IN THE NEWS: PAUL WISEMAN'S BELVEDERE HOME FEATURED IN VERANDA

Paul's Belvedere Island home has been getting a lot of press this past year. (See "Journal: A Day With Paul Wiseman" and "Beautiful Belvedere.") A recent VERANDA article (May-June 2013) is especially noteworthy, however, as the interior design magazine is one of the top shelter magazines in the country. Adding to the honor, the text of the article was written by journalist Wendy Moonan, writer of the antiques column for the New York Times for fourteen years.

All the attention is well-deserved since Paul's home is a wonderful reflection of the best of California living. As Dara Caponigro, Editor-in-Chief at VERANDA, writes, "We've always had an appreciation for interior spaces that blend seamlessly with leafy gardens, patios, and porches -- it's inherent in our name and part of our DNA."

Be sure to check out Paul's renovation tips at VERANDA.com!

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IN THE NEWS: FORTUNY INTERVIEWS PAUL WISEMAN

La Contessa Gozzi

Fortuny fabrics are synonymous with luxury. For this reason, The Wiseman Group has had a long-standing relationship with the Venetian company. Fortuny recently interviewed Paul Wiseman for a post on their blog, How high is the water? Please visit the blog to read about Paul's thirty-year relationship with Fortuny, to hear about his day with La Contessa, and to enjoy his insightful comments about what makes him tick as a designer.

Bookshelves covered in Fortuny fabric in Paul Wiseman's SF pied-à-terre

FAVORITE SOURCES: J. F. FITZGERALD COMPANY

SF media room

Fine craftsmanship is absolutely necessary to achieve that special, one-of-a-kind look sought by many of The Wiseman Group's clients. That's why  J. F. Fitzgerald Company in San Francisco is among the top vendors to whom design staff turns for bespoke furniture orders.

J. F. Fitzgerald Company was founded in 1953 by Jack Fitzgerald and his nephew, Charlie Willin. The company has remained in the Willin family's hands since that time. The on-site mill allows the creation of beautifully-crafted frames in extra thick wood.  Coil springs for sofas and chairs are tied by hand and adjusted to the customer's specifications. Every cushion is handmade for custom orders, a time-consuming specialty: "For a half century, we've understood that quality resides in the details of craftsmanship."

Paul examining a custom frame with one of the owners, Mike Willin

Paul Wiseman began using Fitzgerald 33 years ago when he first opened his interior design firm. Paul is eternally grateful for their early faith in him: "They gave me my first line of credit at a time when that was crucial to my getting started in business!" Since that time, lovely furniture hand-crafted in the Fitzgerald Company atelier graces many a TWG interior.

SF living room

Custom daybed in a boy's room

AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS: WEST COAST MODERN

This past fall, The Wiseman Group hosted a book-signing party for author Zahid Sardar and photographer Matthew Millman. Their new book, West Coast Modern: Architecture, Interiors, and Design, had just been published, and TWG wanted to help celebrate the occasion - especially since a beautiful TWG-designed interior graces the cover!

Potographer Matthew Millman and author Zahid Sardar at TWG

The TWG Potrero Hill office was the site of the open house. Guests arrived to drinks and hors d'oeuvres and were free to roam the design firm's offices. Well-wishers, colleagues, and clients attended the event. At one point there was standing room only. A successful evening by any measure!

Guests Valera Lyles and Richard N. Snyder arriving at TWG

Brenda Mickel, Design Principal, explaining design elements of a TWG work in progress

James Hunter, Design Principal at TWG, enjoying a moment with Matthew Millman

Paul Ryan, Ryan Associates Construction, and daughter Rachael

Paul with client Claire Stull

Aleck Wilson of Aleck Wilson Architects with Paul

Zahid and Matthew busy signing books

Standing room only

Todd Cole of Strata Landscape and architect Karin Payson

SF designer Jay Jeffers  with Paul

Zahid with Margy Boyd, founding president of the Modern Art Council at SFMOMA and former head of Art Tours at the museum

Matt with decorator Kathy Geissler Best

Paul with architect Scott Baughman of Charlie Barnett Associates

Paul with designer Martha Angus and Eche Martinez of Martha Angus Inc.

Guest Ali Razavi with Sadie Darsie, TWG Assistant Designer

Paul with Greg Warner, Walker Warner Architects

Paul surrounded by staff (from left): Marilyn Autry (Assistant Designer), Heather Queen (Administrative Assistant), Anna Sweeney (Designer),  Lauren Daley (Senior Designer), Shannon Jue (Senior Designer), and Carrie Swing (Librarian)

Matthew, Paul, and Zahid celebrating a successful evening

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IN THE NEWS: BEAUTIFUL BELVEDERE

View of the SF Bay from Belvedere Island Photo by Doug Jones

Paul Wiseman's home in Belvedere is featured in the April 2013 edition of Pacific Horticulture in an article written by TWG blogger, Kirsten Honeyman. Be sure to visit the Pacific Horticulture website to read about the historic residence and see photos of the gardens.

Entrance to the guest room framed in gorgeous succulent plantings Photo by Kirsten Honeyman