Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

The Real Housewives of New Jersey cast members are known for flipping tables and major family blow-ups. Aside from their drama, they are one of the flashiest franchises.

With mega-mansions and blinged-out jewelry, viewers wonder how they live such flashy lives when their major stars have had serious financial issues. The season 10 cast are ringing in major cash as far as their salaries on the show, adding to their growing net worth.

For a short time, Giudice was a paid contributor to PEOPLE Magazine where she blogged on the site regarding the show. Her books have become New York Times Best Sellers, which include four cookbooks Skinny Italian, Fabulicious!, Fabulicious Fast & Fit, and Fabulicious!, and On the Grill and several memoirs, Turning the Tables: From Housewife to Inmate and Back at It Again, and Standing Strong. She also had her own jewelry line of costume accessories called TG Fabulicious and a line of dessert wines with Fabellini.

Her net worth was once estimated to be about $11 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Despite the success of her businesses, she and her husband filed for bankruptcy in 2011, claiming to be more than $11 million in debt. Legal documents revealed that she took home large advances and royalties from her books including a $250,000 advance for Skinny Italian and $30,000 in royalties, according to Earn The Necklace. They were found guilty in 2013 of fraud charges after a guilty plea, with them both serving separate jail sentences. With the bankruptcy filing, loss of income from her business and legal fees, her net worth took a hit. Luckily, she has the show. Reality Blurb reported that shes paid $62,000 per episode, putting her salary at a little over $1 million for Season 10.

Gorga has had her own success since joining the show in season 3. In her first season, she released a pop single, On Display, which charted on iTunes. She released her first book in 2013, Love Italian Style: The Secrets of My Hot and Happy Marriage, where she shares her secrets to a lasting and happy relationship. In the book, she gives the four ingredients that she believes contribute to a good relationship respect, honesty, loyalty, and passion mixed with old school values.

Gorga took her love of fashion and all things glitz and glamour to another level when she opened her New Jersey boutique, Envy. The business has not been without its ups and downs. Her former business partner sued her and the store closed for a few months before reopening with just Gorga. She was also accused of selling counterfeit Chanel purses and accessories, which caused a backlash in 2017. The store is now doing well.

She and her husband allegedly had issues, including owing their former mortgage company and fans suspected that like her sister-in-law, shed file for bankruptcy. They attempted to sell their Montclair, New Jersey mansion. They now live in a mansion in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.

Whatever money troubles she may have had have now seemed to be resolved. Shes said to be paid $600,000 per season and is worth an estimated $1.5 million.

Aydin has been on the show since season 9 and has flaunted her wealth. She dons Chanel in almost every episode and has a lavish home to match her flashy fashion choices. Her massive New Jersey mansion is equipped with 18 bathrooms. The home is 12,000 square feet with an 8,000 square feet basement that holds nine bedrooms.

The mother of five relies on her plastic surgeon husband to bring home the bacon while she takes care of their home and family. Their family business is Aydin Plastic Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey. Aydins husband Bill specializes in aesthetic cosmetic surgery of the face and body, including minimally invasive procedures and reconstruction of breast cancer survivors, and traumatic injuries, including hand surgery, according to the offices website. Due to her husbands plastic surgery business, shes worth an estimated $7 million.

Goldschnieder famously revealed on the show that in addition to her previous life as a lawyer, she has family money and declared herself as the richest cast member. Her parents invested their money well and set up a trust fund for her to access when she grew older. When she decided to use withdraw money from the trust, she took a note out of her parents book and invested in real estate. She owns a home in the Hamptons, which she rents out for $50,000 a month. She also has properties in New York and runs a real estate management company.

After retiring from her life as a real estate attorney, she found a new passion as a freelance journalist and newspaper columnist. Her writing credits include Good Housekeeping and Huffington Post along with her own blog, The Mummy Brain. Her accumulated wealth prior to joining the show was an estimated $2 million.

A graduate of New Yorks Fashion Institute of Technology, Josephs used her degree to become a fashion designer and entrepreneur. She worked as a dress designer before starting her own line with the Macbeth Collection lifestyle brand. For almost 20 years, her business boomed. Her net worth was an estimated $50 million before experiencing money trouble in 2019.

She was sued for $200,000 from two former friends who claimed she owed them money from a loan. She also owed backed taxes and then declared bankruptcy within her business when Vineyard Vines sued her for $12 million claiming her company copied their logo design. Page Six also reported that her house was in foreclosure in 2018.

Catania makes roughly $60,000 per episode, with Celebrity Net Worth estimating her to be worth $4 million. While most of her revenue comes from RHONJ, she has used the show to venture into real estate.

