There will be an empty chair
in Pioneer Square. 
We will be leaving our original home soon, the neighborhood we grew up in.  For the time being, we will be moving
into our second home, in Bellevue.  We are very proud of
our many decades of involvement in the Pioneer Square
community and are encouraged by the many new local
businesses and residents that are helping to keep the
area a vital and successful neighborhood. 
In order to thank you for the years of patronage (and
to make the move easier for us!),  we invite you to participate in the biggest sale we have ever had ... with

price reductions of up to 70%!  This moving
sale will take place in both stores starting in December. 
Our talented designers will be available, as usual, to help
you with your plans for your home.  Come visit us early
for the best selection. 

J. Franklyn Design Group
creates a modern winter
wonderland in Medina. 

22 Interiors

A blank canvas is a design
dream for Vancouver’s Inoui
Design Collective. 

4

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

29 Shopping

Treasures await at Blackbird
and Haystack Antiques. 

32 Fashion

Kate Towers’ romantic
collection of hand-dyed
pieces is a stunner. 

39 Inspired

Product Runway’s winning
look is the spark for a
steampunk roundup. 

40 Color

Love it or hate it, gray is the
undeniable hue of the Pacific
Northwest. 

42 Interview

Architect Rex Hohlbein focuses
in on a faceless issue. 

46 Entertaining

Help your overnight guests
feel as welcome as possible. 

66 Who

74 Architecture

Impressive commercial
projects in Olympia,
Vancouver, and Eugene. 

Architectural luminary
George Suyama releases
his first solo monograph. 

76 Resources

68 Made Here

77 Library

72 Concept

79 Icon

ROLLOUT shows us what
happens if walls could talk. 
Pb Elemental helps a modern
beach house development go
prefab in White Rock. 

Design resources from
the issue. 
Peter Miller lists his
must-reads for the new year. 
The Eames Lounge Chair still
tops the design charts 55
years later. 

80 Zodiac

A design horoscope for
optimistic Sagittarius and
ambitious Capricorn. 

Features

50 Feminine Sophisticate

Robert Bailey gives a dark apartment
in Vancouver a fresh dose of white. 

58 The New Glamorous

Portland’s Maison Inc., packs a home
with pattern, texture, and personality
for a luxurious makeover. 

73 Tech

The best of two-wheeled
innovation. 

Visit graymag.net to subscribe. 

✤

On the Cover

Interior designer Jamie Dooley
decks a home out for
the holidays. 

sixteen
See page

Written by
Rachel Gallaher
Photographed by
alex hayden

contributors

hello

At
last,
presenting
Photographer hank drew

hankdrew.com
In this issue: Shopping (pg 30)
and Entertaining (pg 46)

Even as I write these words, I still can’t quite believe it.  The
inaugural issue of GRAY is here! 
We’ve spent the past eight months admiring gorgeous
projects, scouting local boutiques and showrooms, and speaking
with some amazingly talented people.  To say we’ve had an
embarrassment of riches would be an understatement.  Now we
finally get to share it all with you—our fellow design-lovers. 
The first prototype of GRAY looked vastly different from the
final product you have in your hands or are reading online.  We
considered a few different names (Design Goggles, Slant, and
Peak were all part of the conversation) and played with various
departments and layouts, but our focus on real, local design
hasn’t wavered in the slightest. 
GRAY is made up of a team of Pacific Northwesterners, and
we’re looking forward to showcasing the great design that our
home has to offer in this issue and many more to come. 
I’ll wrap it up so you can dive into the following pages, but
I would be remiss to go without mentioning our contributors,
friends, family, supporters, subscribers, and advertisers.  Thank
you for your generosity, kindness, and encouragement.  Without
you, this would not have been possible. 

A kitchen is a special space.  It’s the heart of any home and the place
we wil do most of our living.  Everything from mended knees and late
nighmt pep talaks, to laiughster-ﬁloed evennings with frieindsnand earcly morning
send-of s. You may live in a home, but life takes place in the kitchen. 
DESIGN

One of a Kind
Show and Sale
Vancouver

We would call it the living room
Because Life Takes Place in the Kitchen. 
that
name
was
already
taken. 
We would call it thebut
living
room
We would call it the living room

december 8–11, 2011

Never again ask the question, “Does she have this already?”  as you make your
holiday shopping rounds this year.  Browse unique apparel, furniture, jewelry,
and crafts from more than 300 designers and artisans all in one place at One of
a Kind Show and Sale Vancouver. 
 The New Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, B.C.,

oneofakindvancouver.com

™

dewils.com

LeFt tO rIGHt: START BY DeNIAL; POrCeLAIN BOWLS FrOM BLACKBIrD POtterY; FerrO WOOD tIMePIeCe FrOM MISturA.

but that name was already taken. 
but that name was already taken. 

Hot Winter Happenings
End and start your year right with can’t-miss design events

George nelson
Through febrUary 12, 2012

See the fabulous features of DeWils Cabinets
at our Showroom, or go to www.esddesign.com
for more information. 

ESD

EILEEN SCHOENER DESIGN, INC. 

kitchen isis a
a special
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the place
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1449 130TH AVE NE, BELLEVUE, WA 98005
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A kitchen is a special space.  It’s the heart of any home and the place
we will do most of our living.  Everything from mended knees and late
Phone: 1.866.450.9055 or 425.450.9055
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Design,
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“Simplify
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12515 Bel-Red Road, #101
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www.esddesign.com
10 GRAY issUe n .  one

If you had any doubt that the Nelson
Bubble Lamp or Marshmallow Sofa
were true works of art, then find some
reassurance at Bellevue Arts Museum’s
“George Nelson” exhibit, which has
220 objects—from iconic pieces to
architectural models—on display from
the legendary Herman Miller designer. 
 Bellevue Arts Museum,

bellevuearts.org

Handmade nW Formal
Holiday artisans Fair 2011

northwest Flower
& Garden show

december 18, 2011

febrUary 8–12, 2012

Three cheers for handmade crafts: hip,
hip, hooray!  You know that shopping
local and handmade is just downright
awesome.  More than 60 artisans are
offering up their fine crafts, wares, and
more—just in time for the holidays. 

The weather outside may still be frightful,
but spring will be here before you know
it.  Get an early jump on the season with
five days of floral arrangements, display
gardens, and outdoor-living wares at
the 23rd annual Northwest Flower &
Garden Show. 

