15 Minutes with Jaime Rummerfield
Author:Lindsey ShookIf you work in or circle around the Southern California design community, this is not the first time you have heard the name Jaime Rummerfield. By far one of the country’s most recognized interior designers, her work in architectural preservation over the past decade has proven her true passion for the history of L.A. and design integrity. So it was no surprise that after the recent L.A. fires, Rummerfield leapt into action, helping the community rebuild in more ways than one.
What’s the most significant change you have seen in the industry in the past 10 years? I have witnessed far too many beautiful historic homes in L.A. get demolished. They are replaced by cheap, soulless boxes that are erasing the architectural heritage of our city.
What was the defining moment that inspired you and Ron Woodson to start Save Iconic Architecture (SIA)? We were on site at a very notable and stunning 1940s estate in Bel Air—the Jim Backus estate—that is the epitome of old Hollywood living with its lush gardens and pool, shutters, stacked stone, trellises, iron lanterns, quaint courtyards and pink tones, just like the classic Hotel Bel-Air. I was beyond devastated when I learned the client was planning to demolish it for something modern and larger that would include a zen garden. At that time
I thought, Who can we call to stop this? There are no design police, and sadly, the City of Los Angeles has a strange secret, whereby they rely on the public to put forth historic nominations of properties, as they are not proactive in any way with historic-preservation initiatives. Hence, Save Iconic Architecture began and we started nominating important architecture for landmarking.
What has been SIA’s greatest accomplishment to date? There are so many! We saved and landmarked the Standard hotel building on Sunset Boulevard. We saved the notable Chuey House by Richard Neutra from the wrecking ball, landmarked the googie-style coffee shop Astro Family Restaurant, and did the call to action for saving Marilyn Monroe’s historic home.
You and your team launched into action after the recent L.A. fires. Can you share what you are working on? We were all impacted by the fires one way or another. My kids’ schools burned down in the Eaton Canyon fire and it was horrifying, not to mention having many friends, vendors and clients who lost everything. I think as an interior designer it was a natural reaction to jump into solution mode and assist people. I wanted to develop ways to help our communities rebuild with design in mind.
I feel strongly that the new builds shouldn’t be hastily built, that they should complement and salute the past of what we lost. Instead of cheap tract housing we wanted to provide designs based on the heritage and character of what makes Southern California living so good.
Therefore an incredible group of us (designers and architects) decided to create a guidebook— in architectural terms a pattern language book—for rebuilding. So many builders and developers are not trained in the history of these architectural typologies that were lost and that make up the quilt of L.A. I decided to reset the needle on the record and create an initiative to document the details of seven styles of historic architecture by experts in the architecture and design community. From chimneys, windows, tiles, lighting, entryways, architectural massing, roof lines and landscape, the pros came together to provide their expertise in creating the Golden California Pattern Book.
How are you working to restore the iconic Janes Village in Altadena? I teamed up with the Altadena Collective—an incredible group of architects who were focusing on an interesting enclave called the Janes Cottages in Altadena, which was ravaged by the Eaton Canyon fire. Originally built in the 1920s, most of these cottages were lost. I worked closely with the Collective to re-create and document a pattern book outlining the original details of these homes. I also provided interior layouts and materials for kitchens and baths that were complementary to the Tudor and enchanted cottage style for those needing guidance on rebuilding their lost home.
What is on the horizon for SIA? We have exciting architectural film series and architectural tours throughout L.A. in the works and continue to nominate properties in the crosshairs of the wrecking ball. Currently, we are in the landmark-nomination process for the Jay Paley estate by legendary architect Paul R. Williams. We always want to hear from the community on architectural properties that are at risk for demolition that should be nominated.
Which California hotel is your favorite? Ojai Valley Inn, by architect Wallace Neff.
Which California maker are you most interested in currently? I love the light sculptures by Eunbi at Hammer and Spear and Victoria Morris Pottery.
What is your dream project for SIA? To make a permanent change by elevating our preservation programs, laws and landmarking mandates with the city of L.A. To better save our city and maintain our historic legacy as we deserve it; we have world-class architecture and a heritage worth protecting!
