An Enduring LegacyWritten by Jennifer Quail It all began with a relatively simple, extraordinarily ambitious idea: To make the most beautiful, unique, expertly crafted carpets the world had ever seen. Nine decades later, it’s a mission that continues to motivate and drive Edward Fields Carpet Makers, a creative house that firmly believes there are no limits when it comes to carpet design. Throughout his years at the helm of his namesake business, Edward Fields would be referred to by colleagues and collaborators as a maverick, a showman, a style icon, a master marketer, an inventor, a perfectionist, a partner and a friend. His life and his legacy are celebrated in a new documentary—The Fifth Wall—which debuts at the Museum of Arts & Design during NYCxDESIGN this spring. 1935 At the age of 23, Edward Fields and his new bride spend their honeymoon in Manhattan, setting up the first showroom for his fledgling company, Edward Fields Carpet Makers. The goal was clear: to morph the humble carpet into a luxury item, one bespoke design at a time. The current showroom continues the tradition of carpet as art. 1940s Marion Dorn joins the firm and serves intermittently as its director of design for years to come. Referred to as “the architect of floors,” Dorn’s reign begins a legacy of women designers guiding the creativity at Edward Fields. Mid-1940s Edward Fields invents the Magic Needle. The handheld device would make the company’s signature hand-tufted quality possible and would consequently change the carpet and rug industry […]View
Almost HeavenWritten by Danine Alati Photography by Keith Scott Morton “Everywhere you walk, everywhere you look, you should see something beautiful,” says internationally renowned designer Clodagh. This dictum of her design studio is evident in a stunning 4,000-square-foot-plus penthouse Clodagh designed in New York’s West Village for a couple of art aficionados. Set high above the bustling city, this penthouse serves not only as a calming respite for its inhabitants and all who visit, but also a serene backdrop for an eclectic and expansive collection of artwork. “Our goal was to create a space that delivers the clients a welcome hug as they walk into this penthouse. Massive glass windows offer stunning views of the city, so grounding was necessary,” says Clodagh, who explains that her design team sought to “create a harmonious blend of easy living for this sophisticated art-collecting couple who love to entertain at home, but who also enjoy a peaceful and serene environment, far above the noisy urban landscapes below.” With this duplex penthouse as their primary residence, the clients knew what they wanted from Clodagh and her uber-talented design team—including Nancie Min, Eliana Lee, and Suh Young Hwang. “The design brief was to update and refresh the entire space and bring the breathtaking outdoors inside and vice versa,” explains the high-end New York–based designer with more than four decades of experience under her belt. Sprawling wraparound terraces totaling 3,000-plus square feet on both levels of the residence connect this home to the city while extending penthouse […]View
Out of the ashesWritten by Kelsey Mulvey Photography by Suzanna Scott When Brittany H. Giannone of ABD Studio was hired to work on a 1904 Edwardian home in San Francisco’s Presidio Heights neighborhood, she was on a mission to rediscover the spirit of the home. The residence caught fire before her clients purchased the 6,090-square-foot space, with much of the interior reduced to ashes. “During our first visit, there were still plates on the dining room table from right before the fire happened,” she shares. “It was bittersweet because while it was very sad, we had the opportunity to bring new life into this home.” Along with Bay Area architect Nick Noyes, Giannone drew inspiration from the residence’s rich history, but really relied on the clients’ needs to give the home its new beginning. “We wanted outsiders to experience the home and have it feel like the clients’ space,” she explains. “That’s my whole design ethos. It’s the hardest, but best compliment to receive as a designer.” Since the property required a lot of repairs, Noyes had the opportunity to open the once-constricting rooms to create a more expansive, inclusive floor plan. “But even in your more opened up public spaces, you still want those intimate areas where you can cozy up,” Giannone counters, referencing the charming reading nooks sprinkled throughout the home. On the design front, Giannone wanted to honor her clients’ penchant for pigments. “The clients love jewel tones—no pastels,” she explains. “They wanted the space to be bright and fresh […]View
