An interview with Van Thanh Nga

An Interview with Van Thanh Nga from Vietnam

Which publications associated with your field do you regularly read?

“After attending some online lessons on home decor in May-June this year, I usually receive from interiordezine.com monthly basis newsletter on interior decoration and relevant topics. Besides I also read some other links and websites by other authors. I am most impressed by the website Design On The Edge by Robert Petril.”

http://www.whohub.com/ngatuan1234

Angelo said…

From HGTV’s “Rate My Space”

“THE DESIGN GEEK”
Angelo Surmelis
Monday, May 4, 2009

“more from high point…

One of the best things about any line of work, is getting to see how others do what you do. When I was younger and still figuring stuff out, I worked at Starbucks. This was quite awhile back. To give you and idea, I worked at one of the only two Starbucks in all of Los Angeles & the company hadn’t gone public yet. We’re talking Ye Olden Days. Yester Year.

While I was at said, Starbucks, I vowed to make the best espresso drink in the history of coffee (insert clenched fists waving towards the heavens). I would go to other gourmet espresso bars and marvel at the shots being pulled & the crema. Depending on the type of beans (sometimes region, cost, quality), grind, machine & barista…espresso shots would taste differently. Even when I knew I may be limited by what I was working with and my barista “talents” I still loved marveling at others who did the same thing I did, but differently.

Being at High Point was a little like that. There were so many beautiful collections, vendors and artisans. Many familiar names & faces are bringing their wares to the marketplace….and one on the verge of you knowing who he is:

ROBERT PETRIL JR. has been in the furniture business for years. It’s in his blood. Literally. His Dad was in the business and Robert is finding his own path. He lives in China with his beautiful wife & kids and has worked behind the scenes for many recognizable names in the furniture business as a designer.

Well, it’s time for him to start making a name for himself and bring his keen eye and sense of style to the world. You can read more about him and all he does on his blog: DESIGN ON THE EDGE“

Mom! I’m on TV!!!

I was flying from Hong Kong to San Francisco two weeks ago. Luckily I managed to sleep most of the flight. When I awoke to the sounds of spoons “clanking” on coffee cups about an hour before landing, I switched on the inflight entertainment system. As I drank my coffee, I found my favorite HBO show “Entourage“. I was so happy! Shortly into the episode titled “Fire Sale”, Eric was on the phone with Ed Norton’s agent. The scene flashed to her office, and as she was pacing back and forth screaming expletives at Eric. Then suddenly I saw them! There in her office were two of MY CHAIRS!!!! I’ll never forget that moment. Oh, and the coffee was actually pretty good too. I know it’s a little weird, but I really like United airlines coffee…go figure.

Britt Albright from JC Penney

“Robert is a rare and original talent in an industry that survives with an attitude of “me too’s”. When other designers are satisfied to copy the success of others, Robert is busy looking for something unique and new…He has the introspective vision to see what others haven’t seen, and the extroverted skills necessary to lead people where they haven’t yet been. Bravo Robert.”
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— Britt Albright, Senior Designer, JCPenney, July 10, 2008

David Cox from Sofa Mart

“Every visit to see Robert’s newest creations is filled with anticipation because it is well-known that what he unveils will be fresh, distinct and marketable. Wherever he goes, my customers and I will surely follow.”

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— David Cox, Upholstery Buyer, Sofa Mart, July 21, 2008

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David Mattheson from Leather Miracles

“Since I met Robert I have been refreshed and impressed by his perspective of the furniture industry. New ideas that are well grounded not by what he “thinks” but what he hears, sees, feels and tastes. What the wine industry calls an organoleptic experience. Although he has a well defined business direction, he is open to change as his environment continues to evolve. I would like to say he is the new breed. A composite of the school of hard knocks in sales experience and a understanding of coming fashion and contemporary retail trends. Old enough to know a lot and young enough to learn more.Personal skills are impeccable; problem solving team player. A creative that knows the road and I believe the roadmap for the future.”

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— David Mattheson Sr, Leather Miracles, July 12, 2008

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