Saturday 27 February 2010

Francis M. Rattenbury

image Francis Mawson Rattenbury

1867-1935

 

If you ask anybody who visits the city of Victoria in British Columbia what they liked most during their visit they will answer: Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel, the Legislative Buildings, the Wax Museum and of course the infamous Butchart Gardens

 

Three of these Victoria’s signature icons: the Empress Hotel, the Legislative Buildings and the Wax Museum are remarkable pieces of architectural work by British architect Francis M. Rattenbury. 

 

Rattenbury’s first opportunity came when Premier Theodore Davie approved a competition to design a new set of Parliament Buildings in Victoria. Rattenbury’s designs for the new Parliament Buildings were first shortlisted and then selected from 67 designs submitted for the competition.

 

Rattenbury used the name “A B.C. Architect” for his design, believing that the judges would favor a local architect. When he arrived in Victoria on March 14, 1893, to great fanfare, nobody questioned whether a 25-year-old architect was qualified for such a large project. The 1898 Romanesque British Columbia Legislature is a beautiful building that has stood overlooking the Inner Harbor for over 110 years, and is the defining structure  of the landscape.

 

image The Legislature Building

 

Rattenbury arrived in British Columbia with little experience but lots of charm and self-confidence.  His commission to design the parliament buildings was a great coup, and Rattenbury went on to establish a flourishing practice designing such notable buildings as the Vancouver Court House (now the Vancouver Art Gallery) the Crystal Gardens in Victoria, and several banks and high end residences throughout the province.

 

imageVancouver Art Gallery

 

Throughout his career Rattenbury worked on all types of buildings in Victoria, Rossland, Nelson, and New Westminster; courthouses in Nanaimo, Nelson, Vancouver and his most well-known work for the Canadian Pacific Railway the world-famous Empress Hotel, which was named in honour of the Empress of India, Queen Victoria.

 

The Empress Hotel, an Edwardian Chateau-Style hotel was built in 1904–1908 and since then this wonderful piece of architecture has played hostess to kings, queens, movie stars and many famous people.  Also known as the Jewel of the Pacific this 460-room hotel was recently restored to its original grandeur, with antique furniture and luxurious décor.

 

image

The Empress Hotel

 

Another great building is The Royal London Wax Museum located in the original Canadian Pacific Steamship ticket office, where ocean liners once arrived from destinations around the world. Its noteworthy the classical lines of architecture. Today the historical past is fitting, since the museum now displays more than 300 wax reproductions.

 

imageThe London Wax Museum

 

Rattenbury’s career was dramatic and although Rattenbury was included in the local high society, his private life was very normal. Things changed however, when he met musician Alma Pakenham starting an open affair with no concern for public opinion or for his wife Florence’s feelings.  Rattenbury divorced his wife at the age of 58, and married his mistress, Alma, who was 26 years his junior. His behavior during this period of his life was not well regarded by the citizens of Victoria, and Rattenbury soon found himself to be a social outcast and decided to move back to England.

 

image Alma Rattenbury

 

In 1934 Alma initiated an affair with George Stoner who was hired as a chauffer for the couple. On March 23, 1935, Rattenbury was found badly beaten in his study.  Francis Rattenbury died a few days later on March 28th.   Both Alma and George Stoner were initially charged with his murder.   The trial was a major news story in Britain, giving everything it could have wanted: sex, drugs, celebrity and, in the end, tragedy. When the verdict was announced, Alma was found not guilty but Stoner was sentenced to death. Feeling responsible for both the murder of Francis Rattenbury and the impending execution of George Stoner, Alma committed suicide.

 

Francis Rattenbury was in British Columbia for only 38 years but during that time he was the most prominent architect and remains till this day one of British Columbia’s most famous.

 

Today while I was having an affogato date with talented local designer Gillian Ley at the Rogers Soda Shop I decided to write this entry and to honor the work of Victoria’s legend Francis M. Rattenbury. 

