Our old friend Eric3000 is recapping at Top Design Blogger...
Bay and her sister Amy are podcasting Top Design every week at Grits to Glitz...
Thanks to all of our funny, fabulous recappers. Don't be shy - if you have a recap to share, e-mail Team BTD. See you next week!
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Meet Andrea Keller
We continue our exclusive Q & A series with Top Design contestant Andrea Keller.
1. How did you hear about the show?
I got an email from Sammy Choi, the president of Otis, who had forwarded it to my department head (at architecture, landscape, interiors) . . she passed the email along to all her faculty. I was in the middle of sending emails at work and I got the message about the show, saying that here was a number to call if I was interested. . so 5 minutes later I was on the phone with casting.
2. Where did you audition?
I made the first phone call and had an appointment with casting a couple of hours later, literally that same afternoon, in l.a. They called me back for another appointment 4 days later, then again a week after that. Each time they made a videotape of me and there were more and more people in the room. I have never been through anything like this, didn't know what to expect.
3. What is unique about you? What do you bring to the show that no one else can? What are you really good at?
I think that I am unique because I can kind of do anything - from sewing and cooking to knitting, power tools, construction, total MacGyver . . and I have a "regular" job as an architect. I have a very classic / conservative education and a serious profession, but I love making things with my hands and having a lot of fun with it. So I’m conservative and irreverent, very resourceful, and I just love construction and a mess. I’m not from the interior design world; I’m coming at it from another side.
4. How did you learn that you made it onto "Top Design"?
I was waiting so anxiously for a phone call, trying to be cool about it. I got a call on a Friday morning that we would be called that afternoon at 4 with the result. I was alone in the office, pacing, finally the phone rang, they thanked me for auditioning, and then said congratulations. I opened a beer at that point, didn't know what to do but keep pacing, and was excited out of my mind.
5. Where will you be watching the show?
I will be watching from lots of places I think, going to see different friends and family each week. None of us know what the final show will look like! Can’t wait to see.
Thanks so much, Andrea; we're going to have to chat about power tools and kniting among other things!
1. How did you hear about the show?I got an email from Sammy Choi, the president of Otis, who had forwarded it to my department head (at architecture, landscape, interiors) . . she passed the email along to all her faculty. I was in the middle of sending emails at work and I got the message about the show, saying that here was a number to call if I was interested. . so 5 minutes later I was on the phone with casting.
2. Where did you audition?
I made the first phone call and had an appointment with casting a couple of hours later, literally that same afternoon, in l.a. They called me back for another appointment 4 days later, then again a week after that. Each time they made a videotape of me and there were more and more people in the room. I have never been through anything like this, didn't know what to expect.
3. What is unique about you? What do you bring to the show that no one else can? What are you really good at?
I think that I am unique because I can kind of do anything - from sewing and cooking to knitting, power tools, construction, total MacGyver . . and I have a "regular" job as an architect. I have a very classic / conservative education and a serious profession, but I love making things with my hands and having a lot of fun with it. So I’m conservative and irreverent, very resourceful, and I just love construction and a mess. I’m not from the interior design world; I’m coming at it from another side.
4. How did you learn that you made it onto "Top Design"?
I was waiting so anxiously for a phone call, trying to be cool about it. I got a call on a Friday morning that we would be called that afternoon at 4 with the result. I was alone in the office, pacing, finally the phone rang, they thanked me for auditioning, and then said congratulations. I opened a beer at that point, didn't know what to do but keep pacing, and was excited out of my mind.
5. Where will you be watching the show?
I will be watching from lots of places I think, going to see different friends and family each week. None of us know what the final show will look like! Can’t wait to see.
Thanks so much, Andrea; we're going to have to chat about power tools and kniting among other things!
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Meet Erik Kolacz
We continue our exclusive Q & A series with Top Design contestant Erik Kolacz.
1. How did you hear about the show?
A friend from a casting agency sent me the info. That day I went to the first interview and was asked back. I really didn’t think it would go anywhere; after each meeting there was weeks of waiting. (You have to love the tummy butterflies.)
2. Where did you audition?
I auditioned in Chicago and then LA.
3. What is unique about you? What do you bring to the show that no one else can? What are you really good at?
I think that I’m pretty unique because of my age and accomplishments. There are many talented designers that are great at design alone. Not many are able to juggle design, client relations and the business side. I pride myself on working with my clients to create an environment that is inspiring without breaking the bank. I also truly enjoy the finished product in design. There is nothing better to me than a unique functional space. I love my job!
