Hammering Out the Details

Saturday, November 7th

proved to be an eventful day indeed

for P&H's Michele Sommers

and yours truly, Anne Scott-Brown.

The two of us volunteered with

Habitat for Humanity South Palm Beach County

at their Women Build Day.

Habitat's noble mission is to provide simple,

decent, affordable housing for those in need,

working in partnership with them

to make it all possible.

Dozens of ladies reported for duty at the residential construction site in Boynton Beach.

When we weren't busy dodging the airborne sand and sawdust from the gloriously windy day, we assisted in building the support system that would eventually sustain the second floor trusses for the new house.

With hammers and nails, measuring tapes and circular saws, we performed our tasks with little skill but boundless energy.

We must make note of the tremendous patience and expertise displayed by our supervisors (George and Patrick), because without them to lead the way, this enormous undertaking would never have been possible!

They maintained their professionalism during every challenging phase, and managed to keep their cool when everything didn't go just exactly as planned (hey ... we women can't be perfect at absolutely everything now, can we?!?).

For those of us who participated in the May 2009 Women Build, it was great to see some familiar faces again this time around.

I can't wait to attend the dedication of the home that we helped to construct!

The dedication ceremony is always beautiful,

and it's very heartwarming to see

the homeowner receive the keys to the home

they assisted in building

with their own two hands ... literally!

Expect the Best

The results are in -- The Chophouse

has won the 2009 awards for

Best Restaurant Atmosphere, as well as

Best Prime Rib and Best Steak in the Pocono’s!

So why would we mention

a restaurant in the Pocono’s, you ask?

Because P&H Interiors designed the interior

that won for Best Atmosphere!

The Chophouse is located at the

Woodfield Manor Bed and Breakfast

in Swiftwater, Pennsylvania,

and is … well, obviously, The Best!

Hotel and restaurant owner Tina Dowd

says it best, “I can’t say I’m surprised

because I knew we were building

an award winning interior….”

Following completion of the installations,

the exceptional restaurant

and Bed & Breakfast

were featured in our March 2008 blog.

Wow! Only a year old, and they’re already

The Best in the Pocono’s?!?

That’s the Best News we’ve heard all day!

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Woodfield-Manor-995106.html

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/the-chophouse-at-woodfield-manor,837984.shtml

http://ca.sys-con.com/node/977585

History in the Making

May 7th marked the historical
Ribbon Cutting event
for our new division, Evolution Design
(see our prior 3/20/09 blog entitled “Evolving Spaces”).

Coordinated through the

City of Parkland Chamber of Commerce,
Parkland Mayor Michael Udine proudly performed
the ribbon cutting honors
at our corporate headquarters in Coral Springs.

An available suite was transformed
to mimic an attractive art gallery venue,
thus allowing approximately 60 attendees to view
notable artwork and silk floral arrangements
while indulging in a vast assortment
of tasty offerings that spanned several rooms.
The celebration also included a prize raffle that awarded
interior design accessories to the lucky winners!

Another hot commodity for the evening was
the featured P&H facility tour hosted by P&H veterans.
These tours allowed our guests a true “insider’s look”
at the full scope of the P&H Interiors organization.
Many commented that they were previously unaware
of the multitude of design services offered,
and how extensively we prepare for the
successful execution of each and every project.

With the creation of our new Evolution Design division,
P&H Interiors is on the forefront of specialty interior design.
Whether it is for one room, one residence,
or one commercial building at a time,
we strive to ensure complete satisfaction
for every client, every time!

Wine & Cheese

Tuesday, March 10th, marked the
Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce’s
ribbon cutting ceremony at Vino DeSantis,
a fabulous new wine & cheese emporium
located in our fair city.

P&H’s Cathy Wilder and Anne-Scott-Brown
attended the noteworthy event
to offer support to this unique shop
that boasts a large variety of wines
available in all price points.

Samples were available for tasting,
as well as the seemingly endless selection
of prominent “bottles on tap”
displayed throughout the store.
Many of our Chamber friends were in attendance,
and we all appreciated the knowledge and
expertise offered by their likeable staff.

Parkland Life magazine was there
to document the historical occasion,
so keep your eyes open for this feature
in their next publication!

I had the good fortune of speaking with two
Vino DeSantis wine distributors
who offered invaluable assistance
in my quest to expand my wine horizons.

Pinot Noir, anyone?

Tile It On

Six of P&H’s designers
(Julie, Karen, Pam, Suzanne, Ursula & Vanessa)
attended the new products showcase event
held at Walker Zanger in Coconut Creek on March 10th.

The release of the new 2009 lines includes glass tiles,
terra cotta tiles, and new ceramic tiles.
Wood and stone floor medallions were also featured,
as well as new sink vanity cabinets.
Our rep (Amy Baldetti) was there to answer any questions,
and to let us know that, as the suppliers and fabricators
of tile and marble slab materials,
they were truly floored by the great turnout!

