INNER SPACES BOOK: CARLTON HOBBS ANTIQUES HOSTS EVENT IN THE BIG APPLE

Paul Wiseman and Inner Spaces author Brian Coleman signing books Photos by Kate Jerde Cole of Editor At Large

What better place than Carlton Hobbs Antiques, located in the exquisite "Birdie" Vanderbilt Mansion on the Upper East Side, to have a New York City celebration of The Wiseman Group's new book,  Inner Spaces? Owners Carlton Hobbs and Stefanie Rinza were the consummate hosts, and the setting, filled with antique pieces of exceptional merit, made for a spectacular backdrop for the East Coast book launch event. Paul Goldberger's warm introduction sang the praises of Paul Wiseman and his firm's work. Mr. Goldberger's remarks set the stage for a standing room only lecture by Mr. Wiseman covering three of TWG's finest design projects conceived by three of the world's most talented architects.

Architecture critic Paul Goldberger introducing Paul Vincent Wiseman Video by One Dream Sound

In addition to showcasing the firm's range of work, the lecture was intended to elucidate The Wiseman Group's design philosophy -- that interior design is very serious business, and not simply the art of making pretty rooms. Human beings have deeply ingrained needs to create homes that are both sanctuaries and reflections of what is meaningful to them. "I believe that good interior design must tap into what the Iroquois called the 'long-body,' our deep psyche’s personal and collective history of meaning. We bring in this element by finding objects, art, or antiques that have 'soul' and are appropriate to the home and client. We feel we have truly succeeded in our work if the resulting living space provides beauty, safety, and creative expression of the psyche!"

Mr. Wiseman giving his talk on "Mindful Design and the Art of Storytelling" Video by One Dream Sound

Phil Benson, Paul Wiseman, and Brian Coleman

TWG design principal Brenda Mickel and designer Louis Navarrete

TWG CEO Kevin Peters, designer Bunny Williams, and Chase Roberson, assistant to Mr. Wiseman

Joy Venturini Bianchi of San Francisco, Paul Vincent Wiseman, and Jeanne Lawrence of the New York Social Diary

TWG design principal James Hunter and Trevor Watt

Bruce Honeyman, Hara Woltz, and TWG blog author Kirsten Honeyman

Gretchen Berggruen (R) and guest

Hon. Rebecca Wiseman and Brian Coleman

Chiles Wilson, Leslie Wilson, Stacy Benson, and Phil Benson

Phaedra Wilson (left) and John Danzer (center) of Munder Skiles with Taffy Dahl and Donald Kaufman

Exceptional antiques on display at Carlton Hobbs

Nina Reeves, designer John Lyle, Kory Drahos, and Andrew Joseph of Andrew Joseph PR

Kate Bergeron and Jessica Robb

Kirsten Honeyman and TWG designer Victoria Kennedy

Lovely setting for the bar

Guillermo Martinez and Todd Henderson of Ralph Lauren with Steve Brister of Nella Vitrina

Joseph Aldrich of OC South Magazine and Brian Coleman

Henry Neville of Mallett Antiques and guests

Designer Faye Kitchener Cone with guest

Drew Stevens of Feminist Press and Joel Barkley of Ike Kligerman Barkley Architects

Brina Gehry, City of New York archeologist David Pagano, and Richard N. Snyder

Sondra Whitney, Jeanne Lawrence, and Joan Budd

Bunny Williams and Paul Wiseman

Phaedra Wilson, Ron Brick, and Michael Hill

Kerry Howard and Toma Clark Haines

Kevin Peters, Louis Navarrete, and guest

Robin Seegal and Joy Venturini Bianchi

Brian Coleman and guest

Edouard Daunas of Martin Patrick Evan, design writer Jorge Arango, and host Carlton Hobbs

Glenn Gissler, Taffy Dahl, Donald Kaufman, and guest

Darcy Fulton of John Rosselli Antiques and Decorations and guest

Jorge Arango and TWG design principal James Hunter

Guest and host Stefanie Rinza

Beautiful gallery of rare pieces

~

SHARING AND CARING: TWG PARTICIPATES IN UC EXTENSION TOUR

TWG CEO Kevin Peters speaking to the students Photos - Mauricio Munoz

Author Diane Dorrans Saeks recently taught a UC Extension seminar that explored a broad range of residential and commercial design by some of San Francisco’s leading architecture and design practitioners. The course included a tour of several professional offices. The tour began at ODADA (Orlando Diaz-Azcuy Design Associates), an internationally recognized firm which has been part of the SF design scene since 1990. At the new headquarters of BAMO, founded in 1991, tour participants viewed the firm's commercial and residential work, including new work on the boards. 

