thinking pink when planning this room.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
JB: I can’t wait to see how twenty different designers are going to interpret twenty different rooms. Are there going to be similar looks or are they all going to be strikingly different? I also can’t wait to see the reactions from the Good Shepherd staff when we hand over the finished product!

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small?
JB: I love spaces this small! It forces you to concentrate on the details and create a really intimate, livable space. Tips include sticking with big solid blocks of color instead of tons of different prints and patterns. On a more practical level, think vertically for storage! Whether you place baskets under the bed or shelves above the desk/dresser, remember to use the space above and below your furniture pieces.

 

New Press: TRADHome Magazine

A big thank you goes out to Jenny Bradley at Traditional Home Magazine for featuring Vanessa Kogevinas and I in the premier issue of TradHome regarding our Good Shepherd Charity Design Project! Click here to read the article we are featured on page 344. (Vanessa De Vargas) *photo credit Dominique Vorillon.

Hillary Thomas Good Shepherd Interview

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Hillary Thomas

Hillary Thomas believes that good design is not something off-the-shelf or necessarily one particular style. Rather, it’s an eclectic mix of the high and the low where inexpensive flea market finds and fine antiques can coexist effortlessly. Hillary believes in “wabi sabi"; the Japanese design terminology that means "finding beauty in the imperfect" resulting in interiors that are refreshing, surprising and intimate.

Originally from Locust Valley, Long Island, Hillary brings her passion for good design and open spirit to all her projects. Her goal is to bring out the inner-creative in even her most left-brained clients. Rooted in her belief that life is multicultural, multi-layered and inspiring, Hillary harmonizes her clients’ lifestyles, tastes and beloved objects into a well-designed and highly individual living space.


Hillary Thomas Designs was launched when Hillary collaborated with architect Mark Appleton to redesign and decorate a Spanish-style cottage in Santa Monica. Through that experience, a lifelong passion for design, decorating and color was realized. Since then, Hillary has been helping clients identify their true aesthetic and mixing it with her own great style to make something that is unique and all together different than the status-quo.


Hillary is in the process of launching several exciting home lines that reflect her East Coast background and love of different cultures. We were beyond excited that even with her busy schedule; Hillary took the time to answer a few questions about being a part of the Good Shepherd Center Design Project.

TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project?

HT: From Vanessa De Vargas.

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?

HT: I’ve wanted to do a project like this for so long. Vanessa De Vargas had told me about the one she did last year which sounded so amazing. So I jumped on the opportunity to be involved this year.

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?

HT: Getting my vendors in to help me install and praying that everyone will be happy to lend their time!!

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?

HT: I actually don't! I just have a color scheme in mind. Maybe I need to find an inspiration photo… yikes!

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?

HT: Seeing it all completed and giving one of these ladies a comfortable pleasing room to find some peace in.

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small? 

HT: I am a big fan of color but also know that I need to make this room a bit more serene for the women who will be living in it. So I will try not to overwhelm the space with too much going on.  I'll be using one print throughout and keeping it clean, simple and serene with an element of fun.

Thank you Pip and Estella and Make Under My Life Blog

Thank you Pip&Estella and Make Under My Life Blog for featuring our Charity project on your blog! You can read the full post here.

Erica Islas Good Shepherd Interview

Good Shepherd Center Interview of the Week: ERICA ISLAS

Erica Islas is the founder and principal designer at EMI Interior Design, Inc., a full service interior design &build firm in Los Angeles, started in 2000.

A modernist at heart, Erica’s interiors are timeless and fun. Her incredible use of color and creative space planning is what attracts her clientele & keeps them coming back for more. “Form follows function” is Erica's guiding philosophy. She approaches every project from an architectural perspective, never sacrificing usability and comfort. Her interiors are innovative, inviting and ultimately functional.

Known for her incredible kitchens and bathroom renovations, challenges such as small spaces and children's rooms are welcome and embraced by Erica and her staff, as they creatively transform some of the smallest most unusable spaces to multi-functional rooms. Erica is committed to using sustainable materials, wherever possible.

Erica has been featured on HGTV and is currently featured on HGTV's designer portfolio. Her pro-bono work has appeared in Nesting Newbies & The Los Angeles Times. She has also been featured in Real Simple Magazine, Standard Magazine, amongst other online articles.

We were very excited when Erica took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions about why she choose to join the Good Shepherd Center Design Project.

TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project?

EI: Through being a member of the DNG

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?

EI: My experience last year with UBH was fulfilling and rewarding. I feel blessed that I can give back in such a way. I love our Los Angeles Design community and coming together to work on shelter projects to help those individuals who want to get back on their feet.



TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?

EI: I would say the challenge on the project will be the size of the room. But I love to space plan and make even the smallest room be multi-functional and inviting.

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?

