TODL

When designer Mark Hermogeno was tasked with designing a special installation for a national charity, He was able to use TODL.com to help him make it a success.

DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is one of the country's largest supporters of direct care for people living with HIV/AIDS and preventive education for those at risk. Their city tours of “Dining by Design” have become one of their premier national money-raising events. These star-studded events feature design luminaries and culinary giants showcasing their work to raise funds. Selected designers develop table installations for the dinners. We spoke with Mark about the work and how it succeeded with TODL’s help.

The table is beautiful! Where did you get your inspiration for the design?

Thank you! The design can be broken down into different areas; setting and design inspiration. For the setting, the one thing that immediately popped in mind when we decided to participate in our first Dining By Design event was to think outside the box. We wanted to compliment SFDC’s loft-like interior of white washed brick, white painted steel framing and mocha carpeting.

The mocha flooring then was the design inspiration’s overall theme of chocolate, believe it or not, which is my major weakness. The custom artwork by Tricia George was painted using tones of latte, the large glass spheres were filled with granulated sugar and we gave our dinner guests fresh handmade French truffles the night of the gala event.

How did you decide on what products to use and how did TODL help?

I decided on products based on our relationships with the vendors that we use on a regular basis. We found the fabric for the table linens on TODL.

• Greenhouse Design - Table linen fabrics. (found on TODL)
• Given - A retail home store provided us with place mats, flatware and glasses.
• Artemide - My number one go to for modern lighting needs

Custom fabricators:

• CA Murals
• Decorative painter and faux finisher painted 6’ square acrylic on canvas art piece.
• Alfonsina Sewing Studio
• fabricated our table linens.
• Renee Anderson Glass Custom art glass plates.

Tell me more about how you use TODL in your work.

We use TODL to find new vendors depending on our current project(s). I also use TODL to train new staff members.

I feel that product knowledge is key to our business. After receiving education in design the next step is knowing what products are out there.

For example, we just brought on a new design intern who I have put in charge of our resource library and finding new vendors. As we are meeting new clients she is able to refer us to vendors and products she has seen on TODL specific to that client and/or project.

What kinds of projects are you looking at in 2009?

This year I hope will better than 2008. Two major projects we were helping develop last year are being realized:

• Hospitality - New 300 room concept in Pasadena, CA
• Green Spa Chain - LEED Silver/Gold commercial

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What did you want to accomplish or illustrate with the design?

I really wanted people to picture this room or any part of it in their homes. Every piece was aesthetically beautiful and could stand on its own. I wanted to show a unique dining room that you do not need to buy or make everything match perfectly.

How long did you have to get the table planned, produced, and set up?

I only had about 3 to 4 weeks to put a design together for the organizers and another few weeks to get the custom fabrication done for the plates and the table linens. The set up went fairly quickly, about 4 hours on a single day

After you finished, what were you happiest with about the project?

I was happiest with how comfortable and inviting the space was for everyone. I designed the table like I do with my interiors, which are inviting and comfortable, not a showcase.