 

The architectural work of Rattenbury is majestic without being excessively busy.  As you can see in the images each building that he designed for the Victoria Inner harbor has a different architectural style, but they all work together harmoniously creating a sense of history; if you take in consideration that all these building were designed and built in a spam of 30 years.  Victoria’s inner harbor is an example of fantastic urban planning by the architect himself.

 

The architectural detailing in the Rattenbury’s interior spaces are as notable as the exteriors.  The woodwork in the dining room at the Empress Room is a master lesson in symmetry and craftsmanship.  The Bengal Lounge, other than have the best Lemon Drop Martinis in the city, clearly reflects the atmosphere of the British colonial times with the coolest motion fans I have ever seen.  The Dome at the British Legislature is another clear reflection of Rattenbury’s innate talent.

 

image The Empress Room

 

image The Bengal Lounge

 

imageInterior of BC Legislature  [Photo by Moatway ]

 

Researching and writing this article made me realize how important it is to honor and remember those who have made our city one of the the best places to live.  Sometimes we forget how fortunate we are to have such great and elegant architecture in our city.  

 

I hope that the planners of Victoria realize how important it is to have real beauty around us and that there is a fine line between diversity and trash.  Perhaps they will consider replacing some of the sculptures, or should I call them “visual pollution” that have been commissioned in recent years. They seem disrespectful and pale in comparison to the greatness of the city’s architectural heritage.

 

_________________________________

 

 

“ I suppose you got the sketches for the proposed Hotel at Victoria.
It is going to be a whopper if it goes on, and I think it will go on alright.

 

It will make a decided attraction to Victoria, as we really have wanted a first-class hotel”

Francis Rattenbury letter to his mother, 1903

 image

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Sources: Wikipedia, Robert Fulford column, Mini Doc Youtube, GVLP, Canadian Museum of Civilization, The Canadian Enciclopedia



MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Thursday 18 February 2010

Eye Candy of the Week – Jolle Chair by Piet Boon

image imageimage

 

PRODUCT

Jolle Chair

 

COLLECTION

Piet Boon Zone

 

DESIGNER

Piet Boon

 

COLOURS

Black, Dark Brown, Chestnut, Cognac, Natural

 

MATERIALS

Laser cut frame painted black, interior-sprung (webbing) and cold foam seat cushion, and cold foam filled back cushion covered with Dacron.  The chair is entirely upholstered in thick, luxurious  saddle leather.

 

DIMENSIONS

Width: 105 cm
Depth: 85 cm
Height: 75 cm

 

WEIGHT

24.2 Kg

 

DESCRIPTION

Meticulous attention to the finer details of style characterizes this
elegant, light armchair. JOLLE has a solid steel frame and is upholstered in chic leather.

 

YUMMY FACTOR

Quietly Satisfying!!!

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MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Tuesday 16 February 2010

In Conversation with Carrie Fundingsland

image Carrie Fundingsland

 

Carrie Fundingsland of HousePlay Inc. is a recent recipient of House Beautiful Magazine's list of the next 20 designers to watch, her portfolio is filled with warm, lively, and beautiful spaces that have been admired by clients, celebrities and critics alike. She also maintains an online store called “House and Wear” and is launching a new line of eco-friendly fabrics in late 2010, drawing inspiration from nature and her cultural influences from being raised on a reservation in her hometown of Montana.

 

Carrie went to U of M to study Art History, she then found her passion and continued her education at the Art Institute of Seattle for the interior design program, graduating in 1995. She began her career at Pindler and Pindler where she developed her fondness for fabrics, in 1999 she moved to LA and became the head of the interior design department at an antique and custom furniture store, where she has said that she was able to develop her customer relations skills and furniture manufacturing. It wasn’t until Carrie became pregnant with her first daughter that she branched out on her own to form HousePlay Inc., and she has never looked back.

