In Conversation with Alberto Pinto

Alberto Pinto

 

Alberto Pinto's firm is based in Paris, France and takes on a vast array of projects including homes, corporate offices, jets and yachts on a global scale. His name has become a brand; from his work in interior design he has also launched lines of linens and tableware, decorative taps, furniture and even penned several books - including his latest 'Alberto Pinto Today'.

Alberto and his firm pride themselves in their ability to create a beautiful space no matter what the style. His portfolio is filled with everything from modern, classic, traditional, oriental and beyond.

 

Alberto appreciates a challenge which led him to taking on more unique spaces such as private yachts and jets. Regardless of the style, Alberto thoughtfully approaches every surface and every detail with his refined eye. His creations are filled with customized elements; upholstered walls, custom designed broadloom, architectural features and stunning artwork.

Mr. Pinto graduated from 'Ecole de Louvre' in Paris and opened a photography agency in New York specializing in decoration and interior design. It was during this time he developed his passion for interactions within a space. He was also influenced by the travels his career brought him - Mexico, India, and Italy among others. His firm now employs 60 people full-time and has become a media darling, with projects attracting the likes of Elle Décor, Interiors, Architectural Digest, H&G, Veranda magazines, Altitudes (jet magazine), Boat Design to name a few.

I'm very excited to get Alberto's opinion on the world of design, this will be our first interview with someone from France so I am sure it will bring a whole new perspective to our 'in conversation with' series. Please read on to get in on the conversation…

Iván Meade - What was your first experience with design?

 

Alberto Pinto – The turning point in my career took place rather by accident when I was based both in New York and Paris. During this intense working period, I was asked to do interior design for a very prestigious New York socialite. Calls for consultations and design work came so thick and fast that I decided to start this new business and form a new base in Paris.

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

Iván Meade - You have accomplished something very unique in the interior design world; creating a strong, extremely well recognized and beautiful signature style - In this same manner however, your style keeps evolving - How or where do you find your inspiration?

Alberto Pinto – Very young my principal interest was travelling and I have always been curious by nature. I was inspired; eyes wide open, and captured these images like photographs in my mind. All this, plus a bit of Art culture at the « Ecole du Louvre » mixed together with my personality and perception of things makes my signature style. My style keeps evolving because I keep up to date with the times and I always move forward with a great curiosity and an open mind.

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade – What is the story behind your design studio at the Hôtel de la Victoire?

 

Alberto Pinto - We were a team that had grown in need of space when the opportunity arouse to move our office to this beautiful formal private mansion from the 17th century – where apparently Bonaparte spent a night – It was a succession of large spaces which was perfect for the creation of friendly workspaces. We immediately felt the potential to create large open spaces with high ceilings, ideal for setting up offices in a spirit of loft, very open, helpful to work team.

 

In 2011 we are also taking over an extra 1500 m² to allow the agency to accommodate new teams specialized in hotels, to expand our design studio and where we can receive our suppliers to work with them.

 

Hôtel de la Victoire – Design Studio

 

Iván Meade - What is the inspiration behind your Arts de la Table, Table Linens and Furniture designs?

Alberto Pinto - I have loved Arts de la Table since my childhood and for me it is a hobby. The idea is to always have something refined whether for two or twenty guests, for a familial or a formal lunch or diner. I have neither specific inspiration, nor great theories it comes to me like it comes. I like strong pieces I mixed by color scheme or by contrary following my inspiration and always in a quick way.

 

Etna Lamp by Alberto Pinto

 

Recife by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade – You have in my opinion one of the best and most complete portfolios in the word of interior design – Including Castles, Residences, Villas, Hotels, Offices, Yachts and even Private Jets. Which of these was your favourite type of project and why?

 

Alberto Pinto - I am extremely lucky to be in charge of all these projects where there is always a common theme in the knowhow and in the great sense of quality. Every one of these project had something particular which made it interesting. It is impossible to tell you which one I prefer because the place is as important as the client. The good combination of both is ideal.