 The Acadian Ballroom, Portland,

handmadenw.com

 Washington State Convention &

Trade Center, Seattle, gardenshow.com

79
GRAY issUe no.  one

11

raves

Win friends and influence people with your ability to conjure up facts about
moon cycles, seasonal harvests, and animal migration at a momentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notice
with Free Time Industriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2012 Naturalist Almanac.  Knowledge is power, kids. 
$43 at Free Time Industries, Seattle, freetimeindustries.com. 

f l e u r i s h
206.322.1602

fleurish.indd 1

fleurish.com

11/28/11 11:53:11 AM

hot list
Fill your list with new pieces to deck your halls with
or gift to others.  Good luck finding a stocking that fits. 
Written by StAcY kendAll

12

GRAY issUe no.  one

GRAY issUe no.  one

13

Baby
“We were interested in designing a product that is in contrast to
our electronic environment.  A way to relax at the end of the day
or socialize with friends that doesn’t include a television,
computer, or personal electronic device.’’ — Darin Montgomery, Urbancase

Sexy curves, swivel action, flat-pack
capability—this candlestick does it all.  And
if the words “sexy” and “candlestick” can
appear in the same sentence, then we say
Design House Stockholm has another
design hit on its hands.  Nordic Light
candleholder by Jonas Grundell for Design
House Stockholm, $72 at Design House,
Vancouver, B.C., designhouse.ca. 



raves

Burn,

Let There
Be Gold

Chair Apparent

Upholstered in recycled German
army blanket and constructed from
handsome walnut and sleek aluminum,
the 1.2 Chair by Urbancase is first in
line for a sophisticated side or dining
chair.  $750 in Seattle at Velocity Art
and Design, velocityartanddesign
.com; in Portland at EWF Modern,
ewfmodern.com. 

Deceptively simple, yet
utterly mesmerizing, the
Hanging Light in 24-karat
gold by Lukas Peet may
have been good enough
for King Midas, but we
think it’s beyond great for
21st-century kings and
commoners alike.  Price
available upon request at
Lukas Peet, Vancouver,
B.C., lukaspeet.com. 

Army Strong

The Military Bench, designed by Kirk Albert, is
one hunk of beautiful metal.  Crafted in Seattle’s
Georgetown neighborhood with American-made
steel and covered with a vintage Army blanket, this
limited-edition piece saves the design day.  $1,800 as
shown at Kirk Albert, Seattle, kirkalbert.com. 

All Tied Up<

You don’t have to be a
sailor to love these knots. 
Handmade in Japan by
artist Shigeki Fujishiro,
the eye-catching KNOT
basket is versatile and just
cool.  Period.  $275-$350 at
Alder & Co., Portland,
alderandcoshop.com. 

14

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

Hot Shot

Elegant soapstone keeps
adult beverages staying and
looking cool in Teroforma’s
new Ekke shot glasses.  The
nonporous stone retains
temperature for long periods
of time, but our guess is
that the glasses won’t stay
empty for long.  $38 for a
set of four at Tilde,
Portland, tildeshop.com. 

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

15

stats

who: J.

FRAnklYn deSiGn GROUp

what: Interior design

décor

details: principal Jamie Dooley has been working
in the design industry since 1982.  He specializes
in creating custom spaces that fit each client’s
lifestyle.  the J. Franklyn Design Group showroom
is located in Ravenna and carries various home
décor items. 

WINTER
Wonderland
Chic silver and icy white bring a dose of
sophistication to this season’s holiday décor
Written by RAchel GAllAheR : Photographed by Alex hAYden

silver and white holiday decorations complement the existing décor in kristen’s living room. 
Bella chairs from Twentieth in Los angeles were upholstered in silver fabric from . 
opposite: turquoise sequins add a glamorous touch to the traditional stocking line. 
GRAY issUe no.  one

17

décor

A flashy forest of silver and white trees stand sentry in the living room. 
Even with the fresh décor, Kristen embraces tradition with her grandmother’s
handmade tin Christmas ornaments from the 1940s.  opposite: In the dining
room, Kristen decorates her holiday table with an array of candlesticks and
holders found at The Standard, Z Gallerie, Pottery Barn, and antique
stores.  Bocci pendants add light from above. 

H

18

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

olidays are ripe with traditions.  For Medina resident

Kristen Newell , that means preparing for an annual Christmas dinner

get-together she has with a group of college friends.  As the repeat hostess last
December, Newell was looking to dazzle with her décor, so she enlisted longtime
friend and interior designer Jamie Dooley of J. Franklyn Design Group. 

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

19

décor

GRAY asks the question that no

one dares to utter:

liday décor? 

Is Santa out when it comes to ho

declares, “Santa can never be
Interior designer Jamie Dooley
a little bit of silver, but he’ll
out.  He might be all white with
t means we won’t be seeing
never be out.”  Phew!  Guess tha
this year. 
a lump of coal in our stockings

Kristen collects nutcrackers and, on a whim, painted several
of them white with touches of gold.  Dooley added a few gold
accents himself for color variation.  On the dining table, crystal
and glass accents give the impression of frosty ice and reflect
candlelight.  Simple place settings and crisp, white napkins
allow the table décor to take center stage.  Starburst napkin
holders add a vintage touch. 

20

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

“It was a little more difficult than in the past, because we
were trying to outdo ourselves,” Dooley explains.  At Kristen’s
request, they started with a specific color in mind.  The rest of
the design flowed from there. 
“I wanted everything as white as possible,” Kristen says of
the décor.  Her home already had the perfect base with mostly
white walls and furniture in the living and dining rooms.  To
offset the blast of white, Dooley opted for silver to add a subtle
glamour element to tie the two rooms together.  Punches of
turquoise made sure that the tone-on-tone look didn’t lose its
edge.  The hue plays off the living room’s blue wall, which was
re-imagined as a canvas for a flurry of snowflakes. 
Dooley cut birch branches from trees in his yard and
wrapped them in twinkle lights to create a magical winter forest in the dining room.  Kristen’s guests were able to pull up
ornate Brocade Home chairs to an elegant snow-themed tablescape designed by the hostess herself. 
“Jamie just has this eye for composition,” Kristen says. “ He
can just walk into a room and every single thing he touches
becomes brilliant.” 