EI: Yes, in my head! My idea is to design a room that is inviting and uplifting. Using natural colors, textures and lot’s of layers. A room that will make the woman staying in it feel safe and feel great about herself. If the tiny room feels like a home and not just a room, then I have done my job.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?

EI: I look forward to creating a warm sophisticated space for someone to feel happy and safe in.

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small?

EI: My advice for anyone decorating a small room is to look for pieces which can be multi-functional. Also keep furniture light and airy. Find a home for everything. Clutter can make small spaces look even smaller, so creative storage is important.



TP: What are some of the challenges in doing a project like this?

EI: Well, the UBH Family Shelter in particular was a challenge in that we were working in the rain, without power/electricity and construction schedule was running behind.So by the time we were allowed into rooms, it was major crunch time! But it was so much fun! All the designers came together, shared their extension cords, man power, donations, it was a wonderful experience and brought us all closer together. I have the up-most respect for everyone involved. We provided bedding, utensils, plates, furniture, art, accessories and much more for four families for an entire Year! That was a lot of work and donations, and I was really proud to have been part of that. It’s hard to think about these projects as a challenge, when you think about whom you are designing these rooms for. The reality is, it’s their lives that are a challenge and it’s humbling to be able to design a room for them, I know that anything we do for them would make their lives much better and bring them hope. It’s great to see there are places like the Good Shepherd and UBH who provide shelter and services for these women and help them get back on their feet. And so it is my honor and pleasure to provide my services as well.



TP: What have you learned, not only about design but about yourself from doing a project like this?

EI: What I found most interesting was how many of my vendors, friends and family all wanted to help. It was really great to have such a huge support system. The room I did at UBH in 2010 would not have been possible without everyone’s help and donations and I was very thankful.

Ames Ingham Good Shepherd Interview

We are so excited about the designers who have chosen to be a part of the Good Shepherd Center Charity Design Project. Our enthusiasm has led us to start a new series on the blog called “Good Shepherd Center Interview of the Week”. Each week we will spotlight one of our fabulous designers so that you all learn a little bit more about them and their reasons for joining the project.


Good Shepherd Center Interview of the Week: AMES INGHAM

Ames Ingham’s passion for interiors started at an early age during elementary school. Born and raised in New York City, Ames spent many afternoons wandering the halls of PB84, an auction house in New York City, where her mother worked. After graduating from Claremont College she moved to Los Angeles where her love for interiors continued with set design. The theater world then progressed into real houses with residential design, working for Suzanne Rheinstein & Associates and then Joe Nye, Inc.

In 2006 Ingham opened her namesake shop, that carries vintage and modern furniture, with bold graphics and colors. Ingham’s love for interiors also blossomed into a lighting line. All of her products are handmade in Los Angeles and are available through Scalamandre.

We were very happy when we got a chance to ask Ames a few questions about why she chose to join the project and what she is most looking forward to.

TP: How did you hear about the GSC Design Project?

AI: I received an email from Vanessa Kogevinas and Vanessa De La Vargas asking designers if they wanted to participate and having worked with Vanessa K on a Veranda magazine showcase house I was excited to work with her again.

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?

AI: I see so much waste in the interior design business. Clients are ready to redo a room and get rid of things that they are tired of, but the pieces are in perfectly good condition therefore I had also wanted to organize a program that got the pieces to people in need directly and not going through something like Good Will. Which is an excellent organization but there are those who can't even afford Good Will so this opportunity was right up my alley.

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be? (i.e., Time, Donations, Room Size, etc)

AI: I think the biggest challenge is going to be using the things donated and left over from previous projects and resisting the urge to run out and just buy the things that are in my mind that fit my ultimate scheme, since I think the great thing about this project is the chance to recycle and reuse to lessen waste and landfill space!

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?

AI: Yes, I was flipping through my new The Rug Company Catalogue, which is actually a huge book filled with great images and came across a green room with yellow and blue accents. It was fun eclectic and comfortable while being chic and contemporary. I thought the feeling and color scheme seemed to be warm, uplifting and stimulating without being over bearing or possibly offensive to some.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?

AI: I hope to meet some of the women who will be staying at the shelter and maybe see their reactions to the rooms we design.

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small?

AI: The furniture should be small scale and not too many pieces, keep the curtains as high up to the ceiling as possible, add contrast to make it exciting.

TP: Do you have a partner for this project, if so, who is it?

AI: Yes, Olivia Williams

TP: What made you decide to partner up for this project?

AI: We have been wanting to work together for awhile so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity.

TP: How will you split the design responsibilities of the project?

AI: I think we will share all aspects equally together, collaborating on the design and then through email figure out what we can get donated from each of our resources into physically installing the room together.

TP: Do you think it will be harder or easier having a partner for this project?

AI: I work alone mostly so I think it will be more fun and therefore easier to work with someone else especially since there is not a client involved it is nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of.

Thank you, Ames, for the wonderful interview!