A new home in the Hollywood Hills community of Doheny Estate is as layered and complex as the two partners who designed and built it.

Arya Martin is Persian, but went to school in Orange County, where he studied business and finance. Michael Martin is from Northern California but was educated in Germany and worked as a travel writer for U.K. magazines until he moved on to a career in interior design. He started out in Los Angeles. “I was doing my first house in Encino, and he helped me finish it when we met,” Arya says.

Before long, they were partners for life and in business, too, as designers and developers in a firm they call Studio OSKLO. Its newest project is also the Martins’ home, and sited on their half-acre lot. They’ve lived in Doheny Estates for almost two decades now, and spent three years planning and building their 8,000-square-foot home, one that backs up to a massive granite outcropping.

They knew they wanted to create a modern estate that blended contemporary and midcentury modern architecture—a nod to the 1960s ranch that had to be taken down to make way for the new house. And they let the natural landscape surrounding the home define their direction.

“We chose the earthy tones of the granite hillside in the rear of the property as direction for the herringbone oak floors,” Michael says. “Then we added a front and rear colonnade typical of homes found in L.A. in the 1960s and ’70s.” A four-sided symmetrical structure can feel like a box, but a wraparound colonnade and planted second-floor courtyards lent this one the ambience of a modern agora. “It makes the interior feel like it’s part of that rocky landscape,” he says.

They brought in landscape architect Joel Galarza to create a terrain that blends into the natural hillside from each side of the property, as well as the inside atrium. “The site features that upslope granite rock exposure to the rear and a higher retaining wall on the front side,” he says. “For some, those would be obstacles, but we played into it and created exaggerated privacy in front and an Aman resort-like setting in the rear.”

The designers used a muted white on outside walls, with creamy tones that soften the columns in sunlight. Wood paneling wraps second floor terraces for privacy. Interior plaster is a sheen-free muted white. “For the kitchen, we picked Calacatta Paonazzo because we wanted it to have a vintage feel and warm up the space,” he says. “For the bar in the living room, we used Calacatta Gold for something that has the same tone as the kitchen stone.” 

They used oversized corridors around the atrium, with full-wall wood paneling of white oak, which is repeated also in the upper hallway and TV room. In public rooms, they chose tight groupings of furniture to create a cozier ambiance for evening talks and small cocktail parties.

All the interior furnishings were custom designed by the two partners, and the art came from their own collections. “So much of our personalities are reflected in the interior, like the carpets brought from Iran by Arya’s family,” Michael says. “We used collectibles, found in cities like Madrid, Sao Paolo, and Marrakesh, that express our love of travel and art.”

The home may be in the Hollywood Hills, but it’s chock-full of Japanese antiquarian accents. Antiques were sourced from local shops and stores in Tokyo—and even nearby flea markets. A close look reveals Japanese pottery, 19th-century bronzes and clay collectibles on built-in shelves and tabletops. But their tastes favor works that can only be called eclectic. One of the pair’s favored pieces is a 1960s bronze bust on a pedestal up in the second-floor hallway.

The dining room features artwork believed to be by Polish painter Tamara de Lempicka. “The living room features our Studio OSKLO travertine coffee table of solid stone,” he says. “It’s one of our favorite pieces, and available at 1stDibs.”

Sure, it’s a highly personal, peel-back-the-onion approach to architecture, landscape, and interior design. But it’s clean and crisp—and for these two, it works like a charm.

While immediate travel plans may be on hold, you can still indulge your wanderlust fantasies. If you’re dreaming about warm, sandy shores, here are four luxury destinations from Anguilla to Maui to Mexico to inspire your next getaway. You may love one so much, you’ll decide to call it home.

Four Seasons Anguilla

Sugary-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters make Anguilla the picture of paradise, for those dreaming of some much-needed sunshine – look no further than the Caribbean island of Anguilla. Best place to stay? Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla is a collection of authentic Caribbean-inspired guest rooms, suites, residences and villas that range from one-bedroom Deluxe Studios to five-bedroom Beachfront Villas, all with unobstructed views of the ocean or direct access to beach and water.

Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the property has elevated seaside luxury residences, combining sleek, modern design and stunning natural surroundings with legendary Four Seasons service. Encircled by sugar-sand beaches and clear turquoise sea, the Four Seasons Private Residences are located along the northwestern shore offering 3,200 feet of pristine beachfront and sweeping views of the breaking surf. Residents and guests alike enjoy access to all resort amenities such as bars, outdoor lounges and restaurants, spa, pool and watersport activities. Four Seasons offers three distinct residences ranging from $725,000 to $10 million. fourseasons.com/anguilla

Montage Los Cabos, Mexico

A 39-acre resort set on the shores of Santa Maria Bay, Montage Los Cabos features 122 expansive guest rooms and suites, private Casas, Montage Residences, two restaurants, three distinct pool experiences, walk-in access to the finest swimming, diving, snorkeling in the region, a variety of off-site experiences and programming, and a 40,000 square foot Spa Montage Los Cabos – providing a one-of-a-kind spa experience steeped in the beauty and healing powers of its surroundings.

In addition to the coastal and oceanfront guest rooms and suites, Montage Los Cabos’ list of illustrious accommodations include three private three and five-bedroom Casas, as well as 52 two and three-bedroom Montage Residences – offering spacious and private gathering spaces for family and friends to create memories and take in the vistas of the sparkling Sea of Cortez – available for resort stays for big groups and ownership. Home ownership opportunities starting at $1.75 million. montageresidencesloscabos.com

Punta Mita, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

The ultra-luxurious 1,500-acre resort and residential community situated in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, Punta Mita, offers a variety of residential offerings, beach clubs, estate lots as well as Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, The St. Regis Resort Punta Mita, and two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses.  Punta Mita is ringing in their 20th anniversary by announcing the launch of their new “El Surf Club Punta Mita” (opening spring 2020) as well as expanded golf facilities, the launch of a brand-new Punta Mita Dive Center, and new real estate listings.

For beachfront living – consider Bahia Signature Estates, offering a rare opportunity to own breathtaking beachfront property in this world-renowned resort community. These extraordinary home sites’ will be accessed by a private drive, full of lush landscaping and will be a pleasant beach walk to the future planned resort and adjacent to Ranchos Beach Club. Bahia Estates price range from $5.4 million to $7.8 million. puntamita.com

Montage Residences Kapalua Bay 

Montage Residences Kapalua Bay launched in July 2014 and now features 99 oceanfront luxury residences situated in the year-round community of Kapalua Resort, a lush natural paradise located on Maui’s spectacular western shore. Within the 24-acre community, each residence is a rare treasure, offering generous private lanais and expansive ocean views. Owners experience the Montage lifestyle through the collection of luxurious amenities, superior service and authentic cuisine that celebrates Hawaiian culture.

Montage Residences Kapalua Bay is located just steps from the stunning beach destination of Kapalua Bay, where owners can enjoy full-access to world-class snorkeling, paddle boarding, swimming, kayaking, tide pooling and or simply relaxing on the sand. Kayaks, snorkel gear, paddleboards, towels, chaise lounges, and more are available for rent at the Beach Service Station, where associates can also create customized excursions for residents, their families and guests. Due to the demand for full-ownership residences, MRKB debuted a limited collection of three-bedroom oceanfront residences for sale, ranging from $2.7 to $3.8 million. Located in the heart of Montage Kapalua Bay, each fully-furnished residence offers over 2,000 square feet of interior living space, flowing seamlessly to expansive, private lanais of up to 575 square feet, perfect for entertaining or relaxing, capturing exceptional views of both the resort and Maui’s world-famous sunsets. montagehotels.com/kapaluabay

Discovery Land Company’s Silo Ridge Field Club is known for its unparalleled, locally sourced, farm-to-table culinary program beyond that of any other members-only community.

It’s also known for its Tom Fazio-designed, 18-hole championship golf course. But maybe the best part of the course at Silo (and all Discovery Land communities) are Discovery’s tradmark “comfort stations” where golfers can grab a cold drink, (maybe with some Casamigos Tequila) and a snack. “The idea for comfort stations came about because of my kids,” says Discovery Land Company CEO Mike Meldman.

“I would set up a cooler with candy bars and sodas at every tee box, and my kids would eat candy bars and drink soda then run down the golf course to the next tee.”

But as anyone who has played at a Discovery course will know, there Comfort Stations have evolved into contemporary and chic buildings that look like the inside of a chef’s kitchen.

And at Silo Ridge, Chef Wright turned the snack offerings up a notch, featuring bites like garden crudité, hummus, carrot purée, pico de gallo, tomatillo salsa and hot-off-the-grill, locally-sourced beef sliders. Hot foods are made fresh daily, including the warming drawer filled with venison empanadas, muffins and soft pretzels. The back wall is lined with mason jars and trays labeled with dozens of different types of candy, better than any candy store you’ve ever seen.