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

21

interiors

400

. 
square . 
feet . 

stats

who: inoui

design collective

The women of Inoui Design
Collective embody a bold,
modern design philosophy at
their Victoria, B.C., office

what: Interior design

22

details: A full-service interior design firm
specializing in creating personalized and sustainable
spaces that reflect its clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; personality and
style.  Principal designers Kyla Bidgood and Amber
Kingsnorth are both active professional members of
the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia
and Interior Designers of Canada.  See their work at
inouidesign.ca. 
GRAY ISSUE No.  one

Written by Rachel Gallaher : Photographed by Jen steele

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

23

interiors
Congratulations to
Inoui for winning a Silver
IDI Award of Excellence for
the design of this studio. 

Amber Kingsnorth and Kyla Bidgood in their Victoria, B.C., studio. 
opposite: Kingsnorth works at a table made from a reclaimed beam
found at Port Alice cannery.  Structural light fixtures purchased from
Fullhouse in Vancouver add texture to the space against a backdrop
of the floor-to-ceiling sample wall. 

W

hen interior designers Amber Kingsnorth

and Kyla Bidgood first saw their future studio, it was a mess. 
Lumber was scattered about, and a nine-foot drop into the basement
was the first thing to greet anyone who walked through the front door. 

Others might have cringed at the amount of work that
would be needed, but Kingsnorth and Bidgood saw it as a
chance to do exactly what they wanted—design.  The two,
who met while studying at Vancouver Island University,
came together in 2009 to form Inoui Design Collective,
a firm as hip and vivacious as the young women behind it. 
“We had a blank canvas, which was great for us,”
Bidgood says. “ We really wanted to showcase what we do
best and our style, so we decided to keep the space pretty
clean and modern.” 
The office, located in Victoria, B.C., was initially one story

24

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

with an unfinished basement in a neighboring space.  Seeing great possibility, the ladies decided to renovate the
lower level, creating a bathroom and two work stations that
they now rent out.  They put their 400-square-foot studio on
the ground floor.  Dark brushed-oak flooring and white painted-brick walls create visual contrast and provide a clean
background for added details such as wall art, shelving, and
colorful seating. 
It was important for the designers that their studio be
functional as well as attractive.  They wanted the space to
reflect their design aesthetic but allow them room to grow

Clockwise from above: Framed vintage covers of plan books
from a local door company liven the downstairs bathroom with
color; a wall calendar created by Victoria-based graphic designer
and photographer Peter Bagi, who shot the numbers from various
sites and addresses in Victoria; Tucker, office mascot, sits at the
top of the stairs, which are detailed with vintage rulers; Bidgood
and Kingsnorth created their own magazine art to bring dimension
to the painted brick walls. 

and change as their tastes evolve.  According to Bidgood,
the sample library can get a bit unruly at times, so an entire
wall of floor-to-ceiling adjustable shelving at one end of the
studio was essential. 
Three large windows provide a lot of natural light, and
side-by-side workspaces facing them allow the women to
easily share ideas and work together on projects throughout the day.  The rolling desk chairs were purchased from a
friend (who found them on Craigslist) and recovered in bold
Marimekko fabric, and the office mascot—Bidgood’s shih
tzu Tucker—has a matching bed in the same print. 

26

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

Behind the workspaces, a reclaimed slab of wood from Port
Alice cannery makes a large table where the pair meets with
clients.  Bright-red chairs catch the color of the Marimekko
print, and industrial-inspired light fixtures bring texture to
the space.  Small details such as vintage rulers along the risers
of the office stairs and homemade folded magazine wall
art demonstrate the women’s creativity and their design
philosophy: “The fun challenge of our work is looking at what
people already have and looking at how to use it in a creative
way,” Kingsnorth explains. “ Things don’t have to be super
expensive to be really great looking and have great design.” 

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

27

shopping

The world is not
black and white. 
It’s black and
GRAY. 
-Graham Greene

Blackbird
Written by stacy kendall : Photographed by david Papazian

It’s hard to miss the imposing black façade of the aptly named
Black Box Building on Portland’s West Burnside Street.  For men’s
boutique Blackbird, it’s their new home since the Seattle-based
store opened the location in Oregon earlier this year. 
The modern, industrial-style space, situated between Tanner
Goods and Dunderdon, is just 660 square feet, but a whole lot of
style is packed into the relatively small area.  The ceilings soar, and
the high-gloss white walls turn spare into chic.  Look up, though,
and you’ll see Blackbird’s penchant for the dark and dramatic.  Store
partner Brian Paquett smeared ink from the pages of The Portland
Mercury six feet high on the walls to achieve a Cy Twombly-esque
effect. “ Portland is all over our walls, literally,” Paquett quips. 
Clearly, black is where it’s at. 

Coming soon: Interiors by Blackbird.  The team is designing an exclusive line of furniture and accessories that
complement their clothing aesthetic.  In material terms, that means leather, dark wood, and steel.  Sexy. 

Congratulations, GRAY Magazine, on your launch. 
We look forward to some amazing conversations. 

28

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

nologymedia.com

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

29

shopping

TM

seven seconds of your life in a book. 
flip•tog•ra•phy: dance, get funky, sign,
or kiss your date in front of our camera
for seven seconds.  in two minutes, have
a flipbook of your performance in-hand. 
fliptography is a great way to make an
event or venue fun: our live flipbook booth
turns a moment into a pocket-sized
take-home book of awesome.  you can
even add a message or graphics on a
custom cover.  we can also convert your
existing videos into flipbooks. 

Full Service Interior Design with access to the Seattle Design Center
and “trade only” resources, workrooms, artisans, and craftspeople. 

✴

For the holidays, Haystack is offering complimentary
gift-wrapping services.  It’s an easy sell for those who
wish to avoid the crowds and find a one-of-a-kind item
for all the folks on their list. 

30

Design Coaching focusing on retail sources for the budget conscious

Haystack Antiques

client who wants to be involved in the design process, but would

Written by stacy kendall : Photographed by hank drew

benefit from the guidance and knowledge of a professional designer. 

Yes, Virginia, this is Bellevue. 
Adding to an impressive crop of design stores that have opened
in the 425, Haystack Antiques is the new kid on the block.  This,
however, is not your typical antique mall. 
Yes, there are vendors, and, yes, there are hidden treasures, but
owner Debbie Nordstrom (pictured, left) opened the shop in May
2011 with a specific goal in mind—to house just the treasures. 
“If you like the hunt, this is not your place,” Nordstrom says. “ If
you’re looking for the ‘perfect’ thing, then I think we have it.” 
The dealers here have distilled their wares to a stunning tableau
of furniture, accessories, and jewelry, making it easy to find a
treasure for everyone. 

