DESIGNCULTUREH+DESIGN FEATURESEDITORIALS

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THELIVING IN THE CITY

EDITION

Kristina Hare Lyons cant wait to move back to the city!

Design. Service. No Boundaries. www.hacin.com

www.hacin.com/portfolio/1480-tremont-street/

www.1486tremont.com

The view from Mission Hill just got better.

Leasing 2016

Hacin + Associates [architecture + design]

The view from Mission Hill just got better.

Leasing 2016

FOLLOW H+A ON INSTAGRAM! @HacinAssociates

@HacinAssociates

HAMILTON SEATING SYSTEMRODOLFO DORDONI DESIGN

75 ARLINGTON STREET - BOSTON - MA 02116T. 617.451.9400 - INFO@MONTAGEWEB.COM W W W . M I N O T T I . C O M

H + Magazine (USA)_Layout 1 16/09/15 17.17 Pagina 1

17 WOLCOTT CT, BOSTON, MA 02136 | 617.333.6800 | info@fbnconstruction.com | www.fbnconstruction.com

Team: FBN Construction, Hacin + Associates, Jama Samek Interiors, Bulthaup Kitchens, Metalwork + photo www.bartekkonieczny.com

WITH A GREAT TEAM, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Under ConstructionSome of Team Hacins architects and designers on site at some of our recent residential projects in progress around the city

Letter from the EditorA message from David Hacin, principal at Hacin + Associates, about our rapidly evolving city, and the exciting possibilities ahead

Culture +A list of things we love, includingwhat were listening to, reading, watching, eating, buying, and discovering lately

Modern Bostonian InsightFour Bostonian women who were privileged to call our clients, share their entrepreneurial expertise and perspectives on living in the city

Travelogue, ParisA design diary from H+As Jennifer Clapp, exploring the details and discoveries on a trip to Paris shown through a designers eye

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98List of 10: The New BostonA list of 10 new Boston Experiencesto add to your repertoire of traditionalways to see the city

Return to the CityA couple returns to Boston from the suburbs after three decades to reclaimthe home they lived in as newlyweds

Hollywood Apartment StyleTeam Hacin looks at fictional cityapartments on the big and small screensthat wed love to live in ourselves

The Urban MinimalistAn essay from designer Aimee Epstein Norton on the minimalist lifestyles effect on the mind, body, and soul

FOCUSA photographic essayProcessDesign palettes by Team Hacin

H+ 6 MAGAZINE

www.flourbakery.com

PUBLISHERHacin + Associates

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFDavid Hacin

CREATIVE DIRECTORSDavid HacinEmily Neumann

PHOTOGRAPHYTrent BellJennifer ClappBartek KoniecznyBruce MartinEmily NeumannMichael Stavaridis

COVER IMAGEEmily Neumann

PHOTO STYLISTSJeffrey BrownRob ClockerAimee Epstein NortonRussell HigginsJonathan LevineJoshua LentzJeremy RobertsonDavid TabenkenScott Thomson

ADVERTISINGmedia@hacin.com

Printed in China

CONTRIBUTORSScott ThomsonDavid TabenkenMatthew MankeKate KelleyJeremy RobertsonHillary FaccioMatthew ArnoldJeffrey BrownJennifer ClappRob ClockerAimee Epstein NortonDarien FortierRussell HigginsMichelangelo LatonaJoshua LentzChristine Rankin MankeRebecca RiversEduardo SerrateMatthew WoodwardSean FarrellJonathan LevineTim Grafft

SPECIAL THANKSJoanne ChangPaul and Elaine CohenTamar Salter FriezeKristina Hare LyonsMaggie Gold SeeligFBN ConstructionHolland CompaniesSea-Dar ConstructionSleeping Dog PropertiesMontageLekker HomeCasa Design BostonCasa Outdoor Boston

+H H+ MAGAZINE IS CREATED, DESIGNED, AND PUBLISHED BYARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN FIRM, HACIN + ASSOCIATES112 SHAWMUT AVENUE, STUDIO 5A, BOSTON, MA 02118www.hacin.com | media@hacin.com | 617.426.0077

DESIGNCULTUREH+

Architecture + Design by Hacin + Associates

/HacinAssociates @HacinAssociates @HacinAssociates

Fulfilling the inspiration of architects & homeowners for over 20 years

Sleeping Dog Properties, Inc.General Contracting | DesignBuild | Real Estate Development

sleepingdogproperties.com | 617-576-6100

Architecture & Design by Hacin + AssociatesArchitecture + Design by Hacin + Associates

H+ 8 MAGAZINE

+Architecture + Design by Hacin + Associates

Fulfilling the inspiration of architects & homeowners for over 20 years

Sleeping Dog Properties, Inc.General Contracting | DesignBuild | Real Estate Development

sleepingdogproperties.com | 617-576-6100

Architecture & Design by Hacin + AssociatesArchitecture + Design by Hacin + Associates

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H+ 10 MAGAZINE

LETTER FROMTHE EDITOR

When we started H+ last year, Im not sure any of us here realized how much fun we would have sharing stories and ideas about our clients, collaborators, projects and people. With this third issue on Living in the City, that energy literally jumps off the pageThanks Kristina!

Our hometown of Boston is evolving so quickly right now that it can seem breathtaking. Streetscapes and skylines that felt almost too familiar are finally changing. For me, it has become necessary to actively explore the city just to keep current with the casual water cooler conversation in our H+A kitchen and thats been great inspiration! People are moving to the Boston area to start careers or back to Boston to contribute to and participate in the spirit of a reinvented city. For architects and designers, its an exciting time full of possibilities. This past summer, I was honored to have had a chance to express my own sense of this potential from an architects perspective with a talk sponsored by TedX Fenway. I invite you to check it out and imagine where the city may go from here. [www.hacin.com/david-hacin-tedxfenway-4-boston/]

In this issue of H+ we explore life in the city from a number of diverse perspectives from the practical to the imaginary: We ask four of our most dynamic recent clients to share their perspective on city life, including style, food, entertaining, and even shopping for a new home; we interview Paul and Elaine Cohen on their romantic journey from Boston to the suburbs and back again [by grace of a lightning strike!] and we hear from Aimee Epstein Norton on living a minimalist lifestyle in the city; we explore Paris [my favorite city] from designer Jennifer Clapps perspective; we get some helpful tips from some of our exceptional general contractor partners, and we even imagine life in urban homes that only exist on screenAnd finally, we introduce you to more of Team Hacin on the job sites where they are each helping transform the city around us, one building at a time.

I am particularly excited that the hard work of Emily Neumann in stewarding this magazine project to fruition was recently recognized in several categories by the Content Marketing Awards, with a special award for our use of photography, most of which Emily takes herself. As we remind each other, we have started on an exciting journey that never stopseven if it snows like last winter.

See you again next spring!

David Hacin FAIAPresident and Editordhacin@hacin.com

H+ 11MAGAZINE

LIVE.

Luxury Residential Living at 477-481 Harrison AvenueFall 2015

www.thejordanlofts.com | 617.556.2900

WORK.

THE FACTORY

Loft Office and Retail at 46 Wareham StreetComing 2017

visit www.thehollandcompanies.com | 617.556.2900

theHOLLANDCOMPANIES

PROPERTIES DEVELOPED BY THE HOLLAND COMPANIESDESIGNED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HACIN + ASSOCIATES

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

H+ 14 MAGAZINE

UNDER CONSTRUCTIONH+A Architects and Designers on site at some of Bostons newest residences.

intro by David Tabenken | photography by Emily Neumann

H+ 15MAGAZINE

6:00 AM Alarm clock fades in with local morning news. Mayor Walsh speaks about an upcoming Imagine Boston 2030 event. Involuntary snooze bar tap averted.

6:30 AM Drop the weekly trash and recycling curb side for morning pickup. Run into a neighbor who gives an update on last nights neighborhood association meetingnew building planned for the long empty lot at the end of the block.

7:00 AM Arrive at the gym for a quick workout. Jump on an elliptical next to one of our favorite furniture vendors and mention that our client is pulling the trigger on his order today. Pop in the headphones to watch a recap of last nights debate on CNN.

8:30 AM Walk to the office and spot a former client entering her building. When are we having lunch? Thursday is good. Lets try that new caf on Tremont.

8:40 AM Arrive at 112 Shawmut, the elevator is full of H+A bicycles--take the stairs to the 5th floor. Quick pace is interrupted by two tiny siblings heading to day careone excited to see her teacher, while the other tries to pull mom back down stairs.

9:00 AM Coffee in hand, email checked, cross out two items from the To-Do List, and add three more.