 

Boeing 737 BBJ Privé by Alberto Pinto

 

Yacht Privé by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade – What is the best advice you could give to somebody who is new in the world of design?

 

Alberto Pinto - To keep their eyes wide open, to try to photograph mentally the maximum of images and to keep also in mind to learn something new every day.

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade – How will you describe the value of design?

 

Alberto Pinto – Eclecticism

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade - What is your guilty pleasure?

 

Alberto Pinto - We can always do better. 

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade - What is the most practical thing you own and what is the most rare?

 

Alberto Pinto - A 40 year old library collection on decoration and architecture.

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

 

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

 

Alberto Pinto - I am less excited today than during the last decade, but I would say today I find fantastic on one side design is available to everyone even if the quality is not necessarily there and on the other side top quality is more expensive than ever . But I have the feeling design is less interesting today, easier to understand or appreciate.

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

 

Iván Meade - What is your next design venture?

Alberto Pinto – Two projects very different in style and type of intervention

• Odeon Tower in Monaco : a very ambitious project : a unique address in Monaco. An exclusive residential offering that combines space and comfort, detail and quality finishes along with breathtaking views and upscale services. Impressive figures (surface area, number of floors).

• The Parisian “Hôtel Particulier” from the 17^th and 18^th centuries: very delicate programs of restauration for these historical places. Lambert, Soyecourt, Kinsky.

 

Hôtel Particulier Paris by Alberto Pinto

 

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?

Alberto Pinto – One characteristic aspect of my work is the complete refusal of monotony and boredom of formulaic compositions. I like to juxtapose different shapes and eras.

About colors, I like strong, honest hues and do not hesitate to play with powerful contrast to give my interiors as much energy as possible.

 

Last but not least, the high quality of finishing is made possible because of the privileged partnership with French and European craftsmen and artisans d’art.

 

Interior Design by Alberto Pinto

 

I invite you to visit Alberto Pinto’s incredible websites at:

 

IN CONVERSATION WITH GRANT K. GIBSON

Grant K. Gibson

Grant K. Gibson doesn't necessarily fit into a box when it comes to design style. But that is by no means a drawback! He masterfully executes designs that are traditional, modern, youthful, eclectic, or rustic - but they are always immaculately well done. And wouldn't you know, he's a witty blogger too?

Grant founded Grant K. Gibson Interior Design in 2002 and now works across the continent with offices in San Francisco and New York. The firm strives to create spaces that are direct representations of his clients, without any imposed nuances or elements that are not befitting of their personalities. 'No project is too large or two small in our eyes" says the company profile, as well as a firm stance on attention to detail and customer service and satisfaction.

Our readers have most likely heard of Grant before, he has had numerous features in Elle Décor, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, and Better Homes & Gardens. He has also received prestigious positioning within these pages, including being names as one of "The 10 Designers to Watch" in Domino, and the "5 Designers to Watch" in Elle Décor.

His blog has also been well-received, Grant's focus is typically design-related, but he certainly touches on other elements of his life including his love of fashion, food and travel.

He is a true design star and we are thrilled to get his input for our 'In Conversation With' series, read on to get in on the conversation…

Ivan Meade - What was your first experience by design?

Grant K. Gibson - I would have to say that my first design experience was designing my childhood bedroom. Even at a really young age, I was always changing things around and moving things, painting the walls and taking up carpet to show the hardwood floors hidden under.

My path to design really started when I was in college studying for a degree in psychology (which has totally come in very handy in interior design) I was on the path to become a psychologist when a good friend told me about an art history class that she thought that I should sit in on. Before the end of the lecture, I had already made up my mind that I was going to switch majors. That really started my love of art and architecture and design. In New York, I then interned and worked a few antique stores and then started to do my own apartment as well as friends who liked the way that I did my apartment.

I then thought, why not try to do my own thing and start my own company in interior design. The dream was then born and then I ended up moving to San Francisco, where I really started to get serious about my design company. New York always holds a spot in my heart, so I am happy that I can have the best of both words and work between both cities with offices in both New York and San Francisco.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade – What is the most practical thing you own and what is the most rare?

