Discover the untold stories behind the passion projects.
9 Oceanfront Bathroom by Hawk & Co.
We've been working with and supporting SoCal homeowners on their projects for a long time—since 1949 to be exact. We also work closely with SoCal's design trade professionals and like to think we play a small role in bringing their residential and commercial projects to fruition as many of these residential and commercial projects feature ranges, ovens, fridges, dishwashers, washers and dryers, bathtubs, hardware, and other kitchen and bath products from Snyder Diamond.
We also think that the insights, history, and knowledge that our trade community has to share is often as fascinating as the beauty they create. So, we reached out to a few of L.A.'s interior designers and asked them, 'if you were to choose a favorite project, what would it be?".
From transforming spaces with distinct aesthetics to solving intricate architectural challenges and pushing artistic boundaries, explore the minds of some of L.A.’s most gifted individuals as they recount how they brought their favorite creative visions to life.
Birgit Klein
“Throughout the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to work on projects alongside remarkable clients. However, the project I'm most proud of is my personal home. This endeavor allowed me to create a living space that was tailored entirely to my lifestyle preferences. My vision materialized into a home perfect for hosting and embracing the concept of fluid indoor-outdoor integration. We incorporated natural and organic materials, earthy tones, and a lot of texture including reclaimed beams throughout our home. In the end, this project was a culmination of the many places I've designed over my career but with perhaps my most demanding client: myself!”
Montecito Residence designed by Birgit Klein Interiors
Family room with a view of the backyard
Entryway to the primary suite through interior doors.
Montecito Residence featuring a backyard and pool.
Designer: Brigit Klein/Firm: Brigit Klein Interiors/Photographer: Sam Frost Photography/Product: Marmi Natural Stone, Materials Marketing, Waterworks, JH Wallpaints
Birgit Klein is the director and principal interior designer of Birgit Klein Interiors, a full-service interior architecture and design studio based in Montecito, CA with projects worldwide. Birgit opened her first office in 2006 in London, followed by her Los Angeles studio in 2009, and settling in Montecito in 2015. Birgit’s German roots growing up in Munich, and time studying and working in London, have greatly influenced her timeless, bespoke environments.
Ruben Marquez
“While we hold pride in every project we participate in, a recent highlight for my firm is its participation in the 2023 San Francisco Decorator Showcase. We were elected to reimagine a full bath. It was a diminutive space that was riddled with challenges. As designers, we are constantly problem-solving, more so than “designing”. This particular project had off-centered dimensions and being that it was a showcase, we had a strictly limited timeline. We relied heavily on product availability and proper execution by our construction team. I’m very proud of the work we’ve done here as it was well received by the San Francisco community. We opted for a dark, moody and sexy vibe. I utilized matte quartz slabs on the flooring which is something you rarely see. We are very blessed to have had this opportunity and look forward to having more favorite projects under our belt!”
Before image of the 2023 San Francisco Decorator Showcase.
Luxurious custom quartz flooring.
Kohler floating vanity adorned with textured Arizona Tiles.
Showcase by Ruben Marquez at the 2023 San Francisco Decorator.
Designer: Ruben Marquez/General Contractor: Cook Construction/Photographer: Ryan Tiscareno/Product: Cambria Quartz, Arizona Tile, Kohler/Stone & Tile Fabricator: Constructa Inc.
Ruben holds an interior design degree from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Los Angeles. He is involved with philanthropic work for Cancer Support Community San Gabriel Valley and serves on their Board of Directors. His firm, RMID, specializes in diverse aesthetic residential and commercial remodels and new construction projects, operating throughout California with current projects in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco and Lake Tahoe.
Brett Karns
“One project that comes to mind is a beautiful reinterpretation of a colonial home situated in the Longridge Estates district of Los Angeles. My connection with the property was profound, from envisioning its design to overseeing its construction and eventual sale. When I look back on the year and a half of construction and development, I see it as my artistic outlet and frankly, a lifeline for my business during the challenging times of the pandemic. This project kept my men working and my family fed. I am truly grateful for this home, it was a blessing.”
Longridge Estate District, Los Angeles, by Brett. D. Karns Design.
Kitchen with Wolf Stove and Sub-Zero refrigerator from Snyder Diamond.
Open kitchen plan leading to living room.
Newport Brass faucets and fixtures from Snyder Diamond.
A colonial home, reinterpreted by Brett Karns.