Contemporary Staging for homeowners, realtors, and developers,
showcasing your property at its very best. 

DESIGN STAGE
GRAY ISSUE No.  one

design consultation / interior staging

t 2 0 6 .  8 2 9.9 0 4 9

e info@design -stage.com

w design -stage.com
GRAY ISSUE No.  one 31

fashion

Paper Tiger dress from the
Golden Hour collection. 

Romantic
&
stats

who: Kate Towers
what: Fashion designer
details: Old world meets modern times in the romantic,
textural pieces from Portland-based designer (and mother
of two) Kate Towers.  She uses hand-dyed fabrics and
nature-inspired designs to create one-of-a-kind garments
that work in any setting.  To see more of Towersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; work, visit
katetowers.com and her Etsy shop, katetowers.etsy.com. 

Moody

The many layers of Portland-based
fashion designer Kate Towers

Written by Hillary Rielly : Photographed by PETER VAN BEEVER

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

33

fashion

Kate Towers juxtaposes layers of
ruffles with structured, hand-dyed
fabrics to create ethereal pieces
with a modern edge. 

H

and pull of form and
er dresses are a push
ers of textures and
material that create lay
dern and elegant. 
mo
are
t
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t draping, and the
sof
of structured forms and
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fee
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mélange of new and old
s, is havdesigns, Towers explain
The foundation of all her
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ly fusate
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After studying illustr
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, creating one-of-a-kin
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hom
out of her
items on Etsy. 
clients and selling select

34

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

35

fashion

“… Facilitating the exchange oF
ideas and resources within
the Fashion industry and

Orange Crush capelet from
the Oregon Coast collection

providing valuable
networking
opportunities.” 

SF
G

eattle

of pieces
hands-on person, so a lot
“I am a very visual and
ing new as
really merge into someth
start with one idea and
ers explains. 
I build and execute,” Tow
and uses
and cottons by hand
s,
silk
She dyes wools,
h colors. 
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them to create layered
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Volumes of ruffles add
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garments that are fem
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unmistakably Kate Tow

Fashion Group International – Seattle, a regional chapter of Fashion
Group International, has provided a high profile forum to promote
the fashion industry in Seattle for more than 25 years.  We host
events that educate and inform our members; provide valuable
networking opportunities; and the exchange of ideas and common
resources within the fashion industry.  Our members have access
to industry professionals locally and globally.  Our membership
cuts across job functions from individual contributors to senior
executives, and across organizations from universities, publications,
small businesses, to major corporations. 
We give back to the community through annual donations to Dress
For Success and scholarships for UW Fashion Certificate Program. 

Established in 1930, The Fashion Group International mission is
to be the pre-eminent authority on the business of fashion and
design, and to help its members be more effective in their careers. 
The Fashion Group International is a global, professional non-profit
organization of over 5,000 executives, with 35 chapters in nine
countries around the world.  Its members represent all areas of fashion,
beauty, and related industries. 

Connect with us online or attend an FGI Seattle Event! 
http://seattle.fgi.org seattlefgi@gmail.com. 

36

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GRAY issUe no.  one

37

2012

northwest

inspired

a retro-futuristic dress created by the Bassetti architects,
r
Haworth, Carnegie Fabrics, and numark team—out of all interio
r
design materials no less—took home the top honors at Interio
Design Coalition of Washington’s product Runway event on
s,
June 3, 2011.  the inspiration, team lead Dante Wilkins explain
was to interpret the past’s depictions of the future. 
talk about a time warp! 

1

and
2
Bassetti’s emily Dewees
poses backstage in the
winning look. 

3

feb
8-12

A FLORAL SYMPHONY
25 GARDENS INSPIRED BY MUSIC AND THE SOUNDS OF NATURE. 

Retro finds are saved from the land of kitsch when they are
reimagined with an unexpected twist.  When it comes to
steampunk style, the more fantastical the better. 
Written by AnGelA cAbOtAJe : Portrait by eRnie SApiRO phOtOGRAphY
Modeled by eMilY deweeS : Hair by vU from ObAdiAh SAlOn

GRAY issUe no.  one

39

To achieve the perfect
shade of gray, interior
designer Terry Hunziker
advises starting with a
generic gray paint and then
adding drops of color
until the “right” hue is
achieved. 

color

to all
Gray is the perfect partner lig
ft ht can
Northwest lighting. “ Our soam
ically,”
unexpectedly change very drStevaten
Hensel
Seattle-based interior designerol and subdued,
explains. “ It can appear co n change it to
and then a vivid sunset ca .” 
a warm peachy tone

Stereotypes be darned.  Gray can
be the brightest color of them all. 
The Pacific Northwest gets a bad rap for being a gray place—from the color
of the sky to the color of clothes donned by its denizens.  The last color you’d
want to decorate your home with is gray, right?  Not so fast. 
Legendary Northwest designer Jean Jongeward discovered that one of
the best interior paint colors for this region was gray because of the way the
hue reflects and complements the constantly changing light. 
Forty years later, we see that Jongeward was ahead of her time.  The
stone-colored paint works well with all variations of light and is the perfect
neutral complement to all colors, styles, and materials. 
We pay homage to Jongeward’s visionary mindset with our own collection
of gray pieces for the modern Northwest home. 
GRAY ISSUE No.  one

41

interview

To find
out how
to help
Seattle’s
homeless,
visit the
“Homeless
in Seattle”
Facebook
page. 

Face to Face

When award-winning architect
Rex Hohlbein moved offices to Seattle’s
Fremont neighborhood, he began noticing homeless

Rex: This is Johan.  He lives out of his
van.  I asked him how he was doing,
and he said he was feeling down.  He
listens to a lot of music, and the words
affect him—the messages can make him
depressed.  I said, “It sounds like you are
a very sensitive person.”  He said, “I cry
every day.” 

42

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

individuals on a regular basis.  Instead of walking by, he
approached them and struck up a conversation.  Over the
years, he has traded life stories, built friendships, and photographed hundreds of their faces to capture each special
exchange.  The point is straightforward: “You can make
such a difference with a simple hello.” 

