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212 Inspired West Coast Homes Amit Apel 33202 ¼ U Mulholland Highway Malibu, CA 90265 310.317.0500 apeldesign.com Although Malibu-based Amit Apel Design Inc. specializes in creating unique luxury homes, the development studio does so much more. Led by the gifted artist, innovator, and CEO Amit Apel, the firm has designed and built specialty concepts and hospitality projects across Europe, Asia, South America, and the United States. Additionally, Amit creates art, furniture, and a specialty line of products. His portfolio boasts 700-plus projects and an impressive list of high-profile clients that seek the firm's expertise and creativity. The team's innovative architecture and concepts challenge traditional ideas and forms, giving clients sustainable spaces that optimize the way people live. Amit Apel Design Inc. - see pages 18-21 Meet the Designers Meet the Designers S O U T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A S O U T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A Christopher Mercier, AIA 1159 East Hyde Park Boulevard Inglewood, CA 90302 310.672.4749 ferstudio.com Christopher L. Mercier is the president and founder of (fer) studio, or form - environment - research, an interdisciplinary architecture and urban design firm. The core philosophy driving their work revolves around creating highly individualized environments, carefully crafted to enhance and elevate how people live, experience, think, and move in the world. Raised in Michigan, Christopher developed an early and ongoing inquiry around the relationship between architecture, the visual arts, and the physical environment. Today, he leverages this background, coupled with more than 30 years of professional expertise and a creative dynamic (fer) studio team, to advance the mission of improving human experience/ performance through the daily and deliberate practice of form, environment, and research. (fer) studio - see pages 14-17 Dean Larkin, AIA 8912 Hollywood Hills Road Los Angeles, CA 90046 323.654.7500 deanlarkindesign.com Architecture is such a passion and a way of life for Dean Larkin that he didn't so much choose it as a career—it chose him. He graduated from the renowned University of Southern California's School of Architecture and became the first employee of Richard Landry, founder of Landry Design Group. While there, Dean worked on numerous high-end residential and upscale destination projects around the world. He opened his namesake firm, in 1999 with a focus on high-end private residences that capture the essence of Southern California, balancing luxury with casual elegance. Dean's emphasis on livable glamour has been fueling stunning modern designs under Dean Larkin Design ever since. Dean Larkin Design - see pages 22-29 Douglas Dworsky 1405 Woodruff Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024 310.441.1211 dworskyarchitecture.com Doug Dworsky's passion for architecture developed at an early age. His father was also an architect and Doug grew up touring construction sites and studying design models with him. That early inspiration led him to study architecture at Princeton and Yale, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa among other honors, eventually opening his own firm. Over the years, Doug has acquired experience in institutional, commercial, and residential architecture. In his residential architectural design, Doug strives to develop a design vocabulary that is modern, timeless, and spacious, creating living environments that are warm, inviting, and intimate. His architectural work has been published in national and international architectural journals and honored by national and local architectural design award programs. Dworsky Architecture - see pages 30-37 Elyssa Contardo 74020 Alessandro Drive, Suite F Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.579.8113 elyssacontardo.com Known for creating rich, inspired spaces, Elyssa Contardo approaches her residential work with sophisticated creativity and the discipline of a seasoned project manager. Her interiors simultaneously evoke the opulence of bygone eras while remaining grounded in the organic materiality of the region. Honed through years of experience, Elyssa's discerning eye for detail adds a warm and elevated touch to both new builds and turnkey properties. With a history of successful projects varying in scale, scope, and budget, Elyssa integrates each client's intrinsic needs with their unique spirit, creating unparalleled, extraordinary spaces. Elyssa Contardo Interior Design - see pages 38-41 JF Carlson Architects 2300 Cliff Drive Newport Beach, CA. 92663 949.645.3051 jfcarlsonarchitects.com As an architect in California for more than 40 years, Jim Carlson knows how to deliver dream homes to clients all over Southern California. As the principal of his firm. Jim does all the heavy lifting on projects: design, coordination, and entitlement work. The boutique firm is highly adept at hands-on project management and offers an array of design services. With every home, remodel, or renovation, Jim works to get to know the homeowners personally so he can act as a conduit between them and their dream home. His goal is always to provide the design that meets the owners' style, needs, and features while exceeding their expectations. JF Carlson Architects - see pages 42-45 Richard Blumenberg, AIA, LEED AP 15200 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 200 Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 310.459.0244 rlbarchitecture.com Richard Blumenberg has one goal: to create beautiful, luxurious, and functional homes for his clients while acting as their trusted guide through each step of the process. A native Angeleno, Blumenberg founded his own firm in 1997, building on 20 years of accumulated experience before that to now primarily focus on new-home builds, remodels, additions, and spec houses. A passionate architect with a deep appreciation for quality and craftsmanship, he draws his inspiration from traditional architectural styles of the past, yet always stays mindful of the demands of the present and keeps a keen eye trained toward the future. RLB Architecture - see pages 46-53 Sheila Todd Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 design@sheilatoddinteriors.com @sheilatoddinteriors sheilatoddinteriors.com Sheila Todd's background in the fashion industry gives her a unique eye for interior design. After studying at New York City's Parson's School of Design, Sheila spent 25 years designing footwear and accessories for a number of modern brands. As she traveled the world, her passion for interior architecture and decorative painting was ignited, resulting in her namesake firm. Sheila has extensive experience in reconstruction, kitchen and bathroom design, all-interior and exterior detailing, decorating, and final staging. Working with a range of clients from New York to California, Sheila Todd Interiors offers a soft, contemporary approach to timeless coastal design. Sheila Todd Interiors - see pages 54-57

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