Drawn together: Secrets of the design world

Drawn together: Secrets of the design world

The patio at Troutbeck in Amenia under the stately sycamores proved to be the perfect setting in which to introduce a new book with moderator David Graver, left, and local authors Britt and Damian Zunino.

Leila Hawken

An appreciative audience gathered on the patio at the architecturally and historically significant Troutbeck Conference Center on Friday, June 27, to hear a guided panel discussion of the newly published book, “Drawn Together: Studio DB: Architecture and Interiors.”

The permanence of the setting within Troutbeck’s stone exterior wall and patio under ancient sycamores provided a setting for an intimate discussion of architecture, design and the creative process.

Moderator and design tracker David Graver, Chief of “Surface Magazine,” guided the discussion to probe the design philosophy and creative collaborative process that leads to successful spaces at the hands of local authors Britt (design expert) and Damian (architect) Zunino. They live with their four children not far from Troutbeck.

Having built their Amenia home ten years ago, Britt said that in addition to being neighbors to Troutbeck, they are also members. They also enjoy being active with the Wassaic Project.

“The Troutbeck community is amazing,” Damian said, “so many creative people, artisans and collaborators.” Those three themes were prominent during their conversation with the moderator.

“The book is a record of the body of our work,” Britt said. “We spoke of collaboration.”

“Every project is specific to our clients,” Damian said. “We want to tell their stories. Narrative is important.”

Turning to Studio DB itself with Graver’s question about role division, Britt replied that it is a dialogue — a push and pull — but that she and Damian respect each other.

“The melding of ideas makes the project stronger,” Damian added.

Both agreed that working together for the last 18 years has been rewarding.

Asked about creative conflicts, Britt explained that the two debate and compromise. Together, they have figured out what is really important.

Britt replied that they are always seeking inspiration, sometimes finding it in quiet places. Damian added that just being in Amenia gives them time to think through ideas.

Recent Studio DB projects have been completed in Texas and California. The two are about to begin work on two townhouses in Brooklyn Heights. Britt described her current interest in design of wallpaper and murals.

Their design process involves all-important collaboration and gaining an understanding of the client by communicating at length.

“It’s a large community of collaborations that are part of the design process,” Damian said, emphasizing the team aspect.

The first project ever done years ago by Britt and Damian was to design a pet store.

“We had zero budget,” Britt recalled. They designed and executed the cabinetry, although neither of them possesses that skill.

“It was the cutest pet store,” Britt added.

“If we’ve never done it before, there is the exciting challenge,” Damian said. “Drawn Together: Studio DB: Architecture and Interiors” is available at Oblong Books in Millerton.

Latest News

Connecticut crowns football state champs

Berlin High School’s football team rejoices after a last-minute win in the Class M championship game Saturday, Dec. 13.

Photo courtesy of CIAC / Jada Mirabelle

In December’s deep freeze, football players showed their grit in state playoff tournaments.

Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference named six state champions in football. The divisions are based on school size: Class LL included schools with enrollment greater than 786; Class L was 613 to 785; Class MM was 508 to 612; Class M was 405 to 507; Class SS was 337 to 404; and Class S was fewer than 336.

Keep ReadingShow less
Citizen scientists look skyward for Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count

Volunteers scan snowy treetops during the Trixie Strauss Christmas Bird Count in Sharon. Teams identified more than 11,400 birds across 66 species.

Photo: Cheri Johnson/Sharon Audubon Center.

SHARON — Birdwatching and holiday cheer went hand in hand for the Trixie Strauss Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, Dec. 14, with hobbyists and professionals alike braving the chill to turn their sights skyward and join the world’s longest running citizen science effort.

The Christmas Bird Count is a national initiative from the Audubon Society, a globally renowned bird protection nonprofit, that sees tens of thousands of volunteers across the country joining up with their local Audubon chapters in December and January to count birds.

Keep ReadingShow less
A warehouse-to-home proposal in downtown Kent runs into zoning concerns

John and Diane Degnan plan to convert the warehouse at the back of the property into their primary residence, while leaving the four-unit building in the front available for long-term rentals.

By Ruth Epstein

KENT — A proposal to convert an old warehouse into a residence on Lane Street in downtown Kent has become more complicated than anticipated, as the Planning and Zoning Commission considers potential unintended consequences of the plan, including a proposed amendment to Village Residential zoning regulations.

During a special meeting Wednesday, Dec. 10, attorney Jay Klein of Carmody, Torrance, Sandak and Hennessey presented the proposal on behalf of John and Diane Degnan, who have lived at 13 Lane St. since 2022.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ski jumpers share with Salisbury Central what it’s like to soar

Students of Salisbury Central School watch ski jumpers soar during an assembly with Salisbury Winter Sports Association Wednesday, Dec. 17.

By Riley Klein

SALISBURY — Representatives of Salisbury Winter Sports Association gave a presentation at Salisbury Central School Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Former U.S. Olympic coach Larry Stone explained the fundamentals of the unique sport of ski jumping and its long history in Salisbury, where he learned to jump.

Keep ReadingShow less