9:15 AM Listen to voice mail from the finish carpenter at our townhouse renovation project, asking for clarification on the 2nd floor stair detail. Review the sketch a colleague worked on yesterday. Add two more dimensions, and email it over to the site. Call the carpenter to talk it through, and he agrees if the reveal is 1/8 higher, it will align perfectly with the adjacent wood trim. Hell mock it up and snap a photo.

9:30 AM Open the metal panel shop drawings for the multi-family project on Mission Hill to finish reviewing dimensions of 4th floor panels along the west facade. Mark-up locations where panels are not flush with window frames. Check that the spacing of exposed fasteners matches what we have in our Revit model. All set. Stamp it Make Corrections Noted and email to the General Contractor.

10:10 AM Phone rings. Site Super asks if I can swing by the site this morning to take a look at the railing mockup that arrived late yesterday. Hes concerned about the weld details at the corner posts and the spacing of the adjacent vertical rails. Planning to head over later to check out progress on the window installation. See you then.

10:20 AM Talk to a colleague about an alternate porcelain tile for the lobby after getting an email from the Project Manager saying the specified finish has been discontinued. Call the vendor and see about getting some samples to review. They have a new line that should be a very close matchperhaps a nicer finish but less expensive. Bonus.

10:40 AM Log in submittals received this morning via email. Light fixtures, dryer exhaust fans, hardwood flooring. Make note to turn these around by the end of the week. Email the General Contractor to check on the status of the overhead garage door shop drawings.

10:50 AM Grab half-size drawing set, a hard hat, and head out to the Orange Line to go to the site. Notice that steel on a new building nearby has topped off. Pull out the iphone, google the address to see if there are any renderings on line. Hmmm. Give me a roll of trace and 15 minutes, and I could have fixed that.

11:10 AM Excited to see progress on site after being on vacation last week. Site Super explains how the window installer and water proofer addressed the concerns outlined in our envelope consultants last field report. Do a quick walk-though of the residential units. All 60 are now framed in. I pick my favorite. Take photos of the railing mockup and note issues to be addressed by the fabricator.

12:10 PM Ten minutes late for the Lunch-and-Learn about new sliding door hardware for residential interiors. Grab a sandwich and a cookie. Since two colleagues are out at a job meeting, remember to tell them about the options for wide openings that might work for their restaurant project.

1:00 PM Email the finish carpenter to let him know the photo of the stair detail looks good.

WORKING IN THE CITY: AN ARCHI-TYPICAL DAYby David Tabenken

H+ 16 MAGAZINE

1:10 PM Print out an existing site plan of our new clients property. Grab a roll of 12 trace and a felt tip pen and work on laying out options for developing the site. As outlined in her email, she wants to look at three schemes--keeping both existing structures on site, demolishing one, or removing both. Setup a meeting in Davids Outlook calendar on Friday to review the sketches.

2:30 PM Colleague asks to take a look at an exterior wall section to see if the panel detail at underside of a projecting bay window works, relative to what we did on our project. Looks good, but perhaps extend the vertical panel beyond the horizontal one so the joint is concealed.

2:45 PM Review the fee proposal received from two structural engineers, and plug their numbers into our draft proposal to discuss with David later today.

3:00 PM Get a call from the Beacon Hill Site Super with a question about the recessed sliding door track in the Study. Because the existing wood beam isnt level, the track needs to be shimmed, and clearance for the wood doors is tight. Better if I see this in personIll jump on a Hubway and zip over to the site.

3:15 PM Run into the plumber on my way into the house, and he says the shower trims in the Master Bath arrived today and should be installed by tomorrow before my walk through with the owners. Check out the new stair detail on my way upstairs to look for the Super in the Study.

3:30 PM We agree the best solution is to the undercut the door and lower the door casing to conceal the shimmed track. He suggests we add a reveal above the door to avoid having to lower the wall trim which times out with the window casing.

4:00 PM Back at the office, get a tall glass of ice water. Continue working on the sketches for the development schemes. Calculate the approximate square footage and look back at the Zoning Memo from the clients attorney to verify the allowable Floor Area Ratio.

4:45 PM Meet with David and the project team to review the fee proposal and revised work plan for the new project. After some minor edits, its ready to send out to the clients

to review prior to our meeting next week. Since David will be coming from a zoning hearing at City Hall, hell walk over and meet us at their office.

5:00 PM Look online for a precedent suggested by a colleague for the new mixed-use project. Save several photos of the modern rain screen panel faade intersecting with an historic masonry warehouse.

5:20 PM Watch two-minute video that a colleague sent about automated fabrication of panelized wood framing for commercial buildings. Think about how this might work for the project thats currently on hold.

5:25 PM Open the Revit model to work on the Lobby, based on the clients selection of a large format wall graphic. Check the reflected ceiling plan to verify that the lighting layout still worksit doesnt. Coordinate the location of the wall graphic, the extension of grout lines from the floor up the wall, and the shifting of the downlights to re-center on the wall. Prepare a formal sketch and issue as a clarification to the General Contractor.

6:20 PM Send a text that Im running couple of minutes late. Dash out of the office and jump into an Uber. Driver passes by our job site and comments how nice it is to see something finally going up there. He lives up the street.

6:45 PM Dinner with an old friend, also an Architect. Compare stories from the trenches. Commiserate about real estate prices. These kebabs are really good. Try one.

8:15 PM Walking to the subway, past a retail storefront that H+A colleagues are working onhavent been by since the millwork was installed. Remember to tell them the signage looks fantastic. Overhear a couple surmise whats going in there.

9:00 PM Im behindqueue up one episode on Netflix.

10:15 PM In bed. Check the calendar for tomorrow. 9:00 AM meeting. Dont respond to any work emails now. Okay, just these two.

3:00 AM Did I check the location of sprinkler heads in that lobby ceiling plan?!

H+ 17MAGAZINE

H+ 18 MAGAZINE

H+A DESIGNER: Jeremy Robertson

PHOTOGRAPHED AT: Private Residence

WHERE: Beacon Hill, Boston, MA

CLIENT: Private Client

BUILDER: The Holland Companies

www.thehollandcompanies.com

Its been exciting to work on a new ground up residence in Beacon Hill. This rare opportunity involved a long and detailed public approvals process in a community where everyone cares about the integrity of the Beacon Hill Historic District. Its also been a physically challenging construction effortfull demolition between abutting townhouses, within tight urban quarters. What I love about working with the Holland Companies is that I know they understand that this kind of residential work is never a zero-sum endeavor. The only way for a project to be considered a true success, is if each partyArchitect, Owner, and Contractorachieves the fulfillment of their goals. Its clear throughout the process that Holland allows each member of the team to work together towards the same goal. As a collaborator, their strengths include incredible flexibility and perseverence, a group of loyal and committed sub-contractors, and an efficient and streamlined approach. - Jeremy

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H+A DESIGNER: Jeffrey Brown

PHOTOGRAPHED AT: 110 Arlington Street

WHERE: Bay Village, Boston, MA

CLIENT/BUILDER: R.L. Smith Construction

rlsmithconst@netzero.net | 617.233.6819

It has been great breathing new life into an old structure that is both close to the office and part of the historic fabric of Boston. The project at 110 Arlington is a couple of blocks south of the Public Garden and the two new floors added to the structure present a contemporary addition that mediates well between the historic context of the Bay Village residences and its larger commercial neighbors. The existing brick structure will receive a renovation with a refurbished brick facade and replicas of the original windows. Like many older buildings, there are many irregularities in the existing structure which have made the renovation and addition much more complex than other buildings its size. The design team incorporated the current Code requirements of reinforcing the structure and providing new circulation without overwhelming the existing and highly irregular floor plate. Ron Smith of R. L. Smith Construction has developed many projects in the Boston area and is navigating the crowded waters of development in Boston to deliver high quality spaces to enhance the urban core of the city. - Jeff

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H+A DESIGNERS: David Tabenken, Aimee Epstein Norton, and Russell Higgins

PHOTOGRAPHED AT: 1478-1484 Tremont Street

WHERE: Mission Hill, Boston, MA

CLIENT: Trellis Group, LLC

BUILDER: The Hamilton Company

www.thehamiltoncompany.com

H+A enjoys a long relationship working with The Hamilton Company on numerous projects as both client and builder, the most recent being The Lofts at East Berkeley Street and 601 Albany Street, both in the South End. This project, our first on Mission Hill, was also the first for which Hamilton came on board as the general contractor for another of our clients. Long before a shovel hit the ground, Steve Weinig and his team collaborated with H+A and the developers, The Trellis Group, to help shape the project, monitor costs, and interface with the community. Because this is a tight urban site, ringed on three sides by residences, its crucial that the on site construction team maintains good relationships with the neighbors. The community has been very supportive of this project, and its exciting to see how its already impacting the neighborhood as it takes shape on Tremont Street. - David

