Specialists of Design: The DDB takes you from New York to Italy (Part 2)

Yesterday, Design Professional of the Design & Decoration Building Jason Lowe began sharing some of his favorite pieces of history behind Italy's Murano glass. Here's more from Jason about some of Italy's finest products.

By Jason Lowe

If you have never seen the process of Murano glass being made--you are missing out (and check out this video for a little tease)! Watching the glass makers who must apprentice for over 15 years before becoming a Maestro will give you a sense of the time, effort, skill and craftsmanship that is required to create the final product.

Each piece becomes an individual work of art, with no two pieces ever being exactly the same and the colors of the glass are, to this day, still hand mixed using powders and recipes handed down for centuries. Seeing the process in action really gives you a sense of the deep connection between each piece and the makers and the need to preserve this ancient craft.

From the beginning of the 20th century, new, modern designs began to emerge from Murano in stark contrast to the classic traditional designs. Today at the DDB, Murano glass really makes its mark in many showrooms in the building and allows even the most ardent modernist to bring these special products into their space. Adding a beautiful, minimal glass piece to a modern room can give it just the bit of shimmer and shine that each room needs. Or use one of the traditional, botanical, octopus-like Venetian chandeliers to make a modern room more eclectic and interesting. However you use it in your interiors, Murano glass brings a touch of the old-world, a sense of history and tradition, and the value of hand crafted artisanal pieces to your work.

There are a number of sources for Murano glass in the DDB. In your travels around the building, don’t forget to check out La Murrina, Holland & Sherry, Baroncelli, Donghia and Agostino Antiques for a great selection of pieces.

You can contact Jason for help with where to find Murano glass in the DDB. Stay tuned to GoDesignGo to hear from DDB Design Professional, Kate Bergeron.

Specialists of Design: The DDB takes you from New York to Italy (Part 1 of 2)

We recently introduced you to Jason Lowe, the Design Professional of the Design & Decoration Building. Now that we have gotten to know him, he's whisking us away to Italy to share some history behind of his favorite products at the DDB.

By Jason Lowe

Ahhh Venice —Queen of the Adriatic, City of Bridges. This incredible city, perched on hundreds of tiny islands in an Adriatic lagoon, has made immeasurable and outsize contributions to the world of design. From the rich history of textile production to the iconic architecture of the palazzos lining the Grand Canal, Venice is one big treasure chest for any design enthusiast. There is one element of Venice’s design history that jumps out most prominently for me—Murano Glass.

The romantic history of glass making in Venice, and specifically on the island of Murano, traces its origins back to the late to the late 13th century when the Venetian Republic was a crossroads between the East and West. Legend has it that the glass makers and their furnaces were moved to the island as a safety measure against setting fire to the city’s mostly wooden buildings. Whether that is the case or not, Murano’s glass makers were firmly entrenched on the island by the 14th century.

In the meantime, the Maestro’s of the furnaces were becoming some of Venice’s most prominent citizens, but with one little catch: they were not allowed to leave the Republic! Leaving was banned in order to protect the secrets of Venetian glass making. Murano has maintained a monopoly on the highest quality glass making in the world for centuries, and even through many ups and downs, the uniqueness and beauty of artisanal Murano glass still glimmers brightly today.

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for more from Jason when he shares more on the process of Murano glass making and where in the DDB you can get your hands on some.

Specialists of Design: Jason Lowe at DDB (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 DDB's design professional Jason Lowe.

GDG: Where did your interest in design originate?

JL: I was definitely always interested in the arts growing up, especially with music, art and architecture, but I was never one of those people who re-designed their parent’s houses by age five. By college I had become a bit of a design nerd, reading architecture and design magazines constantly.

My move to New York, by a fortunate turn of circumstances, landed me with Donghia. I started working at the Donghia corporate office with the marketing team and it quickly became clear that it couldn't have been a more perfect opportunity. I've been in the design world ever since.

GDG: What made you love the design industry?

JL: I was extremely lucky that my first job in New York, and in the design industry, was at Donghia. The company has such a rich history to learn from that it was really like an intensive course in design and the design industry while I was there.

I also was privileged enough to work for almost eight years directly with Sherri Donghia, who oversaw all of the marketing and design for the company at the time. Being able to spend that much time working with someone with such a comprehensive knowledge of the industry was an invaluable learning experience that it wasn't hard to completely immerse myself.

GDG: What are a few things of your own design that you're busy with right now?

JL: Well, I always feel like I'm doing little things here and there in my apartment. I constantly see things that inspire me to change odds and ends at my place, if even just something as small as the bedcovering or some new pillows.

Just a few weeks ago I converted an antique lobster trap I purchased online into an amazing new coffee table. Being able to shop online has became such a great source for designers – I had looked everywhere for something similar to the lobster trap – and finally stumbled across this one at a random little shop in Minnesota!

GDG: Can you share a fun fact about yourself?

JL: Hmm, the one thing all of my friends make fun of me about is my interest in taxidermy. I know in the last 10 years or so it's been a bit overdone, but I still love the taxidermied baby ostrich perched on my bookshelf!

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

Specialists of Design: Jason Lowe at DDB (Part 1 of 2)

Last week, we introduced you to the DCH's Design Professional, Kristina Larson. The next design professional we want you to meet is Jason Lowe, the Design Professional of the Design & Decoration Building. We get to spend a lot of time at the DDB with Jason, so we’re thrilled for you to get to know him and potentially work with him.