Perfectly ImperfectWritten by Nicole Haddad Photography by Mark Roskams In this vibrant, prewar Carnegie Hill residence, the walls tell a story—one of beauty and love, of a life well-lived, and of artistic creation and appreciation. Portraits seem to partake in casual conversation in the dining room, sculptures stand as silent sentinels on fireplace mantels, and stacks of art supplies—including a paper guillotine—whisper of works soon to be realized. It’s certainly unconventional in nature, but architect Enda Donagher found his client, a recently widowed artist, and her directive, quite refreshing. “My client is an artist and a collector—she’s involved in printmaking, photography, typesetting, painting, etc.—and she has a variety of interesting hobbies that range from boxing to tennis to singing in a choir. She’s quite fun,” laughs Donagher. “She’s also been involved in the art world her entire life and loves to entertain,” he continues. “So, she envisioned a livable space that not only showcases her collection of art, books, and design, but also inspires her, serves as a setting for gatherings, and, above all, ensures every room functions as a workspace.” To deliver on his client’s wishes, Donagher put wheels on all the flat-file cabinets and a handful of worktables, allowing her to follow the natural light around the apartment as it changes throughout the day. An itinerant atelier if you will. “The way the planes come together, it’s almost Cubist in nature.” —Enda Donagher A mere step into the entry hall, and one is instantly drawn into a world where […]View
Sight Lines“The metal pattern work on Villa Allegra draws inspiration from the ornate lacework found in the historic architecture of Miami Beach. In developing the villa’s intricate details, we approached the process much like sampling in hip hop—drawing from and remixing the materials and decorative elements of the storied homes that surround the islands. At the heart of the design is a filigree based on an ancient sacred geometry known as the Circle of Life—a symbol of creation, unity, and the profound interconnectedness of all living things. What captivated us about the pattern is its ability to be both figurative and abstract—offering multiple interpretations through the simple, poetic gesture of overlapping circles. Each screen was handmade, and the subtle imperfections that result from this artisanal process only deepen the character and soul of the architecture.” —Chad Oppenheim, Founding Principal, Oppenheim Architecture Oppenheim Architecture is a global design practice engaging with diverse clients, cultures, and environments across six continents. Established in 1999 by Chad Oppenheim, the practice has studios in Miami, Aspen, Basel, and Tirana with an inquisitive team of over seventy architects, interior designers, planners, dreamers, and technicians. The studios operate as one, guided by poetically contextual design, hyperfunctionality, and building craft. oppen.comView
Step by StepWritten by Thomas Connors Photography by Adam Kane Macchia Every home reno project—no matter how seemingly simple—is built on myriad decisions. So many, in fact, that it can be tough to know where to begin. But when interior designer Purvi Padia decided to rework the West Village duplex she shares with her husband and two children, she knew exactly where to start: the staircase. Too often, staircases are treated as uninspiring necessities. Builders often just slap one up against a wall and run it straight up, calling it a day. But when cantilevered or bifurcated, gently turned or spun in a spiral, a staircase combines utility and beauty, function and formality, like no other architectural component. Not thrilled with the straight-run, glass-and-wood staircase in place when she acquired her unit, Padia put her mind to a curved affair. “I had already begun designing it in my head before I ever contacted an architect,” she says. “As the staircase is situated in the middle of the apartment it was super important to me that it looked special from every angle.” —Purvi Padia When she was ready to make it a reality, Padia turned to Alex Nizhikhovskiy and The Turett Collaborative. “We went through many design options for the curved stair, playing around with the radius in plan, as well as the curvature of the shell in section, and figuring the proper sizing and orientation of the stair treads,” shares Nizhikhovskiy. “Besides studying these options through drawings, sketches, and renderings, we also […]View
Garden of Earthly DelightsReading List The team at Hoerr Schaudt recommends their favorite books for garden inspiration. Gardens are for People by Thomas Church, Grace Hall, and Michael Laurie Doug Hoerr, FASLA, Co-Founder and Senior Partner: “Design eye candy for seeing how to seamlessly integrate all the moving parts of a garden or landscape into a pleasing and functional whole.” Nick Fobes, PLA, Partner: “This classic by Thomas Church distills garden design into a simple yet insightful approach, emphasizing how people truly experience outdoor spaces. Church’s insights on designing for function, beauty, and experience remain just as relevant today as when the book was first published.” Beth Chatto’s Green Tapestry Revisited: A Guide to a Sustainably Planted Garden Doug Hoerr: “Plantsman Beth Chatto bridged the gap between design and horticulture. This book teaches the dynamic and architectural power of plant composition and selection based on the microclimates of the site.” Carroll Conway, President and Partner: “Green Tapestry by Beth Chatto is a great read for designers, offering practical insights on naturalistic planting and how to create beautiful, sustainable landscapes that work with nature. I love this book for its thoughtful approach and real-world wisdom, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for inspiration in designing with nature in mind.” Movement and Meaning: The Landscapes of Hoerr Schaudt Carroll Conway: “We would be remiss if we didn’t include Hoerr Schaudt’s Movement and Meaning. In this book, we share 45 public, private, and cultural projects and how we embed plant material into our designs […]View