My favorite are the homemade ice cream sundaes with every topping imaginable. Freshly made ginger snaps. Handfuls of peanut butter and freshly made jam options for PB&J sandwiches.

The refrigerators are stocked with Recover 180 hydration drinks, sodas, water and more. Root beer floats are nearby along with an adults-only Casamigos cocktail on tap.

With 245 homes and condos located on 800 acres, Silo Ridge is the only gated community in the Hudson Valley. The community is accessible by train and car, located 90 minutes from Manhattan and nearby the top private schools in the country.

Kasiiya Papagayo, an oceanfront eco-retreat in Costa Rica, opened in 2019 with five tented suites: three overlook the beach and two more are perched on the hillside. Requiring zero impact on the surrounding environment, the owner wanted the land left unscarred so it looks the same for centuries to come—without compromising luxury or comfort. 

“The rooms are designed as freestanding tents merged
in the jungle with amazing sea views. The main challenge
was to maintain the environment as it was when we arrived.
Not a single tree was cut or moved for the project.” 
– Réda Amalou, Founder and Partner, and Stéphanie Ledoux, Associate Architect, of AW²

The designers took on the challenge of this very specific design brief by creating structures made from natural materials that rest on timber frame platforms—no need for concrete or nails. The spacious suites include a king bed, lounge space, closet, bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower, and private terrace.

Photo descriptions:

1. Percal bed linens, Rivolta Carmignani, rivoltacarmignani.com 

2. Sofa cushions, Sunbrella, sunbrella.com

3. Brass lamps , design by AW², aw2.com 

4. Oiled Mansonia headboard, design by AW², aw2.com

5. Oiled Mansonia bedside table, design by AW², aw2.com

“I am an eternally curious person who has a love for community and family,” says bestselling author and noted speaker Angella Nazarian when we sat down to chat in Miami recently. “My whole life direction has been based on these basic values.”

LS: What inspired you to write Creative Couples?  

AN: While I was doing research and writing about trailblazing women in my two books, I noticed that many of these pioneering women had very supportive men in their lives. So for me, the interesting theme to explore was how men and women interact with one another both romantically and professionally. How do two high-achieving individuals meld their personal lives and work together. The profiles that I included in Creative Couples shows the varying dynamics. What is certain is that when two people put their hearts, minds and talents together, they can give birth to possibilities that they could not do on their own. 

LS: What was the most interesting interview you had in Creative Couples?

AN: Since Ruth Bader Ginsburg is my all-time favorite idol, I would say interviewing her was the greatest highlight. The chapter on her relationship with her husband Marty is truly one of the most inspirational love stories.  

LS: What did you learn? 

AN: The great myth of the 20^th century is that of the “lone genius” – people who achieved so much on their own. A deeper look shows us that many of the significant innovations of the 20^th century had come about through the joint effort and mutual collaboration of men and women working together synergistically in various forms of relationships. Creative duos have been busy transforming seemingly every facet of our lives since the days of Adam and Eve.

LS: What was your takeaway? 

AN: In our culture, we usually get caught up with the “love story” and the passion two people have for one another.  But in all successful, long-term relationships, we encounter 

the push and pull for autonomy and intimacy. That for any long-term partnership to thrive, there needs to be the constant calibration of values, shared language and mission, and daily practice of problem solving and to listen with the same passion that we want to be heard.

LS:  If you could only read one chapter which one would it be and why?  

AN: The chapter on the relationship between Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Marty, and a close second would be the chapter on Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson.

LS:  Tell me about Visionary Women.

AN: Visionary Women is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the advancement of women. We do this in two ways. We invite thought leaders and changemakers to come and engage with group of female leaders at our Visionary Women Salons.  Also, we have come up with a model for philanthropy and impact. One-hundred percent of our membership fee goes toward supporting women’s and girl’s initiatives worldwide. We are proud that over the past four years, we have been able to raise more than $1.7 million in support of women. 

LS: I know you’ve had great speakers in the past and love to inspire women. How did you come up with this idea?

AN: I am a great believer that the best way to impart valuable information is through story telling. This is essentially what I have done with my four books. The idea came to me that I could invite the people I interview for my books to come and have in-depth conversations with my community of female leaders and innovators in Los Angeles.  I can tell you that this has been a real highlight of my work – to see that we as a group can grow and share experiences together. 

LS: Is there anything new on the horizon with you?