Her and her ex-husband, Frank Catania, are in the home flipping businesses. They buy homes, rebuild them and sell them for a higher profit. They also build custom homes, as shown on the current season of the show. Catania also does sponsored social media posts.

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RHONJ: Which Cast Member Has The Highest Net Worth? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Ecology and heritage park plans

A heritage park with archaeological viewing platforms, and interpretation boards, a community hub and an edible corridor are among the plans for a 1,600 home development in Birchington which will go on public display this month.

Ptarmigan Land and Millwood Designer Homes will show masterplan images for the 194 acre site on the south of the village running from Quex up towards Minnis at a consultation event on February 14.

The event, taking place at The Centre in Alpha Road from 1pm to 8pm, precedes an expected submission of an outline planning application to Thanet council this Spring.

The proposal, which could see the village swell from 10,000 residents to almost 15,000, includes developing agricultural fields on the perimeter of Birchington an issue that has caused anger and prompted a petition objecting to the scheme signed by 2858 people.

The petition launched by resident Gary Fowler questions why grade one land is being used when the development could instead incorporate grade 2 and 3 land further west.

Concerns over the increase in population, stretched medical services and the loss of countryside and paths are also raised.

Aims to develop the site are contained in the draft Thanet Local Plan a blueprint for housing, business and infrastructure on the isle up until 2031. A vote aimed at retaining aviation at Manston airport in 2018 resulted in a reallocation of properties, including a further 600 homes for Birchington, making a total of 1,600.

Olly Buck from Ptarmigan Land said the aim is to engage Birchington residents and introduce a scheme that will deliver benefits.

He said: 1,600 houses in a new community is inevitably going to bring substantial change and not everyone is going to be in favour of that. The reason these schemes are being delivered up and down the country is the government drive to increase housing. Our job is to very much engage the community to make sure they are armed with the facts and to set out how it will affect them.

Sometimes the impact that some think will be negative can actually bring a whole range of benefits. This scheme will deliver economic and community benefits. When you do a job right it improves an area rather than having a detrimental impact.

Ptarmigan and Millwood say the planned link road extending from Minnis Road and the A28 will alleviate traffic congestion in the village and improve air quality in the main square and that 26 HA of open space more than double to 12 HA requirement will include the heritage park and archaeological finds, all age leisure facilities such as a skate park, community orchards, growing areas and coastal trails.

Mr Buck said: There will be a Quex to coast heritage walk which will be a fantastic resource with wayfinding interpretation boards and various things along the route to celebrate the heritage of the area. It is quite exciting.

He also outlined plans for the edible corridor in the Minnis Road area with growing points, bee friendly planting and rewilding, adding: Agricultural land in intensively farmed so although we are taking away a landscape we are putting elements in that will reconnect nature and wildlife even in an urban area.

A two-form entry primary school, 70 bed retirement home and financial contributions towards expanding facilities at Birchington Medical Centre are included in the scheme.

A community hub including flexible office space, three acre sports field and leisure space also feature.

Jeremy Handel, from Ptarmigan, said: The key things are healthy living and healthy lifestyles. There are 19 different play areas, six equipped, for all age groups. The skate park will be designed into the landscape with areas suitable for small children and older kids.

Homes will be a mix from one bed to five bed with 30% earmarked as affordable, including shared ownership/help to buy scheme properties and social rented homes.

The proposal has a 10-15 year phased build out with the aim of starting construction in early 2022 and first occupations at the end of that year.

Boards showing the new designs will be on display at the consultation event.

The volume of housing planned for the village and the agricultural land location lay at the heart of opposition to the scheme.

According to Thanets draft local plan a total of 17140 new houses are allocated for the isle from 2011-2031.

But resident and campaigner for Birchington action group against TDC Local Plan Craig Solly says the development numbers are a nonsense.

He said: The housing need is wrong; Thanet will not build in total 17140 houses in the 12 years left in the local plan. The plan in the last 5 years will build over 1300 houses a year. This has not happened in the data I have found since 1980.

If the housing numbers were sensible we wouldnt have this level set out for Birchington and Westgate.

He added Losing the UKs finest farmland to housing is not the way to deliver housing in the future, especially when there is passion to protect the environment and global climate. It is a sad reflection of these times to destroy the arable soils that have provided food for generations. Thanet and the UK has brownfield land which the focus of house building should prioritise, especially when national policy states it to do so.

District and parish councillor for Birchington, Phil Fellows, says farmland should not be used when there are other available sites.