Lifestyle Launch

To celebrate the launch of
Fort Lauderdale Lifestyle & Décor Magazine,
P&H designers Karen Rubin
and Michele Sommers joined in on the fun
with February Cover Model and Chef, Katie Lee Joel
(singer/songwriter Billy Joel’s wife).

The lively event was held at Artifacto in the Galleria Mall.
This furniture and accessory showroom
features a collection of
upscale contemporary offerings
that are characteristic of the
Brazilian-based company’s roots.

The dynamic guest list included a
creative blend from the design industry,
all of whom enjoyed the upbeat music and energy
surrounding the magazine’s launch.
Mrs. Joel has recently completed a cookbook
entitled “The Comfort Table”,
and a sampling of her dishes
were presented at this catered affair.
When the lights finally dimmed
on this invigorating group,
it not only indicated the end of an electrifying evening,
but the beginning of many new friendships
and memories for our P&H Interiors staff!

HOLIDAY GREETINGS

As 2008 wound down to its final days…
the P&H crew met for another
fabulous holiday party
at Susan Connor’s beautiful home,
decorated as always in splendid seasonal fashion.

We had a chance to relax with our spouses
and/or significant others, and visit with our co-workers
and friends while finally having the chance
to sample Susan’s “famous meatballs”

(as well as a plethora of other tasty treats!)

Our annual gift exchange provided
many hilarious moments, and each of our spouses
received a special surprise present from Susan:
a framed picture of us, personally selected
from the photographer’s collection
of the 20th anniversary party festivities
(see Blog posted 12/10/08).

Looking back over the past year,
we were able to reflect on our many blessings
(including those amazing meatballs!)
and consider ourselves very fortunate
to be a part of this incredible company
in the best country on earth.

May we all never forget to cherish our good fortune
and be grateful for being
surrounded by those who care.

Wishing a New Year of health,
peace and happiness to you & yours.

The Kids of Summer

As summer winds to a close, we’d like to reflect back
on PBCC’s Summer Youth College at the FAU campus.
This summer camp allows the children to choose
from a variety of classes that they are interested in,
in order to get a college experience.

Mrs. Kerry Gerlach invited P&H Interiors’
interior designer Marisa Leibmann
back for the second year in a row
to be a guest speaker for the Interior Design class.

The students were ages 11-14,
and Marisa was happy to see
some returning faces from last year.

She explained the role of an Interior Designer,
and answered many questions from the kids.
They were all very interested in the profession,
and Marisa was impressed by the smart questions that were asked.

Enthusiasm and intelligence?
That sounds to me like the perfect ingredients
for future interior designers, for sure!

Education Motivation

Broadview Elementary School in North Lauderdale
hosted a Career Day on May 14th.
Science teacher Drew Gerlach invited
P&H’s interior designer Marisa Leibmann
to participate in this important event
for his 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes.

Marisa was in good company!

Other participants at this Title 1 school
included the Mayor of N. Lauderdale,
representatives from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office,
US Marines, and even an FBI agent!

The prime purpose of this event
was to provide motivation for education—
to help teach the children
the benefits of staying in school.

Based on the popularity of shows
such as Extreme Home Makeover and Trading Spaces,
many of the students were familiar
with what Interior Designers do.
Marisa provided an overview
of the designer’s role in planning a project,
and explained a bit about architectural concepts.
Once she learned that the overall favorite subject
among the children was mathematics,
she utilized this knowledge
to have the students calculate
the square footage of their bedrooms,
and then walked them through the steps
required to properly plan for their imaginary bedroom project.
Included in the “planning” were the financial

restrictions of a budget and the vital need
for organization of their information.

Marisa was very impressed
by the technological advances
evident in the classroom,
and the children’s computer dexterity.
She discovered a newfound respect for the challenges
faced by today’s teachers, and we’re pretty sure
that somewhere in those classes …
the seed of a future interior designer was planted!

Juror Duty

As previously mentioned in our 2/14/08 Blog,

our owner/president Susan Connor

& interior designer Marisa Leibmann

reported for “Juror Duty” March 31st

at the University of Florida in Gainesville,

to observe and critique the final design projects

prepared by the sophomore class.

It was very rewarding to see the future

“rising stars” in interior design!

Each student’s approach to the in-depth assignment

demonstrated how artists are continually called upon

to think “outside the box."

Some approaches were very unique and interesting,

and displayed the outstanding development that has occurred

during their second year of study.

Two students in particular really got our attention,

and proved that diversity in the field of interior design

is truly the rule, and not the exception!

Special thanks to Assistant Professor Candy Carmel-Gilfilen

& Associate Professor Maruja Torres

for inviting us to participate in this noteworthy event.

Building for the Future

Designers Julie Harris & Marisa Leibmann

spent this year’s Valentine’s Day weekend

attending the 2008 International Builder’s Show

at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Covering almost 1 million square feet of exhibition space,

over 1,900 exhibitors displayed everything

from the newest technology in building products

to the latest in home electronics.

Some of the fastest growing trends we noticed

were environmentally friendly products like solar panels,

low-flow toilets, and even waterless urinals!

