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!

THE MEMBERS OF IFDA NY CHAPTER PROFILED, MEET J. RANDALL

MEET THE MEMBERS OF THE

IFDA NY CHAPTER:

Introducing J. Randall

Pavarini Design, Kips Bay 2015 

What inspires you day in and day out?

I am constantly inspired by industrial and mechanical design and fascinated by technology.  As you see in fine automobiles and Swiss watches, great design takes on great style. Day in and day out, I am inspired by superior mechanical design where not only is the design based upon function but it transcends functionality and becomes style.  Companies like Ferrari, Panerai and Porsche have the concept DOWN!

What do you do?

I manage companies and projects. I am a partner and COO of Pavarini Design, a renowned interior design firm, where I manage Operations and Project Manage all construction jobs and renovations. I am a trained interior designer with close to 25 years of experience and also am part of the Design Team which designs all aspects of our interiors and product lines.  I am also part owner and Director of Operations for The Original Lawn Furniture Co. (www.OLFOutdoor.com), an outdoor furniture company that Charles Pavarini III and I started in 2016.  Further, I am involved in all business strategy development, bidding and client communication along with execution. Beyond that, I dedicate significant time and resources to charity.  In particular, I work with Charles in various fundraising endeavors for the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, Bailey House, and The Summer Theatre of New Canaan (STONC).

Why are you great at it?

I am dedicated and THIS side of O.C.D.  I think of EVERYTHING, ALL the time! Details matter to me, and I TOTALLY get how important design details can be for great style and also functionality.  Having lived through renovations on many occasions and seen all that can go wrong, I am extremely persistent with follow-up and painfully organized (to some) so that I can plan exactly what will happen in a day to keep projects on course.  Nothing matters to me more! I even joke about having a family and how difficult it would be for me to end a day at a specific time to be a father: I don’t know how I could go for hours without checking my email and keeping it all moving!

Pavarini Design, Kips Bay 2015 

recent projects,

Fairfield County, Ct. (above); Miami (below)

Why did you join IFDA?

The people.  I have found an incredibly generous and inclusive group of people who understand how all of us can work together within our industry, and with other similar industries, to make a big difference in business.  Within IFDA, there are members of all kinds within manufacturing, sales, design, business ownership, craftsmanship, etc. who bring a wealth of information and insight into the business of Interior Design so that WE are not alone.  It feels as though the resources and opportunities are infinite within IFDA, and I have only benefited from my relationship with IFDA and its members.

How can we learn more about your business?

I encourage you to visit our website www.pavarinidesign.com —it’s to re-launch in the next 30 days. I also encourage to follow our Facebook and Instagram feeds, which I author. (Facebook/Pavarini3) (Instagram/PavariniDesign)

Little-known fact?

I have a NEED for SPEED.  From owning and driving powerful sports cars to racing through the Italian Alps on downhill skis, I have a penchant for any activity that involves SPEED.  Interestingly enough, when in water, I’m happy swimming, kayaking or paddle-boarding. Water is the ONLY thing that slows ME down!

Please follow along on social media...

Instagram: PavariniDesign

Personal Instagram: RandallDesign

Facebook: Pavarini3

Personal Facebook: Randall Tarasuk

MEET OUR MEMBERS COLUMN: Mimi Levitan

Meet Mimi Levitan

What inspires you day in and day out?

I have a lot of energy, and seem to be inspired by everything and everyone around me. My camera is always close at hand, and almost anything becomes a subject … in no particular order, saturated colors, architecture, great textures and flowers. Not just relative to interior design, but nature itself. My two young adult children inspire me and certainly keep me young, as do my friendships of a lifetime! And I really love what I do, even on the more challenging days!

What do you do?

I have been an Interior Designer for all of my adult life, and have worn a variety of industry hats throughout my career. As I have recently moved back to NYC via LA and So. Florida, I am reconnecting within the trade and working on business expansion. I have maintained a client base in Florida, so there is a lot of back and forth, which I actually love. As well, I am involved in several trade organizations, which allow me to access and continue my education as an Interior Designer.

Why are you great at it?

To be a designer has been a part of who I am since I was a little girl. I come from a long line of artists, both my mother and grandmother being fine artists…I took a slightly different route! So inherently, that helps me be “great”.

Within my residential focus, my clients' tastes are as varied as you might imagine. I pride myself on listening and really hearing, and am able to adapt my years of expertise to each individual client. Regardless of the scope, I dedicate myself to a successful outcome. And I really have a great time doing it; I think that Interior Design should be fun, and I try to bring that to the client. Why am I great? I’ve been doing this a long time, I have a natural flair and I am a great puzzle solver. As I have shared with my children, if you chose something that you love and make it your career, you will never really “work” a day in your life. I am doing what I am supposed to be doing!