4. How did you learn that you made it onto "Top Design"?
It was September 29th I was in a limo surrounded with my closest friends and a glass of champagne in my hand on my way to one of my all time favorite events in Chicago. Marshall Fields (now Macys) Glamorama with Beyonce. The timing could not have been better. We still laugh about it. We go every year and always have a wonderful time. It was an even better time after I received the call.
5. Where will you be watching the show?
The first night will be a party at our home in Chicago with my close friends and family so they can laugh at me all at once. Life is to short to be so serious all of the time. After that I have a list that will always be changing, It also depends on if I look like a nut or not! I may have to take a long holiday!
Thanks so much, Erik; you know, we're going to have to ask you more about Glamorama!
1. How did you hear about the show?A friend from a casting agency sent me the info. That day I went to the first interview and was asked back. I really didn’t think it would go anywhere; after each meeting there was weeks of waiting. (You have to love the tummy butterflies.)
2. Where did you audition?
I auditioned in Chicago and then LA.
3. What is unique about you? What do you bring to the show that no one else can? What are you really good at?
I think that I’m pretty unique because of my age and accomplishments. There are many talented designers that are great at design alone. Not many are able to juggle design, client relations and the business side. I pride myself on working with my clients to create an environment that is inspiring without breaking the bank. I also truly enjoy the finished product in design. There is nothing better to me than a unique functional space. I love my job!
4. How did you learn that you made it onto "Top Design"?
It was September 29th I was in a limo surrounded with my closest friends and a glass of champagne in my hand on my way to one of my all time favorite events in Chicago. Marshall Fields (now Macys) Glamorama with Beyonce. The timing could not have been better. We still laugh about it. We go every year and always have a wonderful time. It was an even better time after I received the call.
5. Where will you be watching the show?
The first night will be a party at our home in Chicago with my close friends and family so they can laugh at me all at once. Life is to short to be so serious all of the time. After that I have a list that will always be changing, It also depends on if I look like a nut or not! I may have to take a long holiday!
Thanks so much, Erik; you know, we're going to have to ask you more about Glamorama!
Recapalooza!
Episode 1 recaps are starting to roll in, let's see what people are saying about Top Design:
Moi says that Kelly Wearstler was wearing her yoga pants...
The Quiet One wants more design, less Ralphie...
Tom & Lorenzo offer some sage advice to the TD producers...
Linda Merrill judges the judges...
Is there a connection between Top Design and the The Super Bowl? Kora in hell has it figured out...
It's Drape Meets Design Meets...Dullsville at Fans of Reality TV
Have a recap to share? E-mail Team BTD to get in on the fun!
Friday, February 02, 2007
Win Stuff From Top Design
Hey kids, time to play along and win nifty prizes! Click each of the links above and enter Top Design's contests. If you win, show us a picture with your Bravo Bonanza.
Preview Videos - Episode 2, 'Child's Play'
We have two previews for you for next week's episode of Top Design. First up is Bravo's video found here.
Click here for another video that shows the designers shopping at Target.
Katy's Take: Episode 1
BTD is thrilled to welcome Project Runway Season 3 designer Katherine Gerdes as she provides exclusive recaps of each week's episode. Katy brings a unique perspective not only as a professional designer, but as someone who has been through the Bravo reality competition mill. Welcome Katy!
Hi guys! I’d just like to start out by saying a big “THANKS!” to the crew at BPR (and now BTD) for asking me to write a recap each week for Top Design. They have consistently been a great source of support and love for all of us PR designers and I know they’ll take equally good care of the Top Design crew.
For those of you who don’t know, last season on PR I started writing recaps from a designer's point of view of each episode for my website and then BPR. I try to keep my recaps based mostly on the actual design and not whether I’m a fan of the personality behind it. I do believe that in the real world a top designer needs to work well with others, because you can’t do it alone all the time, but, I also have first hand knowledge that what I’m watching at home is not the entire story and it’s hard for me to judge someone’s character based on the edited show I see.
One last thing and then I’ll get on with it… I am not an interior designer, and in fact, I have the hardest time making my living spaces look good and always have to get my mom to help (thanks mom!). For example, the comment that the judges made about Erik & Carisa’s empty coffee table would have never crossed my mind. With that said, I do believe that as a fashion designer (or any kind of designer for that matter), you have a eye for what looks good whether it’s clothing, furniture, cooking, etc… So with that in mind, I give you my opinion on the first week’s challenge:
Click here to continue reading Katy's Take on Episode 1.
