THE MALIBU DIARIES: Part 2 (Conceptual Design)
Where the programming, architectural plans, and mood boards come together
Wearstlerworld,
Where am I at with the Malibu rebuild? Conceptual Design.
It’s always where I start, and where my studio starts. Once we nail down all of the really practical needs with any client, we establish the programming and build the architectural plans and mood boards. And, for the first time, I want to open up this process in a really intimate way – with my own home.
This is a chance to step inside how I work: from the architecture and layout to the lighting, hardware, finishes, the curation of furniture and art, and the surrounding landscape. Every nuance matters. And, it is fun!
Like for any project, first comes programming, where we gather everything to guide the entire design – how you live, what you love, what you need. And that’s how a project of this scale begins: understanding what will sit at the heart of the house. Maybe it’s for a culinary obsessive; or soundproofing a recording studio; or a home theater that rivals the real thing; or a wellness space complete with an outrageous gym and infrared everything. It sets a lot of the tone for what comes next: rounding out the ‘vibe’, and starting to build out a mood board.
But, it’s not a clear-cut Step 1, Step 2…It’s all happening in parallel: getting to know the client (which is easy this time, because it’s my family), exploring every avenue of inspiration (of attitude, texture, form), and working with the architects super collaboratively to make sure it’s all in sync.
Today, I want to talk about how all of this comes together. You’ll see some first sketches of the new place. You’ll hear what Brad and our eldest boys want to see in this new house, through questions we typically ask KW clients. I’ll share my process for putting together (and editing down) a mood, and what platforms I use. And, how we start to translate that into real materials and objects – and Crosby has definitely had a hand in that. (He’s already very opinionated about materiality!)
But there’s one message I have before I get started, because I know that this process is intimidating for a lot of people doing it for themselves: find a way to make it fun.
You always want to make sure a space is infused with good energy. As ‘soft’ as that sounds, finding a way to make the process of design exciting, energizing, and inspiring in and of itself actually makes for a better result. And, I’ll show you how I’m doing that.
So, let’s get on with it.