Jason has been afforded the opportunity to work directly with some of the most innovative and inspirational design leaders in the industry. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, before moving to New York City.

Prior to his time at the D&D Building, Jason also had the privilege of working with the marketing and executive teams at the trendsetting lifestyle brand Dwell Studio. He currently brings over 13 years of industry experience to his current role as the Director of Design Professionals at the DDB. In addition, he spent almost eight years on the marketing team at Donghia under the mentorship of Sherri Donghia.

"I've been working with the Design Professionals service here at the D&D for the last four years," said Jason. "I think the service is a really great resource for an interested public as well as designers. The service’s goal is to help bring together the showrooms, designers and end-users in ways that they otherwise might not connect."

Stay tuned to GoDesignGo for our interview with Jason to learn more about him.

DDB Spring Market Buzz: Designs on Film with Schumacher & Cathy Whitlock (1 of 2)

Schumacher hosted a discussion on the influence and inspiration of interior design in film and television during Spring Market at the DDB. The panelists' abundance of experience and prestige in the design and production industry had the packed showroom enthralled.

Moderated by Linda Sherbert, Features Editor of Veranda, the panel included Academy Award winner Tony Walton, Cathy Whitlock, Stephen Hendrickson and Andrew Baseman.

"Schumacher really put together the most amazing group of film designers for the panel," said Jason Lowe, Design Professional. "It was incredible to be able to hear from designers who had designed and assembled some of the most iconic rooms ever to appear on film!"

Cathy Whitlock's newest book, Designs on Film: A Century of Hollywood Art Direction was one of the major topics of conversation during the discussion. A perfect fit for the discussion, Cathy's book covers the evolving story of art direction from silent film to present day. We spoke with Cathy after the discussion, amidst her conversations with fans, to talk to her further about the book.

"I really gave my heart and soul to this massive project for the past several years," Cathy said. "Not to mention, too many wondrous hours in the Oscar library and film studio archives. The hardest part for me was paring down which movies to use from a century of unbelievable movies. Unfortunately, many films lacked photographs of the production and there were also several films from the 60s and 70s whose pictures were just thrown out!"

Stay tuned later today for more of our conversation with Cathy on the topic of design in film.

DDB Spring Market Buzz: Andrew Martin Kick-Off Party (cont.)

Martin Waller, Managing Director of Andrew Martin got the DDB Spring Market started on the right foot, discussing how the showroom translates crafts and cultural traditions found on Martin's world travels into stylish and contemporary creations.

Marketing Associate Millie Massa and Design Professional Jason Lowe chatted with us after the speech and gave us their thoughts on Martin's wild takes.

"Martin Waller is the explorer, the world traveler, the treasure hunter and the designer," said Millie. "He is very Indiana Jones, except the dig is for a fabulous couch instead of the fountain of youth!"

"If you ever have the opportunity to see Martin Waller speak about his extensive world travels, do not miss it," Jason said. "He has been to every faraway place that any of us have ever wanted to visit, and his stories give you direct insight into the aesthetic direction he has taken his company."

Following Martin's speech, the music was turned up and guests relaxed amongst the Andrew Martin collections with a clearer vision of the stories behind them. Martin didn't finish his speech, however, without ensuring us, "exotic lands aren't the only places to shop and find product, but they do define our Company and the source of our inspiration."

Thanksgiving Do's & Don'ts

Whether you’re the host, hostess or hostee, Thanksgiving is an affair rife with do’s and don’ts—from dinner attire to wine selections and seating arrangement; who’s stuck sitting next to Great Aunt Mildred? We asked our pals at the DDB's Marketing office for their advice on how to make this holiday simple and sweet.

Bobby Contini, National Marketing Director:

"Don't forget the last minute fabulous dessert. Use in-season fruit, slice and arrange it beautifully on a bed of ivy or something from the outdoors. If you can't find anything practical or clean enough like ivy, throw it on a fabulous plate. Strawberries work best if you press them and sprinkle some powdered sugar on them or drizzle some dark, milk or white chocolate on them. Then, enjoy!" Bobby continued, "It's a hassle free, easy and beautiful thing to put on your table or bring to someone's house, and everyone can enjoy it."

Jason Lowe, Director, Design Professionals:

"Every year as Thanksgiving approaches, I feel like we are constantly bombarded with article after article about what wine choices we should be making.  After many great Thanksgivings with friends, all with really different likes and dislikes, we have learned to ignore the wine tips and just go with what we like.  Don’t worry about it — get inexpensive wines and LOTS of them. And enjoy."

Millie Massa-Ahmed, Marketing Associate:

"Do get dressed up. It's a holiday, people! The worst thing you can do is look like a mess in front of friends and family. Do bring your host or hostess a gift if you're not hosting yourself, you can't forget that. Don't forget to thank the people who invited you, it's tough work to host! And enjoy the holiday with friends and family. Don't be alone for Thanksgiving; the holiday is all about good people, delicious food, and lots of laughs!"

Kate Bergeron, Design Professionals:

"Please don't forget to say what you're thankful for. I've always felt that being together is more important than having 3 turkeys and ridiculous plastic leaves on my plate. Then again, I've yet to host my own Thanksgiving dinner. Oh! And don't forget the wine!"

Leave a comment and tell us what your do's and don'ts are. GoDesignGo and Cohen Design Center staff wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!