Thank you Ask Miss A!

Thank you to Erika Thomas for including our Good Shepherd Project on the Ask Miss A blog. We very much appreciate the support! You can view the blog post here.

Good Shepherd Charity Design Project Invite - TODAY is the last day!

You are invited to...

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER FOR HOMELESS WOMEN & CHILDREN CHARITY DESIGN PROJECT IN LOS ANGELES


Presented by Vanessa Squared Productions Vanessa De Vargas / Turquoise & Vanessa Kogevinas / Get It! Consulting


Please come and join us for our Show House in downtown LA as 30 interiors designers transform the Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women & Children into a beautiful space to benefit deserving area women and children. All 30 rooms will be open for viewing and each designer will be there to present their room. This is an event you don’t want to miss! Invite is attached.


Saturday and Sunday July 23 and 24th from 11-3pm


GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER FOR HOMELESS WOMEN & CHILDREN
Hawkes Building

11650 Rockwood St.

Los Angeles CA 90026

PH 213 482 1834



Food and refreshments will be served.


Parking available on all side streets.


*No RSVP is necessary we look forward to seeing you!


*Please feel free to pass the invite along.


ABOUT GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER FOR HOMELESS WOMEN & CHILDREN
The mission of Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women & Children is to provide, with dignity and love, a continuum of care from homelessness to self-sufficiency for women and their children, through services offered by professional and volunteer staff. For over 25 years Good Shepherd Center has provided food, clothing, shelter and supportive services for homeless women and children. From mobile outreach to transitional shelter to long-term housing for mothers with disabilities, help is available every step of the way. Good Shepherd continues to serve more than 900 women and children a year through comprehensive programs, providing long-term solutions to poverty and homelessness. www.gschomeless.org

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Vanessa Kogevinas

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Vanessa Kogevinas

Vanessa Kogevinas’s career in publishing and management has spanned over fifteen years, including positions at Architectural Digest and as a Founding and the Managing Editor editor of Western Interiors and Design magazine. She has also held positions as Project Manager of Veranda's show house at Greystone and as a Project Manager at Kathryn M. Ireland design.

Vanessa currently serves as a Contributing Editor for California Homes magazine, a Contributing Editor for the Editor At Large website, and writes for a number of publications and blogs. She also runs her own consulting firm, Get It! Consulting, which specializes in assisting interior design professionals in reaching their professional goals through marketing, public relations and counseling.

In 2009, she founded Vanessa Squared Productions with her business partner interior designer Vanessa De Vargas, which organizes events throughout the Los Angeles area.

Vanessa Kogevinas’s love for her community and her desire to give back is evident in all the hard work she has done for this project. I was very excited when she took some time away from her coordinating efforts to share with us her wishes for this project and how she feels about being a part of it.

VK: I am delighted and honored to be spearheading this project with my business partner, Vanessa De Vargas. The fact that our efforts will allow women (and their children in some cases) that are committed to overcoming their hardships live in comfortable, beautiful spaces is what drives me. This is all about supporting their efforts to become successful, productive women in society.

Hopefully, the newly decorated spaces that they live in will inspire them to go above and beyond what they thought they could accomplish. I also hope that it will remind them that they are loved and cared for by individuals and their community. That the hardships they have suffered do not define them--that they are supported and that they are believed in. Beyond that, the fellowship that we, the participants and donors, will feel is invaluable.





The Good Shepherd Center's Mission best defines how I feel: The mission of Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women & Children is to empower women and their children to move from homelessness to self-sufficiency, through housing, employment and support services--offered with dignity and love. I am humbled by the generosity of all the people that I have called upon. Thank you to all the designers and donors for supporting us.


TP: How did you hear about the GS Design Project?
VK: Vanessa De Vargas and I were looking for a charity that we could help using our connections in the interior design and entertainment industry.
I called upon an old friend Tiffany Quick who works with Good Shepherd and 'the rest is history!'


TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?
VK: The biggest challenge of the project will be getting the word out as far as we'd like the news to extend. We need everyone's help--word of mouth, reaching out to contacts, business associates, family, friends, talking about it... talking about it .... and talking about it some more. Somewhat like a You Tube video that goes viral... I'm going for 'viral' on this one!

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
VK: Yes, I chose my two inspiration pictures because they capture women that have benefited from the Good Shepherd Center.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
VK: The collaboration of all involved... and the knowledge that determined women will be living in the gorgeous spaces.

Thank you Apparel News!

Thank you to Rhea for posting our invite on the Apparel News Blog! Much appreciated Rhea and we look forward to seeing you at the opening. Vanessa De Vargas

Good Shepherd Charity Design Project Invite

You are invited to...

GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER FOR HOMELESS WOMEN & CHILDREN CHARITY DESIGN PROJECT IN LOS ANGELES


Presented by Vanessa Squared Productions Vanessa De Vargas / Turquoise & Vanessa Kogevinas / Get It! Consulting


Please come and join us for our Show House in downtown LA as 30 interiors designers transform the Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women & Children into a beautiful space to benefit deserving area women and children. All 30 rooms will be open for viewing and each designer will be there to present their room. This is an event you don’t want to miss! Invite is attached.


Saturday and Sunday July 23 and 24th from 11-3pm


GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER FOR HOMELESS WOMEN & CHILDREN
Hawkes Building

11650 Rockwood St.

Los Angeles CA 90026

PH 213 482 1834



Food and refreshments will be served.


Parking available on all side streets.


*No RSVP is necessary we look forward to seeing you!


*Please feel free to pass the invite along.


ABOUT GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER FOR HOMELESS WOMEN & CHILDREN
The mission of Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women & Children is to provide, with dignity and love, a continuum of care from homelessness to self-sufficiency for women and their children, through services offered by professional and volunteer staff. For over 25 years Good Shepherd Center has provided food, clothing, shelter and supportive services for homeless women and children. From mobile outreach to transitional shelter to long-term housing for mothers with disabilities, help is available every step of the way. Good Shepherd continues to serve more than 900 women and children a year through comprehensive programs, providing long-term solutions to poverty and homelessness. www.gschomeless.org

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Michele Alexandra Kay

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Michele Alexandra Kay

Renowned British retail and exhibition designer and owner of M.A.K Design, Michele Alexandra Kay began her career in London. She honed her unique vision and cutting-edge talents working with highly-acclaimed Design Centre in Piccadilly Circus as well as with Ilan Pivko, the prestigious and often controversial Israeli architect. Michele brought M.A.K. Design to Los Angeles where she shares her talents, creativity and flair with high-profile and celebrity clientele and companies. From classic drapery, to modern event decor, storefront window displays to private interior home decor, M.A.K. Design is truly inspired by the energy, vitality and pure creativity that is Michele Alexandra Kay.


The lovely Michele 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?
MK: Through DNG

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
MK: I loved the idea to do such a creative project that will make a positive impact a help some less fortunate women and give them a wonderful and hopefully healing place to stay.

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?
MK: I think donations will be the hardest.

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
MK: I actually got inspired when I saw one on the Madison and Grow wallpapers which I’m basing my design around.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
MK: Having the vision and seeing it manifest and knowing that whoever will be in that room will love it!

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small? 
MK: Keep it simple and clean.

TP: What are some of the challenges in doing a project like this?
MK: I think getting all the elements and design you want and relying on donations.

TP: What have you learned, not only about design but about yourself from doing a project like this?
MK: Anything and everything is possible!

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Typhanie Peterson

Typhanie Peterson is an interior designer based in Orange County, and the editor of the blog Shoebox Décor. Typhanie’s passion for interior design was born from her love of fashion. After spending several years in the fashion industry her focus shifted toward interiors and became fascinated with creating spaces that are uniquely suited for her clients no matter the budget or size of their home. This desire led her to switch fields, and she has been working with interiors ever since. Typhanie creates interiors that are playfully polished and colorfully chic while balancing the old and the new. By using High-end and inexpensive pieces together, along with some great vintage finds she creates interiors that function with ease. Typhanie Peterson currently resides in sunny California with her ridiculously cool husband Lucas and their two cats Mr. Bigglesworth and Audrey Hepburn.

How did you hear about the GS Design Project?
Vanessa De Vargas posted a tweet asking for designers to participate and I jumped on board since I had such a wonderful time on the Upward Bound House Shelter Project.

Why did you choose to design a room?
I think it’s important to give back and help those who are going through a rough patch in life. If I can use my talents as an interior designer to create a space that will relax and inspire someone until they get back on their feet, then it’s the least I can do.


What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be? Donations! Trying to get items that will fit with the scheme that you have created in your head, then modifying the plan to work with the donations you have received.




What are you most looking forward to with the project?
Working with all the wonderful designers! While interviewing everyone I came to realize that there is an amazing group of designers on board with this project and I can’t wait to see all of their visions come to life.

All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small?
I follow the motto “A place for everything so everything can return to its place”.


Have you ever participated in a project like this before?
Yes, I worked on the Upward Bound House project last year with Vanessa de Vargas.

What are some of the challenges in doing a project like this?
The Upward Bound House project was a challenge because of the short time period the rooms had to be completed in. Getting donations was also another big challenge.

What have you learned, not only about design but about yourself from doing a project like this?
No contractor can take the place of a loving husband and sister who are willing to do the dirty work for free.

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Nadia Geller

Good Shepherd Center Interview: Nadia Geller

As the principal of her eponymous design firm, Nadia Geller has crafted the design experiences of sales galleries, show houses, community areas and model homes across the country. In addition to her work with successful builders and developers, Geller has designed offices, private residences, mobile tours and luxury events for discerning clientele. Her work as a stager with Sotheby’s International Realty and Coldwell Banker has given her a reputation of knowing what sells; as all of the properties she has staged have sold within 5 weeks.

Born in Chicago, Geller honed her design savvy in NYC. With her first position out of school at ABC Carpet and Home in Manhattan, she rose to Visual Manager in less than 6 weeks. Helming the mecca’s signature furniture merchandising and leading a team of 15 creative all stars; Geller’s work can be seen in numerous movies, television shows and celebrity homes. As her reputation for creating trendsetting and fashion forward vignettes grew, so did her clientele. In 2003, she formed Nadia Geller Designs. NGD is a multi dimensional firm specializing in creating spaces for the building community. Her first venture into show house design was soon to become her focus and passion. The award winning firm is the home to talented designers, project managers and skilled craftsmen. We are a proud member of the National Association of Home Builders.

Having worked on over 100 episodes of television, Geller is also a nationally recognized and respected host and designer on Emmy nominated programs such as "Trading Spaces" and "While You Were Out” for TLC. She resides in the Hollywood Hills with her family.

After working with Nadia on a previous shelter project, I was thrilled to get a chance to chat with her about the upcoming GSCDP.

TP: How did you hear about the GS Center Design Project?
NG: Vanessa DeVargas helms the Designers Networking Group along with the GS Design Project. I am a member of DNG and heard about it at a meeting.  There is nothing more rewarding for me than to create spaces that are needed. 

TP: Why did you choose to design a room?
NG: I designed a room last year for Upward Bound House and enjoyed the process and results of giving back in the best way I know how.  I jumped on the chance again.

TP: What do you think the biggest challenge of the project will be?
NG: The biggest challenge is pulling a room together based on donations.  Because there is a variety of items that you can get from generous donors the biggest challenge is creating a cohesive space that has a clear concept, is functional for the inhabitants and is attractive. 

TP: Do you have an inspirational photo for this project?
NG: I don't have an inspirational photo yet. My goal is to use as many donated items as I can and find inspiration from a key piece.

TP: What are you most looking forward to with the project?
NG: I love a finished space and I look forward to that moment of seeing all the pieces come together.  Also, because this is pro bono and many women will be living in the space, it is great moment when the shelter gives you updates about how much the spaces were loved.  I am a true believer that an uplifting and well done interior can change lives. 

TP: All the rooms at Good Shepherd are dorm size, what advice or tip do you have for someone decorating a space this small? 
NG: The best advice I can give is to use all the space you can. Furniture pieces should be multi-functional and it is important to utilize space underneath furniture and wall space above.

Thank you Beverly Hills Courier

Thank you Brenton from the Beverly Hills Courier for featuring our Good Shepherd Charity Design Project in your latest edition. To view the full article click here, and add in your email address to view the online edition. We are very proud of this project and cant wait to share the amazing rooms and talent from each room! Enjoy! (Vanessa Kogevinas & Vanessa De Vargas)