He said: Ive always been against any development on Grade I agricultural farmland. There are enough empty properties and brownfield sites in Thanet; the last resort should be building on farmland.

The developers have seen this land has been put into the local plan and these developers are just here to make as much profit as possible. We shouldnt be fooled that they have our interests at heart. Weve got a medical centre at breaking point, one primary school and a secondary school that are oversubscribed.

If they were to build a new medical centre, secondary school and primary school first it would be easier to swallow. It has to be infrastructure first otherwise our residents already here will suffer.

Find the petition here

Find information boards from the Ptarmigan/Millwood consultation last October here

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Consultation event to include masterplan images for 1600 home Birchington development - The Isle of Thanet News

Some of Southern Californias most iconic buildings stand as silent monuments to a little-publicized pioneer.

Paul Revere Williams, the first African American member of the American Institute of Architects, not only designed homes for Hollywood legends from the 1930s through the 1960s but also fashioned the futuristic-looking Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport, the Angelus Funeral Home in South Los Angeles and a portion of the Beverly Hills Hotel.

The subject of three books by his granddaughter, Karen Hudson, Williams life and legacy are now the focus of an hourlong documentary with a Thursday premiere on PBS SoCal (KOCE-TV), and will show again Friday at 2 a.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. Following the California debut, it will air on nearly 200 PBS stations across the country and be available to stream at PBSSoCal.org/hollywoodsarchitect.

In addition to giving Williams his close-up, filmmakers hope that Hollywoods Architect: The Paul R. Williams Story will spark discussion of broader concerns.

Kathy McCampbell Vance, left, and Royal Kennedy Rodgers are co-directors and co-producers of Hollywoods Architect: The Paul R. Williams Story.

(Judy Licht Photography)

We want to do more than just a biopic, said Royal Kennedy Rodgers, co-director and co-producer of the film, more than eight years in the making. We talk about two of the biggest issues of today. One, the lack of diversity in the field of architecture, and also preservation is a big angle, because much of his work has been lost. There is a new focus in the African American community on preserving African American historic sites.

Born in 1894 and orphaned at age 4, Williams overcame numerous obstacles to join a profession that remains largely white.

As a child, Williams described bumping into a blank wall of discouragement, according to the film, narrated by actor Courtney B. Vance.

That included a teacher who very clearly told him, You cannot be an architect, Hudson recounted in the film. Your people will not be able to afford you and white people will not hire you. Be a doctor or a lawyer, because your people always need those.

Architect Paul Revere Williams in 1970.

(Los Angeles Times)

Williams gained his architects license in 1921 and got his big break a year later when he was tapped to design homes in the new community of Flintridge, in the San Gabriel Valley. During a career that spanned five decades, Williams designed more than 3,000 buildings across the globe.

His list of celebrity clients included Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, Barbara Stanwyck, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. As a gift for actor and philanthropist Danny Thomas, a friend of his, he designed the original star-shaped St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis.

Yet during much of his career, Williams was blocked by racist laws and customs from living in many of the neighborhoods that contained his homes. And to forestall conflict with white clients, who might balk at sitting next to him, Williams learned how to sketch his designs upside down a skill that became his trademark.

The Paul Williams story is really one of inspiration and motivation and dedication, said Kathy McCampbell Vance, co-director and co-producer (no relation to Courtney Vance).

The Robert Norman Williams Residence in Ontario is among the modernist-style homes designed by architect Paul R. Williams.

(Cameron Carothers)

This man was facing incredible odds from his birth to the time he died, she said. Yet he rose to a level of elegance and eloquence that few people who have been given a silver spoon rise to. He had to have true grit in order to survive and navigate this world.

Williams died in 1980 at age 85. Since the 1990s, interest in his accomplishments has been slowly growing.

At its 2017 convention, the American Institute of Architects gave a posthumous Gold Medal, its highest honor, to Williams, the first African American architect to win the award.

Between 1993 and 2012, Hudson published three books on her groundbreaking grandfather: Paul R. Williams, Architect: A Legacy of Style (Rizzoli, 1993), Paul R. Williams, Classic Hollywood Style (Rizzoli, 2012) and The Will and the Way (Rizzoli, 1994), a biography for grade-schoolers.

Kennedy Rodgers, a former PBS producer and correspondent, became interested in Williams story after hosting a book party for Hudson. She brought in McCampbell Vance and the two approached PBS.

This Spanish Colonial-style house was designed in 1928 by architect-to-the-stars Paul R. Williams, whose work spanned a wide range of styles.

