1) What is your favorite BHD project (either that you have worked on or not)?
Avow was a great project. Beautiful historic renovation with a passionate client made for great storytelling. I love that its local and easy to swing by and enjoy!
2) What is your favorite design product?
My next purchase is a set of the fyrn mariposa chairs for our dining room. I love that the chairs are timeless, heirloom pieces that are easy to ship, replacement parts are simple to install, and they are comfortable. The company’s commitment to the planet and the design innovation that goes into every aspect of their operation is truly inspiring.
3) What (or who) inspired you to be a designer?
My Godfather, Barry Elbasani, was a talented architect who founded a firm, ELS, in Berkley. When I would come visit during the summer, I spent many hours as a kid running around the studio, drawing on trace and seeing what he was working on. When I was graduating from undergrad as a Studio Art/ Politics major I had no idea what to do next. He saw in me my love of travel and talent for art. He encouraged me to go to design school and study interior design. While at the Academy of Art, I would spend weekends with him at the studio where he would give me critiques of my projects. I learned from the best and it was an education I will never forget.
4) If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive, who would they be?
Keanu Reeves, Jack Johnson, and Chris Farley
5) What is your most used emoji?
6) What was your first job?
Tennis Camp Counselor
7) What are you streaming right now?
Righteous Gemstones, Ozark, True Crime & Cult Documentaries
8) What is your favorite snack food?
Spam Musubi or Tuna Onigiri
9) In a parallel universe, what is your profession?
Marine Biologist
10) Coffee or Tea? How do you take it?
Kombucha