About Gerard Marin

Welcome Friends.

Please choose from the selections below to learn more about me and my thoughts on design.

Experience | Design Philosophy

Biographical Portrait

A Biographical Portrait:

If there is one thing I can say about myself as a designer and as a human being, it is that a life blessed with diversity and an exposure to all that is unique and different, is what inspires and drives me.

I was born and raised amidst a richness of culture and movement in the city of Los Angeles. A metropolitan setting bustling with more than nine million unique inhabitants; each with a genuine story and an original form of expression. A priceless quilt from which to draw inspiration and to which I've been honored to contribute my own visions and ideas.

I've also been truly fortunate to have traveled abundantly and experienced the world. This began in my early years when we lived for a time in Guanajuato, Mexico - a historic setting where flavors, and colors, and textures, and all that is alive is experienced by the senses. In my adult years I've been blessed to visit and become acquainted with the sophistication of France, the charm of Italy, the elegance of England, and the passion of Argentina. So many incredible design influences. It is a source of pleasure to learn about others – their histories, traditions, personal expressions – and apply these gems in a sincere manner to my craft. Designing for others and outside my own experience has never been a stretch.

I studied design in college and shortly after continued my education as an assistant to a high-profile interior designer of the time. This enriching and formative experience was about putting into practice, and mastering color theory, composition, scale, and the uses of fabric and other expressive materials. Here I gathered the essentials, and built myself a springboard from which to grow new opportunities and evolve.

Soon into my design career, I was offered a partnership in an Antique Store and Interior Design Studio in the Midwest. I spearheaded the opening and management of The Dale Emporium for close to nine years. This was a highly successful venture which offered much growth and enrichment. Coming into play now were aspects of organization, business sense, professionalism, and connecting with my respected clients on a deeper level. It was a fusion of design and creativity with the practical aspects of running a business.

After the store was up and established, I sought to further my growth in business and my connection with clients. For four years I simultaneously worked in real estate as a broker with Coldwell Banker. This was a time to learn about contracts, negotiation, and quick turnarounds, but it was also a time to connect with clients at a very significant time in their lives. A wonderful and important responsibility to assist buyers in finding the perfect space for themselves, and to help sellers stage their homes to convey beauty and comfort. (It was always humorous, and flattering, when clients didn't want to sell their home after taking just a day or two to re-design it – often with such simple touches.)

Years later, returning to Los Angeles offered yet another opportunity to re-create myself. It was nice to be back again and start anew. My dream to work in the film industry began with some years in the casting business. Time well spent, which led to my enrollment in film school. I graduated with a degree in Production Design and Cinematography, and gained an intimate understanding of what all those closing credits at the end of a movie represent: so many talented artists collaborating in the creation of a single product (film) for all to enjoy.

Today, I am so thankful for all of my experiences, both past and present. I enjoy the company of a large number of clients in both Production Design (for film and television) and Interior Design here in Los Angeles, and around the country. I've worked, and continue to work successfully on design projects of all forms - contributing my vision and positive influences to wedding design, design for parties and special events, retail/commercial display design, trade show design...and yes, I still enjoy working with clients and agents to stage their homes for sale.

Design, Creativity and People are my life – not a job or an occupation. I see Production Design and Interior Design as nothing short of a revolution which breaks us out from the normal and the ordinary. When we focus on consciously creating a tailored space or environment, we transform conventional settings into places of wonder and inspiration. Every element in a home (or on a set) indulges us with an opportunity to create a particular mood or feeling, and a personalized connection. We should never underestimate the ability of Design to enrich our lives.

I look forward to meeting you,

Gerard Marin