(Lacey Wood)

Paul Williams designed in so many different styles that I dont think he was appreciated for being a great architect, because he didnt have quote unquote, a particular style, observed Michelle Merker, program development manager with KOCE-TV. He really built whatever the client wanted, and thats what made him so unique.

Hudson and Kennedy Rodgers hope the documentary will introduce Williams to a new audience.

While coffee-table books are significant records of an individuals work, they are not always available to everyday people, Hudson told The Times. Any vehicle that brings his life and legacy alive through visual means, like a documentary, simply enhances the journey.

In 2015, more than 90 years after Williams became the AIAs first African American member, a study by the organization showed its black membership still was less than 2%.

Weve experienced architecture mostly [from] the perspectives of white males, said Michael Ford, a designer with international architectural firm SmithGroup, whos helping create a hip-hop museum in the Bronx. We can see in the body of work of Paul Williams that there are other great design minds.

Ford said he hopes Williams story, and others that will surface, become reference points that move things forward on a quest to diversify the profession.

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This architect of classic Hollywood gets his own star turn - Los Angeles Times

situated in the traditional village of oia, and boasting a prominent position on santorinis caldera, kapsimalis architects has realized saint hotel. known for its rugged landscape that was shaped by an ancient volcano, the islands cave suites have become a popular haven for tourists. this recent project saw the reconstruction of existing buildings on the cliffside to create an idyllic hotel complex in keeping with classic cycladic architecture.

all images giorgos sfakianakis

the existing caves on the site had previously been used as storage areas, barns and cellars. there was also an old cubist residence in the north-east corner of the plot. given the ruined condition of the buildings, kapsimalis architects worked to restore and redesign the structures. the new hotel program comprises a small reception, sixteen suites, a restaurant, a common pool area and a spa/gym. built over six levels, the finished complex boasts unobstructed views, providing guests with the ultimate santoriniexperience.

the entrance to saint hotel is located on the upper level of the complex and can be reached on foot via the main pedestrian street in oia. on this level the outdoor lounge area can also be found. an external staircase cuts through the middle of the scheme and provides a central circulation route. this path connects the various private suites before arriving at the lowest level, which contains the restaurant and the infinity pool area, as well as the spa reception, a small gym, massage rooms, hammam, sauna booths, w/c, storage areas and a private relaxation space on the cliff edge.

when approaching the project kapsimalis architects sought to create a contemporary architecture that makes reference to the cubist morphology of the previous residence, while also remaining sensitive to the caldera landscape. the restored caves therefore retain important aspects of traditional cycladic buildings, such as the use of white and a human scale. the new intervention does, however, rotate the openings to better frame the panorama.

when viewed from above, one can appreciate how the new hotel complex folds into the terrain. the completed suites gently fit into the environment and the existing contours of the site.

inside, the interior follows the same minimal approach. white has been applied to every surface, with only the subtlest touches of gold and green added. the resulting spaces bring a focus to the blue sea outside and the curved ceilings of the rooms. overall, the design by kapsimalis architects is a contemporary take on cycladic architecture that offers an idyllic place to enjoy the beautifully scenic greek island.

project info:

project name: saint hotel

location: oia, santorini, greece

architecture & interior design: kapsimalis architects (2015-2019)

photography: giorgos sfakianakis

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readershere.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom

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kapsimalis architects builds idyllic 'saint hotel' into the caves of santorini - Designboom

Employees are encouraged to take a breather at the expanded, Santa Monica headquarters for meditation company Headspace, which was designed by American firm Montalba Architects.

The office is located in the Bergamot Station Arts Center, a former trolley stop and industrial campus that has been converted into galleries, design studios and offices.

Headspace which was founded in 2010 in London and offers various meditation services, including a popular app has been based at the Santa Monica complex since 2016.

Due to its rapid growth, the company needed more space. It turned to Montalba Architects, which is also located in Bergamot Station, to renovate and expand its headquarters. The overall aim was to create an environment that aligned with the company's mission to "improve the health and happiness of the world".

"It was important that the office's design reflect the company's values of mindfulness, innovation and dedicated purpose," the team said in a description.

The project entailed extending the company's office into an adjacent, two-storey building and creating an outdoor courtyard. The full project totalled 22,000 square feet (2,044 square metres).

The team also upgraded structural components and building systems, such as electrical, plumbing and drainage.

To give the building a clean look, walls, ceilings and other surfaces were painted white. Concrete floors were paired with white oak finishes and contemporary decor, including whimsical spinning chairs from Herman Miller. Rubber and felt were used in select areas, such as pinup spaces, for acoustical purposes.

