Project Spotlight: Magnolia
Inspired by crafted eclectic design and the urban art scene of Long Beach, we worked with Ariel Fox Design to create art for the Magnolia, a modern upscale apartment complex in downtown Long Beach. With a focus on bright color and three-dimensionality, our goal was to create inviting and welcoming spaces with unique and thoughtful artwork. We wanted the art to excite, captivate, and interest the residents of the building, with mixed media gallery walls and intriguing materials that wouldn’t get tiresome.
With their involvement in many projects in Long Beach, Ariel Fox Design has integrated into the art and design scene of Long Beach, becoming an influence in the city. We worked closely with Nicole Fahey and Sierra Podmore of AFD, creating color combinations and choosing materials together to make the most memorable and timeless space possible. We sat down with Nicole of AFD to learn more about their process designing the building and how the art played into its design.
Nicole emphasized the importance of art in her projects, explaining that art defines the aesthetic and personality of the building and gives an opportunity to exhibit creativity. When selecting art, Nicole said, “I err to the side of color and want the art to move you through the space.” Since the Magnolia is quite large with eight floors, using art as a directional hint is essential to help you remember your location and introduce you to a new space. With art in the lobby, communal spaces, corridors, and elevator lobbies, we sought to create playful and lively art on a considerable scale to guide residents through the building and provide visual excitement. We also wanted the art to be relatable and engaging, since the residents would be viewing it daily.
With the Magnolia, AFD wanted to use the art program to “elevate the charm” of the building. They requested a variety of texture, color, and media be used to show versatility in the art forms and create “special moments for the residents.” Often working with themes in their projects, Ariel Fox Design chose a magnolia flower, the namesake of the building, to be a prominent symbol in the design, representing the “feminine sweetness of beauty.” Paired with the crafted eclectic concept, we got to work experimenting with different methods, sourcing interesting materials, and developing new concepts. With their intentional design and specific requests, we were able to curate a collection that really complements the design of the building and builds upon the finishes and furniture.
Involving multiple artists on our team, we pulled concepts from our archives and designed new pieces to fulfill AFD’s vision. Employing unconventional materials such as yarn, velvet, resin, mica, and acrylic, we used vivid colors and surprising compositions to draw the viewer in. Due to the size of the building, we were able to work in a significant scale, with large individual pieces and gallery walls spanning entire walls, creating a more impactful statement. Mixing new mediums with our silkscreens and prints added depth and dimensionality to the walls, elevating the overall feel of each space. In addition to the art for the common spaces, we created over 20 silkscreens for the corridors. Adding geometric designs and a pop of color transformed the corridors, enhancing an area which is not typically decorated with art.
Nicole found that our Japanese Matchbook prints, featured in the gallery walls in the lobby and club room, tied the design of the building together. Catering to the crafted eclectic style with their vintage look and to the beauty of the magnolia flower with their feminine portraits, “the illustration and portraiture really helped to define the narrative of the building.” We always aim to tell a story through our art and we love how our art interacted with the space here.
We absolutely love working with Ariel Fox Design and we always feel so fortunate to be featured in their projects. We cherish these creative relationships that we have built over the years and always aim to form these connections with designers. Nicole spoke to our relationship stating that “having you guys become that design artist for us and the building is the most beautiful part of the experience, it’s like a gallery of your work.”
“I applaud you guys as an artist group because it just felt very faceted and flexible and unique at every corner.” - Nicole Fahey
The Magnolia won an AIA (SFV chapter) Multi-Family Award.
