Specialists of Design: Kristina Larson at DCH (Part 2)

The Design Professionals of the Cohen Design Centers are the ones to go to for the inside scoop on design whether you’re in New York, Florida, Texas or California. Providing a unique Consulting and Buying Program for those of us who aren't currently working with a designer, they extend the coveted privilege to select from the textiles and furnishings available throughout the design centers.

Here's more from the DCH's design professional and marketing manager Kristina Larson.

GDG: What do you love most about design?

KL: I really love the color and texture of things when it comes to design. Color and texture are the more expressive of the visual features and the core implementation of design.

GDG: What made you love the design industry?

KL: Lots of things made me love the design industry! Specifically, I am a very visual person and, like both the fashion and art industry, design is an extremely visual industry. I love how design constantly changes and I love how techniques learned in one industry can be used in other design-related fields.

GDG: Do you have a personal design philosophy?

KL: I don't! I guess I go by loving what I personally love in design and respecting what others love - even if it differs from my taste!

GDG: Are there any items that you couldn't live or design without?

KL: Yes! I would be lost without my iPod, my camera and my cell phone!

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more from the Cohen Design Centers' Design Professionals.

In the News: Scott Frances' MonoVisioN Arrived in New York City

Packed with A-list attendees last night’s kick-off party celebrated the opening of Architectural Photographer Scott Frances' exhibit MonoVisioN at the DDB's Annex Building. We got the chance to chat with Scott before the gallery was unveiled in New York City and learn a bit about the exhibit.

"This is actually my first exhibit in New York City," said Scott. "The exhibition in March at the Pacific Design Center was my first, and seeing my work printed on such a large scale has been really exciting for me. Having spent hours upon hours in post-production for the photographs in MonoVisioN paid off because now I can see it showcased!"

We asked Scott what he was looking forward to most as the exhibit moves around the country to each Cohen Design Center.

"I'm originally from New York City so after showcasing my work for the first time in L.A., the anticipation of it arriving here and being viewed in the D&D Building's Gallery space has been a really amazing thing to look forward to," Scott said.

Scott's first book MonoVisioN was written in conjunction with the exhibition, complete with a forward by Architect and Scott's close friend Richard Meier.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more on Scott's exhibit at the DDB and the recap of the fabulous evening at the Gallery opening. You can view MonoVisioN in the DDB’s Suite 110 now through July 29. Please let us know what you think!

Event Spotlight: Scott Frances' MonoVisioN Exhibit at the DDB

The DDB is teeming with art this Summer, and now, after doing time at the Pacific Design Center, photographer Scott Frances' exhibition will open in New York City on June 21. MonoVisioN will feature 68 large-scale works on view in Suite 110 on the ground floor of the Annex Building at the DDB.

In conjunction with the exhibition, visitors may enter a special raffle for the chance to win one of three signed limited-edition print by Frances.

Frances is renowned for his architecture and lifestyle photography. His images reflect the synthesis of his interests in carefully balanced composition, using atmospheric and naturally motivated light. With a journalist’s need to tell a story simply, along with his passion for the decorative arts, his imagery bridges recurring themes throughout art history.

The exhibition coincides with the release of Frances’ first monograph of the same title with an introduction by Richard Meier, published by Pond Press. In the preface to MonoVisioN, Meier states: “A Scott Frances photograph captures all these ephemeral elements that I have always explored in my architectural work. The images in this book portray the qualities that give every space and building a sense of place, and the constant dialogue between the man-made and the natural. MonoVisioN becomes an exploration of solid and void, transparency and opaqueness, the rational and the intuitive, and an essay on composition.”

Frances’ exhibition begins a main feature of this year’s summer programming at the D&D Building. MonoVisioN will tour to the other Cohen Design Centers in South Florida and Houston following the show in New York.

Check back with GoDesignGo for more on Scott Frances' exhibit and all of the exciting things happening at his MonoVisioN exhibit this June. Save the date for the opening reception on June 21 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Call 212-759-5408 for more information.

DDB Spring Market Buzz: Gracie Teaches Chinese Painting Techniques

Veteran Gracie artist, Yen Ming Tsai was the center of attention at Gracie's Spring Market event, where he taught designers the technique of hand painting 18th-century-style Chinese flowers and birds. Designers had the opportunity to try their hand at painting such beautiful images and even took home their watercolor paintings to show off.

"This was just so much fun and so different from any event I've gone to!" said a Spring Market-goer. "Yen Ming Tsai is so talented and seeing him paint in the showroom just brought a whole new level to the way I look at Gracie's showroom. It makes me love and respect it even more!"

"Typically exposed to so much product at Market, one could become a little jaded, or less impressed because everything is beautiful," said Bobby Contini, VP Marketing of Cohen Design Centers. "Experiencing an artisan sharing his craft is a reminder of the incredible talent and creativity that surrounds us."

“Yen Ming is a senior Gracie artist who has been with us for many years," said Mike Gracie, President of Gracie. "He’s been enjoying some celebrity status recently after being mentioned in the New York Times for his work on the Gracie wallpaper in Jeff Lincoln’s Kips Bay Showhouse room. He also is very cheery and fun to be with so I know our visitors are having a great time while showing some excellent painting talent of their own!”

Be sure to check back with GoDesignGo for more Spring Market Buzz at the DDB, and please send us your work if you painted with Yen Ming Tsai.