Design Principal Mauricio Munoz answering student questions

The tour ended at The Wiseman Group offices on Potrero Hill. Paul Wiseman and his team were on hand to speak to the students and answer questions. Diane Saeks introduced the firm to the students citing its "extraordinary aesthetic ... based on a quiet rigor, highly customized décor, and a precision that is intellectual, emotionally engaging, and intuitive." Refreshments were served at the end of the tour so that the group could discuss current design topics with the designers. All in all it was an inspiring day for the students! TWG was pleased to be able to contribute.

TWG President Paul Wiseman welcoming Diane Dorrans Saeks

Students touring the TWG offices

TWG Design Principal Brenda Mickel discussing project renderings

Paul Wiseman sharing a site photo

~

INNER SPACES BOOK: EVENING AT THE HOME OF SANDY & JEANNE ROBERTSON

Hostess Jeanne Robertson speaks to her guests about the design work of Paul Wiseman and The Wiseman Group

The oldest residence in San Francisco sits on a quiet street atop Russian Hill overlooking a large swath of the Bay: the Golden Gate Bridge to the west; Belvedere Island, Angel Island, and Alcatraz to the north; and Berkeley and the Bay Bridge to the east. Sandy and Jeanne Robertson bought their home twenty years ago, and with the help of Walker & Moody Architects and The Wiseman Group they have transformed the historic house into a sanctuary of beauty and comfort. The home was recently the setting for a private book party celebrating the publication of Inner Spaces, a retrospective of the interior design work of The Wiseman Group.

Signed, special edition copies of Inner Spaces

Joan Vinson and Kevin Hsu peruse the book upon arrival

A feature of Paul Wiseman's residence catches Joan Vinson's eye

Host Sandy Robertson greets guests

TWG CEO Kevin Peters is greeted by Laura Robertson and Sandy Robertson

California State Senator Mark Leno chats with John Gunn and Richard Snyder

Rita Laven, TWG President Paul Wiseman, and TWG Design Principal Brenda Mickel

Brett Robertson, Kevin Peters, and TWG Design Principal James Hunter

Jerry Weissman, Lucie Weissman, Nan McDowell, and Jim Grossman

Jim Marver, Stephanie Marver, Paul Wiseman, and Catherine Hoenig

Jeanne Robertson, Mark Leno, and Barbara Rosenberg

Patsy Ludwig

Ann Alkire and Brenda Mickel

Michele Goss, Paul Wiseman, and Connie Goodyear Baron

Richard Snyder, Cynthia Gunn, and John Gunn

Janet Moody McMurty and Deedee McMurty

Paul Wiseman jokes with Kent Eff, Karen & Richard Goss, and Heather Gray

TWG Design Principal Mauricio Munoz with Brenda Mickel

Jeanne Robertson, Paul Wiseman, Joan Vinson, and Cynthia Gunn

Sam Barondes and Richard Snyder

Patsy Ludwig

Catherine Hoenig and Heather Gray

Kevin Hsu, Stephen Suzman, landscape architect for the Robertson property, and Joan Vinson

Jeanne Robertson chats with guests

Tom Beischer, Cynthia Gunn, and James Hunter

David DeWilde, Paul Wiseman, and Joy Venturini Bianchi

Kent Eff and Heather Gray

Stephanie Marver

Lucie and Jerry Weissman with Jeanne Robertson

David DeWilde and Mauricio Munoz

Roger Evans and Aey Phanachet

Bruce Honeyman and TWG blog author Kirsten Honeyman

With drinks in hand, guests were free to roam the three-story Victorian home, taking in its lovely decor, impressive art collection, and spectacular views over the Bay. As the stars came out, guests were treated to a front row seat to The Bay Lights, the world’s largest LED light sculpture across the western span of the Bay Bridge.

View north to Alcatraz and Angel Island

Roger Evans, Kirsten Honeyman, and Joy Venturini Bianchi are regaled by Paul Wiseman

Paul Wiseman points out the Golden Gate Bridge to Joy Venturini Bianchi, Aey Phanachet, and Roger Evans

James Hunter and Tom Beischer

To the east the lights of the Bay Bridge can be seen after dusk

Brenda Mickel, Paul Wiseman, Ann Alkire, and Kirsten Honeyman are served desert on the rooftop

Bruce Honeyman and Mauricio Munoz enjoy a drink in the rooftop viewing room

At one point in the evening, Mrs. Robertson spoke to the assembled guests about her affection for Paul Wiseman and her appreciation of the excellent work of the firm. She thanked James Hunter for his contribution to their projects as well. It was a very special evening for all involved, and The Wiseman Group wishes to thank the Robertsons for all their invaluable support and good will!