Urban ArcadiaWritten by Carl Dellatore Photography by Scott Shigley In the 1970 hit “Big Yellow Taxi,” Joni Mitchell lamented the age’s urban sprawl with her now famous line, “They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot.” Fifty-five years later, in what would most certainly please the octogenarian singer, landscape architect Doug Hoerr of Hoerr Schaudt reversed one such metamorphosis in Columbus, Ohio, reimagining a paved space as a verdant oasis. The ambitious nine-month transformation began with the new homeowners’ desire to return to an urban lifestyle reminiscent of their early married years in Boston, where they could walk to restaurants and enjoy the vibrancy of city living. Their chosen property, a storied 17,000-square-foot former school building that had later housed various businesses, provided the perfect canvas to bring them full circle. This transformation represents something landscape architects strive to achieve—turning urban spaces into gardens that enhance private enjoyment and community character. Working within the rigorous guidelines of the German Village historic district, Hoerr designed a garden that quietly aligns with the neighborhood’s character. Every element was carefully considered to complement the landmark surroundings—from the mortar composition to locally sourced bricks that match the original materials. The walls, doors, and pathways were structured on a geometric grid extending from the house, creating what Hoerr describes as an “effortless dovetailing” between architecture and landscape. Bespoke metalwork–including gates and lighting fixtures—was designed to complement the hardscaping. Privacy was a key consideration in this urban setting. Careful screening shields views of an adjacent church […]View
Inner LightWritten by Deborah L. Martin Photography by Jody Beck Minimalism is hard to achieve but in this penthouse condo in Victoria, British Columbia, it is perfectly executed and comes equipped with abundant natural light, the latest technology, and a prime location. Designer Pamela Billinghurst reimagined the dated space into a modern aerie, where from its vantage spot on historic Yates Street it boasts views of the Olympic Peninsula and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The 1500-square-foot condo was for a client who, according to Billinghurst, “values minimalism and desired a home with clean lines, an efficient layout, and clever storage solutions.” Through careful space planning, the dining room became an extension of the kitchen with the addition of a nook for a coffee and wine bar, making the space practical for both daily use and entertaining. Additionally, the existing powder room and guest bathroom were merged to become one large bath. The primary bedroom had two closed walk-in closets. Billinghurst opened these up and added custom millwork. Finally, she removed the door to the ensuite bath for a seamless transition into the primary bedroom. Billinghurst chose Vola fixtures because of their minimalist aesthetic, saying, “the deceptively simple detailing of Vola is in perfect alignment with our design philosophy and vision for this space.” Billinghurst says, “Having a smart home was important to our clients.” She incorporated responsive lighting and cutting-edge automated features to suit the homeowner’s needs. “Our goal was to create an environment that inspires a sense of […]View
Den of ThievesWritten by Deborah L. Martin In the picturesque village of Prestbury, in Cheshire, England, sits an Arts & Crafts country home designed by architect Thomas Worthington in the 1920s. The estate, called Thieves Hollow, occupies 10 acres of impressively manicured grounds and wild English woods, and was built in the butterfly style, with a central section of public rooms and wings on either side. The name Thieves Hollow, in true English fashion, comes from a legend that tells of a farmer who, while on his way to sell a horse, happens upon a wizard in a place called Thieves Hole. The architecture and siting of the home means that it is bathed in abundant natural light, and a new two-story extension has increased the functionality of the design for modern life. The extension, which enlarges the existing lodge and connects to the main house, adds a gym, spa, pool, media room, and bar, as well as an additional kitchen, plus changing rooms and a wine cellar. Just beyond lies a smaller outdoor pool with a view across the gently sloping lawn and formal gardens. Inside the graciously appointed manse, the grand double-height entrance hall, with its oak-paneled and upholstered walls, showcases a balustrade staircase to the second story. Light pours in through hand-made, lead-glass windows and illuminates a massive stone fireplace with carved overmantel. True to houses built in this period, the solid-oak doors, cornices, floors, and paneling give it a sense of permanence, designed to last through the centuries. […]View