On the ground floor, the team placed a variety of workspaces, several conference rooms and a spacious kitchen. The upper level houses an executive suite, additional meeting rooms and an outdoor terrace.

The office is configured in a way that allows employees to work and socialise as a group, or to have moments of solitude.

"To honour the core values of the company, we created small spaces where employees could find a moment of personal solace that wouldn't deter from the surrounding communal environment," said firm principal David Montalba.

"Freestanding meditation pods and quiet meditation areas are available throughout the space to allow employees additional moments of solitude whenever necessary."

One of the key features in the office is a wide stairway that provides access to the second floor while also serving as a seating area. A large screen rolls down in the front of the stairs, allowing for presentations.

A glass, bi-fold garage door separates the stairs from the courtyard, where employees can take in sunlight and fresh air. The outdoor space also helps brighten up interior rooms.

"The open-air enclosure filters light and greenery into previously dark, isolated spaces and offers a necessary moment of reprieve within the buzzing office environment," the team said.

Started in 2004, Montalba Architects is based in Santa Monica and has a satellite office in Lausanne, Switzerland. Other projects by the studio include an Equinox gym in Vancouver that features earthy materials paired with concrete, and the conversion of a trailer into a mobile dental clinic.

Photography is by Kevin Scott.

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Montalba Architects incorporates meditation areas into Headspace office - Dezeen

Seattle-based firm LMN Architects has just completed its renovation and expansionof the Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM) in Volunteer Park, which will reopen to the public on February 8.

A major element of the two-year, $56-million project was the renovation of the original museum, a palatial Art Deco building designed by Bebb and Gould in 1933. The buildings ornate walls, floors, and ceiling elements were renovated to meet code requirements, and the climate control and seismic systems were also updated. Overhead lightboxes that emulate natural daylighting were embedded into the ceilings of the main gallery spaces. The museums central component, the Fuller Garden Court, has been renovated to its original condition to connect to a new lobby space.

Aerial view of the Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park. (Tim Griffith)

The buildings program spaces have been vertically connected by a glassy new lobby that provides unobstructed views of the surrounding park. A new, 2,648-square-foot gallery has been attached to the northeast facade of the original building on the opposite side of the main visitor entrance, adding significantly more space for its permanent collection and special exhibitions. The addition contrasts the original buildings opulent aesthetic with continuous floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum daylight exposure. To work on a historic building like this is a real privilege and honor, said Sam Miller, partner-in-charge at LMN Architects. Working with SAAM was a great fit, because our focus is also about creating great social experiences and connecting to community. We hope the addition adds significance to the original historic building, and we are very excited for everyone to visit the museum and experience the renovation and addition for themselves.

The museums architectural upgrade gave rise to an opportunity for its curators to reimagine the organization of its vast collection of Asian artifacts. The newly renovated and expanded Asian Art Museum breaks boundaries to offer a thematic, rather than geographic or chronological, exploration of art from the worlds largest continent, the museum announcedon its website. This method of curation will take place across both the original and recently-added gallery spaces.

A free weekend-long community celebration will take place on February 8 to inaugurate the reopening of the Seattle Asian Art Museum.

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LMN Architects reveals newly renovated Seattle Asian Art Museum - The Architect's Newspaper

Ready to find that next endeavor in your architectural career? If you're in need of a starting point for yourjob hunt,why not have a look at the latest listings from last week's Employer of the Day featured firms.

Selldorf Architects is hiring a highly experienced Senior Project Architect in their New York office. The role seeks a fully competent professional architect with 12+ years experience who will lead the Architectural team alongside a Project Manager.

In New York, Sawyer | Berson Architecture & Landscape Architecture is seeking highly motivated, skilled Architectural Renderers and Interior Design Renderers for high-end residential projects. Ideal candidates for both rolesshould have experience creating attractive, presentation-quality renderings, and a solid understanding of applying materials, furnishings, lighting, and composition.

Based in Bainbridge Island, Washington, Cutler Anderson Architects is seeking an Intermediate Architectural Designer to support projects locally and nationally. Experience in high-end residential, commercial projects, multi-family projects and some construction experience is preferred.

COOKFOX has multiple listings for their New York studio. They're currently seeking an experiencedHR Manager, a Junior Architect (2-3 years of experience), and an Intermediate Architect (3-7 years of experience).

Welch Design Studio in El Segundo, CA is hiring an intermediate or senior-level Architecture Specialist. Those applying should be highly motivated, highly skilled in the tools of the trade (Revit, Rhino, Photoshop, Illustrator, 3D Studio Max, etc.), and have great communication skills both written and verbal.