Hi guys! I’d just like to start out by saying a big “THANKS!” to the crew at BPR (and now BTD) for asking me to write a recap each week for Top Design. They have consistently been a great source of support and love for all of us PR designers and I know they’ll take equally good care of the Top Design crew.For those of you who don’t know, last season on PR I started writing recaps from a designer's point of view of each episode for my website and then BPR. I try to keep my recaps based mostly on the actual design and not whether I’m a fan of the personality behind it. I do believe that in the real world a top designer needs to work well with others, because you can’t do it alone all the time, but, I also have first hand knowledge that what I’m watching at home is not the entire story and it’s hard for me to judge someone’s character based on the edited show I see.
One last thing and then I’ll get on with it… I am not an interior designer, and in fact, I have the hardest time making my living spaces look good and always have to get my mom to help (thanks mom!). For example, the comment that the judges made about Erik & Carisa’s empty coffee table would have never crossed my mind. With that said, I do believe that as a fashion designer (or any kind of designer for that matter), you have a eye for what looks good whether it’s clothing, furniture, cooking, etc… So with that in mind, I give you my opinion on the first week’s challenge:
Click here to continue reading Katy's Take on Episode 1.
Top Design News
First, the good news: According to the latest Bravo Press Release Top Design was the highest-rated season premiere in Bravo History. Thanks Nora.
Now for the reviews:
Meevee calls Top Design "the bottom of the barrel."
Nothing new here in the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Washington Blade refers to Top Design as Project Copycat.
The Boston Herald weighs in.
Here is a press release describing Elizabeth Moore's latest projects. Congratulations Elizabeth!
But what did YOU think? Will you be tuning in next week?
Now for the reviews:
Meevee calls Top Design "the bottom of the barrel."
Nothing new here in the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Washington Blade refers to Top Design as Project Copycat.
The Boston Herald weighs in.
Here is a press release describing Elizabeth Moore's latest projects. Congratulations Elizabeth!
But what did YOU think? Will you be tuning in next week?
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Meet John Gray
We continue our exclusive Q & A series with Top Design contestant John Gray.
1. How did you hear about the show?
I heard about the show from a Chicago casting company, a year prior a really good friend of mine who is an actress saw that they were having auditions for "Design on a Dime" in Chicago and e-mailed them about me. So to make a long story shorter she contacted them and they contacted me to come in for an audition and I did. I got a phone call from the casting (O'Conner casting) saying they remembered me and thought I would be great for this new show they were casting for and wanted to know if I was interested, my first instinct was no until I heard that is was for Bravo. Once I heard that, I was all in.
2. Where did you audition?
I auditioned in Chicago I think twice then they flew the top 24 out to L.A. for final auditions and then they had to cut that down to 12. It was a long process and they are very thorough, from intense background checks, credit checks and physiological evaluations. I remember several other people from Chicago that I was convinced were going to make the show, but they didn't end up on it. I found the process to be fascinating.
3. What is unique about you? What do you bring to the show that no one else can? What are you really good at?
The biggest thing I promised myself was that I was only worried about what my friends and family would think. Since they know the real me and love me unconditionally, I really didn't want them watching the show and turning to me and saying "Who is that?" or "You didn't act like yourself, Why?" I felt like not only would I have lost some respect for myself but they would have possibly. I told the producers and casting who I was and what I was all about they cast me for that it would have been very dishonest or inappropriate to be anything other than myself.
What a great opportunity to be able to watch myself and look at how others perceive me and be able to critique myself and better myself. Really look at how I treat other people and interact. I really hope that this experience will help me on much bigger level to be a better person, I know that sounds very cliché' but it's the truth. Let’s face it who is going to remember this a year or so from now? It will fade eventually it is truly 15 if not 10 minutes of small fame. I have that in perspective. I don't mean that to take away from the excitement or the fun of it all I embraced every minute; it was once in a lifetime experience.
4. How did you learn that you made it onto "Top Design"?
I learned I made the show on a Friday afternoon around 2:00p.m.. I was standing outside a Starbucks in Andersonville and when Kat told me I was invited out to do the show I screamed so loud a car alarm was set off right next to me, besides being very exciting it was a tad bit embarassing. There were people sitting outside at the cafe tables with their dogs.
So I kind of just smiled and bowed and walked away smiling ear to ear as they laughed with me, well probably more at me. Nonetheless we all were smiling!! Is how I look at it.
5. Where will you be watching the show?
I will be watching the show at home in Zion with 2 of my sisters and family about 5 or 6 of us, a lot of friends want to throw parties and are inviting me to come over but the last thing I am gonna do is watch this in a room of gay men. NO SIRREE!!! I know nothing I will do or say will shock my sisters they'll just laugh and be positive about it, my gay peeps and friends may tend to give me a complex about things. Trust me I'm hard enough on myself.