Grant K. Gibson - I think that the most practical piece that I own is a custom table that I designed with a very tailored slipcover over it. I love that it can serve as a desk or table and I can make a mess with paperwork or books or fabrics, but then at the end of the day, I can put things in baskets and hide them away. Under the table, I also have a small file cabinet for important papers and a printer. I don't like to look at those things, so it is wonderful to keep those things hidden.

As for the most rare piece that I own. It would be a Beidermeir secretary that I have in my dining room. I purchased it around 5 years ago as a birthday treat to myself. It was from a dealer in New York. I simply fell in love with it and just bought it on the spot. It was the most spontaneous purchase that I have ever made, but I look at it everyday and it makes me smile.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What should every room have in it?

Grant K. Gibson - Every room should have good lighting. With this, I suggest having everything on dimmers. This is from the overhead lighting and table/floor lamps. Lamps that are on too bright are too harsh.

I also think that it is key to have a layering of lighting, so that it is not all from one light source. The layering adds dimension and depth to a space. Bad lighting can really kill a room.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What do you think the homes of today are missing?

Grant K. Gibson - Were do I start? Architectural details? History? creativity and originality? I don't understand builders that construct new houses that have horrible construction or lack of architecture at all. These details really help to make a space. When I say creativity or originality- by this I mean I see lots of people with these cookie-cutter designs. They have what everyone else has. This is the problem that we face with so many big companies. I feel like creating custom, fine crafted pieces are like pieces of art and make a space feel unique and individual. I am not suggesting that a whole house has to be custom, but mixing styles and sources and making it your own is what I think is interesting about a space.

An interior is about the people that live in them. It should reflect their lifestyle- how they live and what they like.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What do you look for in a furniture piece?

Grant K. Gibson - Like we just talked about with custom design, I tend to do a lot of custom pieces for my clients. When I look at pieces or am working with my vendors to create pieces, I am looking for quality and something that is timeless. I like pieces of furniture to be able to last for many years. If someone gets tired of the fabric, it can be re-covered.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - One of the elements that I really like about your design aesthetic is that you always use real art in your projects and elements with old world patina - Is this part of your design philosophy?

Grant K. Gibson - Thank you. I do like to mix in things with a touch of old world charm. Trust me, not all of my clients like that look at all. I like to think of myself a traditionalist- but a new traditionalist. I love and respect things that come from the past, but I like to mix them up and play with things and make them more current today. I like to keep things light and not to heavy handed. I think of this as being not the way that your parents or grandparents would have had. I work with a lot of young couples that want to keep it fresh and fun. I do like to add an element of humor and surprise if I can to every project. I would say overall that I have an eclectic style and have really enjoyed learning and pushing the limits with my clients over the past years.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What is your approach to lifestyle and design?

Grant K. Gibson - I wake up everyday and I pinch myself. I have been very fortunate in life and I love what I do. So many people have jobs that they are not passionate about. My job keeps me on my toes (and can be a challenge for sure). It's not like all I do is go shopping and pick out pretty things all day long. I think that overall, I have a pretty positive outlook and attitude on life. I am a pretty relaxed and funny person. This I feel like reflected in the designs that I work with in my client projects. I am pretty clear with my clients from the start that there will be delays and always some issues along the. I like to tell them that really there is no such thing as a "design emergency". At the end of the day, we still have people without jobs, children starving in the world and so many other things to think about. It is not that I am a lazy designer and make excuses at all, I take each project very seriously. I just feel that we don't leave this world with any of the things that we have collected or purchased. Buying things doesn't solve problems or at the end of the day make people happy.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade – You seem to really enjoy blogging, which is part of what makes your blog so much fun to read. What is your favourite thing about blogging?

Grant K. Gibson - For me, my blog is very one sided. It is pretty much about me and my life. I don't really blog too much on other designers or use recycled photos of spaces. I love writing about my travels and my projects that I am working on. I have loved connecting with other designers and bloggers out there. That part has been wonderful to meet other people that are interested in the same things.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade – It’s great that you share some of your personal life with your bloggers as well, such as your own personal and clients projects. What has that process been like?

