THE CONFIDENTIAL

What's your claim to fame?:

I am an activist for architecture preservation - in particular, Mid-Century Modernism. I started a non-profit preservation and appreciation group in Chicago twenty-five years ago, Chicago Bauhaus and Beyond, then joined Palm Springs Modernism Committee. I chair their education program, and now I also chair the La Jolla Modernism Tour that happens the first week of October. I'm also the keyboardist (not the singer) in The Gand Band, voted Coachella Valley's Best Band for 4 years in a row.   

​

Tell us the story behind what you do—how did your journey begin, and what motivates you today?:

I have always been drawn to the arts - I've been a musician since the age of 5, playing classical, jazz and rock keyboards, always enjoyed creating and studying art, and love the beauty of nature. I realized that Modernism includes all of these aspects, and it is a total life-style for me. I live in a Mid-Century Modern house, listen to music from that era, collect the art, vintage clothes jewelry, and furniture, and enjoy people who appreciate the same things. I have a band with my husband, The Gand Band, and our motto is: "Saving vintage music...one note at a time." We perform mid-century music from Elvis to the Beatles, to Motown and pop hits that we all love.   

​

How have your surroundings or lifestyle shaped your creative process, mindset, or brand ethos?:

I grew up in the Chicago area and all around me were buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, and the other architects they inspired. I naturally fell in love with that style of architecture, and watched as one by one they were getting torn down. That continues to motivate me to spread my love of this style of architecture and design so it won't completely disappear. Preservation through Appreciation!   

​

What’s something about your work or approach that might surprise people?:

I'm not trained as an architect, but I have a deep knowledge and see space like architects do. I taught myself, and my husband also has a keen eye. We enjoy restoration, renovation and interior decorating together and re-doing houses to bring them back to look the way they were originally intended.   

 

What's currently inspiring you—whether it's a person, a place, a project, or something totally unexpected?:

We bought the house next door to us in La Jolla, which was built in 1967. We are currently at work restoring it, and working hard to get it done when we will show it on the Modernism Tour coming up on Oct. 4. We're excited because Hobbs Modern, a wonderful vintage furniture studio, is teaming up with us to decorate the house for the tour. Its going to be fantastic! They are loaning furniture, and art and pottery are being loaned from friends to make it an amazing collaboration.   

​

What are your favorite rituals, spaces, or hidden spots that bring you joy or spark ideas?:

My living room in La Jolla is my favorite space right now. I love the connection Mid-century Modern architecture has with nature. I need that connection to a beautiful natural setting to re-charge my batteries. Walls of glass give me amazing views of the canyon, the ocean in the distance...beautiful trees and plants...there is nothing more beautiful to me.