 

imageVignette by Carrie Fundingsland

 

Carrie has been fortunate enough to design around the world, in her hometown of Montana, Tel Aviv, Shanghai, Park City, Palm Springs and of course, locally in LA. She works with a range of clients in a variety of styles, most are repeat clients who as Carrie to assist them with their office or second home after their pleasant first experience. Her designs are fresh, warm, comfortable, chic and refined. Her combinations of rustic elements, style periods and textures maintain her personal aesthetic while adapting to different client needs and styles; one can see that she never forces her style on her clients homes, each space is uniquely tailored to the needs of the home and its inhabitants.

 

Please read on for this talented designer’s input on design…

 

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?


Carrie Fundingsland – My earliest memory is from when I was about 8 or 9 years old. I remember completely rearranging my parents’ living room while they were both away at work. I grew up in the country and as kids, my brother and I were left alone to our own devises. I was always moving art or furniture, and creating vignettes from whatever had caught my eye that day while meandering in the mountains behind my parents’ property.

 

 

imageInteriors by Carrie Fundingsland

 


Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?


Carrie Fundingsland – I get a lot of inspiration from textiles. Whenever I start a new project the first thing I do is pull fabrics. A whole house can fall into place for me if I find that one perfect piece. I may never even use it in the project – I’ll just draw color combinations or vibe from it and go from there.

 

 

imageInteriors by Carrie Fundingsland

 


Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?


Carrie Fundingsland – I like no fuss. And balance. I can stand in an empty house and within a few minutes, I’ll know by the energy of the home where and what colors should be used, how the furniture and flow of the house should be, even down to the artwork and accessories. This can get me in a bit of trouble sometimes, making it hard to find what I saw in my “vision”, but at the end of the day, my initial instinct has never done me wrong.

 

image Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

 


Iván Meade – Your website mentions that you started your own firm after becoming pregnant with your first daughter, have your children inspired your work/career in any other ways?


Carrie Fundingsland – I have two girls and they both inspire me in different ways. Anika, my oldest, loves color. Her goal is to wear “every color of the rainbow” at any given time. She has no fear when it comes to mixing patterns and colors and this helps remind me to take risk. Afton, on the other hand inspires me in a whole different way. Everything for her has to be exactly how she imagines it to be, no deviation. She’s stubborn and will fight you tooth and nail until she gets what she wants. I admire her confidence and her determination.

 

 

image Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

 


Iván Meade – I enjoy that you feature children’s rooms you have designed on your website (not many designers do), which I think is so fun. Are they a favourite room of yours to design?


Carrie Fundingsland – I do enjoy working on children’s rooms. I like getting in the room and sitting on the floor, looking at the space from a child’s perspective and designing it according to how they’ll see it. I also love when the parents are open to letting their child participate in the design process. They usually have definite ideas on how there space should be, down to the color and where they want their furniture. Of course, I don’t always go with all of their suggestions, but I will design around a lot of their thoughts and input.

 

 

imageInteriors by Carrie Fundingsland

 

 

Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?


Carrie Fundingsland – It’s very important to me to design around my clients’ taste and style, rather than my own. I want the house to reflect whom they are and what their lifestyle is, not how I would live in the space. I think that’s why I’ve been so successful. You can see by my website that I am comfortable doing any type of house, whether it being a Spanish Revival, a Mid-Century Modern, or a Traditional. It’s important to me that I don’t have a “signature” style. It would be my worst nightmare if someone could walk into a home and know immediately that I am the one that designed it. I love it when my clients or colleagues walk into a new space I’ve created and they say “wow, I had no idea you could do ______.” It keeps them guessing and interested in what I do.

 

 

imageInteriors by Carrie Fundingsland

 


Iván Meade – In addition to your design firm, you also run an online store with many unique lines. Any plans to sell your own line of home or fashion accessories?


Carrie Fundingsland – I’ve thought about it, but honestly enjoy finding the up-and-comers and giving them exposure. There are so many talented people out there. I really just use the online store as my own personal, little jewelry box. Everything on the site, are items that I love and would use in my own home.