Thanks so much, John; we're going to look forward to talking with you about what it was like to watch yourself on television and about the things you learned from the experience.
1. How did you hear about the show?I heard about the show from a Chicago casting company, a year prior a really good friend of mine who is an actress saw that they were having auditions for "Design on a Dime" in Chicago and e-mailed them about me. So to make a long story shorter she contacted them and they contacted me to come in for an audition and I did. I got a phone call from the casting (O'Conner casting) saying they remembered me and thought I would be great for this new show they were casting for and wanted to know if I was interested, my first instinct was no until I heard that is was for Bravo. Once I heard that, I was all in.
2. Where did you audition?
I auditioned in Chicago I think twice then they flew the top 24 out to L.A. for final auditions and then they had to cut that down to 12. It was a long process and they are very thorough, from intense background checks, credit checks and physiological evaluations. I remember several other people from Chicago that I was convinced were going to make the show, but they didn't end up on it. I found the process to be fascinating.
3. What is unique about you? What do you bring to the show that no one else can? What are you really good at?
The biggest thing I promised myself was that I was only worried about what my friends and family would think. Since they know the real me and love me unconditionally, I really didn't want them watching the show and turning to me and saying "Who is that?" or "You didn't act like yourself, Why?" I felt like not only would I have lost some respect for myself but they would have possibly. I told the producers and casting who I was and what I was all about they cast me for that it would have been very dishonest or inappropriate to be anything other than myself.
What a great opportunity to be able to watch myself and look at how others perceive me and be able to critique myself and better myself. Really look at how I treat other people and interact. I really hope that this experience will help me on much bigger level to be a better person, I know that sounds very cliché' but it's the truth. Let’s face it who is going to remember this a year or so from now? It will fade eventually it is truly 15 if not 10 minutes of small fame. I have that in perspective. I don't mean that to take away from the excitement or the fun of it all I embraced every minute; it was once in a lifetime experience.
4. How did you learn that you made it onto "Top Design"?
I learned I made the show on a Friday afternoon around 2:00p.m.. I was standing outside a Starbucks in Andersonville and when Kat told me I was invited out to do the show I screamed so loud a car alarm was set off right next to me, besides being very exciting it was a tad bit embarassing. There were people sitting outside at the cafe tables with their dogs.
So I kind of just smiled and bowed and walked away smiling ear to ear as they laughed with me, well probably more at me. Nonetheless we all were smiling!! Is how I look at it.
5. Where will you be watching the show?
I will be watching the show at home in Zion with 2 of my sisters and family about 5 or 6 of us, a lot of friends want to throw parties and are inviting me to come over but the last thing I am gonna do is watch this in a room of gay men. NO SIRREE!!! I know nothing I will do or say will shock my sisters they'll just laugh and be positive about it, my gay peeps and friends may tend to give me a complex about things. Trust me I'm hard enough on myself.
Thanks so much, John; we're going to look forward to talking with you about what it was like to watch yourself on television and about the things you learned from the experience.
Top Design on iTunes
Top Design is now available on iTunes. The first episode, 'Mystery Client,' is currently a free download; experience tells us that this offer is for a limited time only. Click here to go directly to the Top Design page on iTunes.
You can also take advantage of a special iTunes 'Season Pass' which allows you to download all episodes for this first season as they become available. That's 10 episodes for only $16.99.
Top Design Blogs on Bravo
Bravo is featuring blogs each week written by the three primary judges as well as host/mentor Todd Oldham. Click on each picture above to read their blogs this week. You'll also notice that we have linked the blogs in the sidebar.
Read What Alexis Had to Say
Click here to read a statement from Alexis Arquette regarding the rooms that the designers created and the challenge she faced as a judge.Want to know more about Alexis? Click here to read her judge bio.
Congratulations, Goil and Elizabeth!
You created a sanctuary for a 'mystery client' and managed to surprise all of the judges with your innovation. You looked at those 5 objects, determined the playful nature of their owner and you created a playground for the spirit complete with sandbox and swing. You managed to do all of this without conflict or drama while delighting a very unconventional lady; the smile on Alexis' face said it all. Well done, Goil and Elizabeth!
Let's use this post to congratulate this fabulous team; only positive words belong in the comments please.
Send Some BTD Love to Heather and Lisa
You were expected to design a room without ever meeting your client while collaborating for the first time. You managed to create a restful room with a clear point of view while avoiding conflict. In the end, it was simply a matter of opinion and someone had to go. You left with your dignity intact and we respect that.