AN: I am not joking when I say that Visionary Women is becoming a movement. Just this past week we hosted the icon Gloria Steinem in conversation with the incomparable Cleo Wade. 650 women and girls came to that event. I, along with my fellow board members, want to make Visionary Women the premiere women’s leadership platform. And what is truly powerful is that as a giving circle, we are able to give grants to so many women’s and girl’s initiatives worldwide. 

The Sixth Annual Rockin’ The Ridge day party was held at Discovery Land Company’s Silo Ridge Field Club. The 850-acre community is Discovery’s first in the Northeast that’s located 90 minutes from Manhattan and nestled amongst the top private schools in the country.

Dylan Lauren & Paul Arrouet, Richard Bressler, Mark Teixeira, Mindy Grossman, Blaine Trump and Kinga Lampert joined Discovery Land Company Founder and CEO Mike Meldman for a spectacular day of music, activities and terrain-to-table cuisine by Chef Jonathan Wright. 

As guests arrived, they were welcomed with hot cider and apple doughnuts. On the terrace, taking full advantage of the perfect weather, culinary selections from a dozen seasonal food stands included mouth-watering dishes such as heirloom tomato fondue and whipped sheep’s milk ricotta on grilled sourdough bread and autumn squash salad, wintergreens, pear & crunchy seeds with apple vinaigrette from Silo Ridge’s own organic garden.

There was a Silo Ridge Chicken Shack, oyster bar, sushi and raw bar, and Millbrook’s farm venison, served with celery root, toasted millet and huckleberries cooked over Binchō-tan (Japanese white coal). A true feast for all the senses, guests enjoyed Hudson Valley Peking Duck with bao buns and plum sauce. Guests sampled the Hudson Valley bacon bar and smokery with offerings such as Benton’s Smokey Mountain Hams, red pepper jelly and country bread and hickory-smoked ribs & 72-hour, hickory-smoked brisket served with grilled onions and a secret BBQ sauce. Incredible desserts ran the gamut from deep-fried and filled homemade donuts to deep-dish apple pies, cakes, tarts and puddings and an over-the-top ice cream sundae bar. Libations featured local bourbons, whiskeys, gins, beers and moonshine and a Casamigos tequila bar featured a Pumpkin Old Fashioned cocktail.

Discovery Land Company’s signature Outdoor Pursuits, the concierge activities and sporting team, made sure all guests had an array of activities to choose from. Kids worked up an appetite for the Silo Ridge hot dog truck and Artic Smash hand-rolled ice cream station by participating in activities such as pumpkin carving, face painting, paintball, mini golf, obstacle courses, bounce houses and a dunk tank. Bee-keeping demonstrations were held at the Ridge House, while archery and skeet shooting took full advantage of the stunning natural preserve as a scenic backdrop. A petting zoo and pony rides ensured there was something for kids – and grown-ups – of all ages.

A live band played a combination of country and classic rock, overlooking the Tom Fazio-designed golf course.  

As guests departed, they made their way through a bucolic and quintessential Farmer’s Market, where soap-making from Butts Brothers Farms, Maple Leaf Sugaring demonstrations and more. Guests filled up goodie bags with the best of the Hudson Valley’s rich agricultural and artisan offerings. 

Located on 32 oceanfront acres in Hawaii, the all-new luxury lifestyle resort Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is set to debut in early 2020. Marked by fish ponds, natural lava plains, lush tropical gardens, and alluring beaches, Mauna Lani captures a distinct sense of place deeply rooted in rich cultural traditions. It will include 333 contemporary guest rooms and suites, five private bungalow residences, five restaurants and lounges, three pools, a spa and wellness center, and an interactive Holoholo Kids Circle.

Ocean Delray

An oceanfront enclave designed by Randall Stofft Architects and developed by U.S. Construction and NRIA, Ocean Delray blends modern sophistication with natural, coastal elements for just 19 home buyers. The units will range from 3,373 square feet to over 4,400 square feet of air-conditioned living space. Available in configurations of three bedrooms plus den to five bedrooms, the residences also offer expansive oceanfront terraces that add from 682 to over 2,300 square feet of living area. Ocean Delray residents will have access to beachfront lounges and cabanas, a pool lounge suite, and a Peloton experience exercise room. Pricing ranges from $5 to $10 million.