1478-1484 Tremont felt like a team project more than any other I have been on in the past. Our design team from H+A worked closely with the developers, Trellis Group, and the contractor, Hamilton Company, from the beginning design stages in order to achieve a mixed-use project that met our design standards in an economical way. Recurring meetings with Hamilton facilitated decision making at early stages in the process. The contractors not only provided early pricing information to the developers directly, but also suggested alternate construction methods and building systems that could achieve the final goal without compromising our design intent. Hamilton has a long history of building and developing multi-family housing in the Boston area, and their knowledge was very beneficial during the design process. - Aimee

When working on a building project you need to have patience and take the long view of things. We started this project in 2012; were now (late 2015) a year into construction and its just starting to look like itself--but it still wont be finished until spring 2016. Building is a complicated and time-consuming process. Challenges creep in during design; more challenges creep in during construction, no matter how much you work out during design. The process can be difficult (and sometimes a little nerve-wracking) but with a good team working together, all of the challenges are surmountable. Ive no doubt that more hurdles will arise as construction nears completion but thats okay...we have a great design and construction team that can handle anything.- Russell

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H+A DESIGNER: Scott Thomson

PHOTOGRAPHED AT: 448 Beacon Street

WHERE: Back Bay, Boston, MA

CLIENT: The Congress Group

BUILDER: The Holland Companies

www.thehollandcompanies.com

I have always admired the Hooper Mansion from afar as one of the most spectacular historic residences in the Back Bay. It has been a great opportunity to work on this important project with the very hands-on development team at the Congress Group, the expert consultants at Wessling Architects, Goldstein/ Milano and Cosentini, and the construction specialists at the Holland Companies. Because of our history collaborating on a number of successful luxury residential projects in the city with the Holland Companies, we've developed an in-depth understanding of their flexible and nimble operation; likewise, they know our process well, which goes a long way in navigating the challenges of a large project. The design team at H+A [David, Eduardo, and Christine] have created an amazing collection of residences and it is rewarding to see these magnificent interiors take shape! But perhaps most important is the fact that Robert C. Hooper is credited as starting the Boston Terrier breedso Im also doing this for my dog, Kiko. - Scott

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H+A DESIGNERS: Rob Clocker and Joshua Lentz

PHOTOGRAPHED AT: Private Residence

WHERE: Beacon Hill, Boston, MA

CLIENT: Private Client

BUILDER: Sea-Dar Construction

www.seadar.com

This project was a fantastic opportunity to restore and update a historic home while at the same time adding a contemporary rooftop addition. We worked closely with Sea-Dar construction who did an excellent job at coordinating multiple craftsmen inserting precise details within the old framework. It was also great to have the homeowners closely involved throughout construction, allowing us to evolve the design as it took shape, such as the expansion of the roof deck to take advantage of the dramatic views. - Rob

When you have a project that overlooks the Public Garden and Beacon Hill, you might want to take advantage of the unobstructed views...that is exactly what we did! Working closely with South End-based Sea-Dar Construction, our interior design team, and active and thoughtful clients, the entire team was able to seamlessly weave an intricately detailed modern intervention into a historic home - a challenge we enjoy. As my first project at H+A and my first completed project ever, I was fortunate to work with such a magnificent group, setting a high bar going forward and creating a truly unforgettable experience. - Josh

H+ 27MAGAZINE

A BUILDERS ADVICEBuilding in the city always means running into surprises and challenges here and there. We asked four of the citys preferred general contractors with whom we have recently completed residential projects in Boston to share some unexpected experiences and a bit of advice for homeowners on building and renovating a home in the city.

We have done multiple projects on the flat of Beacon Hill, recently two on Chestnut Street, which required ground water systems to be located under the ground floor slab. Because we had to introduce water under these slabs, we added levels of protection against infiltration into finished spaces. Before we poured the concrete we put down a vapor barrier directly above the filtration system. In addition to that, we installed two commercial pumps with battery powered back-up to protect against a rain event so big that it would overwhelm the system (a 100 year storm, which seems to happen every other year these days). - Joe Holland

Tip:When building in a neighborhood in Boston, be mindful of existing conditions. You may be in a seismic zone, or you may be sharing a structural wall with a neighbor whose building has structural issues. Do your due diligence and have a contractor walk through the property with you before closing the deal.www.thehollandcompanies.com

We were involved in the renovation of a tall building on Beacon Street near the State House that required the installation of a large HVAC unit on the roof. Due to the height, weight, topography, limited setback, and road closure limitations, traditional craning of the unit was not feasible. After some head scratching, we found a company that lifted the unit off a truck stationed in a parking lot less than one mile away and dropped it onto our roof with a helicopter. When you factored all the costs associated with the crane, it was not as big of a premium as one would expect, and more importantly it solved the problem. - Jean Abouhamad

Tip:Be attentive to your abutters and neighbors, and do your best to accommodate their requests. It will pay off ten-fold in mitigating the unavoidable issues that arise when building in tight urban settings.www.seadar.com

Change is a constant in city living, which means we often need to reinvent the use of obsolete space to conform with current family needs. During one of our renovation projects in Back Bay, we needed to make sure the home was livable for the family throughout construction and meet tight timelines due to the familys impending delivery of new twin girls. Carefully planning and coordinating the renovation of each area of the home was key to a successful project. Sometimes, construction is the easy part. - Chris Rapczynski

Tip:Selecting a contractor that can administrate, schedule, and coordinate with your familys needs can lessen the impact construction has on your day to day. There is enough to do in life already, and selecting a great contractor allows you to stay on pace.www.sleepingdogproperties.com

When working with older stock, in particular in Back Bay and the South End, it is not unusual to uncover interesting and unexpected spaces above ceilings, behind walls and under floors. These spaces are often able to be reclaimed and provide for great additional storage and/or square footage of floor space that are a bonus. In addition, finding interesting and unique architectural details, whether they be hidden crown moldings or ceiling medallions, even antique lighting fixtures or hardware long ago concealed by earlier remodels, provide for nice surprises. - Robert Ernst

Tip:There is no substitute for experience when working in the city, to ensure an efficient and timely project. Knowing the opportunities and challenges that will present themselves makes all the difference. www.fbnconstruction.com

The Holland Companies

Sleeping Dog Properties

Sea-Dar Construction

FBN Construction

Sea-Dar Construction

FBN Construction

lekkerhome.com | 1313 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118 | 877.753.5537

Pinkcomma Gallery, South EndThis gallery, tucked cozily away in the side streets of the South End, consistently succeeds in presenting forward-thinking and experimental architectural ideas percloating in the City of Boston. They question why a city so well stocked with architects (professional and not) is so resistant to change.[Michelangelo Latona]

Sean Collier Memorial, Kendall SquareAdjacent to the Stata Center on the MIT campus is this recently unveiled memorial designed by Howeler + Yoon. The all granite structure evokes strength through its seemingly elastic form and creates framed moments which cause one to pause and reflect in remembrance. In the evening, the ground is illuminated in the form of the constellation of stars from the night of April 18th, 2013. It is a sensitively designed structure that honors Officer Collier in a beautiful way. [Aimee Epstein Norton]

LA/MA: 60s Pop From Both Coasts,Rose Art Museum, Brandeis Univ.A new exhibit at the Rose Art Museum at Brandeis University, 60s Pop From Both Coasts examines and contextualizes pop art masterpieces from East Coast artists with their West Coast counterparts. The exhibit, along with showcasing pop-art, aims to draw out a coherent history of museum-collecting, and its push-pull relationship with art and artists. [Hillary Faccio]

Song Exploder, podcastSong Exploder brings music into the science lab. Editor and host Hrishikesh Hirway invites artists to dissect and inspect their own tracks. The first portion of the show delves into the construction and concepts of the song, as told by the artists themselves. Then, the song in its entirety is played, so the listener can fully experience the musical transformation and journey. [Christine Rankin Manke]

M3LL155X, FKA TwigsFKA Twigs, an experimental, and hardly describable, synth-pop-experimental-soul-R&B singer and dancer, released the eccentric-titled M3LL155X in August to critical acclaim. The EP offers a wonderful blend of erratic, smooth, and bass-bumping beats that back up FKA Twigs beautiful, quavering-yet-powerful singing voice. The accompanying 16 minute music video is just as expertly crafted. [Jonathan Levine]

What were into right now at H+A

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H+ 30 MAGAZINE

Heroic: Concrete Architecture and the New BostonWere excited to crack open our copy of the newly released book HEROIC: Concrete Architecture and the New Boston, by Mark Pasnik, Chris Grimley, and Michael Kubo. Heroic tells the fascinating story of Bostons controversial and imaginative era of concrete buildings from the 1960s and 1970s, including interviews with some of the major architects of the era and an array of archival imagery from the history of these buildings. [David Tabenken]

