Conversation, rare: Gulla Jonsdottir
Gulla Jonsdottir, the woman behind such remarkable design and architecture as The Roosevelt Hotel, and The Thompson Beverly Hills, has emerged on her own and is creating quite the buzz. For the past 8 years the stunning Icelandic beauty was vice president and principal designer of Dodd Mitchell Design, and has recently emerged with her own design firm, G + Gulla Jonsdottir Design in Los Angeles. With her new restaurant the Red O spilling over with reservations, and 16 projects on the boards, Gulla definitely has the magic touch.
What was the deciding factor for you to leave Iceland for LA?
I came to Los Angeles when I was 19 to study Architecture. I heard about SCI-Arc back in Iceland, and I was determined to get into that school.
What was the driving force for you to get into Architecture?
My grandfather was an artist, and growing up I would watch him draw, and even draw with him. As I got older I began to have a passion for organic architecture, and knew that’s the field I wanted to get into.
What were your plans after graduation?
I knew I only wanted to work for the best. It was between 2 architects, Richard Meier and Frank Gehry, and I got the job with Richard Meier first, and started my career there for 4 years. I was lucky enough to work on 2 very high profile projects, the Getty, and the Gagosian Gallery.
After your 4 years of working for Richard Meier, what was in store for you next?
I got a position working for Disney as a set designer and was with them for 4 years. I enjoyed that aspect of design, however I felt too detached from where I wanted to be and wanted to get back to my roots.
How did you start working for Dodd Mitchell?
I heard that Dodd Mitchell was hiring and I went to meet with him. The moment I sat down for the interview I spilled my glass of wine on myself. I was truly embarrassed, but he said, “you’ll fit right in.” It was an amazing experience and I was there for 8 years and worked on 11 projects as his head designer.
What were your favorite projects to work on at Dodd Mitchell Design?
I loved working on the Roosevelt Hotel, I was so consumed by that project that I even lived in the hotel till completion. I also loved working on Double 7 in New York, Cabo Azul in Los Cabos, Mexico, and Javier’s in New Port Beach.
Why did you leave Dodd’s?
I thought it was time to venture out on my own, and combine all that I do under one roof. I opened my own design firm, G+ Gulla Jonsdottir Design this past year, specializing in lighting, architecture, interior design, and furniture design.
The Red O is such a success, and so beautiful. What was your vision behind your first solo project?
Los Cabos, Mexico is so serene and relaxing, I’ve stayed there on many occasions, and I wanted to emulate the look and beauty. Much of the furniture came from furniture manufacturers in Mexico, and the rest was custom made. I really wanted an authentic feel of the city.
What current projects are you working on?
I have a completed project in Hollywood, it’s a new club called, My Studio, I completed a pop up shop in NY for Decades 2, and I have approx 16 projects on the boards, in LA mostly, and a few in NY.
With such exquisite taste, how have you designed your own home?
I have a quaint French chateau like home with a lot of character. I have modern pieces mixed with antique, and I incorporate a lot of candles, and flowers. I want my space to be relaxing and intimate.
And your office?
Interestingly enough I have hired 5 women designers, and we get along great. The only man in our office is a small statue of Michael Angelo’s David in the corner…He’s the perfect man.