Written by Angela Cabotaje : Photographed and illustrated by rex hohlbein
Portrait of Rex Hohlbein by alex hayden

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

43

interview
Rex:
This is Mary.  She was walking with a friend
(also homeless) when we all got to talking.  I
asked them if I could take their picture, and
he said no but she said yes.  I suggested we
walk down to the bench along the canal.  As
we walked, Mary lagged behind, and when I
looked back, she had taken out a little compact to put on makeup.  It was such a sweet
moment.  right: Gladys is Yupik Eskimo, and
Randy is full-blood Native American: Sioux of
South Dakota and Choctaw of Oklahoma. 

44

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

Rex: Clockwise from upper left: Michelle is homeless and wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to a shelter because something
bad happened to her, and she starts crying the minute she thinks about it; Crystal is 24 and homeless, living in a tent for the past year; Chiaka Howze is a brilliant artist who lived homeless in Seattle for just over
10 years, and we became fast friends until a chance reconnection on Facebook led him back to Pittsburgh
to be with his family; when I met Mickie, he was enjoying a bag of popcorn and sharing a beautiful smile. 

entertaining

Guests

Having overnight guests—dare

we say relatives—for an extended stay

during the holidays?  This isn’t a frightening
proposition just because your in-laws are in town. 
It’s also because your house is going to be home to someone else for a period
of time, and it’s up to you to make it happen. 
Thumb your nose at houseguest phobia.  Let this be the year that everyone
stays with you because you’re just that fabulous. 
Here are our tips for making your guests feel indulged, and more importantly,
making you host of the year.  No really, we shouldn’t have!  Oh yes, we did. 

2
Provide an array of
toiletries for your guests,
especially for ones that
came by plane.  Nice
products are a thoughtful
touch, and as a guest it’s
always fun to try something
new.  Also, include some
common medications
(out of reach of children)
for middle-of-the-night
emergencies. 

4

1

✗ Make sure there are plenty of books or
magazines available for potential
insomniacs.  Extra points for keeping
issues current. 
3

5

✗ Make sure there are some free
electrical outlets for charging phones,
laptops, and the like. 

7

6

✗ Keep an extra drawer for scissors,
tape, a sewing kit, pens, and paper
(go for stationery or a guest diary). 

✗ For an added touch, develop a

personal minibar for your guests
with favorite candy, nuts, dried fruit,
and other snacks.  Options are best
when tailored to your guest’s
individual tastes. 

Keep in mind that things
don’t have to be perfect—
your guests are there to
see you!  Clean towels and a
glass of wine make a warm
welcome anywhere. 

✗ Put teabags, coffee, mugs, and all

8

9

10

11

necessary accoutrements next to
your kettle or coffee maker so early
risers know just where everything is. 
If you have a complicated machine,
add some personal instructions. 

✗ Make sure refrigerator and pantry
items aren’t past their due date to
avoid unwitting illness by oblivious
snackers. 
✗ Keep some snacks out on the counter
so that guests know these are always
available for them between meals. 
✗ If children are making the journey,

what: Interior design
details: As a practicing design professional for
the past 30 years, Robert Bailey has worked closely
with his clients to create timeless interiors that
reflect the inhabitantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tastes and personality. 
Robert Bailey Interiors designs both public and
private spaces. 

The all-white dining area gives way to the living room’s gray palette. 
Bailey used False Creek—visible from the windows—as the inspiration
for the color scheme. 

A

i

t was quite literally out with
the old and in with the new when

fashionista and writer Jacquie Somerville
moved into her current Vancouver, B.C., apartment
in March 2010. 

“I knew that I wanted white walls,” Jacquie says with a
laugh. “ There have been so many years where I have done
taupe and beige, and I was just done with that!” 
Luckily, interior designer Robert Bailey was on the same page. 
Armed with a lot of white paint, he turned the apartment’s walls, doors,
and trim into a bright, fresh backdrop.  White-oak flooring throughout
continues the trend, keeping the feel light while still adding warmth. 
For Jacquie, the frequent party hostess, it was important that the
living room and dining space be both functional and inviting.  Floor-toceiling windows at one end of the living room overlook False Creek and
provide a view of Granville Island.  Bailey wanted to tie in the watery
tones of the creek, so he chose a soft gray palette for the contemporary
sofa, armchair, and ottoman—all from Minotti.  A silver-gray rug is the
perfect complement, while touches of deep pinks and purples give the
room just the right amount of feminine flair. 
The adjacent dining room received similar treatment from Bailey,
who opted to keep colors neutral and styling contemporary.  His

52

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

53

“A great room is like a great piece of clothing. 

When you find the perfect outfit, you just know.” 
—Robert Bailey

Opposite: In the master bedroom, a custom wool area rug by Jan
Kath, from Colin Campbell, warms bare toes on chilly days.  above:
Lapalma Thin bar stools from Inform Interiors provide extra seating
in the kitchen, allowing guests to chat with Jacquie as she prepares
for parties and meals.  left: Pigs Can Fly, a painting by Tiko Kerr,
provides a burst of welcoming color in the entrance hall. 

choices: white Philippe Starck dining chairs, a round Boboli
table, and Moooi’s super-playful Dandelion pendant fixture. 
The master bedroom is one of Jacquie’s favorite spaces,
and it reflects the clean, clutter-free atmosphere she craves.  A
white leather Poltrona Frau bed anchors the room.  Its hidden
front feet give the structure a cantilevered appearance, as if
it were floating.  The delicate floral art by James Welling (who
also painted the piece above the sofa in the living room) are a
fitting colorful accessory.  A pair of silver Josephine lamps from
Metalarte and sumptuous chocolate brown bedding add a bit
of elegant drama.  No need to worry, though—a lighthearted
throw advocates “LOVE PEACE HAPPINESS” to make sure
the design doesn’t take itself too seriously. 
With the help of Bailey, Jacquie got the fresh start she
wanted and a stylish, modern apartment to boot. 
“I always want my work to reflect my clients and their lifestyles,” Bailey explains. “ With Jacquie, things are very feminine.  She wanted the apartment to reflect who she is, and she
is very glamorous.” 

“Our favorite space is the living room
by the fireplace, looking at the view,”
says Joelle Nesen, principal and
owner of portland’s Maison Inc. she
and lead designer Lucy Roland offset
the seriousness of the furnishings
with a larger-than-life statue from
the homeowners’ collection and a
teak-root table. 