Designer, Construction, Builder: Brett D. Karns Designs/Architect: Rick Stockton/Photographer: Nick Fran/Appliances: Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove from Snyder Diamond/Fixtures: Newport Brass from Snyder Diamond/Counters: Pacific Stone/Cabinetry: Columbia Cabinets/Floors: Prosource
Introduced to his calling at 15 while interning at his father’s real estate office, Brett Karns was introduced to a vocation that would ultimately become his passion. In his twenties, he bought and remodeled his first home, repeating this process over a dozen times, honing his signature style and building a respected reputation. Through Brett D. Karns Designs, Brett brings a piece of his luxury home aesthetic to custom home & multi-residential projects throughout the Los Angeles area.
Dolev Popovich
“If I have to choose one project it would be our recently completed Woodland Hills project. It was a full home renovation, with a modern style and a lot of natural warm colors. We worked on a super tight timeline because our clients were expecting a baby. The client let me take full control of the design, so I designed the house I would want to live in and we were able to complete it within their budget.”
Rodo Development presents the Woodland Hills Project in Los Angeles.
Kitchen featuring Bosch, Zephyr, and Fisher & Paykel appliances from Snyder Diamond.
Full home renovation showcasing modern style and warm colors.
A serene moment in the primary bathroom.
Designer, Contractor: Rodo Development/Appliances, Fixtures: Fisher & Paykel, Bosch, Zephyr, from Snyder Diamond
Dolev Popovich is a general contractor with 8 years of experience in the state of California. His extensive military and task force background influences his ability to solve problems quickly in the building industry and he strives to remain transparent in order to maintain a seamless environment for his team and clients. Dolev’s focus on top-notch work and craftsmanship fosters stress-free experiences for his clients.
Dorothy Macik
“La Vista de Estrondo. We were so captivated by this project because we were able to carefully pair every architectural interior and exterior detail to create a unique home that feels vast yet warm and welcoming. All materials—state-of-the-art appliances and plumbing fixtures throughout the project harmonize together to seamlessly serve purpose without compromising elegance. We designed the kitchen from the view of a chef who would be inspired to create gourmet meals and sway guests with the atmosphere of the unique home coupled with the supreme view.”
La Vista de Estrondo in Los Angeles by Dorothy Macik.
A 16-year-old Chinese Elm bonsai resting on a floating vanity in the primary bath.
Bathtub with a view of lush surrounding hills.
Earth-toned kitchen complemented by Font Surface countertops.
Designer: Dorothy Macik Design/Builder: LivLux Properties/Photographer: Madeline Tolle/Appliances, Fixtures, Hardware: Miele, Watermark Faucets, Kohler, Buster + Punch/Countertops: Font Surfaces
Dorothy Macik Design is a Los Angeles-based full-service residential design firm that embodies European savoir-faire and a distinct creative approach. Their contemporary-organic flair inspires their projects with innovative thinking and an ever-evolving aesthetic of functional luxury. Principal Dorothy Macik, a Polish native, draws inspiration from the grandeur of European architecture and her fascination with hand-crafted artistry to each project. With a diverse team, the firm aims to transform buildings into inspiring environments that mirror the aspirations and personalities of its owners.
Summer Jensen
“The 9 Oceanfront Project was a challenging project: structurally, this house contained so much steel (15 feet-deep steel beams) to brace for the weight of the attached infinity pool, that it made running mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) from one room to another very challenging on the construction side. Aesthetic considerations played a role too, as we were looking for the perfect balance between transitional and modern elements. Our vision included individualized color schemes for each bedroom, linked by a unifying stair hall that acted as the bridge between these distinct room personalities. We 3D imaged the crafted stone block fascias and edges for the curved stair hall, importing marble from Italy. Every detail was tended to.”
Hawk & Co.'s 9 Oceanfront Kitchen in Dana Point.
Unobstructed views of sunset and the sea.
Italian marble floors sparkling beneath a custom spiral chandelier.
One of thirteen baths in this expansive Dana Point home.
A unique space resembling a human aquarium with wall-size windows.
Living room with an infinity pool and ocean views.
Dana Point's The Strand.
Architecture, Design: Hawk & Co/Executive Architect: CJ Light & Associates/Contractor: Hill Construction/Landscape: Geoscapes/Photographer: Manolo Langis/Appliances, Fixtures: Fantini, Miele
Summer Jensen is the CEO and Principal of Hawk & Co, a Laguna-based interior design and interior architecture firm known for inventive problem-solving, astute project management and unparalleled client service. With a deference to the natural environment, Summer is dedicated to incorporating biophilic and sustainable design in her beautiful Southern California projects. Summer’s designs have been featured in prestigious publications internationally including Architectural Digest, Robb Report, Interior Design, Veranda, Homes & Gardens, Coveteur and Domino and the recipient of the California Home + Design Best Residential Build, Gold Nugget, and Fantini Design awards.
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