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BUILDER / ARCHITECT Magazine |
Special Feature |
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Lifestyles by Design Since its founding in 1981, Pineapple House Interior Design™ has gained prominence as one of the region’s most highly respected residential design firms, serving clients in such diverse locations as Palm Beach, FL, Portland, MA, Phoenix, AZ and throughout the Southeast. Established by Stephen W. Pararo, A.S.I.D., the firm’s interior design and architectural teams are well known for their spectacular and sophisticated interiors, which are also recognized as being comfortable and livable. Pineapple House’s work has been seen nationally and internationally on CBS, CNN, the Travel Channel and the Discovery Channel. They have been featured in a wide variety of publications, including Southern Homes, Better Homes and Gardens, Veranda, Style, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles and Second Home Magazine. The firm has an impressive collection of awards and honors, including Best of Show, Best Interior Design, and numerous other “Best” awards from Atlanta’s Street of Dreams competitions. They participate in the nationally acclaimed “Atlanta Symphony Decorator’s Show House” and have been showcased in New York City’s “by invitation only” Dining by Design event. |
| President and owner Pararo credits the success of Pineapple House to its highly professional and creative design teams. Members of the design and project management staff hold degrees in Interior Design or Architecture from prestigious universities, and most belong to professional organizations, including the American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.). Pararo states, “I constantly stand in awe of the work that I see coming from Pineapple House designers. They are amazingly talented. Whether working independently or in teams, these individuals harmonize good taste, lasting value, and unique, personalized looks in their custom design schemes. I am proud to be associated with them.” |
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"For many of us, the design process can be a daunting, overwhelming and confusing experience. Pineapple House has taken that process and created a design system that is effortless, uncomplicated and absolutely entertaining. I would recommend Pineapple House and its wonderful staff to anyone who enjoys not only fine interior design, but also the experience of being treated as if they were the most important clients in the world. No one can surpass this firm in their commitment to the needs of their clients and to the culmination of the entire design process."
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In addition to designers, Pineapple House has other gifted craftspeople in-house: they staff and operate their own drapery workroom, artistic studios, upholstery department and technology division. Pararo explains, “Maintaining quality in a reasonable timeframe is a hallmark of our company. It is a well-known characteristic for Pineapple House to meet its deadlines. Unlike many design firms, we control most of our resources. We are a goal and service oriented company, always doing what it takes to achieve our ends and honor our client’s requests.” Pineapple House operates its 35,000 square foot Design Center in midtown Atlanta, less than one mile from the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC). In addition to housing the designer offices, corporate and technical infrastructure, architectural department, drapery workroom, upholstery department and artist’s studios, the facility is also home to a vast stock of furniture, artwork, accessories and the largest private resource library in the Southeast. “This translates into great economy of time and efficiency.” Pararo continues. “For example, during a presentation clients can approve or change their designer’s recommendations, and with our extensive in-house resources, modifications can be made on location. There is no delay resulting from the need to run around town to find the perfect fabric or the right kind of tile. It is here. Our clients are successful professionals who appreciate the fact that we run a well-organized business. That translates into value for our customer.” Pineapple House has received much acclaim for traditional and transitional interiors, but Pararo comments, “We are not seduced by trends but create tasteful environments within eclectic, ‘moderne’, transitional, contemporary or traditional frameworks. We maintain a logical and functional approach in every style we create. No matter which look is conceptualized, interior design remains a very personal statement. We explore each situation and interpret the individual’s needs and desires for their space.” |
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"When building my home, I also began looking for an interior design firm. I found that Pineapple House had the best personal recommendations of former clients than any other company I had considered. During each of the construction phases, there was a perfectly seamless intersection of skills between designer and builder - my home stands as the perfect example of what a talented designer can bring to home construction when working with a builder from the blueprint stage. The firm’s boundless creativity, in combination with the unique four-step design process, minimized the amount of work I had to do. For someone with as little free time as myself, that was magnificent!"
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Pineapple House is fluent with any element of design and all aspects of the construction and renovation process. “Our designers address ongoing construction concerns from clients and builders, and the architectural department creates drawings that translate the intent of the architect into nuts and bolts elevations.” Pararo continues, “We answer questions such as ‘How will my kitchen cabinets look?’, ‘What are the spindles of the stair rail like?’, ‘How is the fireplace mantel detailed and what does it look like with bookcases on either side?’ Our architectural division produces detailed computer aided designs (CAD) to give the planned project visual meaning for our clients and builders.” |
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| In addition to typical construction issues, Pineapple House designers and the architectural staff coordinate and communicate with contractors, systems integrators, electricians and other parties involved in the creation of “Smart Homes.” He explains, “In today’s ‘wired’ homes, technology can be complex, and we ensure that aesthetics are considered. Electronic equipment, speakers and control panels do not have to be placed where they create an eyesore.” Similarly, the Pineapple House Design Center is a state-of-the-art facility and is recognized as a “Smart Building.” Control, production and information exchange is enhanced internally and externally via the sophisticated Pineapple House computer network, teleconferencing system, videoconferencing center, closed circuit television network and other technologically advanced maintenance and communications systems. “Our goal is to be totally accessible and responsive to our clients, industry, and staff,” states Pararo. |
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"Pineapple House does an incredible job just plain listening to their clients and helping them to verbalize their wants as far as designing new spaces is concerned. They never pressure you, forcing their ideas and personal tastes upon you. Rather, they work to incorporate not only your possessions and furnishings, but also your lifestyle into their designs. It is a thrilling experience to leave your home in the morning and to return at night to find it utterly transformed into the house you always dreamed of."