Bon Appetit MagazineWhat really separates Bon Appetit from the crowded field of online and printed cooking resources is its dependability. Offering a wide array of delicious recipes, palatable prep times, and mouth-watering images, the magazine targets both the casual cook and the food enthusiast alike. The images are truly inspiring and perhaps of equal importance the results shown are actually achievable! [Jeremy Robertson]

Morphing: A guide to mathematical transformations for architects and engineersThis book explores, visually and mathematically, the ability to use sinusoidal parametric equations to create any shape, from a sphere, to a cube, to the most complex shape imaginable. The book draws several real world examples of computational design, and breaks them down into their generative parametric equations. The book, if not for its mathematical content, is worth a look just for its graphics and illustrations. [Jonathan Levine]

All the Lights We Cannot SeeThis story centers around two characters: a French girl in Paris who goes blind as a young child, and a boy, living in Germany, talented in mathematics and electronics in the years before, during and after WWII. Doerr creates a non-linear storyline jumping from year to year in the characters lives as the events around them push them both to a small town on the French coast. [Michelangelo Latona]

Infinite JestIn light of the movies recent release, its great to revisit the book itself. A modern day comedy, Infinite Jest follows the swirling lives of a family throughout the hardships and humor of life, somersaulting through various scenes and points of view. David Foster Wallaces stream-of-consciousness style is taxing, but enjoyable. You may need to set aside several months to get through this book, as it is both lengthy and dense, but finishing even a few pages is a rewarding experience. [Jonathan Levine]

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Wild Tales, filmArgentinas entry to the Academy Awards this year, is a series of short stories about repressed human emotions like anger, revenge, and desperation, being flamboyantly unraveled into their highest expression in a series of events that are simultaneously extreme, disturbing, funny, and almost cathartic. It is the train wreck that you want to see. [Eduardo Serrate]

Alive Inside, documentaryThis film chronicles the efforts of Dan Cohen, founder of the nonprofit organization Music & Memory, as he fights against a broken healthcare system to demonstrate musics ability to combat memory loss and restore a deep sense of self to those suffering from it. The inextricable connection between music and memory reveals itself in the stories of patients who have rediscovered themselves, and their families, through the simple act of listening to music. [Matthew Woodward]

Last Week Tonight, televisionGoing through withdrawal from losing The Colbert Report and The Daily Show? Check out John Olivers show on HBO, Last Week Tonight. The show combines the satirical hijinks of the aforementioned shows with the substantive content of Real Time with Bill Maher. Oliver focuses on a single subject each week, bringing to light some of the terrible truths about our current day politics and American culture. Full disclosure some stories may be difficult to stomach. [Aimee Epstein Norton, Jeremy Robertson]

Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman, documentaryJulius Shulman, the premier architectural photographer of the modernist era, photographed buildings from Frank Lloyd Wright to Frank Gehry. His photographs are some of the most recognizable of any era, and Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman offers a never-before-seen perspective. It tracks the exciting vector of Modernism in Southern California, and also follows the magnetizing Julius Shulman on his quest for the perfect photograph. [David Hacin]

An Honest Liar, documentaryA documentary about the world famous magician/escape artist, James The Amazing Randi and his quest to publicly expose and defraud those who use the art of deception to con their way to success. As the film covers Randis plans to take down con-artists, a shocking revelation in his personal life is unearthed and it isnt clear whether Randi is still the deceiver or the deceived. [Joshua Lentz]

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EATThe Market Restaurant & Short and Main, Gloucester, MAThe owners of the Market Restaurant in Gloucester (Anisquam) and its sister Short & Main in downtown Gloucester are alumni of Chez Panisse in Berkeley and each eatery is a take on great local food. Short&Main is simple salads, wood fired pizza and local oysters, while Market is a daily changing menu of whats in season.[Rob Clocker]

Pleasant Cafe, RoslindaleLocated in Roslindale, and with the appearance of a 50s diner, Pleasant Caf is a caf with pizza. Its mantra, Comfort. Served Daily can be tasted right down to the housemade pizza sauce and dough, made fresh every morning. The menu features Italian-comfort combinations, at quite affordable prices. I like to keep it simple: pepperoni + garlic pizza. [Jeremy Robertson]

Barrington Coffee, Fort PointBarrington Coffee makes one of the best cappuccinos in Boston. It is smooth, rich, and flavorful without being bitter, and may make you wish you ordered a bigger cup. With two stores in Boston - one on Newbury and the other in Fort Point, they have a large selection of beans from around the world which they roast themselves.[Eduardo Serrate]

Blue Ox, Lynn, MAIf you find yourself North of Boston seeking sophisticated comfort food, check out Blue Ox in Lynn. This small restaurant delivers city flavors in suburban-sized portions. The drinks dont disappoint either. Tell the bartender your spirt of choice and an herb/fruit (for inspiration) and they will concoct something delicious. [Aimee Epstein Norton]

Lils Cafe, Kittery, MELils caf, in Kittery, Maine, provides warm flavor in a comforting and relaxed environment. This is the quintessential caf, serving up wonderful hot and cold drinks, food, and particularly, baked goods. Crullers are a fan favorite, a croissant-doughnut hybrid, essentially, topped with delicious glazing. Alongside the delicious fare, Lils Caf also has a large collection of vinyl records for sale. If youre looking for a calm meal and music, Lils is the place to go. [David Hacin]

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P Pod, CambridgeLocated at 35 Sacramento Street, Cambridge, this petite boutique features a wide range of unique, hand-selected items; from simple glassware to luxurious creams and soaps to timeless and well-designed household objects. A welcoming and refreshing spot to shop, Pod is thoughtfully edited and continually updated by owner Julie Baine. Opened in 1998, Pod has become an essential gift and home resource in greater Boston. [Scott Thomson]

Bikes Not Bombs, Jamaica PlainBikes Not Bombs is certainly not your ordinary bike shop. In fact, its premise isnt even really to sell bikes. Bikes Not Bombs is set up to provide job opportunities to the disadvantaged, and to promote positivity in underdeveloped and deprived neighborhoods. They also offer refurbished bikes for reasonable prices, and repair and upgrading services. Bikes Not Bombs is wonderful as a standalone bike shop, but its great cause really puts it over the top. [Jeremy Robertson]

Black Ink, Harvard SquareAmidst the growing chains in Harvard Square is Black Ink, a small independent shop full of trinkets, books, games, and more. The quirky, design-focused products are fun to peruse and make for great gifts. Whether its a sake set or a book on animal architecture, you're guaranteed to find something that you didnt know you needed. [Aimee Epstein Norton]

Alive & Kicking Lobsters, Central SquareDo you ever forget that we live in New England and have access to some of the best seafood around? Alive and Kicking Lobsters is a tiny shack tucked away on a residential street in Central Squareand business is booming. While technically an eatery (with three items on the menu, you know they are confident about their product), here, you can pick a crustacean to bring home. Dont forget to pair it with one of their homemade sodas.[Aimee Epstein Norton]

Delectable Mountain, Brattleboro, VTEasily missed, as the store does not have a sign out front, it may appear a bit disheveled from the outside but its a treasure inside. The shop sells fabrics, old hats, and other bits and baubles. Best of all, the button collection is amazing. For someone like me who enjoys changing cardigans up by adding vintage buttons, you could really spend all day perusing the selection.[Kate Kelley]

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Lodge Park, Nahant, MAJust a half hour North of Boston is Lodge Park, a wildlife sanctuary along the cliffs in Nahant. From this lookout point youll get 360 degree views of water crashing against the beautiful cliffs that distinguish New England coasts. There are walking paths with benches alongside for relaxing and taking in the fresh ocean air. Parking is limited so be prepared to walk a long way, but the view is worth it.[Aimee Epstein Norton]

Lamarrage, Geneva, SwitzerlandAn H+A-inspired Plus swimming pool? Not exactly, but when in my childhood home of Geneva, visit Lamarrage, Pont De La Machine, Genve, the floating natural baths on the Rhone River in the shape of the Swiss Flag Plus. Open to the public, the pools encourage swimming at the citys river and are frequented by swimmers, sunbathers, and spectators alike.[David Hacin]

Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris, FranceThe Fondation Louis Vuitton in the Bois de Boulougne in Paris is an art Museum designed by Frank Gehry. The building itself functions as an art piece, resembling something of a mix between a gem and an alien spaceship that landed in the park. Worth the visit just for the architecture, it also offers a beautiful space for art exhibition. [Rob Clocker]

Istanbul, TurkeyIstanbul is without question one of the worlds greatest cities, offering a fascinating history, unique cultural blend, and some of the friendliest people on the planet. From the jaw-dropping mosques to the awe-inspiring Ottoman palaces, every district in Istanbul boasts amazing architecture. Above all, however, its the rich and vibrant cuisine which will leave you yearning for more![Jeremy Robertson]

Zevitas Marcus Gallery, Los Angeles, CAIf you find yourself on the West Coast, check out the newly opened Zevitas Marcus Gallery founded by our favorite South End gallerist, Steven Zevitas of Steven Zevitas Gallery, and Boston native, Richard Marcus. If you hurry you might catch the end of the gallerys inaugural exhibition, This is Boston, Not L.A featuring works by several super-talented artists that are either Boston-based are have strong Boston ties. [Rebecca Rivers]

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Behind every great city, youll find some inspiring, entrepreneurial, and incredibly stylish women.

