Pasadena visual delights continue!

after attending the ALMA awards, we enjoyed delicious food at mi piace. perhaps the most compelling element in that beautifully designed restaurant is the lighting. check out this stunningly simple fixture!

Let there be light!

I always enjoy the exhibits and receptions accompanying them at SPF:a gallery at MODAA in Culver City. Stop by to see a talented group of light and space aritsts.

ALMA Awards

I was lucky enough to attend the 2008 ALMA Awards at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium last month. It was a fun show with the usual beautiful celebs, but what was most impressive was the spectacular and significant architectural setting, built in 1932.

green haute couture in LA

out of a dwindling number of haute couture houses in the world, there is a stunning example here in LA! lloyd klein's boutique and atelier is tucked into a stunning brick structure known as the Castle Building, an LA landmark. among his clients, hollywood royalty are greeted by a gothic turret and a wood moat. on the inside are original mission style beams, an original gilded archway and a mass of mirrors and grey suede walls. it is not surprising that lloyd was trained as an architect given the significance and beauty of the structure he selected as well as his intricate designs.

hidden treasures

santa monica has a hidden treasure called appropriately hidden on main st. in the former shatzi space, it's a restaurant with lots of loungey outdoor space and delicious food with amazing deals on their happy hour menu 5-7! in addition to ample outdoor lounge seating, there are a couple of romantic cabanas that'd be perfect for a special occassion plus the interior has beautiful vaulted brick ceilings. click here for better photos by allen lin.

SFO colorful metal treat

on a recent trip up north via southwest airlines, i was greeted at the san francisco airport with this colorful metal art installation. it reminds me of a quilt. if anyone knows the artist please post it here for everyone.

venice contemporary architectural surprise

there's an area in venice near the canals and just west of the very cool street abbot kinney blvd called silver triangle. it's just far enough away from the congestion of the beach to be quiet yet it's walking distance to the beach and to abbot kinney.

in the silver triangle, a very cool project, market mews, just opened its doors for a very cool party last night hosted by deasy/penner. first of all, the party was set in one of the very cool lofty units with the main party area in the 2-story living room which opened onto a patio through a raised glass garage door that spanned both stories. add to that a very soulful dj, st germain champagne cocktails, a very good looking laid back crowd and beautiful and unique furniture from ford-brady and the vibe is ultra cool. the listing agent ramey ward, gave us a tour of the model next door to the party and explained that 2 units are already sold in the group of 8 loft-like 2br townhouses designed by architect steven ehrlich. priced from $1,265,000 to $1,490,000, these contemporary units have some green features including drought resistant landscaping and tankless water heaters.

welcome to the neighborhood!