Interior Design by Joan Suzio:

Flashing back ten years on this project.  I was archiving a hard drive when I couldn’t resist taking a peek at what we were shooting back then.  This project is by interior designer Joan Suzio.  We photographed several projects for Joan back in 2015, of which I think she won several awards.

Joan is just one of the most pleasant and talented designers I have ever worked with.  Below are a few favorites from our photoshoot.










Processing the Houston Hilton Garden Inn Exterior:

We have photographed many Hilton Garden Inns over the years, but the one in Houston, Texas, near the airport, truly stands out. My initial visit to this site occurred during its construction phase, giving me a unique perspective on its development. The final product is exceptionally well-executed.

This shot is a favorite of mine because it captures the hotel's essence while also presenting a challenge. Standing in the location from which I shot this image, one would notice that the facade is somewhat obscured by a tangle of telephone and power lines. To achieve a clean final image, I spent hours meticulously removing these distractions in my digital darkroom, by hand with—no AI assistance involved.

More to come from this shoot soon.




Luxury Has a New Address:

Luxury has a new address! We recently photographed Lauren Coburn’s new North LaSalle Drive studio, a beautiful creative space designed for Lauren's assistants and design team. The studio features a large glass conference room that fosters collaboration, alongside expansive working tables and ergonomically designed desks with full height adjustment for maximum comfort and productivity.

Upon entering, guests are welcomed by a striking press wall, showcasing a curated selection of publications that feature Lauren's work. The large kitchen area serves as a perfect retreat for coffee breaks, where team members can gather around the meeting tables to discuss their ongoing projects. 

Spacious windows provide an inviting view of the stunning Chicago skyline, adding to the studio's overall charm and inspiration. Here are just a few favorites from our recent shoot.









Shooting Lauren:

After photographing Lauren Coburn’s new North LaSalle Drive, studio in Chicago, we talked Lauren into letting us capture her in the space.  We had a blast photographing her, and It became clear that luxury does have have a new address, and Lauren is undeniably its face. 








Look Closer and See:

At first glance, this appears to be an ordinary bathroom. However, a closer inspection reveals an array of thoughtful details that signal its high-end design. The custom handmade cabinetry offers a unique touch, showcasing artisanal craftsmanship. Heavy, well-made door and drawer pulls provide not only function but also a statement of sophistication.

The beautiful marble countertop adds an elegant touch, elevating the space with its natural delicate veining and sheen. Consider the floating toilet and flush mount water controls; these modern elements enhance the bathroom's sleek aesthetic while maximizing floor space. 

Every aspect of this “simple” bathroom exudes luxury and high quality, from the carefully selected materials to the meticulous blue paint finish on the walls. This space is a testament to refined design, indicating that true elegance lies in the details.







Modern Olde-World Kitchen:

This stunning kitchen, designed by Benvenuti & Stein, perfectly encapsulates olde-world charm while seamlessly integrating modern functionality. The magnificent vaulted ceilings, accentuated by large wooden beams, invite warmth into the space. The oven and stove, gracefully encased in traditional brick, serve as a focal point, harmonizing beautifully with the expansive marble countertops on the center island.

The bespoke range hood complements the overall aesthetic, adding a touch of refinement, while the custom wood and iron pot holder, adorned with handcrafted copper cooking pots, enhances the kitchen's artisanal appeal. The large plank flooring grounds the design, further elevating the beauty of this inviting space.

Though it nods to a bygone era, this kitchen exemplifies contemporary comfort and efficiency, making it as practical as it is picturesque.









High-end Kitchen Remodel:

We photographed a high-end Chicago condo remodel featuring a newly designed kitchen by Geno Benvenuti. The elegant contrast between the fine ebony hardwood and medium blonde mahogany creates a striking visual effect. The black marble waterfall countertop, accented with white veining, enhances the transitional design, adding a sophisticated touch.

In addition to the kitchen, the remodel includes a bespoke wet bar crafted from the same black ebony hardwood and topped with a complementary black marble counter. This exquisite combination not only provides a stunning aesthetic but also showcases craftsmanship that promises to endure for years to come.