 

 

imageInteriors by Carrie Fundingsland

 


Iván Meade – What are 3 things you can’t live without?


Carrie Fundingsland – Good lighting – lamps, sconces, recessed, natural, you name it. I’m very particular about lighting. I also couldn’t survive without natural linen. Something about the texture, the color, the way it drapes – for me it’s essential. And, last but not least, my family. Without their love, support and encouragement, I’d be nothing.

 

 

image Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

 

 

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?


Carrie Fundingsland – I love what’s happening in landscape design – people using indigenous plants, growing their own food, creating outdoor living spaces. I think it’s so exciting. I’m working on a project right now that has an entire kitchen, dining and living room in the garden. It’s so much fun!

 

 

image Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

 


Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?


Carrie Fundingsland – I have an idea for a project in Montana that would incorporate everything I love – fine food and drink, nature, art, and gathering of friends and family. When I’m working long hours, I use that dream of mine as my motivation.

 

 

image Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

 


Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?


Carrie Fundingsland – I take pride in everything I do, whether big or small. I treat every project the same, regardless of size or budget. To me it’s about forming long lasting relationships and trust. I do have to say, my own home is what gives me the most satisfaction though. Creating a space that reflects all that I am and is a comfortable space for my friends and family to relax in is by far my proudest achievement.

 

 

imageInteriors by Carrie Fundingsland

 


Iván Meade – Oftentimes designers have other creative hobbies, you also have an art history background – do you partake in any creative pastimes?


Carrie Fundingsland – It’s funny that you ask. Just last night I was running through my head all the things that I miss doing - hobbies I did before running my own business and raising a family. I am really interested in fashion design, nothing to mass market, just unique pieces I can wear myself. I also miss painting. I’ve barely picked up a brush since I left art school. I’d love to find the time to take some fine arts classes, perhaps in oils or charcoal.

 

 

image Interiors by Carrie Fundingsland

 


Iván Meade – Designing your first line of fabrics must be an amazing experience. The news section of your website states that it will be inspired by nature and your culture from growing up on a first nations reservation – could you elaborate for us?


Carrie Fundingsland – It’s actually a collaboration with my mother. She’s a fine artist and sculptor, and has a long history of working with leather. We have very different visions – she’s very detailed, where I am more loose and free flowing – which has made it a bit challenging working together. The line is going to be a modern take on Western and Native American themes. I’ve also incorporated a lot of plants native to the area I grew up in. We’re starting with prints and then hope to add in some textures.

 

 

imageInteriors by Carrie Fundingsland

 


Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?


Carrie Fundingsland – I am just starting a new project in Hancock Park, a Historical District located here in Los Angeles. It was built in 1914 and architecturally is one of the most stunning homes I’ve ever been in. It’s only on its third owner, so the home is mostly untouched. The new owners are young and hip, but want to keep the integrity of the home. We’re going to use a fresh palette and give it a bit of a modern edge while still staying true to the architecture and details. What’s also fun about this new project, is it is one of my husband’s favorite homes in Los Angeles. We’ve been driving by it for years so he could just ooh and aah. He used to be an architect, so this project is just as exciting for him as it is for me.

 

 

imageInteriors by Carrie Fundingsland

 

 

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?


Carrie Fundingsland - I don’t think good interior design is going to save the world, but I do hope what I do can inspire people to look at things a little differently. I like a bit of whimsy - or the unexpected - just enough to keep one’s interest, or get a reaction. So many people are on auto-pilot that if what I’ve created can shake them loose, even for a minute, I feel like I’ve succeeded.

 

I invite you to visit Carrie Fundingsland’s beautiful portfolio at:

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MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Thursday 11 February 2010

Eye Candy of the Week – Lyric Table by Baker

 

image

 

PRODUCT

Lyric Table

 

MANUFACTURE

Baker

 

COLLECTION

Baker Studio

 

MATERIALS

Steel frame with Stone top
Available in Bronze

 

DIMENSIONS

Width: 19 1/2 inches
Depth: 19 1/2 inches
Height: 20 3/4 inches

 

DESCRIPTION

I only need two words to describe this piece:

Simplicity & Elegance.