Let's send some BTD love to Heather and Lisa. This post is only for positive comments.
Your Turn to be the Judge - Episode 1
We saw the rooms that the teams created and now it is your turn to weigh in on the results. This week you get to be Jonathan Adler, Kelly Wearstler, Maragret Russell and Alexis Arquette.Update: Our polls are closed. Click here for the results.
Rooms shown at the left, from top to bottom, were created by the teams of Goil/Elizabeth, Heather/Lisa, Matt/Felicia, Michael/John, Ryan/Andrea and Erik/Carisa.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Episode 1 Reactions
So, what did you think? Can Top Design fill the Wedneday night void in your life? Post your reactions to the premiere of Top Design here.
To our new readers: we tend to be a bit more lenient of our moderation of the comments on our reaction threads, however we do ask you to review and follow the comment guidelines before posting. Thanks!
To our new readers: we tend to be a bit more lenient of our moderation of the comments on our reaction threads, however we do ask you to review and follow the comment guidelines before posting. Thanks!
Episode 1 Party!
It's Wednesday night party time! The BTD lounge has been specially decked out this evening as we welcome the premiere of Top Design. Everyone watching is welcome to chime in with their witty observations, predictions and commentary during the airing of "Mystery Judge".
And, for one night only, we will even allow some conversation space for you Top Chef finale watchers to pass the time. So, pull up a chair, grab your beverage of choice and come on in!
BTD Live Play-by-Play: Episode 1
The night (some of us) have all been waiting for - it's the Top Design premiere! Follow all of the drama with Tbone as he provides live play-by-play coverage of Episode 1, "Mystery Judge". This weekly feature is especially helpful for those of you without Bravo, stuck in hotel rooms with limited cable access or West Coasters who just can't wait any longer to find out what happened.
Comments on this post are for Tbone's exclusive use, everyone else feel free to chime in at the party room above.
Tbone's Wednesday night vacation is over!
Comments on this post are for Tbone's exclusive use, everyone else feel free to chime in at the party room above.
Tbone's Wednesday night vacation is over!
Attention Michael's Minions!
We have received Michael's responses to our interview questions!
1. How did you hear about the show?
They contacted my office so that my boss at the time would try out. He opted not to and I forgot about it. And then my friend Ben read about it online and was going out for it so I did it for fun.
2. Where did you audition?
NYC
3. What is unique about you?
I think I am designer who is still trying to find his voice. I am young but am not afraid to go up against someone who has been in the business for a very long time. For every success I have had, I have failed many times.Those experiences have made me a better designer.
What do you bring to the show that no one else can?
I think I am unaffected. I look for the good in people but I am not so naive that I can't spot a snake. But the one thing I do not bring is a filter. I speak my mind, always trying to be nice and funny but sometimes I fail. I also am raw and untamed and will try things. I am young enough to recover so I think I let hang out a little more.
What are you really good at?
Being friend and an enemy. But mostly a friend.
4. How did you learn that you made it onto "Top Design"?
After weeks of waiting I was called by one of the producers. I was so happy but so pissed off that I waited so long. They only gave me one week to get my affairs in order but it was worth it.
5. Where will you be watching the show?
I have no idea.
Thanks so much, Michael; there's no need to defend your youth and your experience level. You can always work that to your advantage!
1. How did you hear about the show?They contacted my office so that my boss at the time would try out. He opted not to and I forgot about it. And then my friend Ben read about it online and was going out for it so I did it for fun.
2. Where did you audition?
NYC
3. What is unique about you?
I think I am designer who is still trying to find his voice. I am young but am not afraid to go up against someone who has been in the business for a very long time. For every success I have had, I have failed many times.Those experiences have made me a better designer.
What do you bring to the show that no one else can?
I think I am unaffected. I look for the good in people but I am not so naive that I can't spot a snake. But the one thing I do not bring is a filter. I speak my mind, always trying to be nice and funny but sometimes I fail. I also am raw and untamed and will try things. I am young enough to recover so I think I let hang out a little more.
What are you really good at?
Being friend and an enemy. But mostly a friend.
4. How did you learn that you made it onto "Top Design"?
After weeks of waiting I was called by one of the producers. I was so happy but so pissed off that I waited so long. They only gave me one week to get my affairs in order but it was worth it.
5. Where will you be watching the show?
I have no idea.
Thanks so much, Michael; there's no need to defend your youth and your experience level. You can always work that to your advantage!
Subscribe to:
