"Contemporary Abstract" Penthouse

The opportunity to create a sophisticated Manhattan style penthouse that highlights a contemporary abstract artistic visual focus, was the type of project that all designers cherish. This multi year (2 1/2 years) endeavor, held an emphasis to present various forms of art in an environment specifically detailed to each individual piece, while remaining in context to an overall visual concept of blending and balancing a very refined, clean finish. The two bedroom penthouse comfortably displays over 70 pieces of art through the techniques and process that I practice.

Each sub-section will provide visual and narrative examples of the developmental process and insight that influenced the final design. I design with an initial core emotional path that will bring the desired artistic energy and fulfill a client's visual objectives. Working with clients who prefer to have artistic needs addressed first, before integrating furniture and other design elements, is preferred. The artworks drive the creative experience and gradually lead us into traditional interior designing models of integrating all elements within the balance of the space. This type of free flowing creation requires patience to allow the foundational visual direction to evolve without constraints or limitations.

Limitations can be multiple. Visual limitations involve the ability to accept the combination and integration of styles or pieces that may initially seem unfamiliar. This visual unfamiliarity should evoke deeper thought and consideration, rather than easily acquiescing to conformity. Time is another. Obviously time is a significant factor in completing a project within a reasonable period, but not at the expense of creativity. Our personal creative limitations are functions that encompass many important factors. The first is our willingness to explore beyond our current familiarity. This therefore requires a determination to invest significant energy. I mention this because it's much easier to plug and play with existing and accessible items and materials, and indeed much more difficult when you need to design and create pieces from scratch.

The Collaborative Art Commission Projects section illustrates specific items that were designed and produced with professional artisans from around the globe. Some of these were pieces of art that the client chose to include from their collection and showcase, while others were pieces designed to fit within the overall design and a corresponding vacant space needing a visual solution. More functional items like lighting fixtures, furniture, wine racks or tableware, also needed to be integrated artistically and functionally within the design concept. Regardless, time and energy were committed to the specifications of the customized elements that could be created to further enhance the success of bringing the visual conceptual goals to life.

The Descriptive Presentation section highlights photos with detailed captions of the Penthouse's many integrated elements. The final section of note is the Concept to Completion. This section demonstrates where a single element from our existing world caught my eye and was eventually transformed into a custom piece that created a design solution. The evolution of truly creative design is accomplished by combining the vision that our EYES can readily see and delineate today with the inner VISION that our eyes have yet to see and explore.