Cortney and Robert Novogratz are no ordinary property developers. With a stunning portfolio of renovations which see the duo overseeing construction, architecture, interior design and art curating, they have deservedly earned themselves a solid reputation as one of the best development teams in the business. Whilst the duo are developing projects, working on their first book, devising “Bungalow” (their first boutique hotel) and working on television projects (amongst others), they also manage to have quality time with their 6 children. Yes, 6 children. Hence the name SIXX Design.
We got the chance to speak to Cortney and Robert about their fabulous work and their exciting future, continue reading for the full interview and, of course, some sumptuous imagery…….
Your work is so inspiring, how do these unique designs come about, what’s your work process like? Do you have an office, does everything start as drawings or do you just get stuck in?
Our office is in our home, we often have meetings at the dining room table. A lot of time is also spent at the job sites. Our plans are always evolving and changing as we go…’An architect’s most useful tools are an eraser at the drafting board , and a wrecking bar at the site..” Frank Lloyd Wright. We are constantly inspired by the city we live in and other large urban landscapes around the world.
What’s your motivation?
We are motivated by the fast pace of the city, being around very curious people and loving what we do.
Obviously there is an eclectic mix of styles in downtown Manhattan, do you draw inspiration from your surroundings or do you fit your vision to whatever project you are working on regardless of it’s location?
We have respect for our surroundings but always strive to be different.
What’s on the stereo when your getting stuck into a renovation?
We tend to get fixed on 1 album and then play it till we get sick of it… Joy Division is our present anthem.
In our experience, couples tend to have conflicting views on how to do things, is it all peace and harmony in the Novogratz household? Who wears the pants?
The person who wears the pants in our family is the person who wants to wear them on that given day.
You’re currently working on your first hotel project, how is this going and have you found that you have had to compromise any of your ideas for commercial reasons?
The hotel has been great. We have been able to carry out our complete vision on a budget. We would never take a job that we were not into. The one drawback is we have had to work with a lot of additional people whichhas slowed us down.
We love the vintage pieces you use in your work, how much time is spent digging through crates for this stuff? Do you have any good tips for places to pick this stuff up or are you going to keep that secret?
We look all over for interesting stuff at flea markets, antique shops ect.. In NYC, Old Goode Things is a favorite. They specialize in architectural artifacts, which we love.
Amongst the fabulous vintage artifacts you use, there is an equal amount of modern furnishings from international designers and suppliers. Which companies are you using currently, do you have favourite suppliers?
We mix the modern with the vintage equally. It is much harder to find a great vintage piece than it is to purchase the newest and coolest and most expensive. The key is to find something that no one else has and isunique…
Art plays a big part in your projects, how much time and effort is spent in finding the right pieces for the right places? How do you find the artists and who is hot right now?
We are obviously big art-lovers, but feel the art scene has become very over-priced and over hyped. The last Damien Hirst sales were riduculous. We love young, up-and-coming artists, and some who have been around but are still affordable: Gary Panter, Ivan Witenstein, Ann Collier and Jonas Wood.
Have you considered making your own furniture/design pieces for sale?
We actually do have a furniture line coming out, a collaboration with industrial designer Steven Burks. It will be Burks for Sixx, see readymadeprojects.com.
Finally, we’re always on the hunt for some insider tips, next time we’re in New York where should we stay, what should we see/eat/drink?
All the downtown hotels are cool and expensive… The Mercer, Soho Grand, Gansevoort. They are all basically the same so I would find the best deal… Restaraunts would be Freemans Alley on the Lower East Side and we love the club The Box.
‘Downtown Chic‘ by Cortney and Robert Novogratz is now available to pre-order through Amazon. We will bring you information on their boutique hotel and furniture line as soon as we have any….. we can’t wait!
no comments