As an interiors/architectural design consultant, I had the opportunity to work with Cesar Giraldo Design (CGD), an award-winning interior design firm based in West Hollywood, CA, on one of their international projects. CGD is known for their experience-driven design and their diversification of brand partnerships. For this project, I worked closely with both partners of CGD on the conceptualization and visualization of a luxury brand design expo in Medellin, Colombia.
The design expo, La Feria De Diseno 2023, featured La Cuisine International and Gaggenau, two kitchen appliance luxury brands for the modern sophisticated home. We worked directly with their marketing manager, marketing director, and logistics coordinator on the realization of this exhibition booth. Our responsibility was not only to showcase a variety of La Cuisine and Gaggenau appliances, but also to create a space that is irresistible to exhibition guests’ curiosities and a space in which they can learn and see the relevance of these products’ potential in their own lives.
The booth is enclosed with a glass storefront system that allows for maximum visibility of the activity within the space. The entrance is framed with a monolithic marble clad wooden frame that provides a straight visual axis to the chef’s exhibition area behind a grand kitchen island that hosts a variety of grill types for the chef to demonstrate the appliances’ competence. Behind the chef’s exhibition area are other appliances like a built-in refrigerator, ovens, and wine cellar for guests to explore. In the right upper corner of the room is a barista station that emphasizes hospitality for the guests by serving them fresh espresso drinks from the Gaggenau espresso machine. A hidden entrance is provided for the barista to enter into the exhibition space as to provide more seamless operations for the back of house staff.
The main lounge is divided into two seating areas by a central fireplace that cascades from the ceiling as a sculptural element. A hearth is an essential component to creating an atmosphere that feels residential and comfortable in nature. The seating area displays a variety of seating types that offer flexibility in mobility. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the space, converse with one another, learn, and have the opportunity to purchase the products on display. The suspending ceiling has mirrored panels and suspended linear handblown pendants to produce an atmosphere that feels infinitely expansive within the space's nature.
This project had detailed attention to how different brands’ functionality can enliven the experience of service in residential rituals. These brands and CGD have an insight into how their products elevate the everyday experience of people in their own homes and they are honest in the replication of that purpose in their business. It was an amazing international group to work with and explore with!