Montage Residences Kapalua Bay

Montage Residences Kapalua Bay is located on 22,000 acres of oceanfront within the Kapalua Resort in Lahaina on Maui. The development recently debuted a limited collection of three-bedroom oceanfront residences for sale, ranging from $2.7 to $3.8 million. Each fully furnished residence offers over 2,000 square feet of interior living space with private lanais of up to 575 square feet. The newest collection of residences at Montage Residences Kapalua Bay provides an exceptional resort living experience with an elegant and contemporary design, spacious bedrooms, and well-appointed chef’s kitchens.

Quivira Los Cabos

Situated on 1,850 acres, with three miles of beaches, Quivira Los Cabos is an exceptional master-planned residential resort community located 10 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas on the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula. Community highlights include the Jack Nicklaus-designed Quivira Golf Club and homeowner access to the restaurants and facilities of Cabo’s Pueblo Bonito resorts. The development has a phase-one construction date of August 2019 for the newest amenity, the Quivira Beach Club. The 120-room St. Regis Quivira, Los Cabos, is anticipated to begin construction during the third or fourth quarter of this year.

Elysee Miami

Two Roads Development’s Elysee Miami is bringing the luxury of the French Riviera to Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. Rising 57 stories directly on the waters of Biscayne Bay, Elysee will be home to 100 half-floor and full-floor residences, with three- to five-bedroom units measuring between 2,200 and 5,500 square feet. The slender glass tower, designed by Arquitectonica founder Bernardo Fort-Brescia, features a unique three-tiered telescoping shape that provides unobstructed 180-degree bay and city views from every residence. Elysee’s avant-garde design concepts are the creation of Parisian designer Jean-Louis Deniot. The development has an estimated 2020 completion.

seele, Inc. in New York, a branch of the seele group of companies based in Germany, is increasingly involved in private projects for the upmarket segment. The seele group is one of the world’s top addresses for the design and construction of façades and complex building envelopes made from glass, steel, aluminum, membranes and other high tech materials.

Large façades in structural glazing or steel and glass create maximum transparency and breathtaking views. seele’s capabilities are extensive when it comes to unique building envelopes. The impressive architecture of major construction projects can also be implemented for private building projects. seele Inc. has already proved this more than once. Several private projects have already been completed, from the modernization of a penthouse right up to the building of new luxury villas. And what they all have in common is unique glass designs that make them something special.

The company is also known for its ability to design and fabricate interior elements, like the all-glass stairs with their minimal fixings (pictured below) that appear especially lightweight, and door systems and balustrades in glass that blend in perfectly to the interior design.

To complete such projects, seele deploys its full range of services – from consulting and design to fabrication, installation, and maintenance. seele’s knowledge of feasibility, materials, and innovative façade engineering smooths the way to new solutions – incorporating customer requests that initially appear impossible.

And since the company is known for its unique ability to take a project from consulting and design, to fabrication, installation, and maintenance, seele’s expert knowledge of feasibility, materials, and innovative façade engineering can make any ocean home possible.

Contact
seele, Inc. 
24 West 40th Street, 12th Floor
NY 10018 New York
United States

Phone: +1 212 239 3600
Fax: +1 212 239 3603
info.us@seele.com
seele.com

Artist, ocean lover, and longtime coastal resident Sug. O’Shen actually paints with the ocean. She was inspired after seeing people who’d never been to the beach before going home with only a T-shirt or car decal as a memory. So she thought to herself, Wouldn’t it be amazing if they could take the ocean home?
Soon she was adding seawater to her medium: alcohol ink, a fluid and unpredictable ink that, to her, shares many of the ocean’s characteristics. And that’s when the magic happened. Soon, friends and world travelers began collecting water during their adventures so she could create one-of-a-kind artworks commemorating their experiences.

Today she creates custom artworks for people all over the world with water they send her from meaningful places in their lives. In fact, she recently completed a 10-piece commission for a destination wedding in Antigua. The newlyweds sent water from the beach at their wedding location and requested 10 original artworks to gift to their wedding party.
“My desire is to create truly deep and transformative experiences through my artwork. The stories that people share with me when they send water for a commission are so special,” she says. “The art becomes an intimate part of them because they are physically contributing to their piece.”
O’Shen’s exhibit during Miami Art Week earlier this winter featured 22 new global ocean-themed works. These pieces include water from Antigua; Capri, Italy; Southampton, New York; Barbados; Bali; and Nazaré, Portugal. She also partnered with The Everglades Foundation, which commissioned 30 original pieces created with water from 16 different Everglades locales to help highlight the importance of restoring and preserving this great national park.

for more information, visit sug-oshen.com