Four of our recent clients share their expertiseand perspectives on living in the city.

photos by Emily Neumann

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1Tamar salter FriezeEvent Planner

You are a seasoned Bostonian event planner and have curated some exquisitely stylish weddings and events. Did you always know you wanted to help people throw the perfect party?

TSF: While I was initially drawn to event planning after college for the perceived glamour of it all, anyone who has planned and designed an event knows that the sheer amount of details and logistical considerations can sometimes take the glamour right out of it. As the person behind the scenes responsible for someone elses reputation as a host, you need to always be three steps ahead and plan for all possibilities. What propelled me to launch Salter Frieze Weddings & Events in 2008 was really a passion for creating these magical and amazingly meaningful moments for my clients. I find such gratification in helping my clients celebrate milestones in beautifully designed environments that reflect the core of who they are as individuals and as couples. I love hearing guests say the wedding was just so them!

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Any theme or any occasion can become a memorable one when you put thought and effort into the guest experience.

Do most of your clients come to you with ideas in mind about what they want, or do you more often have to find inspiration to create the design, style, and atmosphere intended? What are your go-to sources for finding that inspiration when needed?

As far as go-to sources, it really varies from client to client. Most dont have specifics in mind when we first meet. Most only know they want an event that is elegant, tasteful, chic, fun, intimate, etc. Wonderful words that make up the essence of any great party, but arent necessary cues in terms of design or the original details or elements of the evening that are going to make the magic.

What I love most about my job is pulling that vision out of them. I always look to the couple for initial inspiration what is their story? Their style. How do they live their lives? What is unique to them and their families? And then we start down the path. Even if its an all white wedding, I want the experience and environment to be totally original and timeless.

What do you think is the most important component of creating a memorable event?

The event environment. I say environment versus dcor or venue because I think we all know that some of the most memorable gatherings are not always, or even usually, the most elaborate ones. The environment is really a mood or energy that is created by the host. Any theme or any occasion can become a memorable one when you put thought and effort into the guest experience.

What are some of the more surprising or unexpected wedding and event venues in Boston? Any tales of strange or eccentric themes, dcor, or celebrations youve witnessed or organized?

It is difficult to continue to find new and unexpected venues in Boston. But its not impossible if you know where to look! One recent event I did was a stunning rehearsal dinner on Spectacle Island in Boston Harbor. The client and their families were seasoned hosts and their guests were entertained on a large scale frequently. It was a fun challenge to find something that none of them experienced before right here at home. After a 10-minute boat ride to the island from Long Wharf, guests dined on traditional New England clambake fare while playing beach volley ball and sitting by the beach bonfire - all the while enjoying the most incredible sunset view of the Boston skyline.

I also once planned a Halloween wedding. The couple was obsessed with Halloween, and got married on Halloween and we took it to the nines. Guests dressed in full costume. Abraham Lincoln officiated. We transformed the AFH EpiCenter in South Boston into a dungeon of debauchery of sorts, complete with candy corn cocktails and copious amounts of candy.

Any locations in Boston you hope to create an event in or around one day?

A Hacin + Associates designed event space. David, lets do it!

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We worked with you on the renovation of your home in the Back Bay and, of course, part of your home was designed specifically for entertaining guests formally or otherwise. What kind of social entertaining do you like to do at home? Do you have some favorite ways to prepare for your own events?

We host all different kinds of events from community gatherings to dinner parties, family holidays and I even take client meetings at home. What is funny is we spent so much of our time working with the Hacin team to design an entertaining space where I wouldnt have to prepare for my own events! That was the whole point. Preparing to entertain now is effortless because I dont have to do anything but let rooms shine on their own!

Mainly when we entertain, I focus on the tablescape, food and flowers. Our personal taste (mine and my husbands), which I feel was so well realized by Hacin + Associates in the interior design of our home, is that graciousness in entertaining comes from the subtlety and authenticity of thoughtful details. But again, I love to keep it easy. I set the table with my husbands grandparents Minton china and crystal (I love the juxstapositon of our modern home and their traditional china), purchase different varieties of the same color flower to make a quick composite arrangement, dim the lights, add candles, and go!

As a professional, what three pieces of advice would you give to someone about hosting an intimate social event or party at home?

1. Create a schedule for the set up to eliminate the stress of hosting. I always say to my clients, if the hosts are having fun, the guests will have fun too. Try to do as much as you can before the day of the party. Clean the house, run errands, set the table, prepare the bar and serving dishes. Then, for the day of, schedule when and in what order should the food be prepared and timed to be served at proper temperature. Set aside at least an hour of down time to get ready yourself and integrate some cushion time before your guests arrive so you can relax, have a cocktail yourself, and begin the evening on the right foot.

2. Enlist the help of some great local vendors to help create something special. Depending on the occasion, I will rent specialty glassware or linens, or even different china just to elevate

the visual experience for your guests. Peterson Party Center has a great selection, and Marc Hall Design in the South End is a favorite for floral. If you arent using a caterer, even hiring a single bartender can make the evening flow better for you. Event Temps of Boston is a great resource.

3. Use Pandora. Music is key to the energy of a party, especially at the beginning of the night when conversations are just starting and there may be moments of brief pause. Fill that space with good vibes of good music. It also sets the tone of the energy of the night. Upbeat and energetic, or low key and relaxed? Music sets the tone.

For your blog, Merit, you write about things that are worthy of praise . The items and ideas reviewed are always selective and the local finds are definitely only those a true Bostonian could give. Can you tell us three recent Boston-related people, places, or things you found worthy of merit?

1. Balans Studio Boston (Back Bay). Balans is Bostons premiere private health and training studio that offers all-private postural therapies, movement and strength training, yoga, pilates, and chiropractic services along with massage and organic spa treatments. I found Balans through my good friend and yoga instructor Amy Leydon, and have been a die-hard fan ever since. www.balansboston.com

2. Christina Kotseas Concierge services. From household management (hiring domestic staff, managing contractors and vendors, vehicle maintenance, personal errands, etc.) to event planning to one-off organization projects, Christinas resources and execution are impeccable. You can hire her hourly or add yourself to her list of consistent clients. www.christinakotseas.com

3. Sarma Restaurant in Somerville. It is worth the venture outside of Boston proper. Exquisite modern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food and a cocktail list that kills in a casual tapas-style environment. www.sarmarestaurant.com

www.salterfrieze.com

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Joanne ChangBaker + Restaurateur

As Bostons celebrity baker and restaurateur, how did you go from Harvard College honors graduate in Applied Mathematics and Economics to such a celebrated baker?

JC: I worked for two years as a management consultant directly after graduation. At the end of my second year I was helping out with our undergraduate student recruiting program interviewing prospective candidates. Recruits were graduating college seniors, and as an ice breaker I would ask the students, If you won the lottery today, what would you do? Where would you go? After asking hundreds of students that question I started to ask myself and I realized I would be in a kitchen. At that point I made a commitment to figure out how to change careers. I sent a cover letter and resume (this was before email) to four of the top restaurants in Boston at the time; I explained that I had no professional experience but I had a ton of passion and was a very hard worker. Chef Lydia Shire who owned Biba called me and offered me a low-man-on-the-totem-pole position as bar food cook. I jumped at the chance to work in such a well-regarded kitchen with such a talented chef. Two weeks later I left my cubicle and was julienning scallions and making chicken stocks. After a year on the savory side of the kitchen I realized I was much more interested in pastry and I started working in a bakery. From that point I was completely hooked on baking. I worked in bakeries and restaurants in mostly Boston and then NYC before opening Flour in Sept 2000.

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One of the most valuable things I learned at Harvard was how you can be not perfect and still be okay- or even better than okay.

Was there a relationship between mathematics and economics and your baking pursuits?

Baking is definitely all about precision so my math and economics background does come in handy.

What during your college career helped you the most with building business experience to ultimately open Flour?

