MEET OUR MEMBERS COLUMN: INTRODUCING LAURIE VEGA

Meet Laurie Vega

We had the opportunity to interview our member, Laurie Vega, and here's what she had to say...

What inspires you day in and day out? 

• What inspires me as far as work is concerned is the thrill of the chase - working so hard to get the attention of an important client; hoping my efforts, knowledge and skills have raised an eyebrow.  And the feeling when it comes through. And the excitement of doing it all over again. The rush!

What do you do?

• I am the Director of Sales for Axiom Fine Art Consulting, covering the tri-state area. My job is to connect daily with people in the interior design industry, architecture, real estate, brokers, wealth advisors, and builders and general contractors to determine the need for art for their projects.  Axiom provides art from decorative to blue chip, for the private client, hospitality and commercial. It is very important that I educate clients about our process so that they understand it is absolutely possible to have great art at any budget.

Why are you great at it?

• Networking is such a critical part of my work.  I can say confidently that I have a gift to engage people in an instant.  I know how to work a room, light it up, make people want to know who I am and what I’ve got to offer.  I have also been a musician all my life so I am accustomed to performing and turning it on.

Why did you join IFDA? 

• IFDA NY Chapter has a strong crew.  The team is extremely dedicated and focused on conducting incredibly productive networking events, and to stay connected with one another.  Unfortunately, there are not many worthwhile networking events in this industry and IFDA breaks the mold. I have made many connections through IFDA events and am confident it will be a constant source of referrals.

• How can we learn more about your business www.axiomfineart.com

Little-known fact?

• Played drums & sang for a rock/blues band in the East Village in the 80s & 90s including CBGBs!

Häfele’s New York City Showroom Launches Anew

Häfele’s NYC Showroom Facility 

Launches Anew 

Aspire to inspire...
When you walk into Hafele’s newly upgraded NYC showroom expect innovation everywhere. The showroom is a full immersion into the Häfele experience. Located in the heart of Manhattan at 20 West 22nd Street, Suite 201, New York, NY 10010, the new showroom houses the latest and greatest in LED lighting, kitchen organization, architectural sliding, functional hardware and more. Displaying the functionality of both a residential and commercial space, there is a new kitchen, a community space for the designers, millworkers and architects to collaborate and learn.

Noteworthy Häfele products displayed include Loox LED lighting, Matrix drawer systems, Slido door hardware, the latest decorative hardware collections and more. A full functioning showroom by day and an event space in the evening. The displays are a reflection of Häfele and fully showcase the brand’s commitment to solving the pain points of the designers, owners and beyond.

MEET OUR MEMBER COLUMN- Introducing Lisa Walker Brown

Happy September

Let's Get To Know
Member Lisa Walker Brown,
Chief Operating Officer
of
Everick Brown Designs
With a Little Question & Answer Session...  

What inspires you day in and day out? 

I’m inspired by the artistic climate. There seems to be an electricity in the air around being independent and creating your own path.  Today, I am particularly inspired and excited about seeing more people of color represented in the world of art and design - in museums, in magazines and media, on corporate boards and on panels. Diversity is finally being seen as an asset. That inspires me to keep soaring. 

What do you do?

I am a partner and COO at Everick Brown Design (Everick is my husband) and Co-Founder of Objects & Accents, our home décor accessory business. O&A is in retail stores in Los Angeles, Cliff Young Showroom at 200 Lex. and is a turnkey service for interior designers finalizing projects or prepping for photo shoots. 

Why are you great at it?

I grew up in Los Angeles and was surrounded by artists living creatively, whether it was visual arts or production. It seems everyone in LA is connected to the arts and entertainment industry one way or another, my family is no exception. Additionally, my grandfather, an artist, opened the first art gallery in LA owned by an African American so I’ve been surrounded by art and artists my entire life. I think what makes me great is my ability to connect with people and help deliver their vision. Our clients come to us for the Everick Brown aesthetic and our job is to enhance their environment and bring their vision to life through that lens. 

find Lisa on Instagram

Everick Brown Designs

@objectandaccents

Why did you join IFDA? 

Because David Santi harassed me! LOL To connect with great talents and great minds in the industry. The IFDA group is made up of incredibly generous and friendly people. The mixers are terrific fun and everyone is open to help, educate and share their insight. I always feel like I can go to any member and seek advice and counsel and they want the best for me. It’s not a competitive environment. We all know there is plenty to go around and we are stronger together. 

How can we learn more about your business? 

Let’s have lunch! You can see examples of our work at everickbrown.com and check out objectsandaccents.com if you are interested in unique, artisanal home décor – we can assist in accessorizing any design project. 

Little-known fact about you?

Everick and I grew up together in Los Angeles, attending k-12 together. Then, went our separate ways to college.  We reconnected at a high-school reunion. 

available through objectsandaccents.com

IFDA NY Meet Our Members Column: David Santiago

MEET OUR MEMBERS:

David Santiago

If your haven't read our Meet Our Members column yet, please stop by each month to learn about our talented community here in the New York chapter.  Today, let's chat with David Santiago, who we are proud to call our Vice President of Membership and Vice President-elect.

What inspires you day in and day out?

The adventure of something new always inspires my creativity. The people that I work with and collaborate with in both design and music. My surroundings play a key role in my inspiration Whether it's in the metropolitan area where I live or travel to places like Italy, they infuse inspiration into my work. Also the theater plays a great role in my imagination and inspiration. I always go to music and opera to be enlightened.

