KBB - June/July 2009 - (Page 32)

Profile Native Californian Jeff Andrews did not begin his professional life in the world of design. In fact, his childhood ambitions lay in dance, for “the concept of movement has always fascinated me,” he noted. This fascination led him to a career as a choreographer and director of fashionthemed productions around the world for such companies as Reebok, Puma, Ocean Paciﬁc and Obermeyer. He has also choreographed the Lido in Paris, as well as several commercials and music videos. Andrews made the switch from dance when he was asked to design a home for What learning experience has had the most impact on you? I have had the advantage of much on-the-job training. It can be a blessing and a curse. In design, every decision and detail is important; it is all an integral part of the ﬁnal result. Making mistakes along the way has taught me the importance of details, organization and triple-checking everything. Things are not always the same on paper as they are in person. Also, technicalities aside, it is often the “feeling” a room has that makes it work, not just the sum of its parts. What’s the biggest misconception about what you do? That design is easy and just about taste. Once a client sees all the work that goes into every aspect of a project, they understand what an asset a designer can be. Q&A Jeff Andrews, JEFF ANDREWS—DESIGNS Eleanor Mondale, daughter of former Vice President Walter Mondale. The project proved pivotal, opening the door to others with Mondale, as well as with such celebrities as Ryan Seacrest, America Ferrera and Michael C. Hall. Andrews has since styled homes in the Hollywood Hills, the Hamptons and Beverly Hills, as well as Rome, and his interiors have been featured in various publications, including Architectural Digest, Metropolitan Home and Vogue Living. More recently, his work appeared on the cover of the book, The Luxury Bathroom, by Samantha Nestor. What is your favorite product? Tile. I love its multidimensional quality and how it stands the test of time. Paint is right up there though. When you walk into a kitchen or bath you didn’t design, what do you tend to notice ﬁrst? The design decisions, what I admire about them as much as what I disagree with. I tend to think most kitchens and baths are overdesigned. I prefer classic rooms with a customized edge and beautiful materials used creatively and wisely. What is your greatest strength as a designer? I like to think I have the ability to take bold design concepts and transform them into livable, functional homes. I like to take risks. I listen. I love problem-solving and I’m a perfectionist. What is your most annoying weakness as a designer? I have a tendency to change my mind a lot…and I’m a perfectionist. What’s the one thing that keeps you up at night? Usually, it’s the endless list of things to do: ﬁnding the right piece, measurements, colors, details. Did I make the right decision? Should I see another sample? On a good day, I will wake up with some clarity or plan of action. Design is not the kind of job you leave at the ofﬁce—it’s constant. What’s the one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven’t yet? I would love to design a small hotel as well as a restaurant. I am also working on my own product line and thinking about a book. World domination sounds good. s —Alice Liao What “words of wisdom” can/do you share with others? Pay attention to details. Always have a master plan but leave room for evolution. Be completely honest; anything else is a waste of time. Oh, and never say never. What is the most intriguing aspect of your job? With each project, there is the chance to make someone’s life more beautiful and to create new and exciting spaces. The trust that my clients have in me is amazing. What do you hate about it? The possibility of failure, mostly in my own eyes. Tell us about your favorite/ideal customer? I like clients to challenge me. I love a highly collaborative relationship with a clear common goal. The design process is as personal and intricate as any other connection. Respect, patience and trust are the traits I most admire in a client. For more of this interview, go to www.kbbonline.com/Andrews 32 + K BB June/July July 2004 2009 / www.kbbonline.com / The Ofﬁcial Sponsor of K/BIS www.kbis.com http://www.kbbonline.com/Andrews http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - June/July 2009

KBB - June/July 2009
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KBB - June/July 2009