To be honest one of the most valuable things I learned at Harvard was how you can be not perfect and still be okay- or even better than okay. I was the top of my class in high school and had never been in a situation in which I hadnt succeeded. Harvard quickly changed all that when I found myself in over my head time and time again. Despite not being the best at anything anymore, I learned that I could still

pursue interests and passions and enjoy them and push myself in them. That lifelong lesson has given me the confidence to pursue things without thinking I have to be perfect at them.

You worked in the cake department of Payard Patisserie and Bistro in New York City for awhile. What brought you back to Boston?

Well Christopher was here for one. While we werent dating at the time I kind of hoped we would eventually. Being in NYC sort of got in the way

of that. I learned so much working with Francois. Payard was an incredible experience. However I knew that I wanted to return to Boston and open up something of my own here...Boston is my home! Most of my culinary training happened here and I had (and still have) a lot of mentors here.

What do you think is one thing everyone should know about the food industry, perhaps a misconception?

That it is glamorous. Its a service industry which means youre working when everyone is having fun. It is physically very hard work and its not like you are granted full freedom and creativity when you start out. Rather you have too much work to do and not enough time to do it and if you are an avid home cook or baker it can be a shock to enter the professional kitchen and learn how regimented it is.

The four branches of Flour Bakery + Caf have been very successful in Boston and have been featured in a wide array of publications, including the New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, and Bon Appetit, and youve been featured on the Food Network. What do you think is the special ingredient that makes Flour such a successful series of bakeries in Boston?

Weve always focused on making sure WE are having a great time. If my team is loving being at work then they will give it their all. We work really hard to create a positive supportive work environment that

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everyone is proud to be a part of. We are not perfect, for sure, but we do try every day to get there.

We frequent Flour Bakerys South End location all of the time, and theres a consensus of some favorites we have from the menu we see a lot of roasted chicken, avocado and jicama sandwiches, and peanut butter cookies in the office. Will you tell us your personal favorites from the Flour menu?

I love that chicken sandwich too! It is my favorite of our sandwiches. I always love the soups that the chefs make. Each has his own style and one of the fun parts of my day is going location to location and trying out the soups. For pastries I eat banana bread and chocolate chip cookies and double chocolate cookies every day. I love our pain aux raisins and our butter breton cakes and I get pretty excited when I see a slice of chocolate cream pie on our snack tray.

We worked with you to design the newest Flour location on Clarendon Street in the Back Bay and on the more recent corporate location at the Novartis campus in Cambridge. What would you say is the biggest challenge of finding a new location, establishing the design, and opening the bakery?

The biggest and also most rewarding challenge always is finding and cultivating a team to embrace and fulfill my vision for Flour. I know exactly what I want it to look like, feel like, smell like, taste like ...and I need an army of people to help me achieve that. So every time we open a new place its all about inculcating the team with what we call Flour love.

You and your husband Christopher also opened the Chinese restaurant, Myers + Chang, just around the corner from us in our South End neighborhood in 2007, which we also worked with you to design (and is also another lunch favorite here). What inspired this venture and why did you choose the South End as the best place to launch the restaurant?

We had both wanted to open a Chinese restaurant and we were working opposite ends of the clock- he was working late late late into the night and I was getting up before the crack of dawn. We realized that if we wanted to see each other our best bet might be to work on a project together. We both wanted a fun and casual place with amazing food that you craved. We wanted to share a bit of both of us in

one restaurant. Christopher is all about atmosphere and hospitality and design and Im more focused on the kitchen and back of house operations. We spent a lot of time eating out, visiting Chinese places that Christopher had grown up eating at; I cooked a lot, making dishes I remember growing up with; my aunt came over from Taiwan and made us a slew of dishes that we loved; my mom started sending recipes from her childhood and mine and she visited a few times as well. All of these came together to form M+C! Having M+C so close to the original Flour was a huge advantage too. It is obviously logistically simpler in terms of commuting and we love the South End community that we had become a part of by that time with Flour. We had no idea that Ink Block and Whole foods was coming at the time and now it feels like an especially fortuitous choice to be where we are.

As a chef, are there any unique favorite local spots or Boston resources you have for seeking certain ingredients or foods used in your menus?

We work closely with Specialty Foods in Boston. Whenever they have interesting ingredients they call us and we love testing and trying new things. Sparrow Arc Farms sends us new things to try all the time too. We visit Mings pretty much daily and you can walk down any aisle and find a dozen new products that weve never tried- we get a lot of ideas just buying random things and seeing what we can create with them at the restaurant.

Where do you look for inspiration when youre creating new menu items?

We go to a lot of restaurants and bakeries in town, and when we are traveling we're always on the hunt for new ideas. Certainly sites like Instagram and Pintrest and Twitter have been really helpful in showing us ideas that we wouldnt otherwise be exposed to. Old fashioned magazines and newspapers are always inspiring too!

www.flourbakery.com | www.myersandchang.com

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Maggie Gold SeeligReal Estate Matchmaker

real estate matchmakert-

heirYou were trained as an attorney. What attracted to you to a career in the real estate industry?

MGS: Real estate has always been a passion of mine. Following the markets, renovating my own properties, and advising friends on real estate purchases and renovations was something I was doing long before getting into the business. I also have a deep appreciation and passion for architecture which also attracted me to make the transition from law to real estate. Beyond that, the dynamic nature of the real estate market in Boston, the gorgeous historic properties that I am privileged to enjoy and share with my buyers and the meaningful relationships that I build with clients through their search to find their next home is what really excites me about what I do!

What do you think are the biggest challenges of finding the perfect home in the city?

The biggest challenge right now, generally speaking for the market, is inventory. There is not enough supply to meet demand. Specifically, however, and with regard to my clients, there is not one defining challenge. Each client comes

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to me with their own unique set of wishes and desires for how they want to live. It is my job to help flesh that out and help them realize their vision. Advising a client on the program and flow of house and how that fits their needs (or at times, doesnt fit their needs) is an important part of the conversation. It is truly an organic process.

As a native New Yorker now living in Boston, what are some of the things you feel sets Boston apart?

Boston holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons. It is a smaller city than NYC which allows for a different sense of community and connection. Also, Bostons architecture and buildings are so accessible and built on a more human scale. The way we are able to interact with such a historic city sets it apart from any other city in which I have lived.

Youve been part of the process of bringing Four51 Marlborough to life as a consultant for the project. You also used to live on Marlborough street, so you know the Back Bay quite well through your work and as a former resident. Do you have any favorite hidden gems in the neighborhood that the average Bostonian might not have experienced? What about spots in other parts of the city?

The great thing about any neighborhood in Boston is I am always discovering new things from a new restaurant, a new play at a theatre like the ART which is doing cutting edge work, to a lecture at one of our many universities. As well as I know Boston, I feel like there is always something new to explore and enjoy. That is part of the innovative nature of our city. We are a leader in innovation in almost all domainsand to bear witness and be a part of that is remarkable. But sometimes, it is the very small thingsI have

walked a street like Commonwealth Avenue hundreds of times, but on occasion, I take note of a statue for the first time that has been there for decades, if not hundreds of years. Sometimes it is just about opening your eyes to something you pass everyday that is a real hidden gem of our city.

As an expert in the citys real estate market, how do you keep your finger on the pulse of the industry? How do you find out whats about to be available on the market, and how do you best determine what kinds of homes people will be drawn to? (i.e. being a real estate matchmaker).

The market is dynamic and changes literally by the minute. Besides being obsessive about checking the public markets multiple times a day, the reality is that real estate is about people. I spend a lot of my time talking to people and meeting with peopleyou learn a lot about who is moving or thinking about moving and since much of my business actually happens off the public market, that is important. I also have great relationships with many of the areas other top brokers which is key to my ability to get my clients in early on a property in a competitive market place. The process of finding the right home for someone is a responsibility that I take seriously and treat with great care. Listening to what a client wants and their aspirations for how they want to live is the foundation. Visiting their current home and seeing what works and doesnt is also informative for me. From there, the process is so organic and the more we process and see the more we learn about what is really going to make a house their home.

You must see a lot behind the closed doors of homes for sale. Whats the most interesting or strange experience youve had scoping out potential homes for clients?

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The way we are able to interact with such a historic city sets it apart from any other city in which I have lived.

I pride myself on being a human vault. So while I have seen many many interesting things along the wayI will need to keep those to myself!

List three pieces of advice that you would give to someone moving to Boston and searching for their next home.

1. Walk the neighborhoods and really get a feel for what matters to you is walking to a restaurant important? Is being close to a park important? Where is the nearest hardware store? I can give my overview on neighborhoods, but nothing beats pounding some pavement and getting a personal feel firsthand.

