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!

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OUT AND ABOUT: JAY JEFFERS BOOK LAUNCH

TWG Design Principal James Hunter with Jay Jeffers

San Francisco-based interior designer Jay Jeffers celebrated the release of his new book, Jay Jeffers: Collected Cool (Rizzoli), and many of The Wiseman Group staff were in attendance. The launch party was held Thursday, March 27 at the new pop-up accessories shop Cavalier@Coup located inside Coup d’Etat. By all reports, the event was a big success...

Jay Jeffers

Jay Jeffers signing copies of his book

Carrie Swing of TWG and Kaylee Witworth

Samantha Schiff (TWG Assistant Designer), Kalyee Whitworth, and Kelsey Mazzotta (TWG Assistant Designer)

Suzanna Allen (former Personal Assistant to Paul Wiseman) and Kevin Peters (TWG CEO and CFO)

Kevin Peters with designer Scot Meacham Wood

Sadie Darsie, Chase Roberson, Shannon Jue (of TWG) and Debbie Gray of De Sousa Hughes Showroom

James Hunter and John Toya of Ike Kligerman Barkley Architects enjoy a moment with other party attendees

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OUT AND ABOUT: COCKTAILS ON THE PENINSULA

Front entry area with large pivoting door

The Wiseman Group was recently invited for cocktails at the Hillsborough residence of clients of the firm. The occasion: the completion of the design project's furniture installation. The hosts wanted to share their lovely home with the staff and show their appreciation for a job well done. Design Principal James Hunter lead the creative team with assistance from Designer Luis Alves, both of whom were on hand to answer questions and show everyone around.

Library furniture installed, with finishing accessories soon to come

Seating near the living room fireplace with additional decorative elements yet to be installed

Seating by the fireplace accented with pillows in Fortuny's Shanti pattern

Panel above fire place raised to reveal a flat screen television

Small patio outside of the master bedroom suite, featuring a black oval soaking tub

Master bathroom vanity

Guest bathroom shower

The clients have a preference for modern design, evident in the home's architecture and in their choice of furniture and fixtures. The house was completely remodeled (by Charlie Barnett Associates) to increase a feeling of interior spaciousness. In spite of the large size of the great room, which combines the kitchen, dining area, and seating near the fireplace, the house feels warm and comfortable -- much to the credit of the design staff.

Design Principal James Hunter flanked by the client and her neighbor, also a client of TWG

The client with CEO Kevin Peters

President Paul Wiseman and Design Principal Brenda Mickel

Designer Luis Alves and Kevin Peters

Designers Kelsey Mazzotta and Victoria Reynolds with attorney Richard Snyder

Designers Jessica Barnard, Anna Sweeney, and Victoria Reynolds

Accounting Manager Eloisa Saquilayan, Designer Marilyn Autry, and PVW Assistant Chase Roberson

Kevin Peters with (from left) Designers Anna Sweeney, Lauren Daley, Marilyn Autry, Sadie Darsie, and Kelsey Mazzotta

The staff enjoyed seeing the project firsthand and appreciated the gracious manner in which the clients showed TWG their thanks!

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FAVORITE SOURCES: LA CORNUE

Château 165 with handsome profile, grand vaulted gas oven, standard electric oven, and choice of six cooktop configurations

La Cornue got its start in 1908 when founder Albert Dupuy took advantage of the installation of natural gas lines throughout Paris. Gas lighting had become widely available and with it came the possibility of using gas to fuel the kitchen stove. Mid-century, André Dupuy continued his father's business, updating old models and introducing new ones, such as the classic Château range. In 1985, Xavier Dupuy took over the company and, with a small staff of sixty, has presided over the development of an international company with a reputation for quality.

The Wiseman Group is asked to create seriously beautiful, beautifully serious kitchens for their clients. Fortunately for the design team, La Cornue makes rock solid ranges with gorgeous European styling. With La Cornue, the beauty of form does not have to be sacrificed to the practicality of function.

The company's line of high-end ranges are manufactured in France and operate somewhat differently than equipment manufactured in the US. For this reason, La Cornue makes a concerted effort to see that designers who recommend the ranges to their clients are familiar with the capabilities and functions of their products.

TWG was recently invited to attend an informational gathering about La Cornue at Purcell Murray's showroom in Brisbane. They partner with fine kitchen appliance brands and have two California showrooms where interested parties can go to experience those brands in a no-pressure setting. No better way for the TWG team to learn about La Cornue than to attend a hands-on demonstration at Purcell Murray with a gourmet meal served at the end!

Eric Remmen, La Cornue’s West Coast Manager, sharing information with TWG team members

Larissa Taboryski, La Cornue’s In-House Culinary Director, discussing the product line and preparing a demonstration

Carrie Swing, TWG Resource Coordinator, arranged the event with La Cornue

A delicious end to an informative demonstration

TWG staff (clockwise from top of table) Steven Brown, guest, Sadie Darsie, Heather Queen, Samantha Schiff, Carrie Swing, Megan Munoz, and Shannon Jue

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