 

I am so attracted by the geometric forms and the dimensional pattern that is created through the subtle interplay of the front and back lines.

 

This piece is light and yet visually strong. I love transitional pieces like this one that can bring character to any setting.

 

YUMMY FACTOR

Addictively Delicious !!!

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MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Tuesday 9 February 2010

In Conversation with Kyle Schuneman

 image

Kyle Schuneman

 

At the ripe old age of 24, interior designer Kyle Schuneman has already accomplished so much; he has been named a “Tastemaker” by Los Angeles Magazine, one of House Beautiful Magazine's “Next 20 Designers to Watch”, and has been blogged about to no end. He has worked for big-names like Lipton, Herman Miller Furniture, Target, Dussault Apparel, “The Tyra Show” and several design magazines including Vogue Living (I’m not going to lie, we’re kind of jealous!!!). You may also recognize Kyle from his many appearances on programs such as the KTLA Morning Show, magazines like Real Simple, Sunset and Dwell. Kyle is also currently developing a book and design series based on his philosophy that “interior design can solve real life problems”.

 

imageInteriors by Kyle Schuneman

 

Born and raised in Chicago, Kyle started his firm Live Well Designs in LA where he says clients really appreciate his “unpretentious approach to great style”. His portfolio is fourfold: set design, interiors, events and prop styling. His designs are happy, comfortable, functional, bold and eclectic. He is not afraid to go outside the box - and it always turns out to be worth the risk. His spaces also have a sense of youthful whimsy which is a brilliant asset.


Kyle seems like a great guy, very personable, and I was thrilled that he accepted our request for an interview – this guy is going places!!!


Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

 

Kyle Schuneman - I don't think of design as just paint on walls or pretty furniture, I think of it as constantly surrounding us so I'd have to say growing up in a small condo in downtown Chicago was my first experience. My mom was always very interested in design and I saw how she used good design to her advantage to maximize space and create a positive environment that then lent itself to other parts of our lives.

 

imageInteriors by Kyle Schuneman

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Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?


Kyle Schuneman - Everything inspires me.  Whether it be architects of skyscrapers who literally change the imprint of the world with design or the style of a hip hop dancer and how they combine bright colors and exaggerated sizes to express themselves, I am constantly seeing new things.  Travel is by far the most important part of a designers repertoire because what you experience and take in is what rounds out the imagination you have.

 

image Interiors by Kyle Schuneman

 

Iván Meade – How would you describe your style?


Kyle Schuneman - I guess I'd describe it as comfortable and fun.  I hope that each space represents the people who live there because I love being able to bring out each client's unique point of view.

 

imageInteriors by Kyle Schuneman

 

Iván Meade – What is your design philosophy?


Kyle Schuneman - Function first.  Once you know function everything else will figure itself out.

 

image Interiors by Kyle Schuneman

 

Iván Meade – Do you have a favourite facet of your business (events, interiors, prop styling or set design)? If so, why is it your favourite?


Kyle Schuneman - I'd say set design is my favorite.  You get to create a story and I love that.  Whether it be in photos or on television I try to make my sets feel grounded in reality but still creating an ideal for the viewer.  It's also great to not have limitations like permits, exterior walls, etc. so you really get to design without constraints.

 

image Set Design by Kyle Schuneman

 

Iván Meade – Oftentimes designers have other creative hobbies, you also have an art history background – do you partake in any creative pastimes?


Kyle Schuneman - I don't have any specific hobbies but I love learning new things. I'm blessed during the work week to collaborate with tons of creative people like photographers, wardrobe stylists, furniture makers so its nice to just relax. I love to be outside or just people watch.  I've always been reserved and like observing people, I learn the most seeing what others do than doing them myself I find.