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The Pineapple House design process consists of four comprehensive stages: Consultation: In the first phase of the operation, a Pineapple House professional designer visits the client's home to ascertain their needs. There is an extensive question and answer session, and subjects run the gamut from color, fabric, and furniture styles, to the determination of preferences suited to the client’s lifestyle and the architecture of their structure. The client is asked to explain, the best way he or she can, the ‘look’ they are trying to achieve. Often this is simply done by showing the designer photos and clippings from magazines that the client likes. At this stage the site is photographed so the designer has a detailed record of the space. All areas of the environment are taken into consideration, even if they are not a design concern to the client at that time. “The designers do this so the new elements can be incorporated into the natural “flow” of the existing space,” says Pararo. “Clients want to enjoy and express themselves through the beautification of their home. Pineapple House designers look and listen carefully so they can fully assist clients in the development and realization of a design concept that is perfect for their needs. Good designers never inflict their personal style or taste into this process. For example, Pineapple House will not request that a client discard any personal items or furnishings to accommodate a new theme. Rather, Pineapple House designers try to show them how to use their things in new and unusual ways.” Presentation: Following the consultation, the Pineapple House designer begins the highly creative process of tailoring a plan to the client’s wishes. Colors and fabrics are selected, furniture styles determined, interior details specified and floor plans developed. “When the clients come to their presentation they experience a ‘walk through’ of their newly designed home,” Stephen explains. “By painting the clearest picture possible, we expose the possibilities of an environment to its owner. This is typically a more comprehensive process than clients have experienced with other firms. It is further improved because alterations that are necessary can happen on the spot. I cannot overemphasize how this simplifies a potentially difficult situation for the client. We can provide options and make changes until they are simply delighted with their plan. Our all-encompassing facility allows us to manipulate things and eradicate the need for out-of-office searches, down time, follow up appointments, and multiple presentations.” Also at this time invoices are presented for each item that is proposed. “Our prices are freely given, and we invite their comparison”. Pararo says confidently. “We've been in business for more than two decades and we know that we are competitive and fair.” |
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"After we saw the lovely work that Pineapple House had done for friends, we decided to give the company a try. Using their convenient four-stage design process, they consulted with us about our needs, made a clear and straightforward presentation of their ideas, and installed things on time. The whole process was outstanding and the end result was spectacular. As a result, I have recommended Pineapple House to several friends who have all been as delighted as I am."
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Ordering and Production: Once the client is satisfied with the plan, a deposit is collected on approved items and Pineapple House begins the ordering process. Under the direction of the designer and the assistance of a project manager, teams control and track each project. State-of-the-art communication technology keeps everyone informed and up-to-date on progress. “Through our team format and infrastructure, we are available and accessible at all times to client, builder and craftsman, and answer questions immediately. We are in constant communication and we are proud of the fact that when you call us, you always talk to a person and never to voicemail,” Pararo says. Installation. On installation day, the Pineapple staff asks that the client be absent from the location, allowing the design team complete focus on the creativity and work needed to bring the project to its perfect conclusion. (To facilitate this process, painting, carpet laying and wallpapering are completed prior to installation day). Draperies are hung, furniture is delivered and arranged, and the rooms are totally accessorized. “At this time, all new elements are harmoniously integrated with the client’s existing furnishings,” Pararo notes. “Additionally, we bring ‘extra’ items to the space – like accessories, end tables, or lamps, to give the project a polished, finished look. The client has the option of purchasing some or all of the ‘extras,’ but is under no obligation or pressure to do so.” Pineapple House designers take pride in the many long-term relationships that are represented in their client base. Pararo smiles, “Our objective is to provide incomparable design, quality and service. I believe we meet this goal. Clients often recommend us to their friends and family, and typically if their situation changes, they consult us again. We deeply appreciate the tremendous amount of repeat business we receive from our client population.” Pineapple House Design Center is located in midtown Atlanta. Tours are available during weekday office hours; appointments are recommended. Visit their web site at www.pineapplehouse.com to view completed projects, before-and-after photographs, television appearances, magazine articles, design awards, and client comments. Their email address is info@pineapplehouse.com and phone number in Atlanta is 404-897-5551. |
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reprinted with permission from March 2000 Builder / Architect Magazine
