Architectural Digest gives the nod to a local office designed by 7 New Canaan creative professionals

How many women does it take to create a design project worthy of recognition by esteemed “international design authority” Architectural Digest?  In the case of the office renovation of Jane Beiles Photography, the lucky number was seven. But not just any seven women-this team of creative collaborators are all New Canaan-based design-related women business owners.

The project has been chosen as a finalist in the Architectural Digest before/after renovation showcase. From now through April 2, the public has an opportunity to vote online for their favorite project. Popular vote will be one of four criteria (the others being “creativity of design”, “overall aesthetic”, and “room transformation”)  from which the editors will then select a winner.

The design challenge was to convert a seldom-used dining room into a bright and modern home office for Ms. Beiles’ commercial and editorial photography business.  Since Ms. Beiles’ niche is photographing architecture and interiors, she was fortunate to have a rolodex full of valuable contacts when it came time to embark upon her own project.  The first call was to Christina Parrott, interior designer and owner of Catherine Grace Interiors.  Ms. Parrott had helped with the Beiles family’s renovation of their New Canaan home five years prior.  Her valued counsel was called on again to create a fresh look for the new work space.  Louise Brooks, a principal at Brooks & Falotico, Associates, Inc. had collaborated with Jane Beiles as a client of her photography services.  Louise’s incredible taste level and inventive use of space and materials had made an impression and prompted a request for her advice on how to plan the new office space as well as how to integrate pieces from her luxury furniture company oomph into the floor plan.  “Louise’s suggestion to use a round table as my main work area instead of a traditional rectangular desk was integral to creating the room as it exists today,” remarked Beiles.  “Not only did she suggest a fantastic floor plan, but it came from the direct experience of having worked with me from a client’s perspective. Then, to top it off, she had a furniture company which designed the perfect piece to be the centerpiece of the room!”    That company is the New Canaan based, oomph, owned by a trio of creative women - Louise Brooks plus colleagues Patty Hopple and Amy Rice.  The office’s mixed material glossy white desk is a creation from their bespoke collection.   For finishing touches, it was to another client/New Canaan business to which Beiles turned.  Pimlico, Melissa Lindsay and Jill Saunders’ retail store on the corner of Elm Street and South Avenue had been photographed by Beiles, and was the source for both the room’s unique papier-mache chandelier as well as limited-edition botanical lithographs.

“While all great design projects are a collaboration between a client, designer and architect, this particular team was special - a group of creative, self motivated women each of whom has created their own successful local business in the field of design, right here in New Canaan.” said Christina Parrott.  "New Canaan is wonderful town in which to work in design because there are so many residents who appreciate the power of good design and are excited to embrace it."  commented Jill Saunders. "Being a small retailer in New Canaan, we are extremely lucky to have such loyal clients, like Jane, who want to support and be supported by their friends and neighbors. New Canaan has a very strong community of design professionals, retailers and residents that are excited to work together and promote each other. There's really no other place like it!”

“I love my new office!” declared Beiles,  “And even more so, because I hold my collaborators in such high esteem and it is such a symbol to me of the synergy of a true group effort.”

As the oomph team worded it so aptly,  “The design industry has a limitless supply of talented, female trailblazers who are setting trends, and inspiring people everywhere to take design seriously.  oomph has been privileged to work with many of them on design projects as well as collaborate on unique, custom pieces for their discerning clients.  Fairfield County, Connecticut is our home and where the majority of our furniture is made - it allows us to keep an eye on quality control and the ability to work closely with our manufacturer on the creative design elements. “ 

In the case of this design project, seven, indeed, was the lucky number!  

For more information or to vote for your favorite office visit: 
http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2013-03/reader-home-office-renovation-slideshow