Glamorous
THE NEW

pattern, texture, and color pack a punch
in this personality-filled home
Written by AnGelA cAbOtAJe : Photographed by dAvid pApAziAn

stats

who: MAiSOn

inc

what: Interior design

58

GRAY issUe no.  one

details: maison Inc., is a portland-based design
firm with a retail showroom offering an eclectic mix
of vintage and modern furnishings.  the company
designs commercial spaces as well as private homes. 
to see more projects from maison Inc.,
visit maisoninc.com. 

The home’s original layout featured an octagon that housed
many rooms.  Paolo Design Group turned it into one big area for
the kitchen and dining area.  Windows on all sides offer views of
the Columbia River Gorge and Crown Point. 

if

this home along the Columbia River Gorge were a dish
at a restaurant, the menu description would read: “A feast for the eyes.” 

The house started out as a ’60s Topsider Homes
structure that had seen little improvement in its decades of existence.  Fake paneling and rust-colored
carpeting had survived until 2009, when the homeowners approached interior designer Joelle Nesen,
principal and owner of Portland’s Maison Inc., about a
remodel.  Paolo Design Group gave them a fresh layout
with flowing spaces and plenty of room for entertaining
and overnight visitors. 
“We envisioned a chic, slightly ’70s throwback
that was heavy on Old Hollywood,” Nesen says of the
project’s vision. “ We wanted a house that brought
together the luxury and style of old films, ease and

60

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

functionality, and a little twist of fun.” 
Living areas are vibrant and energetic with an
overload of sights and textures, while bedrooms are
more muted and low-key.  Bathrooms happily enjoy
both sides, speaking volumes in neutral Ann Sacks
St. Petersburg chiseled limestone and making a
statement with jade-green subway tile. 
Nesen and lead designer Lucy Roland layered different
patterns and materials in the kitchen and dining area. 
They used custom Ann Sacks Nottingham parallelogram tiles for the backsplash and metallic-colored slate
on the floor.  Quartz and stainless-steel counterstie in
perfectly with the sleek, modern appliances and dark
GRAY ISSUE No.  one

61

The designers wanted to create a lifestyle within a room, giving each area
its own unique personality.  Bedrooms and other private spaces combine
patterns, sumptuous materials, and vintage pieces for dynamic appeal. 

62

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

63

The all-white master bathroom (opposite) features a generous soaking tub and textured
chiseled limestone, while another bath (above left) boasts tiles in bold hues and patterns. 
ABOVE RIGHT: The homeowners love to shop for vintage pieces, so the designers worked
many of their items into the home. 

cabinets.  A long quartz island visually separates the functional
chef’s kitchen from the dining area without disturbing the open
feel of the room, while a window seat draws attention to the
views outside with Stark wallpaper in a thin chevron stripe and
cushions in a graphic Clarence House fabric. 
The designers made sure to consider different uses for the
large space, from housing huge parties to having quiet meals
for two.  Up to 14 people can sit around the giant three-piece
dining table, or the homeowners can pull it apart (as they
frequently do) to use a section for an intimate dinner setting. 
The living room is a balanced mix of whimsical pieces
and glamorous furniture.  Nesen and Roland reupholstered the
homeowners’ vintage sectional in an olive cotton velvet
from Kravet and designed custom chairs in a Pollack apricot
mohair. “ We wanted all the fabrics to look and feel luxurious,”
Nesen explains. 
They made sure to funk things up with a teak-root table and a
tongue-in-cheek piece from the owners’ art collection: a largerthan-life statue of a discus thrower.  Across the room, a chiseled

64

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

Ann Sacks limestone wall is a solid anchor for the sleek
fireplace surround. 
In the media room, the homeowners gave the designers a
pile of inspiration pictures that evoked an edgy and sexy use
of color.  The result is a bold explosion of red, burnt burgundy,
and orange with wall-to-wall Stark cheetah carpet.  Infusing the
space with tone-on-tone hues throughout helps soften corners
and keeps the focus on the screen. 
When it’s time to call it a day, guests can retire to one of the
spare bedrooms.  Upholstered headboards, unfussy bedding, and
convenient seating and writing areas help visitors feel right at
home.  Whimsical touches and timeless pieces—a terrarium, airy
sheers, and a sunburst clock—add an element of lightheartedness to loosen things up. 
“I feel like, as a company, what we really bring to the table is
the ability to mix it up while remaining timeless,” Nesen says. 
The very happy homeowners of a luxuriously dazzling home
would probably agree with that. 

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

65

George SUYAMA
Photos courtesy suyama peterson deguchi and University of Washington Press. 

Written by lindsey m. roberts : Portrait by alex hayden

66

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

houses that the fern opens up and windows
become frames for constantly changing
murals. “ I’m interested in art as nature, trees
as walls,” he says. 
In Suyama: A Complex Serenity (University
of Washington Press, April 2011), Grant
Hildebrand presents the architect’s buildings
in an ordered evolution, from inspiration by
Gene Zema’s Japanese-influenced style to
development of his own language rooted in
each project’s site. 
“Since the urban environment is expanding …
connecting to nature has become an intrinsic
human need,” Suyama says. “ I see architecture
as a way to bring the fundamental truth of
nature back into our daily lives.” 
Suyama obtained a bachelor’s from the
University of Washington in 1967 and began
working for Zema.  In the late 60s, he worked for
Ralph Anderson.  In 1971, he started his own firm. 
Ric Peterson and Jay Deguchi became partners
in 1983 and 2002 respectively—and over the years
he’s collaborated with additional architectural
luminaries such as metal worker David Gulassa
and interior designer Christian Grevstad. 
Hildebrand notes that Suyama designs to
eliminate “visual noise” and creates “visual
music” instead.  Wood ceilings conceal ducts,
walls slide to reveal spaces, and views open
toward sunlit gardens.  One could argue that
the beauty of Suyama’s houses is akin to the
fern in another way—the plant seems effortless
in its aesthetic and yet is complexly, precisely
designed for its niche in the ecosystem. 
Australian architect Glenn Murcutt says in
the foreward that Suyama considers all aspects
of climate, flora, location, and geography.  In
his search for serenity in structure, Suyama
designs houses that complement the serenity
of their location. 

PAUL WARCHOL, courtesy suyama peterson deguchi

Like a fern curled and protected
from battering rain, the houses
designed by George Suyama, 69,
of Seattle’s Suyama Peterson
Deguchi Architects are protected
from the weather by eaves, walkways, and verandas.  It’s inside the

PAUL WARCHOL, courtesy suyama peterson deguchi

who

“The
Northwest
has been
tucked away
doing its
own thing
for so long,
but now
through
the Internet,
media, and
technology
we’re seeing
more exposure and
accessibility
to regional
design,”
Suyama says. 
“Our reach
definitely
extends
beyond our
region.” 