2. See as many properties as you can. The reality is that often the properties that dont interest you really help inform what does excite you. Then, we can be laser focused.

3. Work with a broker that knows the market and the properties and who is committed to finding your perfect home. Make sure they want to be part of a dialogue with you and are willing to spend the time necessary to

get the job done right. And also work with someone with whom you can have some fun! A real estate purchase is often the most money one will spend on somethingso you should enjoy it!

There are, of course, Boston neighborhoods which will always be prime living locations, such as the Back Bay and Beacon Hill, and then there are neighborhoods like East Boston that are up-and-comingas an expert, where do you think the next up-and-coming neighborhood generating investment and buyer interest will be?

I wish I had a crystal ball and could tell you all the answers to this one! I think that there are definitely neighborhoods like East Boston that will be interesting to watch over the next 5-10 years. I also believe that the Fenway has yet to be fully realized and will become even more interesting over the next five years and is another neighborhood to watch.

www.maggiegoldseelig.com

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KRISTINA HARE LYONSStyle Guru

As one of Bostons most fashionable women, you have a particular and eclectic sense of style, your closet has been profiled by Boston Magazine, and a headline of the Boston Herald pictured a fabulous photo of you at the MassArt fashion show last year with the words style guru in the caption. Did you always have this eclectic fashion sense, and what exactly inspires your choices?

KHL: Wow - not sure about all that, but I would say a big YES to the eclectic fashion sense bit, and I think my family would agree that its in my DNA for better or worse. I spent my first few years in France and was the first child of a stylish European mother, so that may have had something to do with it. I grew up with my mothers fashion icons, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot & Sophia Loren, and spent my school years in a uniform, which I tried to fiddle with as much as possible in a desperate attempt at self-expression. I actually loved the freedom of the uniform (and I'm a big fan as a mum), which made dressing up on weekends and those free dress days in high school fun. I still operate that way, running around too much of the time in yoga clothes, but then really enjoying chances to layer on the style when the occasion strikes. I was put on a very strict budget as a pretty young kid, so I worked every

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moment I could to make money, and I would take my hard-earned dollars and troll the discount stores in the Philadelphia area for treasures. I always went for statement pieces - something uber glamorous to pop my otherwise rather ordinary androgenous wardrobe for a girl growing up in the 70s & 80s. And I vividly remember the day my mother bought me my first fashion magazine: Seventeen with Brooke Shields on the cover. I was 11 and it began my life-long love affair with fashion and photography. So the day I landed in the West Coast Editor chair of ELLE Magazine in Los Angeles I was pinching myself. My sense of style has matured considerably since those days, due to experience, exposure to the industry while at ELLE, and even more so at Portobello Road, but it's also informed by some basic tenets that run like a thread through my wardrobe over time: classic basics with pops of high fashion, comfort, and wanting to stand out from the crowd a bit. One thing I have come to appreciate much more as Ive gotten older and wiser is quality of craftsmanship. My mother always told me that it was better to have fewer things that were really well made and to keep them for a long time - but it took me decades to fully appreciate her wisdom and its particularly important in this age of cheap and plentiful throwaway goods - a trend which has implications for the environment, working conditions, and human rights. At Portobello Road, the lifestyle boutique in Chestnut Hill which I own with my business partner and dear friend, Marina Kalb, we buy with the notion of integrity in mind: both in the design and the whole life-cycle of how something is made. I believe things are imbued with meaning and I buy accordingly for the store and for myself. The things I wear and surround myself with tell a story - many many stories, actually.

At Portobello Road, how do you select and curate a collection of pieces? What are the characteristics of an item that determine whether youll buy it or walk away from it?

There are so many considerations and Marina and I have learned a lot over nine years of buying together, and we have a great dynamic tension between us when

we buy that keeps us on the straight and narrow. I tend to be drawn to statement pieces, and original design and craftsmanship, but at the same time we have to consider cost and wearability/saleablity in our market/climate, fit, and practicality. How do you clean something, for example, is it an item that will shed, get snagged in the store, or jewelry that will lose stones? We stand behind what we sell, so we are not interested in disposable merchandise. We are also interested in the story behind what we buy and seek out fair trade, organic, and things made by womens cooperatives, or companies that give back a percentage of their sales to good causes. Our tag line is the shop with a soul and we hope that every item we sell contributes in some way during its lifecycle. We also hope to make our customers more aware of the impact their consumer purchases have. But what we seek most is for our things, and the whole experience of shopping in the store with our candles, music, our lovely and talented sales team, and assorted treasures, to bring joy to our customers and our community.

In addition to your time at Elle, you've been a producer at Frontline, you've worked on developing a screen play, on political efforts, and as an assistant to Oliver Stone. How did you end up on the West Coast, and does your background in storytelling influence your diverse style, your home, and the curation of pieces for Portobello Road?

Landing my job as Oliver Stones assistant at 23 was basically like getting hit by lightning, but in a good way. Down and out and unemployed in the wake of my year on the Dukakis campaign, I was living in DC trying to figure out my next steps when we got a message on our answering machine, at the house I was sharing with a bunch of friends, asking if anyone was interested in being Oliver Stones assistant. Soon, I found myself on a plane to LA to meet my new boss. I believe that my three and half years as Olivers right hand perhaps had more impact on who I am today than anything other than my parents, who gave me the stability and sense of self that allowed me to weather those crazy Hollywood years. My time with Oliver actually inspired my sister Mimi Hares novel, The

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Second Assistant, and I still can't seem to shake movie-making from my system: I'm currently working on bringing NYT best seller Those Who Save Us to the screen with producing partner, Sandra Missakian. I think my wanderlust and taste for adventure forced the direction of my life, and my experiences have informed my eclectic style. I like to collect and keep things from travels and different stages of my life, or things passed down from my parents and grandparents and beyond, because so much memory is wrapped up in things. For decorating, there is a tension between wanting to simplify, and a desire to hold onto the strands of ones life and family history,

which is why I think moving is so healthy - to have a chance to edit one's things and tune up ones story to keep it fresh and relevant. Im so excited about this move to Beacon Hill - a place that is steeped in history, yet our space will be almost entirely new and loft-like, and high-tech. I'm in the process of researching smart house technology now, and thinking about where to put some of our favorite pieces of art from family portraits to fabulous abstract paintings we got at the Mass Art Auction. We are designing a modern house, but I can't get away from my eclectic instincts, and will have to be very strategic about layering in antiques and ethnic bursts of color and texture to give the space character and make it our own.

Youve traveled quite a bit, and your family lived in Italy for a year. What was it like, after a year of living in the beauty of Italy, coming back home to Boston?

Wonderful! It felt brand new. I even got lost a few times on roads I used to be able to drive blind folded. I hadn't driven in a year since we couldn't have a car in the center of Rome, so it felt exciting initially to be behind the wheel again. Italy was everything we dreamed of and the Romans embraced us during our dolce vita time there, but there is nothing like old friends, and our friends really do make our world. Our family is so blessed in that regard. We also

appreciated American efficiencies and comforts a lot more. What we missed most about Italy, other than the coffee and gelato, was walking everywhere and the layers of history surrounding us, which is part of what drew us to Beacon Hill, with its European flavor and locally owned businesses, that give it such a neighborhoody feel. I've always been drawn to the building Richard Meier designed to house the Ara Pacis in Rome; it garnered a lot of controversy, but I find its elegant simplicity to be the perfect foil for better appreciating the overwhelming array of ornate architecture surrounding it. The idea of building effectively new construction in Beacon Hill appealed to me in the same way. I love the juxtaposition of old and new, though one will have to come inside for the

I believe things are imbued with meaning...the things I wear and surround myself with tell a story - many many stories, actually.

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wow factor in our case - the exterior of our building will remain exactly as it has for nearly 150 years.

And how does living in Boston compare to L.A.?

I think LA and Boston are the two most opposite cities in the US. I was also a single girl in the film business in my twenties in my LA days, whereas I have been married with children for my two decades in Boston. There are many things I love and miss about LA - there is so much innovation around exercise and nutrition, and people lead such a healthy outdoor lifestyle because of the weather, and I love the entrepreneurial spirit and sense that anything is possible. But Boston is, to me, a much better place to raise children: a nice hybrid of focus on education and family, while being generally socially progressive. LA feels more exciting to me, but Boston feels like home. I guess the two cities speak to two different sides of myself, and I tend to work a bit in opposition to my environment in my never-ending search for balance: Im more LA in Boston (one can definitely see the West Coast influence at Portobello Road), and when I was in LA, I liked to wear my nerdy intellectual hat more. I sought gravitas in response to all the superficial red carpet nonsense in LA - I got involved with democratic politics, human rights, global health, which I dug deeper into while at Fletcher and continue to care deeply about today.