We were also intrigued by plasma TV lifts,

motorized hidden doors, and ventless in-wall fireboxes.

Just another example of how P&H

continually strives

to be on the cutting edge

of home building and interiors!

GO GATORS!

Our very own

University of Florida 2002 alumna Marisa Leibmann

(College of Design, Construction & Planning,

Dept. of Interior Design),

along with P&H’s Traci Torino,

attended this year’s UF Career Forum in Gainesville.

This is just another example

of our continuing efforts

to recruit the brightest and most talented

designers of tomorrow!

An introduction

to one of the program’s assistant professors

has led to an opportunity for us

to serve as guest jurors

for the sophomore students’ final projects

at the end of the spring semester.

Go Gators!

Holiday Cheer

Twas 2 weeks before Christmas
And as some companies do
Our team gathered together
For a holiday party of 32

Susan’s home was resplendent
With its usual seasonal cheer
As we reminisced on all we’d done
During this fabulous year

Our catered cuisine
Was way beyond delicious
And the entertainment skit
Really left us in stitches

The evening wound down
With a surprise visit from St. Nick
Who left behind a North Pole floor plan
& instructions that he needs it done quick!

Picture Perfect!

Remember the P&H Brochure that we first mentioned in June of this year?

Well, the unique design and composition of this masterpiece won the 2007 Gold Prism Award for our outrageously creative marketing team at Peak Seven, located in Deerfield Beach!

The months of brainstorming, planning and revising our brochure design and contents really paid off!

Special thanks to Darren and his entire staff for accommodating our constant input and alteration requests. Their patience and cooperation allowed for the unprecedented response we have received from our fabulous new brochure.

GCBA's PRISM Awards

P&H is very pleased to announce that both of our entries into GCBA’s annual Prism Awards on Saturday evening won the 2007 Silver Awards for each category:

Interior Design for Custom Single Family Homes,

and Media/Theater Room (Specialty Room) in a Custom Single Family Home.

Both entries were born from the awesome custom home we designed for SRD Building Corp., located at 152 Alexander Palm Road in Boca Raton. This truly magnificent residential spec home is a sterling example of what can happen when design perfection is allowed to truly sparkle!

P&H wishes to thank our fabulous design team and support staff for the group effort that makes the magic happen! We are so proud of these accomplishments.

Going Green!

With environmentally-friendly “green design” becoming the wave of the future, we thought we would share some interesting tips for saving some “green” while “going green”.

Green building consultancy firms are cropping up (pun intended) that offer advice to corporations on how to ease their environmental impact by investing in clean or alternative energy projects, encouraging water re-use, solar technology, and aspects of wind design.

The federal government offers an income tax credit of 30% for the cost for a residential solar energy system. Highly efficient new homes and improvements to existing homes can also earn credits. Miami-Dade County gives tax refund bonuses to companies whose facilities qualify as green construction.

With banks and insurance companies also promoting innovative financing and introductory packages for green-certified developments, it’s no wonder the beneficiaries of such incentives will have the competition “green with envy!”

A Few New Things...

We are pleased to announce the execution of two additional Clubhouse Facility contracts for two local South Florida developers, as well as the completion of G.L.Homes’ Sunset Falls Clubhouse in beautiful Miramar, FL.

The modern, transitional design of the Sunset Falls Clubhouse showcases the clean lines that provide a fresh ambiance for this residential community in south Broward County.

The new clubhouse should be completed in late 2007 for the Ft. Myers location, and Port St. Lucie’s facility is anticipated for November 2008.

A New Look!

After several months of effort, P&H is very pleased to announce the arrival of our new Brochure! The unique publication is complemented by numerous photographs showcasing fabulous designs by our talented staff; designs that are now enjoyed by our esteemed clientele.

The rich look & feel of this brochure is already creating a stir in the industry … so much so that its one-of-a-kind construction and composition is being entered into marketing award competitions!

We guess it’s true what they say: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Fortunately, you won’t have to read them here. We invite you to see for yourself, with P&H Interiors!

P & H's Poker Faces

A fun time was had by all at the Gold Coast Builders Association’s Casino Night that took place last Thursday night. The event was attended by over 100 “gamblers” who participated in a variety of casino-style games, raffles, and prize giveaways, including our own Susan Connor, Marisa Leibmann, Tracy Torino, Carolina Fuguet and Cathy Wilder. Anyone purchasing a ticket received play money to take their chances at their games of choice. We are so grateful to our friends at the GCBA for allowing us to be a part of this lighthearted evening of entertainment.

Table for Two

Last week we were lucky enough to have been included as participants in a very special table setting display hosted by Neiman Marcus at the Town Center Mall in Boca Raton. The “Hot Tropics” theme set the stage for our own Susan Connor, along with four other designers, to create beautiful table settings that truly sizzled (see photos)! The gathering was attended by over 75 guests throughout the evening, and offered a plethora of clever tips and ideas for an intimate dinner for two, or entertaining a large group on a grand scale. We enjoyed sharing our unique insight with some familiar faces, as well as meeting new friends for some scintillating conversation.