FR Review:
Mariette Himes Gomez is considered a master by peers and one of the prime innovators of Warm Modernism—picture lavish upholstery covered in beige linen or oatmeal raw silk piqued with exquisite dressmaker details. While she has a healthy respect for tradition, Gomez is better known as a master editor who refines spaces with clean yet curvaceous lines. Best known for her trademark neutral colors, she will incorporate soft hues at the client’s request. References say that Gomez is not, however, the person to hire for flounces or frills, and that she has a very specific view of what she believes will work.
Gomez graduated from RISD and NYSID, and began her design career with Parish-Hadley, and then architect Edward Durrel Stone. The firm is quite large by industry standards, only taking on a handful of large, new projects each year to meet client service expectations. Gomez’s daughter Brooke has been handling a number of clients over the past decade, reportedly working with the same skill and attention to detail as her mother. High-profile bankers and a large number of entertainment moguls are counted among the firm’s clients.
Clients seem to be very pleased with Gomez’s fee structure, which is somewhat unique in the industry. A substantial design fee is charged, based upon anticipated hourly reviews and a standard design fee is taken for the product purchases, based on the estimated budget. Clients speak lovingly of her designs, and if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, she wins the prize. ASID. AD 100, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2012. ID Hall of Fame. KB 1991, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2003.
Representative Client Comments:
“She is the champion of minimalism, yet hearteningly eloquent.” “Mariette is particularly good at solving functionality challenges—every room is used to the maximum potential.” “Modern design approached from a warm, traditional perspective. It’s the best of both worlds.” “Luxurious living spaces, less focus on the kitchen and bath.” “She was amazing with my major new house, collaborating with me and our serious architect. But when it came to renovating my Manhattan apartment, she was less interested.” “She designed both a small lake house project and a large home with equal attention to detail.” “You can’t always get her directly involved with your project, but if you can, you’ve got the best.” “Her spaces reflect her personality - warm, comforting, and professional.” “Likes to work with certain architects, the process works the best when she does.” “Brooke’s work gets better and better every year.” “She designed a brilliant plan and her excellent support staff carried it out. If there were any hitches, she stepped in personally.” “A brilliant editor and a consummate professional.” “I was surprised about how down-to-Earth she was, she didn’t put on airs at all.” “Our house is a youthful vision of traditional.” “She finds the most sublime furniture in England that is grand without being presumptuous.” “Her rooms delight the senses and warm the soul.”
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