Working on the design of your new Beacon Hill home has been great. Why did you decide to relocate from Brookline to Boston, and what are you most anticipating about being in the neighborhood?

With my daughter off at college and only our 12-year-old son at home, it made sense to downsize, but we were also just ready for a change and to be city people again - and Patrick and I like building together. We had lived in Back Bay when our daughter was born. I also thought that our son, as an effective only child, would really enjoy having the freedom to explore the city, which he will be old enough to navigate on his own, as opposed to me spending the next four years playing chauffeur. While we loved our life and community in Brookline, both Patrick and I enjoy

having the urban buzz right outside our door. We also think our new address on the flat of the hill is the perfect location. How many American cities offer a village-like setting with history, community, charm, and cobblestones right in the center of a big modern city? I love our proximity to the river and the public garden and downtown and Back Bay - and Scampo, of course...we can walk almost anywhere in 15 minutes, and we are so excited to explore the neighborhood, find those home-away-from home-haunts one has in the city (I'm thinking Tatte Bakery & The Athenaeum) and inhabit the thoughtful and inspired design of H+A. I am so excited about diving into the interior design in the months ahead and can't wait to have our first party, family movie nights, and to curl up on one of our many window seats overlooking Chestnut Street.

Your husband, Patrick Lyons, is a renowned Boston restaurateur and entertainment entrepreneur, so nightlife is something that you have a lot of knowledge about. For your perfect night out, where would you go, who would you be with, and what would you be doing?

There are so many perfect nights out in Boston, which is whats so much fun about being in a dynamic city: taking a picnic and gathering kids and friends to watch American Graffiti outside on the Rose Kennedy Greenway; a night of cocktails and music at the Gardner Museum - theres a place that captures history, elegance, and cutting edge design; the nights Ive turned Townes events room into a salon to introduce friends to ideas and organizations that are doing amazing work in global health and human rights, getting dressed to the nines for the Library or ICA galas, or the spectacular annual Mass Art Fashion show; getting silly on stage and off at Urban Improv's Banned in Boston, dinner parties in our candlelit wood-paneled dining room or on our deck, or taking over the spectacular screening room at Kings in Burlington with movie buff pals on a bitter January day and doing a triple feature while gorging on burgers, sundaes and margaritas.heaven!

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BOSTON COMMON TOWNHOUSE2015 Regional Winner of the Sub-Zero Wolf Kitchen Design Contest

2015 Winner 'Best Private Residential Design' IIDA New England Design Awards

BOSTON COMMON TOWNHOUSE2015 Regional Winner of the Sub-Zero Wolf Kitchen Design Contest

2015 Winner 'Best Private Residential Design' IIDA New England Design Awards

Hacin + Associates [architecture + design]

Once there, I was delighted to see that amidst all the intense formality is a magical thread that weaves its way through everything. A sense of whimsy dances around floral and childrens shops filled with colorful mobiles and wild roses...

When I used to think about Paris, I thought about stuffed owls. And tigers and bears. And by stuffed, I mean taxidermy. Perhaps I was reading too much David Sedaris. But its been said that the French love their taxidermy [for the polarity of quirky + imperial perhaps?] and that cultural idiosyncrasy along with a famous design show drew me to the city this fall.

TRAVELOGUE, PARIS

TRAVELOGUE, PARIS

...Fashion is the demure grey jacket paired with the unexpected funky red eyeglasses. And design boutiques are filled with oddball accessories next to Prouve icons. It made me happy. And inspired.

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Feminine details in masculine places...Lacey ironwork at the Eiffel, delicate stained glass windows at Sainte-Chapelle, and a gentlemans embroidered clothing in a painting at the Louvre. But then...masculine details in feminine places. New collection of womens wear by Comme Des Garcons feels like body armor in the best possible way. And mean-looking thistle grates in a womens perfume shop window.

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Museum and shop display was sublime. From top left: Who doesnt need mouthwash with a snake on it? From Buly 1803. Hunting badges at the Musee de la Chasse et de la Nature, Sentou basement with neon orange, Atelier de Villatte white earthenware and lace drapery, traditional potpourri display at Buly contrasted with a modern skincare display at Aesop, the sparkling glass ceiling above sleek fixturing for bookstore at Le Bon Marche, and a typewriter with visitor contributed notes posted at Shakespeare and Company.

Above, a sketch of Francois Pompons Grand-Duc sculpture from the 20s at the Musee dOrsay. And YES...taxidermy! Spent some time at Deyrolle talking to the team about their values and methods for collecting specimens: all animals at this 170-year-old institution have died of old age or illness at reserves, parks, or zoos. Deyrolle shares these creatures for education, preservation and biodiversity awareness.

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Eek!! Since post-modern furniture was [unfortunately] everywhere at the Maison & Objet trade show, I needed respite in the form of beetles, spiders, and piggies. Keep in mind, you should never buy taxidermy without the proper certificate! The famous green wall of Deyrolle is visible behind a zebra [bottom right photo]. Found myself drawn to green a lot on this trip...springy green Queen Annes Lace, emerald beetles, faded frescoes, mint typewriter keys, and dusty butterfly wings.

A couple returns to Boston, and after adevastating fire, reclaims the apartment they lived in three decades before.

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A couple returns to Boston, and after adevastating fire, reclaims the apartment they lived in three decades before.

Interview by Kate Kelley & Eduardo Serrate

Return to the City

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We met Paul and Elaine Cohen in 2008, in their search for an architecture firm to work with on renovating their penthouse apartment in the Back Bay. After living and raising a family in Swampscott, MA for 30 years, the couple wished to move back to the heart of the city, and lightning struck. Literally. Their apartment in the Back Bay was struck by lightning, starting a disastrous fire, and requiring a total renovation of the building and the home they had planned to return to. We sat down with them to hear them revisit the story, the project, and the process.

KK: Why dont you tell us a little bit about how you came to Boston and how you found this property.

PC: Well, I started the condominium development in the Back Bay in 1976 and I had done a small project at 236 Comm Ave, which was four units, much smaller, and after that project I looked for another and this building became available. There were 20 units and it was full of Harvard law students and rent control issues. I saw the potential and bought the building.

KK: And this is in a time when condos were not really very prevalent in the city, right?

PC: Well, I did the first total rehab of an existing building into condos in Boston. There had been paper conversions of other condominium projects, but the one I did at 236 was the first total rehab and this property was my second. There were a lot of others to follow with various developers and properties. But here, two laborers and I did the demo on the entire building ourselves.

ES: That is a large inventory for a newcomer to tackle...and demo!

PC: Well, I was 30, a lot younger, and a lot stronger. So it was the first time units came onto the market in the Back Bay for $100K apiece and they were all over 2000 SF, so that was $50/SF in those days.

ES: So then you moved to the suburbs for awhile...

PC: We lived here for about two years and then we moved to the North shore to Swampscott where we lived for 30 years while we rented this place. We always loved the city and always wanted to come back. When the kids got older and we finally decided to move back to the city, the plan was to simply renovate this apartment's kitchen and bathrooms, since the bones were basically the same as they are now. The night before we started the process, lightning hit and destroyed the building. It gave us an opportunity to build and re-imagine this place in an intimate way all over again.

ES: Talk about making lemonade out of lemons, right? I actually remember picking up the phone when you first called our office, and thinking, "Wow, this is really unfortunate".

PC: But we had an opportunity to start from scratch since this was an empty canvas

KK: Right..you couldnt just do kitchens and baths after that!

EC: It was a burnt out shell!

ES: I remember walking through the space. You could smell the ash.

PC: Everything was burnt and black. The ceilings, the walls...the lightning hit the electrical panel and it just spread throughout the entire place. This was the only building hit that day in the Back Bay. But it gave us the opportunity to do what we really wanted. Our tastes are very modern, so we wanted to go with one of the top modern architects in the city; I spoke to different firms and interviewed with everyone, and it was Hacin + Associates that had a great portfolio and with which I felt most comfortable. And I like the people! It was just a good meeting. David, Scott, and you both (Kate and Eduardo) worked really well with us on this project.

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ES: With your background as a developer, I feel like the design process was very collaborative. I remember you both were very insightful with your questions and thought through every aspect of an idea; in the end it guided the product that we have now. How do you think that your background influenced your process?

PC: For many years I had been working with clients on high end condominium projects, so I was very familiar with the process and how the relationship worked between architect and client. So with this project, for the first time, we were on the client side of the relationship and had the ability to really do the things we wanted to do in our own home that I had done for so many other people over the years.

KK: You were really ambitious with the level of detail. The stairs, for example, are typically tucked to the side of the unit, but you really wanted to make a moment out of it.

PC: Thats one of the big architectural elements