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Jennifer Sergent

Freelance design writer + blogger | Marketing copywriter

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Traveling by Design

November 20, 2020

Years ago, I remember saying to my mother-in-law — a true homebody who resisted flying, much less venturing past the grocery store — that she and her husband should travel some since they had both retired. No need, she said, when they could just as easily see faraway places on TV.

Now, like or not, we’re all having to live like my dear late mother-in-law. Any travel these days has to be viewed rather than experienced in real life. That’s why this new book, Travel by Design, has such great timing.

As we await new treatments and a vaccine for COVID-19, I suspect that anyone reading this introduction shares my belief that travel in the months ahead will be more select and more appreciated than ever before, once we can finally return to trains and planes at will.

Peter Sallick, founder of the Design Leadership Network

In the Design Leadership Network‘s first book, published by Assouline, Sallick and editor Michael Boodro have showcased sumptuous travel photography and commentary from among more than 150 heads of architecture, design and landscape architecture firms across the country.

Notably, several DC talents are featured in the mix. Here’s the local sampling from this book that would make the perfect holiday gift in a year when we’re all being forced to stay at home.

(Only a few of the images from the book were released to use, which is why some of the commentary is not accompanied by a picture.)

Photo of Havana by architect Michael Imber

Havana is made up of tragically beautiful ruined buildings, frozen in 1960.

DC architect Ankie Barnes
Photo of Machu Picchu, Peru, by New York architect Paul Whalen

As someone who uses stone on every project, it was especially impressive to see such craftsmanship at Machu Picchu, in this extreme location and environment.

Virginia landscape architect Richard Arentz

The gentle beauty of the people of Bangkok and their connection to spiritual goodness is both remarkable and enlightening. The invitation to explore their culture is amongst the most welcoming of many cities I have visited.

DC Designer Thomas Pheasant
Cape Town, South Africa. Image separately provided by Ankie Barnes

I think Cape Town is the most beautiful city in the world: A peninsula surrounded by clean, crashing ocean, with the city itself scattered around a striking mountain.

DC architect Ankie Barnes, who grew up in Cape Town

Venice, to me, is about exploration — there is something magical in traversing its ‘streets’ and alleys by boat; its walls are full of secrets and history. Venice is a study in artisanship — explored through its art, architecture and engineering.”

DC designer andrew law
Suspended arch in Puebla, Mexico, featured in the book and separately provided by Ankie Barnes. “This stunning suspended arch is in a public building in Puebla, a town about two hours south of Mexico City that’s known for its street food and well-preserved architecture,” he told me.

The connection with and respect for nature in all aspects of Japanese culture is stunning. A restraint unique to Japanese style is found in their ability to yield to nature while taking control.”

DC designer thomas pheasant, speaking about Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is an absolute must for everyone, but especially any designer. What’s inspiring is the play of the sense; there is an incredible sense of calm that comes from balance, scale and editing that informs the simplest gestures. There is a sublime inside/outside connection to seemingly every structure, and always a careful consideration of design and detail, down to methods of training trees into the perfect shape; or even the beautiful means for stabilizing them as they mature.”

Virginia landscape architect richard arentz
Middleburg, Virginia. I can’t use photographs from the book, but I LOVE this place and we go there frequently, so these images are mine.

The lure of Middleburg is its rolling hills and pastoral scenery, which are reminiscent of the English countryside. if you love horses or antiques, this is a great escape.

DC designer joe ireland

Travel By Design covers more than 100 locations in 60 countries across the world. An equally valuable section in the back offers a directory containing DLN members’ best suggestions for hotels, restaurants, shopping, museums and activities — even travel services for particular countries. I’m going to be using this section when we’re all allowed to go out again, and in the meantime, I’ll be swooning over the photography, trying to decide where to go first!

Filed Under: Art/Photo, Designers, Shopping Tagged With: Design Leadership Network, travel

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Jan 22

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When I told my husband I wanted to name our first son Henry, he readily agreed because Henry Aaron was his favorite baseball player of all time. And several years later, my mother gave a framed, signed photograph of this legend to @hjsergent for Christmas, and it hangs right next to his bed. What a sad day, felt all the more personally because I can’t think of my wonderful son without thinking also of the great man who helped inspire his name.🙏🏻
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Jan 21

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📷 @olearypix
Story by @alinskey
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Jan 20

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January 20 is finally here!! Sending Godspeed to @joebiden and @kamalaharris ❤️🤍💙
📷 @senatephoto
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Jan 13

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The amazing thing about the #uscapitol is that we enjoy the same beauty as the generations before us. Our fashions might change, but not the glorious encaustic tile, gilded mirrors or the clover-like pendant lights in the Senate Press Gallery. Swipe to see the modern version, shot by @ronbluntphoto. 
Full post in my bio link!
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Jan 12

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With the help of photographers like @adam_brockett who took this glowy halo around the #uscapitol, and my friends who know and cherish that building, here’s a love letter, blog link in bio
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Jan 7

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Memories of the late-night lines to see George H.W. Bush lying in state. Thousands of peaceful mourners waiting to pass through the Rotunda of this majestic Capitol.
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Jan 6

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May your passage through 2021 be delightful! Grateful to clients like @mode4architecture for sharing so much beauty 🌱💚 
📷 @studiohdp
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Dec 12

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CONGRATULATIONS to Michele Lerner for her award from the Nation Association of Real Estate Editors on a @washingtonpost story about bringing the outdoors inside, which features our bathroom renovation by @aidandesign ! The judges wrote: “She finds the perfect couple to illustrate the theme of her story. They lie by a nature trail, so they wanted to add natural stone to the shower.” Great story Michele, and it was a pleasure to speak to you! 
Story linked in bio
📷 @stacyzaringoldberg
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Dec 10

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So thrilled to be working with a new client, Michigan design firm @arminainteriors. I just love how luminous her work is, and her use of dramatic light fixtures. Enjoy!
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Nov 20

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Welcome to DC Mayor @murielbowser's home, where designer Trystin Kier Francis of @thekiercompany painted this chest purple with gold hardware. Regal, just like the mayor, Trystin told me. I agree! Full story at the link in my bio.
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Oct 6

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Is anyone else in need of some calm right now? Take me away, @m.naeve! 
(For more #kipsbaydallas escapism, link in bio 🖤)
📷 @stephen_karlisch_photo
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Oct 2

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@markdsikes does it again at #kipsbaydallas with this dreamy living room, Happy Friday! 
Link to more images and virtual tour in bio
📷 @stephen_karlisch_photo
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DC by Design is my passion project, a chronicle of design talents throughout the DC-Maryland-Virginia region who are doing beautiful and imaginative things in the categories below. Click here for blog information and guidelines.

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