Modern design just isn’t what it used to be.

One word many people use to describe the overall feel of their ideal design is “modern,” especially when the design is meant to update an older space. What they typically mean is they want the style and characteristics of their new space to be current and recent. They want something contemporary. “Modern” is a funny word when used as an identifier of style. Historically speaking, modern describes the span of time around the years 1500 to 1800. But kitchen and bathroom fixtures from that time period haven’t yet come back into vogue, and their electrical and lighting designs really wouldn’t meet current building codes.

In the design world, modern describes a specific style movement that was considered “contemporary” from the 1920s through the 1950s. Carefully selected elements from the modern era, as well as those from various other design periods, are often brought together cohesively by present-day designers.

By those same design world definitions, contemporary describes the time period between the 1980s and now, whenever “now” happens to be. If represented on a timeline, it’s typically preferred that contemporary design sits a little closer to the now side than the one bookended by Reagan’s move into the White House. Technically speaking, unless there is a mass shift by the design community at large to either go back in time or far ahead into our estimated future, contemporary design, by its very definition, will be “modern” as long as there is a now for which it to refer.

It’s all complicated stuff.

Luckily, the DM+A team keeps itself up to date on current and emerging trends in architecture and design. We study and research current popular designs, and we know what’s needed in order for those designs to meet strict building codes. We’re watching the trendsetters, but our work is accessible enough to set trends of our own. We know hip and with it and chic and sophisticated and cool. In short, DM+A knows contemporary.

But we also know modern.

“What are these? Houses for ants?”

Yes, actually, if not eaten soon, those tiny buildings may indeed house ants. Today, however, they’re occupied by marshmallow snowmen, gummy bears and various other sticky sweets with which the youngsters chose to adorn their creations during this year’s annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party at Edgewood Center for Children & Families. All year long, we’re the creators. Guided by our clients’ specific needs and desires, we help transform their projects into beautiful and unique commercial or residential spaces. We’re great at what we do and we’re thankful so many people continually place their trust in our architecture and design services. But once a year, we look forward to throwing the building codes out the window and handing complete creative control over to the children of Edgewood.

We supply the basic gingerbread structures, the candy-coated chocolate building blocks and the adhesive sugar icing. The children supply the design skills and all the labor.

Wasting no time with meticulous measuring, and with very little regard for structural integrity, the children got to work this year renovating their plain gingerbread houses into edible works of art. We got to enjoy the creative process as spectators, our roles relegated to little more than replenishing the supplies of candy canes and gumdrops that were used as wall beams and multicolored roof tiles.

Though we had no expectations until that final peppermint candy was iced into place, this party is an old tradition for us, and one that everyone involved looks forward to every holiday season.

More than twenty years ago, the first Gingerbread House Decorating Party took place at Edgewood, a center here in San Francisco that serves children and families who have experienced traumatic stress leading to learning disabilities, mental illness and debilitating behavioral issues. Since 2008, our own Gregg De Meza has spearheaded the annual party, aided by a crew of helpers made up of DM+A’s staff, family and friends.

This party is more than just an afternoon of smiles, laughter and the inevitable sugar high. It’s about appreciation for opportunities — the opportunities Edgewood helps to afford to their children and families, and the opportunity we’ve been afforded to do what we love every day here at DM+A.

And, already, we’re looking forward to the opportunity to do it all again next year.

Red Carpet SF - 2015 San Francisco Decorator Showcase

Thank you Red Carpet Bay Area for the mention! I had to share this great photo of our fearless leader, Gregg De Meza, taken by Drew Altizer Photography in the bathroom we designed for this year's San Francisco Decorator Showcase.

Karter's Bath is for a 9-year old boy. The family loves modern art, so we turned to David Hockney’s Swimming Pool with Reflection for inspiration. We wanted to bring the energy of this piece to life in color, texture and light and we are so pleased with the results.

Please stop by for a peek before the showcase house closes on Memorial day, Monday May 25th.

Happy Belated Birthday Gregg!

Another year has passed for our fearless Architect, Gregg De Meza and in usual fashion, we celebrated with food and drink. This year we lunched at Tyler Florence's Wayfare Tavern and boy did we feast. For starters, we were feeling devilish, so we of course had to try the much talked about Deviled Eggs with english peas, salt cured ham and truffled pea salt. The yolks were airy and light - whipped into submission as Julie so swiftly commented in the movie Julie and Julia. We also had the Devil's on Horseback - Medjool dates, bacon, blue cheese, shiso hazelnut pesto. A sweet and smokey delight.

Now to the main event, Gregg happily had the tender Butcher's Filet as pictured - yum! Rachel had the Seared Ahi Tuna paired with a Carrot Margarita! How interesting. I strategically enjoyed a classic Dungeness Crab Louie to allow room for the final act - dessert.

Not just any dessert either, but Homemade Donuts, piping hot and served with dipping sauce. Please, please Wayfare Tavern, never part with the Earl Grey sauce, this is a must try. Great way to end a happy birthday luncheon! Until next year, happy eating.

p.s. also worth mentioning, instead of a bread basket, Wayfare Tavern starts with Popovers!