 The first solo monograph for Suyama
explores and defines the interrelationship between inside and outside, which
has come to define architecture in the
Northwest as well as Suyama’s work
since 1971. 

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

67

made here

Rolling with
the punches

Clockwise from above: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Beatles go to Bollywood on an
acid trip,â&#x20AC;?  said Kam Dhillon of the custom wallpaper (also shown,
far right) he wanted for his Calgary Indian restaurant Mango
Shiva; Canadian boutique WORTH is a punk rock-baroque mix,
and their custom x-ray skull cameo wallpaper is a perfect fit;
Carbon by James Acrow features deep amethyst sketching; Beat
& Repeat by Bandit is a quirky addition to any room. 

68

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

69

made here

Clockwise from left: Le Corbusier by Petra Reimann is an
optical illusion for walls and eyes; tasked with creating a custom
wallpaper for Earls’ new Toronto restaurant, ROLLOUT used old
Earls menu images to design a distressed and worn look with
nostalgic appeal; Wayfinder by Mike & Maaike merges function
into a decorative form; ROLLOUT’s Tailoring wallpaper features
vintage sewing machines; find your way with the vintage-style
Map of Paris. 

ome of the best things come out of the worst
situations.  Case in point: ROLLOUT Creative
Inc., a custom designer and manufacturer of
wallpaper.  The company, founded in Vancouver,
B.C., got its start in a frustratingly crummy job
market and is now an independent purveyor of
striking and innovative designs. 
It was 2005, and Anita Modha and Jonathan
Nodrick had both recently graduated with degrees in design—she with a master’s in industrial design and
he in communication design.  They soon realized that they
faced an arduous job hunt plagued with limited openings and
plenty of competition. 
“Jon went on an interview and saw 11 other former classmates waiting to be interviewed,” Modha recalls. 
A serendipitous chain of events would soon turn things

70

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

around.  Nodrick had been looking for someone to print his
artwork on canvas and landed a large-format printer through
Craigslist.  He and Modha began experimenting with various
papers and inks, seeing how different types of each worked
together.  When a friend mentioned creating custom wallpaper
for her salon, they knew they had found their focus. 
They held a formal art show in Vancouver, where 30
different designers displayed 25 wallpapers. “ We had 1,000
people come to the show,” Modha recalls. “ Most of the people
who came were the perfect clients: architects and interior
designers.  It was really exciting, and we thought, ‘We could
make a business out of this.’ ” 
They began selling a selection of the popular artist-created
wallpapers, several of which are still offered in their Artist
Series Wallpapers collection along with other curated designs. 
ROLLOUT’s wallpaper offerings are not your grandmother’s

frou-frou floral.  Designs range from graphic geometric patterns
to photographs and freehand drawings.  Some designs are
elegant—such as classic damask—while others are infused
with punk rock’s skulls, bright colors, and graffiti.  ROLLOUT
also offers customizable options, and their in-house designers
have created wallpapers for commercial spaces.  They’ve
worked with companies such as Starbucks, Marc Ecko, and
Microsoft Zune. 
As for the future, Modha says they’d like to expand beyond
wallpaper, using their popular designs for items such as
fabrics and dinnerware.  They also opened a second location in
Toronto in December 2010. 
“In Toronto, people are really into bold things—really pushing
the envelope,” Modha says. “ And in the west, things were more
muted and neutral.  I think we are very lucky to be influenced
by both.  It’s been a great way for us to evolve as a company.” 

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

71

stats

concept

who: Pb

Elemental

details: Seattle-based Pb Elemental has
received recognition from the American Institute
of Architects and numerous publications around
the world for their innovative, modern designs. 
See more of their work at pbelemental.com. 

tech

what: Architecture firm

low tech
who: Traitor Cycles designs
and manufactures its
bicycles in Ferndale,
Washington. 
what: Ruben
stats: Traitor’s Ruben is the bike
for today’s urban commuter,
who enjoys a little off-road
dalliance on the side.  Designed to excel
on pavement as well as in the mud, the
Ruben features a Columbus-steel frame
with disc brakes, rack brazeons, and full
fender capability for all-weather riding. 
Its 10-speed Apex kit and cable housing
through the chainstay make this choice a
functional stunner.  Hope you don’t mind
getting envious stares. 
buy: $599 (frame with lugged disc fork)
and $1,049 (SRAM Apex 10-speed disc). 
For a complete list of retailers,
visit traitorcycles.com. 

low tech

Vs. 

high tech:
t w o
w h e e l s

Take the humble wheel, put two together, and you’re
left with a centuries-old means of transportation. 

But what is function without a beautiful form?  And what is style
without any modern advancement?  A pair of two-wheeled wonders
show us how far they have come in both design and innovation. 
Written by ANGELA CABOTAJE

BeachHaus

BeachHaus I (shown above) and II both feature three
bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and impeccable
contemporary style.  They take advantage of the scenic
views and natural light in the beachside White Rock
community.  Upon completion in late 2011, they can
receive an official LEED rating from the Canadian
Green Building Council. 

Written by angela cabotaje

Beach house?  Yes.  Typical?  Nope.  Pb Elemental, Method Homes, and InHaus Development
have teamed up to create two eco-friendly single-family homes in White Rock, B.C. They
used a hybrid of on-site and prefab construction, allowing them to build some modules in
a controlled indoor environment where resources and time could be maximized.  Materials
were chosen for their longevity and sustainability, while solar panels, site orientation, and
a space-maximizing reverse layout help these dwellings cut down on energy use and environmental impact.  Of course, an ultramodern, übercool design sure doesn’t hurt. 

high tech
who: Brammo, based in ASHLAND,
OREGON, specializes in developing
and designing electric-powered
vehicles. 
what: Enertia Plus
stats: The 2011 Enertia Plus electric motorcycle
features Brammo’s lithium-ion battery technology,
which fully charges in approximately eight hours. 
The battery life allows the rider to achieve speeds
of up to 60 miles per hour and travel up to 80-mile
distances.  The motorcycle’s lightweight extruded
and welded aluminum frame comes in True Blood
Red, Peacekeeping Blue, and Eclipsed Black, while a
seat featuring textured black vinyl and charcoal gray
synthetic suede is durable and water resistant. 
buy: $8,995 (preorder pricing).  To purchase
the Enertia Plus, visit brammo.com. 

