Hospitality Design - December 2009 - 66

on site janie stanfield From top: A painting by Jeoff Garza hangs in the Westin Philadelphia; the Mansion on Peachtree in Atlanta features a photograph by David Johndrow. time when security was low and you could walk [into museums] and touch a Botticelli. I knew then I was destined to be part of the art scene.” On her return to Georgia, she opened a gallery in Decatur, bartending three nights a week for four years to keep her business afloat. “The excitement and the passion had me hooked!” she says. “I realized I was the perfect facilitator for artists. I understood their energy, their sensitivities—even their self-traumatized lives!” Stanfield’s endeavors ultimately resulted in a partnership with Roger Caplan. Her Soho Workshop and his Myriad Fine Art galleries combined to create Soho Myriad in 1991 (Caplan is the CEO and CFO of the company). “The chemistry between a posh boardingschool Brit and a free-spirited North Georgia country gal has made for a winning combo. I don’t think either of us would have been quite so successful without the other.” “Successful” for Soho Myriad now means four off ices—Atlanta, London, West Palm Beach, Florida, and Los Angeles—and a hotel client list that includes Ritz-Carlton, Hilton, St. Regis, Four Seasons, Rosewood, and Mandarin Oriental. They source paintings, prints, sculptures, and feature pieces for hotel spaces that, in the words of their slogan, “defines [a client’s] identity through art.” She gives enormous credit for her firm’s success to her employees: “Our culture is built on a genuine passion for art. I’d say 99 percent of the people working with me are painters, sculptors, musicians, art historians, or writers. Their spirit is the pulse of our service, whether it’s catering to design clients or representing the thousands of artists we work with around the country.” Stanfield describes her relationship with designers and properties when planning an installation, noting the four steps: concept, design, purchasing, installation. “When the ownership of a property contacts us, we start by contacting the designer to share the style, inspiration, or story behind the concept. He or she will typically provide samples of furniture, fabrics, floorplans, and architecture. “Next our team prepares an array of art packages to get a sense of the designer’s taste. (We try to push them to edgier work.) Then we refine the selections. We’re f lexible, always prepared to take on whatever role is required and work within their vision. For a more experienced designer, that vision will often be very clear. Our options will help realize it accordingly. Above all, our services cater to a wide range of budgets without compromising For Stanfield’s thoughts on the common mistakes made by designers when specifying art, log on to www.hdmag.com. our unique products.” Stanfield derives enormous satisfaction from helping designers do their jobs. “Attractive, cohesive art is essential to creating the mood of interior spaces,” she says. “Individuality is central for designers to separate themselves from the pack. We can make that happen with boundless and unique art options, from work by emerging artists to blue-chippers, with collections worth $100k to those worth millions.” hd www.sohomyriad.com hospitalitydesign www.hdmag.com

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Hospitality Design - December 2009