Lastly, I reflect from time to time on the interior designers who have influenced me throughout the years, including Mark Hampton, Billy Baldwin, Dorothy Draper, Mario Buatta and Raymond Waites to name a few.

What do you do?

I have the fortunate blessing of living a life of duality. I am an interior designer and opera singer.

I have a full-service interior design business. I also do consulting for smaller projects for clients that are not in need my full services, which include general contracting and project management. I have trademark -- my Strictly Santi brand -- and have expanded on my talents. I am furniture designer, focusing on case goods and upholstery. I have also ventured into the world of fabrics and wallpaper with collection launching later this year.

I am also a collaborator on many facets of design, particularly set design, which has been featured in Opera News magazine by photographer Dario Acosta.

As an opera singer, I perform with regional opera companies in concert or full production. The fact that I have my own business allows me the freedom to navigate my work throughout the year and plan accordingly for auditions and roles.

As a trade advocate, I am the President of the New York Chapter of the Interior Design Society and Vice President of Membership and Vice President-elect of the New York Chapter of the International Furnishings & Design Association (IFDA).

Why are you great at it?

I am great at communicating with people and sharing my zest for life. With interior design I have a unique ability to take the traditional and Infuse it with the unexpected, ultimately creating a beautiful, curated space. I have a talent for mixing patterns and playing with colors. My clients go on a journey with me.

And with music, I share my passion for opera with my audiences; I give my heart and my all.  I guess that's how I pretty much live my life; I'm great at wearing my heart on my sleeve.

Why did you join IFDA?

I joined IFDA because of the influence of Richard Segal. He was one of the first in the industry to open his arms and take me in and mentor me. IFDA became a go-to organization for me to meet design colleagues and Industry leaders and to expand my education and Community.  I've also had the privilege to be on a platform to mentor and give back to our community with the student outreach program IFDA provides for students.

How can we learn more about your business?

instagram:   @StrictlySanti @Princeofwallpaper

twitter:  @Strictlysanti @TenorSanti

websites:  www.TenorDavidSantiago.Com and
 www.CasaSanti.Com

Little-known fact?

I am a lover of marine biology and wanted to study marine mammals.  After that didn't work out, I studied theater at HB Studio which ultimately led me to my passion -- music. I am a graduate of Mannes College of Music

Another Guest Post By Hunter Douglas-- Choosing Window Treatments for a Bedroom!

Ideas For Choosing

Window Treatments

For Your Bedroom

guest post written by Hunter Douglas

A bedroom has to be bright and airy by day, then dark and cool by night. Textiles and furnishings go a long way to create this double life, but window treatments are the secret weapon.  How do you accomplish this? One of our IFDA NY Gold sponsors, Hunter Douglas, tells us exactly how:

Privacy Please

Balancing light and privacy at the window can be tricky. In a light-filled bedroom with soaring windows, Luminette® Privacy Sheers are a great choice. The light-as-air fabric diffuses natural sunlight and hangs with the graceful look of drapes. And, since the fabric isn’t actually translucent, you get 24/7 privacy.

Motorization Magic

Add motorization to window coverings, and your shades become your cue to slow down at night or get going in the morning.  With the PowerView® Motorization App on your smartphone, for example, you can schedule all your motorized shades for automatic operation. Need to sleep in? Auto-raise the shades at noon! Ready to crash before the sun goes down? These smart shades can lower during dinner, so the room is ready for rest when you get there.

Energy Efficient

Create the perfect sleep environment and save on energy costs with Hunter Douglas cellular shades. The honeycomb construction traps air in distinct pockets to help keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

photos in post showing
Luminette Privacy Sheers;
Duette Honeycomb Shades;
Vignette Modern Roman Shades;
Wood Blinds

New Ideas from our sponsor, Hunter Douglas

Hunter Douglas

Smart Windows, Smart Home

Window treatments have come a long way!

Here to keep us updated about some of those advances is information from one of our IFDA NY Gold sponsors, Hunter Douglas.

Innovations in technology are making home life easier, more convenient and all-around smarter.

Energy-and-time-saving, automated window treatments are the latest example. Hunter Douglas is advancing the window treatment market with the PowerView Motorization system. Designed to work with either handheld or wall-mounted remote controls, with a customized app, or even with other smart-home systems like Nest. PowerView allows you to wirelessly control window treatments and create Scenes for each room, automating the operation of shades and blinds according to pre-set schedules.

IN YOUR FAMILY ROOM

Reduce the afternoon glare without leaving the comfort of your sofa.

IN YOUR DINING ROOM

Use natural light to help set the scene for your picture-perfect dinner party. Using the PowerView App on your phone or tablet, you can preset changes in the positioning of your blinds to capture the sunset.

IN YOUR BEDROOM

Wake with the sun by programming your shades to lift at sunrise.

FOR THE KIDS

Eliminate hazardous cords and pulls from areas that the kiddos spend time in with PowerView operated shades.

THE TOTAL PACKAGE

With PowerView Motorization, your home’s window treatments deliver just the right blend of technology and style. Perfect lighting, energy efficiency and everyday convenience seal the deal.

Want to learn more about PowerView Motorization?

head to Hunter Douglas!