If you don't already, keep track ofEmployer of the DayonFacebook,Twitter,Pinterest, or theArchinect Jobs Instagram.

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Check out these featured job opportunities at Selldorf Architects, Sawyer | Berson, Cutler Anderson Architects, COOKFOX, and Welch Design Studio -...

What do Ronald Reagan, Frank Sinatra, Denzel Washington, Bob Iger, Cary Grant and Michelle Pfeiffer have in common? They all lived in homes designed by a man who, some 40 years after his death, is finally having his moment.

Hollywoods Architect, a new documentary directed and produced by Royal Kennedy Rodgers and Kathy McCampbell Vance which will air on PBS SoCal as part of Black History Month chronicles the life and work of Paul R. Williams, the African American architect behind more than 3000 famous homes and sites, particularly in Los Angeles. One Holmby Hills home formerly owned by Reagan and Jane Wyman recently went on the market for $7 million. (It cost Williams a little over $12,000 to build in 1938.) Williams was known for mastering the Spanish Colonial, modernist California look, with grand entryways and spiral staircases that made just about everyone feel like a star. Sinatra proudly gave Edward R. Murrow a tour of his Williams home on an episode of Person to Person.

In addition to all the homes, parts of the Los Angeles Airport, the Hollywood hangout Chasens and the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel were designed by the formerly underappreciated architect. (That is his handwritten Beverly Hills Hotel on the iconic sign.) Jimmy Fallon and Russell Crowe are among others who still love particular Williams-designed public rooms there. Danny Thomas became a close friend of Williams and, as his daughter Marlo says in the doc, hired him to do the St. Judes Hospital in Memphis. Williams did not ask for or accept money for the work.

Also Read: '2020 Oscar Shorts: Documentary' Film Review: Traditionally Intense Category Wields a Slightly Lighter Touch This Year

His life story (1894-1980) is the stuff of which movies are made. He was orphaned at the age of four, raised in a foster family, and eventually got himself into the USC engineering department. Even after finding success, he could not always get into the very places he helped design because of his skin color. When he expressed interest in the field, he was told by more than one professional, there is no such thing as a Negro architect. He even learned to draw upside down in order to sketch for clients while sitting across the table from them for the benefit of those who might have been uneasy alongside a man of color. He was trailblazing and game-changing, says Quincy Jones, who is interviewed in the doc and attended a standing room only viewing at the Raleigh Studios this week.

Helene Pollock, now 101 and living in Montecito, has lived in three Williams-designed houses: the first in Beverly Hills, in the 1930s, when her parents hired the then-unknown architect to build. Im so proud of them when I think about that now, says Pollock, especially because my dad was a Republican and all that meant. When she had three kids of her own, (Including future and former Universal chairman Tom Pollock) she bought a Williams house on Mapleton Drive in Beverly Hills from Joseph Mankiewicz. By that time, I was aware of who Paul Williams was, she says. And yes, it meant something. Mankiewiczs grand-nephew, NBC reporter Josh, says Joe was a big liberal, pro-integration, so it makes sense he would have befriended Williams.

Royal Kennedy Rodgers, a former ABC News reporter, has been tenaciously working on this project for more than a decade. There was money to raise, Williams fans and supporters to interview, as well as current and former homeowners such as producer Steve Tisch, Denzel Washingtons wife, Pauletta, (Washington had years before played basketball at the Williams-designed YMCA) Willow Bay and her husband Disney chief, Bob Iger. And there was a host to find. (Courtney B. Vance does the honors) I became convinced that this story could only have happened in the early days of Hollywood, says Kennedy, because it was a no-rules anything goes, constantly reinventing type of place. As Williams granddaughter, Karen Hudson, said to me, Paul Williams and L.A. grew up together.'

Even many in the field admit they were late to understanding the heft, quantity, and beauty of Williams work. The current Dean of USCs School of Architecture says, I was not that familiar with him before coming to USC, admits Milton S.F. Curry. But I have since learned of his incredible legacy. He was so eclectic, doing everything from homes of all models, to churches, civic buildings, and public housing. He cared about community, culture and craft. So far, the campus has no wings, rooms, or plaques carrying Williams name.

Nationally, Williams was the posthumous recipient of the 2017 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal. William Bates, the former president of that organization, is incredibly grateful for the belated acknowledgment of Williams, and believes the documentary will continue the momentum. My hope is that it provides inspiration to a new and more diverse generation of future architects, says Bates. Our representation within the profession is less than 2%. Obviously, it must represent the society that it serves if it is to be relevant. Williams story is one of creative persistence, professional talent and personal determination.

