Contract Magazine - December 2018 - 47

This was not your first visit to Amsterdam. What
were you excited to revisit or explore for the first time?
I was so excited when the Pulitzer came up as one of my
choices for hotels. As a designer I was in heaven from the
second I walked through their doors. It was so quirky yet
sophisticated. I was so excited to revisit the Anne Frank House
and really look at everything in closer detail and to travel
to different parts of Amsterdam that I had not seen before.
Did you have a different perspective this time
around? Why?
I had a much better sense of how to get around, which
made for a more relaxing experience-at least for me
(My boyfriend, Nate, may have been freaking out a bit inside,
as this was his first time traveling in Europe!) I am so
grateful to have been able to experience this city again,
and really take in everything around me in more detail.

How did the newer buildings, including restaurants
and hotels, complement the authentic history of the city?
What I love most about European cities is their history
and how they reuse existing structures. Even though these
buildings have often been modernized and updated, you
can still see all the amazing details within the space.
We went to an Ice Bar on our last night, which from
the outside looks like an old brick canal building, but
once you step inside it transforms into something entirely
different. In our hotel room, there was a picture on the wall
that told the story of all the different types of businesses
that the building has housed throughout its years. It's crazy
how old Amsterdam and other European cities are; you just
cannot find that type of history in the United States.
Were there any favorite buildings or spaces that you
found to be particularly noteworthy?
Amsterdam architecture and design in general is really
interesting because it's all built on massive load-bearing
stakes called piles. The Schiphol Airport is 13 feet below
sea level, and the lowest point in Amsterdam is almost 20
feet below sea level. It's amazing that this city can survive
like this-they must have really amazing engineers! The
Willet-Holthuysen Museum (a historical double mansion
built in 1687 and located on one of the most elegant
canals in Amsterdam) was such a stunning place.

It was like stepping back in time to the 18th and 19th
centuries. As an interior designer, seeing how homes
were designed and decorated in the past is fascinating.
One Amsterdam building that really stood out was the
NEMO Science Museum. Much of the city architecture
is either brown, black, or white brick but this building
is a striking green patina metal.
Did you bring back any inspiration to current projects
you are working on?
I was really inspired by texture and colors-from the
black and white brick houses to the dark canal waters
and the bright, colorful flowers at the markets. I also love
to get inspiration from the clothing that people wear.
People in Amsterdam have such a thrifty, unique style-
taking something old and giving it new life-which
is totally up my alley. There's something about this city
that is so quirky yet romantic and mysterious.
We hear you took a side trip to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Would you recommend the city for our next Visit.Win.Fly.
giveaway destination?
I would highly recommend Iceland as the next giveaway
destination. This country has such a different vibe
than Holland. When you land at the airport, it's almost
like you have been transported to the moon. The views
of the sea and mountains are absolutely breathtaking,
and the architecture and street art is unbelievable. Not
to mention the food is fantastic! I mean who doesn't love
a good Icelandic hotdog for breakfast, which is a true
story-that did happen.
Contract Magazine - December 2018

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