Grant K. Gibson - When I started my blog, I started it so that I could share photos of a trip to Paris with friends back home. I thought that it was a way that I could put up photos and talk about my time. After returning home, I thought about it and I decided to just start writing more and keep it up. That was around 3 years ago. For me it has been an amazing tool to put myself out there and for people to get to know me more. I have actually found many clients because of it. They have told me that they felt like that were able to get to know me more by reading my blog. By my cooking or traveling or all of my adventures. I think that often a website is static and it doesn't get updated very often. A blog is meant to get updated frequently (I try to blog once a week) and be up to date.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

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

Grant K. Gibson - Years ago, a very wise and well known design in this industry told me to: Never forget that you are the designer and they are the client and not to live the same lifestyle that the client does. He meant that so many designers get caught up in the design world and end up trying to live the same lifestyle that the client does. This designer also told me to give the client what they want. That has been key for me. There are times that I might not like exactly what they have selected. I have to remember that they are the ones that will be living there at the end of the project- not me.

Interior Design by Grant K. Gibson

Iván Meade - What does it feel like to be announced as one of Top 5 Designers to watch in America by Elle Décor Magazine?

Grant K. Gibson - I am still on top of the world from this. I have been reading Elle Decor forever. I always had big dreams of being published in the pages of Elle Decor one day. When Margaret Russell picked up the phone to call me to tell me that she wanted to select me as one of the Top 5 designers to watch- I nearly dropped the phone.

I feel honoured and know what a special and unique being selected by Elle Decor is. To be honest, my life hasn't been the same since. I have received a great group of wonderful new clients and I couldn't be happier.

Interior Design by Grant K.Gibson

Iván Meade – What is next for Grant K. Gibson Interior Design?

Grant K. Gibson - Well, I am always playing with the idea of a line of fabric and furniture and I have actually started a book. All of which might take me years to complete. I am in no rush and I am not going anywhere!

In Conversation with Axis Decorative Arts

Foster Eastman & Tracy Averill

 

Tracy Averill and Foster Eastman turned their passion for collecting French antiques into a business. By 2001, when Axis Decorative Arts opened on Howe Street, the pair had been collecting French furnishings from the 1920's-1940's for over a dozen years. They were an immediate success thanks to their refined eye and design skills. Visiting their showroom alone is a real experience, the combination of vintage pieces in pristine condition paired with contemporary accents and their brilliant glamour-meets-industrial space is a combination to die for.

 

Axis Decorative Arts

 

Axis Decorative Arts focuses on 3 main types of business: Interior Design, Sales, and Consulting. Their spaces are stunning combinations of styles, moody lighting, and textures that feels so decadent yet liveable. Their inclusion of art and antiques really do add a personal but rich touch to the overall atmosphere. The sales portion of their business is a great find - all of the beautiful pieces from Paris and Southern France that once can see in their showroom are actually for sale, and you can be sure that it is a genuine, quality piece when purchasing from Axis. And lastly, their consulting has brought them much success with movie sets and events - glamorous!

 

I have always admired their showroom and their work, and I cannot wait to find out more about the men behind Axis Decorative Arts - read on to get in on the conversation…

 

Ivan Meade - What was your first experience with design?

Tracy Averill -I worked for a fashion retailer in the late 70's and early 80's and that company trained me for their display department. I was a quick learner and ended up managing a region for them. I then went to work for Holt Renfrew and worked as the visual presentation manager for ten years.

 

Interior Design by Axis Decorative Arts

 

Iván Meade - Where does your passion for collecting 1920's -1940's French Furnishings come from?