Why did you join IFDA?

Joining IFDA initially was a promise to the South Florida Chapter President. She was right. Being an integral part of this community is beneficial not just professionally, but personally. It has been a pleasure to work and socialize with these members of the NY Interior Design community. We are involved in so many ventures; the options to be involved are never ending!

How can we learn more about your business? My website, though ever-changing, is www.mjldesigngroup.com. I think this will give you a small taste of all things possible. Follow me on Instagram at mjl.idesign, where you will catch me snapping shots of all things that inspire me on a daily basis! Most importantly, give me a call! Let’s chat, let’s have an iced tea while getting know each other We’ll have a great time, I promise!

 

Little-known fact?

I am a theatre lover, go as often as possible! And dare I say, I am a bit of a fanatic with crime genre, but have become absorbed by the Law & Order crime series! Oh, and did I mention a book lover? I still like to turn a real page while reading a great story!

IFDA Select returns for The AD Home Show with hand-picked judges who name Best In Show in many categories

IFDA SELECT is back at it again utilizing their bevy of 

industry experts and designers 
this time to walk the 
Architectural Digest Home Show 
and honor Best In Show in many categories. 
It was a busy weekend with both the AD show and the adjoining 
Diffa's Dining by Design both happening simultaneously.  
Please take a look at the brands honored 
with awards and in various categories below:

Decorative Accessories:
Zelouf & Bell Decorative Screen                   

Product: Branch Screen Booth: 309

Judge interior designer, Julie Schuster

Hand Cut Marquetry – made of 5,000 year old bog oak – creating a natural wood horizon. Limited edition of three. The screen will be featured “playing with tradition” in Dublin Castle.

Innovative Booth Design:                   

Brendan Ravenhill, Calico Wallpaper &

Booth Name: “Black Metal”              

Chen Chen + Kai Williams Collaboration

Judge, Interior designer, Andrea Brodfuehrer            

This year’s AD Home Show features a spectacular array of exhibitors and innovative product but the “Black Metal” booth immediately drew me in and kept on pulling me back. Collaborations between artisans are an age-old practice but it’s a rare privilege to experience such cohesive excellence. Calico’s wallpaper creates an explosive backdrop for Ravenhill and Chen Chen + Kai Williams’ designs. The individual products are articulated like object matter in the space – everything is concurrently clear, electric and magnetic. The natural science of product display at this level is pure innovation!           
Kitchen:                                 

BlueStar Refrigerator

Product: BlueStar full size refrigerator (new product)

Judge: Interior Designer, Gregory Allan Cramer

Stainless steel interior and built in ice maker. 

This new product will be in production in Iowa, this year.
Art:
Delah Brucilli

Product: Beneath the Surface Booth: M24

Judge: interior designer, Catarine Wright

I love the free forms created by allowing the paint to run freely on the canvas. Delah’s sensibility in color is superb and each viewer feels the freedom in their own particular way. 
 Flooring:
Artistic Tile

Product: Kauri

Judge interior designer, Stacy Garcia

Beautiful interpretation of petrified wood. Unique colors and pattern. Inspired by wood found only in New Zealand. Glazed and highly polished porcelain tiles showcase an updated high-design wood-like pattern.

Wall Coverings:

Michele Varian

Booth: #203

Judge: design agent, Dwayne Clark

Michele Varian is a domestically made textile and wall coverings manufacturer based in NYC. She is looking to diversify her exposure into showrooms and to the trade nationally and internationally.

Furniture: 

Koket

Product: “Desire” (Small Settee with Hammered Bronze Frame) Booth: 600

Judge: journalist, Hermine Mariaux

Very graceful beautiful design. Unusual scale – handsome handcrafted frame.

Good story: the settee appeared in “50 Shades of Gray” the movie.

Bath:

Brizo Rook Faucet

Judge:  interior designer, Claudia Tejeda

Product: Rook Faucet

Original use of mixed metal

Lighting:

David D’Imperio

Judge: interior designer, Deborah Martin

The architectural elements of this lighting fixture resonated with me. It features LED technology coupled with an anodized finishing process of the aluminum material it is made of. Designed and fabricated by former graphic designer and art director who left his job to do this. The fixture as lots of dimensionality and suspended over a long dining room table would look like a piece of jewelry. It’s faceted aspects reflect light beautifully.

Textiles:

Lance Wovens

Product: Woven Leathers

Judge: interior designer Andrea Algaze          

Lance Wovens 30 year-old company that has evolved their product into new fresh applications. Leathers made, dyed, washed in Italy and custom hand woven. Maybe used for many applications: pillows, rugs, wallcovering and upholstery.