Better late than never.

Hollywoods Architect: The Paul R. Williams Story airs on PBS SoCal Thursday night at 8 p.m.

The acting legend (and father of Michael Douglas) died Wednesday at age 103. Here's a look back at his biggest roles in Hollywood.

Champion (1949)

Douglas earned his first Oscar nomination for playing the dogged boxer Midge Kelly in a black-and-white drama written by Carl Foreman ("High Noon").

Ace in the Hole (1950)

In one of Billy Wilder's most cynical dramas, Douglas plays a ruthless journalist who exploits a mining disaster -- even sabotaging rescue efforts -- to prolong the media frenzy.

The Bad and the Beautiful (1951)

He earned his second Oscar nomination playing another cad -- this time a power-obsessed Hollywood producer said to be modeled on David O. Selznick.

Lust for Life (1956)

In a departure from his cynical big-screen roles, Douglas brought real sympathy to his portrayal of tortured artist Vincent Van Gogh in Vincente Minnelli's biopic -- and the actor earned his third Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957)

Douglas plays outlaw Doc Holliday to Burt Lancaster's lawman Wyatt Earp in John Sturges' classic Western about the famed shootout in Tombstone, Arizona.

Paths of Glory (1957)

Again playing against type in Stanley Kubrick's antiwar movie, Douglas brims with decency as a French colonel in World War I who fights against an unfair court-martial of his men.

Spartacus (1960)

Douglas hit a career high as a rebellious Roman slave in this historical drama whose onscreen revolt had a real-life parallel. The actor also produced the blockbuster film and his very public hiring of screenwriter Dalton Trumbo helped to break Hollywood's blacklist of Communists.

Lonely Are the Brave (1962)

Douglas counted this Dalton Trumbo-penned Western as his personal favorite, and he gave a memorable performance as a New Mexico cowboy who was more of a drifter than a guy rooted in the land.

Seven Days in May (1964)

In John Frankenheimer's political thriller, Douglas plays a longtime military officer who begins to suspect that his nuke-obsessed general boss (Burt Lancaster) may be plotting to overthrow the president.

The Man From Snowy River (1982)

Douglas plays twin brothers -- a one-legged gold prospector and a wealthy cattle rancher -- in George Miller's coming-of-age drama about a ranch hand in 1880s Australia.

The acting legend (and father of Michael Douglas) died Wednesday at 103

The acting legend (and father of Michael Douglas) died Wednesday at age 103. Here's a look back at his biggest roles in Hollywood.

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Hollywoods Architect Paul R. Williams Finally Gets to Shine in the Spotlight (Guest Blog) - TheWrap

The RDR architectes studio designed new structures for Estancia Morro Chico, a ranch used for breeding sheep for wool and meat located in the Argentinian part of Patagonia, on the southern border with Chile. The clients are descendants of a Scottish family who were among the first settlers to arrive in the region in the late 19th century.Architects from the RDR studio were asked to intervene on the settlement renovating the existing buildings and integrating new sustainable constructions. The specific goal was to preserve the natural heritage and, at the same time, to significantly improve the conditions of those living and working on the property, including the animals. During the development of the masterplan, architects were able to redistribute the different buildings across the area in a rational way that satisfied the needs of the clients. The adopted layout distributes the buildings as if they were part of a village. The new buildings include a cutting-edge shearing shed, located a few kilometres from the ranch, a warehouse and spaces for the storage of machinery and materials, the staffs quarters and the owners home. The addition of new structures also allowed the architects to fully reconsider the ranchs energy facilities. In particular, new systems for the production of clean and renewable energy were introduced based on solar and wind energy.

The architects renovated many existing buildings, opting to demolish only crumbling constructions. An area characterised by large natural spaces was used to save and restore the few accounts representing the history of the region once built by men. While respecting the typical structure of ranches built in the area, the architects chose to group together the utilitarian buildings and accommodation blocks, creating comfortable places and areas protected from the harsh climate. The construction approach is not much different from that used by the pioneers who once arrived in the region. Architects relied on a system of prefabricated wood and metal panels.Wood is predominant in all indoor spaces where greater comfort is needed, like those dedicated to family or workers everyday life, while fully disappearing in the utilitarian buildings. Architects chose to clad the outside of the buildings in corrugated iron, a material that allows the entire settlement to maintain an almost unitary character, echoing the general sense of austerity and almost primitive simplicity evoked by the ranch, immersed in the boundless territory of Patagonia. The landscape and bird's-eye photography, as well as the detailed photos taken by Cristobal Palma and Javier Rojas, at different times of the year, make it possible to note how the initial appearance of uniformity appearing from afar gives way to a substantial difference in the various buildings. Architects chose simple and linear shapes for the utilitarian buildings (warehouses, shed for shearing, etc.) and more complex geometries for the family house.