Tracy Averill -Foster and I both collected 18th and 19th century antiques for a few years and did two apartments in that style. When Foster opened Axis Hair Salons we started to look at Art Deco pieces from the 1920's for the salons and soon became hooked! We moved to a modern apartment and changed our collecting from that point on. I loved the clean lines of the Deco period and how well they worked with contemporary  furniture and art. We have been on that hunt for great pieces ever since. That has opened our eyes to all things 20th century. The French part of it has been many trips to Paris and the south of France and that has also taken us to Italy looking for great pieces from the 1960's

 

Interior Design by Axis Decorative Arts

 

Iván Meade - What do you look for in a furniture piece?

Tracy Averill -I like what vintage furniture adds to the room. I feel that a good piece should also add function but for me uniqueness and quality would be what I would want out of it. So much of what I see I see everywhere and that would not hold my interest for very long. It is hard to put into words but I just know when I see a piece that works. It has very little to do with price but like all things the best are always going to cost.

 

Interior Design by Axis Decorative Arts

 

Iván Meade – What is the most practical thing you own and what is the most rare?

Tracy Averill -All pieces that have storage are practical and add tons in what has become smaller and smaller spaces. I love using sideboards or buffets in living rooms to anchor the room and you can put so much in them. I also think that a desk in the living room with a great desk chair is perfect. I have one and I use it all the time and with lap tops you can keep them small and tidy? I have a desk set by Hermes made in the 1930's in perfect condition... that is rare.

 

Interior Design by Axis Decorative Arts

 

Iván Meade - What do you think the furnishings of today are missing?

 

Tracy Averill -Most furnishings that I like today, and I like many just need time and use to soften the edges. I now look for pieces from the 70's to do that in coffee tables end tables even soft furnishings so I don't have to wait.  

 

Interior Design by Axis Decorative Arts

 

Iván Meade - One of my favourite aspects of your designs is that you use original Art, Sculptures and elements with old world patina in all your projects - Do you design around these pieces or are the pieces guests to your spaces?

 

Tracy Averill -I think that all my interiors start from a few pieces that I like the look of together. I then start to fill in the spaces with pieces that are needed to make the room function. I would always wait for them to come from a vintage source in my own rooms but that is not always the way that it works with clients. In that case we look at what is available in the new lines. But for me the balance should lean toward vintage this is where the room will stand out from what we see around us today. Art is very important and original art is also very assessable at any price level. Sculpture is a little more difficult as good pieces are hard to find and will cost a bit, but don't put a ugly sculpture in a room as it will always stand out!!

 

Interior Design by Axis Decorative Arts

 

Iván Meade - I also noticed that you often enhance every space with beautiful paneling and custom fireplaces that work in concert with modern living, but also relate with the antique furnishings  you use - How do you achieve this?

 

Tracy Averill -I am glad you ask this question as I think it is what I try to do in all rooms. The back grounds to fine antiques and 20th century vintage need to help contain the pieces. I love to use a grid of panels to frame the room and help focus the eye. A fire place is a great central focus for a room. Most new homes or apartments unfortunately have ugly fireplaces in the worst places so for me they need to be redone or blocked up.

 

Interior Design by Axis Decorative Arts

 

Iván Meade - What is your approach to lifestyle and design?

 

Tracy Averill -I think that some of us see design in everything that we approach and the lifestyle is almost a by product. Living with style takes some work you have to take the time to put things in order. It is often the small details that set this apart from the ordinary and I try to see through what I find as mundane and make it more interesting.

 

Interior Design by Axis Decorative Arts

 

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

 

Tracy Averill -Having the patience to research and find just the right piece to give the room that WOW factor.

 

Interior Design by Axis Decorative Arts

 

Iván Meade –  What is next for Axis Decorative Arts Interior Design?

 

Tracy Averill -My market is now global and I have alined myself with 1st Dibb's most of my business is now international and I see that as the future.

 

Interior Design by Axis Decorative Arts

 

Iván Meade - Lastly, you have created a stunning body of work in a multitude of mediums – what would you like your legacy to be?

Tracy Averill -That clients enjoy the experience as much as I do. Helping them see them selves in their homes living with quality vintage pieces and striving for uniqueness.