Jeanne Robertson, Paul Wiseman, and gathered guests

Carrie Swing of TWG makes sure each guest leaves with a copy of the book

Chase Roberson of TWG looks on as Paul Wiseman says goodnight to Brenda Mickel

Sandy Robertson bids Shirley Sun goodnight

~

INNER SPACES BOOK: DELTA CELEBRATION

View of the main house from the guest cottage

Paul Vincent Wiseman and The Wiseman Group were recently fêted at the Sacramento River delta farm of Leslie and Chiles Wilson. The occasion? A hometown book launch party for Inner Spaces, showcasing thirty-five years of the firm's interior design work. The Wilson abode is included in the new book.

View from the back side of the home, which faces Mt. Diablo Photo - Matthew Millman

Close-up of pool area at dusk Photo - Matthew Millman

Architected by David Morton and Kurt Melander, the Wilson compound seems absolutely at home on the property. The modern farmhouse and its out buildings sit in the middle of a large pear orchard and relate comfortably to their agricultural setting. The architects have achieved a masterful balance between historical and contemporary aesthetics: with its simple lines, tin roofs, and white plaster walls, the architecture gives a nod to the property's history as a farm labor camp during the Great Depression, all the while reflecting fresh, modern design.

The guesthouse, designed in the same vernacular as the main house Photo - Matthew Millman

Chiles Wilson (L) looks on as Paul addresses the guests Photo - Kirsten Honeyman

This event was especially meaningful to Paul Wiseman: he grew up in Walnut Grove with Chiles Wilson as his best buddy, and the bulk of those attending were dear friends and family wishing him well as the book makes its debut.

Hostess Leslie Wilson Photo - Richard Snyder

Nancy Moser (seated), a dear friend of Paul's mother and one of the first people to appreciate his design talent, with Paul, Katie Moser, and granddaughter Sarah Moser Photo - Richard Snyder

Pan van Loben Sels, friend of Paul's mother Photo - Richard Snyder

Sadie Darsie, designer at TWG and family friend, with her boyfriend, Ali Razavi Photo - Richard Snyder Paul reviews the book with party guests Laura & Rob Towne and their daughter and son-in-law Photo - Mauricio Munoz

Jan Quesenbury, friend of Paul's mother Photo - Richard Snyder

Bruce Honeyman adds a little musical interest to the gathering Photo - Mauricio Munoz

Paul greets an old friend, Chad LaBenz, who traveled from Florida to attend the gathering Photo - Mauricio Munoz

Paul with childhood friend, gardener, and artist, Daisy Mah Photo - Richard Snyder

Architect Kurt Melander, artist Tom Cordell , TWG CEO Kevin Peters, and Chase Roberson, assistant to Paul Photo - Mauricio Munoz

Chase Roberson, TWG Design Principal James Hunter, and Angus Whyte, longtime friend of Paul Photo - Mauricio Munoz

Guest Phil Benson Photo - Richard Snyder

Alex Wilson, farmer James Christie, and Chiles Wilson, Jr Photo - Mauricio Munoz

Paul with Lynn Stutz and his cousin, Cathy Wiseman Hemley Photo - Mauricio Munoz

Nicole Wiseman, Paul's cousin, and Richard N. Snyder, Paul's partner Photo - Mauricio Munoz

Richard Snyder, Janice Wiseman (Paul's sister-in-law), and Kirsten Honeyman (writer for TWG) Photo - Mauricio Munoz

Guest Stacy Benson Photo - Richard Snyder

Case and Brian Wiseman, Paul's nephews from two different siblings Photo - Richard Snyder

Hilary Wiseman, Paul's niece, and Chiles Wilson, Jr., her good friend and son of the host Photo - Richard Snyder

James Hunter, TWG Design Principal Photo - Richard Snyder

Pear orchard painting by Chinese immigrant artist, Ming, whose works are collected by the Wilsons Photo - Richard Snyder

A big thanks to the Wilsons for hosting such a delightful event!

~

IN THE NEWS: SFC&G SPENDS AN AFTERNOON CHEZ WISEMAN

The Wiseman Group continues to get attention for its newly published book, Inner Spaces: Paul Vincent Wiseman & The Wiseman Group, showcasing the firm's thirty-five years of design work. In their September 2014 publication, SFC&G spends the afternoon with Paul Wiseman and his partner Richard Snyder while they entertain lunch guests at their Belvedere Island home. Paul is an excellent chef and makes a gourmet lunch prepared with high-quality ingredients from the Marin County farmers market. Guests are served on the loggia, with its world-class views over the San Francisco Bay. SFC&G does a wonderful job capturing this pleasurable experience!

Paul Wiseman collecting herbs in his garden

Preparing a tart using pears from a friend's orchard on the Sacramento River delta

Fresh wild salmon on a bed of market corn

Cheers to a lovely all'aperto meal

TWG Design Principal Brenda Mickel (L), enjoying tart on the loggia

~