Tastemaker Spotlight: Dan Mazzarini of BHDM Design

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Dan Mazzarini is the Principal and Creative Director of BHDM Design, a fresh and sophisticated New York-based design firm with a diverse range of high profile projects. From residential to hospitality, and restaurants to corporate offices, Dan and his team craft stylish designs with a focus on telling a unique story for each client. ArtStar asked Dan’s expert advice on designing a shared workspace, along with the role art plays.

Instagram handle: @danmazzarini and @BHDMdesign

If you could own any work of art, which would it be and why?

Oh man, I love so many things! I’d love a photo of the Eiffel Tower by Victor Skebneski – it reminds me of my favorite city, and of my time at Ralph Lauren. I’d also love a piece by the talented Karyn Lyons – her paintings are so engaging and ethereal…

What 3 elements does every gallery wall need?

I’m of the mind that gallery walls need to be one extreme or the other: I like the beauty of a consistent (and often consistently framed) collection – like all black and white photos. And I love a wildly diverse wall. I think the main characteristic of success though is scale – make sure you mix it up – and content: Chose things that you love, and you’ll love your gallery wall all that much more.

How does your approach change when selecting art for residential vs hospitality  vs retail design? 

It doesn’t really. For me it’s all about the story we want to tell in any of our projects. So while some thing that residential may be more personal, the reality for me seems to be that both are very specific, in content, look and framing.

Favorite getaway spot?

Paris

Favorite room of the home to decorate and why?

Offices – they tend to be warm, moody, cozy and to be the most intimate reflection of our client’s aspirations and history.

2019 New Year’s resolution?

Wellness, in a broad sense. Yoga, eating better, reading, and most of all taking time to exhale and enjoy.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career to date?

Be flexible in your vision for your career, and be your own best advocate.

ArtStar used your BHDM New York office as inspiration for our own office redesign. What design elements do you feel are essential to any shared workspace? 

Well, I’m flattered! I think a good work space makes people feel welcomed, comfortable, empowered, and appreciated. To that end, spaces that feel aspirational (read: considered, beautiful, designed…) show both clients and employees that you value them and the time they spend with you. Your workplace is an expression of your brand, and important way to share the message of who you are, and how you value people.

What is a recent project you are most proud of and why? 

Our Shoreline Waikiki hotel project was a stand out this year. It’s wildly colorful – very different than our usual aesthetic. We thought through all parts of the project – from the space to the branded experience, and all on a tight budget. Our research of the competition and goal to create the most Instagramable hotel in Waikiki has differentiated our client in the market. We were honored to win Budget project of the Year from Interior Design Magazine for our work. I think it’s a great example of how budget is a catalyst for creative thinking.

What would be your dream project?  

Well, we are currently working on a few already! But I think a casino, or hospitality project in Europe would be really fun.

What are your favorite Instagram accounts for daily inspiration? 

For fun - ohhappyday, thepetalworkshop, and lots of calligraphy. 

For design – shopamymeier, articololighting, est_living, devolkitchens

What are your top 10 favorite artworks on ArtStar right now?