The Foodie Influence – Y.A.M. Magazine

 

 

I am so excited to let you know that my own kitchen, yes you read it right, my own kitchen has been featured in the latest issue May/Jun 11 (page 28-33) of Y.A.M. magazine.  It has been really nice to see my space through other eyes.  I am very happy with the end result of the article – and why not? I am very proud of my new title as a self-confessed foodie.

 

Kerry Slavens wrote a beautiful review of my kitchen and the thoughts behind my design choices.  The images are also extremely nice thanks to the skilled eye of well known local photographer Jeff Bosdet.

 

 

I really like the photography on pages 30-31- as it really showcases how open and light my space is. 

 

My dear friend Tara from Tara McHugh Flora made all the stunning flower arrangements for the photo-shoot. 

 

 

If you are in Victoria you need to get a copy of Y.A.M. magazine, if you are not we will tweet the link to the virtual magazine when it comes out. 

Art in Bloom 2011 – “Design Fit for a King”

This year Meade Design Group have been very fortunate to be invited by the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria to reinterpret an art piece of their permanent collection in a botanical extravaganza as part of their annual exhibition Art in Bloom.

 

 

Leading creative professionals in the field of design were selected to celebrate spring creating unique floral interpretations.  We were assigned a stunning  oil painting in canvas by Theresa Victoria Wylde (circa 1909) entitled “This Is The World, And I Am King…”  (127” height X 137.5 width). Our interpreted  title for the exhibit is  “Design Fit For A King”.

 

Description

The central figure is a young girl with long wavy black hair who wears a purple gingham dress with a purple over-dress; she is sitting in a forest by a stream, holding an apple(orb) in one hand & a foxglove(septre)in the other; she has a 'crown' of evergreen boughs with cones in her hair; a squirrel sits nearby, watching her.

- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

 

We were inspired by the description of the painting and we also wanted to display all our strengths as a multidisciplinary design studio.  We designed 3 pieces for the installation.  The first idea that came to my mind when I saw the piece was “ethereal” – I wanted to create an installation that was light and complemented the painting.

 

The first piece we designed was a massive Plexiglas cube to encase the antique chest that was below the painting.  As an interior designer I felt that the scale of the chest was not big enough to hold the visual weight of the painting, so we corrected the proportions and the scale of the chest with a new Plexiglas structure making the chest look like an archived piece.  We also incorporated a modern interpretation of some of the elements of the painting with contemporary graphics. Our design complemented the William Morris wall paper  showcasing our strengths in Graphic Design.  Natashita brought to life our ideas choosing an opalescent metallic vinyl that complemented the colour scheme of its surroundings.

 

 

The second piece we designed was a Plexiglas plinth that mimic the proportions of the chest. We cover the face of the plinth with the same vinyl we used in the cube below to continue the flow.  As for the 3rd piece we designed the flower vase which references the foxglove flower in the painting. 

 

 

Artist Statement

We were inspired by the strong vertical line created by the foxgloves held by the girl in this painting. We wanted an organic, linear form to overlap the painting asymmetrically to create a strong, contemporary vignette that still works with this traditional piece.

We used a combination of anemones, tube roses, double tulips, mosses and greens accented by drumstick alliums and fuchsia trachelium. We wanted to build up a woodland feeling with berries, mosses and greens, but still have interesting forms and textures with more exotic accents. This is reinforced by the golden graphic that has been applied to the acrylic base which encases the trunk.

 

 

Mini Flower Bouquets

 

Here is Echito our flower arranger extraordinaire.

 

Adjusting last minute details.

 

And here it is the complete installation.

“Design Fit For A King”

 

We want to extend our gratitude to Plexiklass, Rook and Rose, Brenda Marks – Kravet, and Garside Signs and Displays for all their help, patience and guidance to make this project come together.

 

If you are in Victoria don’t miss the hottest ticket in town!

 

Art in Bloom 2011 - a week long celebration of fine art and all things botanical. The bi-annual fundraiser heralds the beginning of spring to Vancouver Island, and supports exhibitions and programming at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Art in Bloom highlights the talents of local and international artists, writers, floral designers and garden experts.