Posted on Fri, Feb 19, 2010
I love the Olympics. There's such a magical feeling in the air and it's so nice to see the athletes have their day in the spotlight, some more than others, of course.
It reminds me of our own design team and of all the hospitality and residential projects that we choose to enter into the various award competitions in the world of interior design.
Currently, we are finalists for the private residence club, Dancing Bear Aspen, in the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) competition for the New Resort Unit category. We'll find out if we win at their annual Gala, taking place in Las Vegas in March, 2010.
And, we are patiently waiting to see what awards, if any, that we might receive at the upcoming ASID Annual Gala for the Colorado Chapter.
The bottom line is, just like all the Olympic athletes who are competing, I wish all of our designers could get recognized with an award. Like a dedicated athlete who strives to be the best at his or her discipline, our design team works passionately on each and every job, day in, and day out, throughout the year. Always looking for new inspirations, whether it's a new paisley fabric, or vinyl wallcovering, it's often a quest for perfection. Just like the Olympic athlete.
Speaking of the Olympics, Beth Slifer is enjoying time away in Vancouver with her family. I can't wait to hear about which events she liked best and how the magic of Whistler has inspired her.
In the meantime, I had the pleasure of traveling to the desert of California where I dined at the Viceroy Palm Springs and met with KSL Resorts. The Viceroy reminded me of the Spa at Balfour, a project we recently submitted to the ASID Colorado Chapter award competition.
The yellow, black and white color scheme in the Lafayette spa is mixed with a lot of lively patterns, sleek black lacquer, crystal clear Lucite and shiny white patent leather. It is definitely one of our favorite and most unique hospitality spaces designed to date. Our client, who vacations at the Viceroy frequently, was very inspired by the turn-of-the-century Draper effect. Armed with her vision, we had fun with our translation for an Assisted Living Center in the foothills of Colorado.
While I 'm on the topic of awards, though, I have to mention that our good friend and owner of RKD Architects, Jack Snow, has been recognized with an award from Sub-Zero/Wolf's kitchen competition for a project he designed in Canyon Point. Genesis Innovations, a partner with us on Dancing Bear Aspen, was also a winner along with Jack, as they worked together on the project. Kudos to them both! We are thrilled to be working with Jack on a home in Lake Tahoe.
Who knows? That could be our next year's submittal and with Jack's touch combined with ours, a winning entry! I'll keep you posted in between our design "workouts" as we strive for the top of the podium in the design world.
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com
Posted on Mon, Feb 01, 2010
With all the chatter about the iPad in the late night talkshows and blogosphere last week, this new gadget is simply on my mind. I already have an iPhone and a MacBook, and now have an email into our IT guy to see if an iPad is necessary to help me design "urPad."
(iPad photo credit: Apple)
All laughing aside, it is our internal systems and technology that helps us stay ahead of the competition. When we design a home, or a "pad," we approach it with a creative mindset combined with a business approach.
This strategy started over 25 years ago when Beth Slifer, armed with her MBA from the University of Chicago, created a mantra for her design firm to always be on-time, and on-budget.
Currently, we are upgrading our in-house custom software so that all of the information for our clients and vendors is one click away. Streamlining our internal communications will better enable us to select an item, with the Slifer Designs stamp of approval, at the best price available -- all for urPad. The softest faux fur? Click. The quickest and most reliable upholsterer? Click. The most dependable and talented trim carpenter? Click.
I hear that the feature most loved in the iPad is the touch interface. Similarly, what people love most about our homes is how they feel. This tactile approach to both technology and home living is an interesting connection. Perhaps we should start working on a custom design for the ideal iPad table? (See below for some ideas from our showroom).
I'm looking forward to hearing from you and how Slifer Designs can help with urPad.
Best,
Yvonne Jacobs
yvonne@sliferdesigns.com