(Agnese Bifulco)

Images courtesy of RDR architectes, photo by Cristobal Palma (01-15) | Javier Rojas (16 - 30) | Celine Frers

Project Name: Estancia Morro Chico - Complex for sheep farming and family homeLocation: Paraje Puente Blanco, Ruta Nacional N 40, Santa Cruz, ArgentinaDates: 2014 - 2018Floor area: 5,260 m2

Architects: RDR architectes (Richter Dahl Rocha & Associs architectes SA) http://www.rdr.chTeam in Lausanne: Ignacio Dahl Rocha, Santiago PagsTeam in Buenos Aires: Ignacio Dahl Rocha, Bruno Emmer, Facundo Morando, Susana Barra, Agustn Azar, Clara Carrera, Roberto Lombardi, Pablo Peirano, Sofa VivacquaGeneral contractor: Enobra SAStructural engineer: Alejandra FogelSanitary engineer: LAHLandscape architect: Ernestina AnchorenaOthers consultants: Dante Melano (Renewable Energy), Frisia SA Climatizaciones (Thermomechanical), Estia (Energy Efficiency), Sursolar Renewable Energy)Photo credit : Cristobal Palma | Javier Rojas | Celine Frers

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A project in the far reaches of the world Estancia Morro Chico designed by RDR architects in Argentina - Floornature.com

serie architects reveals the design for satsang hall, a 5,000-seat auditorium for the shrimad rajchandra ashram in dharampur, india. currently under construction, the 15,500 square meter building is scheduled for completion in 2021. the auditorium will serve as the primary discourse hall, or satsang hall, for devotees, and is the landmark building in the larger masterplan which will house over 10,000 lived-in devotee on site. the building is placed at the middle of a crescent-shaped ridge, overlooking a valley to the west.

all images courtesy of serie architects

principal of serie architects christopher lee describes the design as being informed by the concept of the samavasaran in jainism, which describes a mythical building which represents the aggregation of knowledge through discourse and learning as building blocks, to bring devotees ever closer to enlightenment. this concept is seen in all jain temples, where the aggregation of self-similar elements creates lofty shikaras curved, pyramid-like forms that cap the sanctum sanctorum at the heart of the temple and appear to reach for the sky. the building consists of 13 stacked rooms, rotated 45-degrees on top of each other. this rotational stacking gives rise to an interlocking wall structure made up thin, gently curved concrete shear walls, perforated to let in natural light.

the largest room of satsang hall the main auditorium is organized as a circular drum. this column-free space, measuring 56 meters in diameter, is located at the center of the building. the drum rises four storeys and is visible from all levels, making navigation and orientation around the building clear and intuitive. the structural load of upper floors is transferred away from the central space of the drum through four intersecting arched walls. the main stage is slotted into the arches on one side of the drum and clad with perforated timber panels acting as acoustic baffles. there is no fixed seating as devotees normally sit crossed legged on the floor.

principal of serie architects mumbai kapil gupta comments: the exterior faade of the building will be clad with hand-chipped, 75 millimeter wide, marble strips of varying lengths. the strips are sourced from the marble waste of the famous makrana mines in rajasthan. these are the same mines where traditional artisans have sourced a special white marble known for its environmental resilience to construct jain temples all over india. some of these temples are hundreds of years old, like the dilwara temples of mt. abu.

the main foyer is accessible from all eight corners of the building. facing a valley the main entrance is formed by two angled vestibules, allowing devotees to deposit their shoes before entering the foyer. on the upper floors, various rooms contain a library, classrooms, exhibition spaces, multi-purpose halls and meditation rooms. the last and highest room is an elongated lantern-like volume serving as a large meditation hall.

project info:

project title:satsang hall

architecture:serie architects

location: dharampur, india

status: under construction

expected completion: 2021

program:religious gathering

civil and structural engineering: LERA, NYC

mechanical and electrical engineering: ARKK consulting

quantity surveying: gleeds consulting

faade consultant: BES consultants

acoustics: munro acoustics LLP

lighting: T2 consulting

project management: panora infrastructure

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serie architects' satsang hall is an assemblage of perforated white volumes - Designboom