72

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GRAY ISSUE No.  one

73

architecture

Waste not

Nic Lehoux, courtesy Miller Hull

Written by Rachel Gallaher

GRAY ISSUE No.  one

Written by Rachel Gallaher

Photos courtesy the vancouver circus school

SALLY SCHOOLMASTER

Written by Rachel Gallaher

74

Circus School

2011 Honor Award
recipient, AIA
Portland

Built to a Tea
J-Tea is not your typical tea store.  The shop is
located in a renovated home within a small
commercial pocket of Eugene’s residential
Friendly Street neighborhood. 
Owner Josh Chamberlain hired architect
Ben Waechter to help transform the house
into a modern tea sanctuary. 
Waechter and his team gutted the interior
and painted the remaining shell dark brown
to showcase the geometric cedar-beam
porch and modern entry canopy made from
powder-coated aluminum panels. “ You don’t
see how they are supported, so they look
like they are floating,” Waechter notes. 
The interior is minimal, with light maple
flooring and floor-to-ceiling key shelving,
which allows the teas and imported wares
to add color and visual interest.  A large tea
bar anchors the eye to the center of the
room; its striking black PaperStone counter
provides a pleasant contrast to the warmth
of surrounding wood. 

Water-treatment plants are often housed in low concrete
buildings with signs that clearly state “keep out.”  The
LOTT Clean Water Alliance Regional Services Center in
Olympia, has a decidedly different message. 
“Conceptually, we were trying to make this organization
a front door to the community and create a facility that
people want to interact with and learn from,” explains
Scott Wolf, a partner at Miller Hull who was in charge
of the project. 
The LOTT facility is a national leader in producing
Class-A reclaimed water, the highest level of reclaimed
water for nonpotable uses, and is certified LEED Platinum. 
It has contemporary appeal with corrugated metal siding
and expanses of large windows.  A wooden boardwalk
leads over a reclaimed water pond into the new four-story
Regional Services Center, which houses offices and an education center with interpretive exhibits and a classroom. 
All interior wood was salvaged from a warehouse on
an adjacent lot, and the ceilings feature stretched white
nylon that help bounce light back into the building,
saving energy costs.  Regional artist Pam Beyette created
whimsical stained-glass windows for the education center
and two building entrances that represent images found
under a microscope at different points during the watertreatment process. 

Architect Marianne Amodio of Vancouver, B.C., never took
up tightrope walking or tiger taming, but she did get to join
the circus. 
The Vancouver Circus School hired Amodio to help design
its new location in the city’s River Market. “ I took a look at
it and thought, ‘How can we make this special?  How can
we say circus?’” 
She crafted a large big-top circus tent structure out of twoby-eights to house the office space.  Yellow juggling balls fill
the walls of the big top for color and whimsy, while a seating
area and stage accented with yellow, space-saving cubbies
and the popular double-slide kids-only entrance are attached
to the side.  An existing tree-montage art installation created
the inspiration for the “stick forest,” an alternative to the
required safety guardrail around the front of the escalator. 
“I wanted to give them something that was exciting and
that spoke of what they do,” Amodio says. “ When you think
about circus, you instantly think about light and joy and
happiness and wonder and awe.” 

peter miller—proprietor of peter miller architectUral & design books and sUpplies on
Seattle’s First Avenue—has been educating the Northwest about design since 1980 with his library-for-sale of
carefully chosen national and international tomes.  The real treat, however, is the man himself.  Catching him
on a slow day is the best way to get up-to-date on the latest intellectual trends.  Between discussions about
politics, virtual books, and sustainability, we asked Peter Miller to supply a list of his must-reads this year. 
Time to hit the books! 
thinking architecture

kissing architecture

by peter zUmthor
(Birkhäuser, 2010)

by sylvia lavin
(Princeton University
Press, 2011)

Peter Zumthor, the
Swiss architect, is a
fine hero—careful,
specific, hesitant,
precise, and brilliant—
an antidote to excess
and consumerism. 
There are few books on
him, and this, a collection of short essays, is
the finest of them. 

All-pink cover, silver
end papers—a naughty
art book in the most
intellectual way,
discussing architecture
as a passion of intent
and material. 

all Over the map:
Writing on Buildings
and Cities

twenty Buildings
every architect
should understand

by michael sorkin
(Verso, 2011)

by simon Unwin
(Routledge, 2010)

Sorkin is perhaps
our best critic, smart
and not smarmy.  The
book has essays about
contemporary architecture and the city.  In his
case, New York City. 

A very unfrolicked
book by Simon Unwin,
a fine and brilliant
architecture professor
in the U.K. These are,
in fact, the buildings
you must understand. 

The Danish society is
far out front in terms of
the city and humans—
their progress is so
remarkable.  This book
details some of the
ways they analyze,
improve, and ensure
the brilliance of their
urban design. 

Furniture designers
and architects Charles and Ray Eames debuted their new Eames
Lounge Chair—a masterpiece of molded rosewood, black leather,
and cast aluminum—on NBC. 
Charles told the host that they didn’t design their chair to be
trendy. “ We’ve never designed for a fashion.  Or with the idea of
fitting in with fashion,” Charles said.  Host Arlene Francis suggested,
“You really create your own market, don’t you?” 
The market that the husband-and-wife duo created for their
lounger—continuously produced by Herman Miller since its
launch—is of those that love a ubiquitous yet timeless design,
those who love the idea of a BarcaLounger’s comfort in a stylish
modern package, and those who covet the piece as a status symbol. 
“People come in just to look at it, try it out, and tell stories about
who they know, who had an original Eames piece, or who worked
at Herman Miller,” explains Allison Mills, owner of Seattle furniture
store Inform Interiors.  In fact, the 55-year-old lounge chair is consistently one of the store’s best-selling pieces, beating out newer and
edgier upstarts. 
It’s hard to know if Charles and Ray imagined the success that
their design would have generations later.  The chair fits in just as
well today—with our modern interiors decked out in steel, glass,
and wood—as it did back in the ’50s. 
Last summer, at the office-furniture trade show NeoCon in
Chicago, Herman Miller debuted the Eames Lounge again.  This
time, the chair came with slight adjustments—a white-ash veneer
and a white powder-coated base.  The company proudly toted on
its website, “Perfect for today’s lighter, airy interiors.” 
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. 
GRAY ISSUE No.  one