06.18.13

10 Questions with Pamela Neiman

Pamela Neiman, IIDA, CID, Allied AIA, Neiman Studio

What is your favorite iconic chair:
Just returning from Chicago, Haworth’s new “Windowseat” chair is iconic and my Neocon favorite. But I have a history of favorites…The Eames Lounge chair was my first! Then I fell in love with the Eames Soft Pad chair and Eames Molded Plywood Lounge chair. After visiting the Marigold Lodge, I knew when I “grew up” I wanted to have a dining room with a dark wood table and black Eames Soft Pad Chairs. Ray and Charles Eames have had a tremendous impact on my career. Charles once said “Eventually everything connects—people, ideas, objects… the quality of connections is the key to quality, per se.” For those who know me, they know I like to connect the dots!

What is your favorite California destination:
Lake Tahoe, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Napa Valley are all favorites! Growing up in Northern California, Lake Tahoe was our skiing destination in the winter and all our summer vacations were spent there, on the west shores, at Meeks Bay and Homewood. I plan to retire in Carmel someday. It is a magical, quaint town with special friends, memories and a place to retreat from a busy life in LA. Napa also holds special college memories….as well as being a place where I meet up with my high school girlfriends annually!

What is your favorite color:
I like bright colors that make me feel happy- purple, yellow, orange & lime green

What is your go-to outfit:
My Cambio blue denim jeans….with a casual shirt during the day or a special top and a favorite jacket for an informal evening out.

Where would we find you on the weekend:
On Sunday morning, you’ll find me hiking with friends on a trail just off Mulholland. It feels like being on the top of the world on this trail! You can see the ocean, down the coast, Century City, downtown, the Valley and Catalina on a clear day. You can enjoy an easy stroll or challenge yourself running up & down the hills! The weekend wouldn’t be complete without a visit or adventure with my 1 & 2 year old nephews.

Gold or Silver:
I love my Sergio Bustamante ring that is gold & silver.

Beer or Wine:
Definitely Wine. Thinking how nice it would be right now to have a glass of Georis Merlot while sitting in a sun washed patio in Carmel Valley

Beach or Mountains:
That’s a hard one! For me the beach inspires reflection and the mountains inspire adventure. Both connect me to nature in a way that is rejuvenating.

Online or Print Magazines:
Right now, I spend more time with print magazines, though I continue to challenge myself to access more on-line information which connects me to infinite resources.

Open or Private Offices:
Creative and collaborative open offices are preferred with access to as much natural light as possible. My perfect office would be on an open patio overlooking the water.

With over 30 years of experience, I am passionate about our industry and I am a client-driven design professional and business owner. Founding my practice in 1985, I have always been committed to building quality projects, relationships and communities. I’ve completed architecture and interior projects in K-12, higher education, healthcare, government, commercial and transportation markets. My international experience also includes financial and transportation projects in Asia. I graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design in 1980 and have been an IIDA Professional Member since 1987. Time with family and friends is precious…..while connecting the dots between career, family life, community and volunteer activities that make a difference in the lives of at-risk children.