 

imageInteriors by Kyle Schuneman

 

Iván Meade – I know from experience that sometimes being young can be a challenge in this business, either people think you can’t have much experience or that you will push them in a direction that is far too modern for them. Have you had to overcome any preconceived notions due to your age?


Kyle Schuneman - Tons.  I've had to prove myself for every job I've ever had. Being able to design an HGTV set at age 21 was no easy task.  There were tons of meetings, drawings, and whatever I could do to fight for the job, which I finally got.  When you see an opportunity you can't pass it up because those opportunities become your stepping stone to the next and so on.  In LA if you want an agent for prop styling/set design you already need a comprehensive portfolio so there's a catch 22 and everyone needs their break so proving yourself is part of the job.  I always use my young age as a positive though and never let people think of it as a negative.  I'd let people see that I had a new take on something or a youthful energy that they couldn't get with someone older.

 

image Interiors by Kyle Schuneman

 

Iván Meade – What are 3 things you can’t live without?

 
Kyle Schuneman - Hoodies.  Organic Peanut Butter.  My family.

 

imageInteriors by Kyle Schuneman

 

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?


Kyle Schuneman - I'm interested to see how the recession will affect design.  I think it will bring us down to more approachable design and instead of strive for some over the top home we will now strive for a place that is designed for great memories we have together.

 

image Interiors by Kyle Schuneman


Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?


Kyle Schuneman - I want to create a lifestyle product line and I eventually want to own some boutique hotels and design them to reflect the unique places they are in.

 

image Interiors by Kyle Schuneman


Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?


Kyle Schuneman - They all have made me better so I can't pick just one.

 

image Interiors by Kyle Schuneman


Iván Meade – What is the best advice (design related or otherwise) that you have ever received?


Kyle Schuneman - I've been so lucky to have so many great people come into my life.  One person told me "always have at least 3 jobs" hence why I do all types of design and that advice has really come in handy during this recession.  If interiors are slow for clients I still have art directing jobs for magazines or advertising and also events to design so broadening what you're good at is essential for success.

 

imageSet Design by Kyle Schuneman

 

Iván Meade – Could you tell us a little more about your book and design series project?, when and where will we be able to view them?
Kyle Schuneman - I'll keep you posted on this as the concrete details haven't been set yet.

 

image Set Design by Kyle Schuneman


Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?


Kyle Schuneman - Just finished an Entertainment Weekly cover and have some new interior clients I am excited about and also the Target Baby Catalog that I styled comes out at the end of this month.

 

image Prop Styling by Kyle Schuneman


Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?


Kyle Schuneman - I just want people to realize that design is so much more than just neutral walls and timid choices.  I'd love to have inspired people to make bold choices that really show off their individuality.  Life is too short to not express your true self and we can all learn things from each other and how we live.

 

I invite you to visit Kyle Schuneman’s stunning body of work at his website:

 

image

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MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Sunday 7 February 2010

Colour, Music and Movement

I don’t know why, but I have always felt that Sunday’s are quite nostalgic. For me, this video by Ólafur Arnalds translates that feeling with music, colour and movement.




MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011

Thursday 4 February 2010

Eye Candy of the Week – Brigit Piskor’s Sculptures

 

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ARTIST

Brigit Piskor

 

TITLE

FloraForm

 

MATERIALS

Concrete and Silver Leaf

 

DIMENSIONS

Various

 

DESCRIPTION

This afternoon I had a visit from the international and well renowned local artist Brigit Piskor to show me her latest art pieces.  I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet with her. Brigit was introduced to me by my “my fabulous friend” Liz MacKay principal of Ambiance Consulting.

 

Brigit’s art pieces exude femininity with clean and organic lines.  Her hand made sculptures are made with a custom concrete formula to ensure maximum durability and strength.  I was personally capture by the movement and the volume of Brigit’s art pieces.

 

I invite you to visit Brigit’s stunning body of work at:

 

image

 

YUMMY FACTOR

Scrumptious!!!

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MEADE DESIGN GROUP - THE BLOG. Copyright 2007-2011