I have always loved architecture. In fact, in middle school, I did one of those "what I want to be when I grow up" projects and designed an indoor/outdoor shopping mall. After doing this project I came to the dramatic realization that my drawing skills did not match the creativity that lived inside my brain and alas, architecture was another career path I was not likely to follow (similar to the professional ballerina I thought I would become). The nice thing about where I have ended up is every once in a while I get to indulge my love of great design in children's products with my love of beautiful architecture. Recently I got to coordinate our lifestyle photography shoots for our Svan family of products (the Svan Chair, Bouncer and Scooter). We were able to secure two amazing examples of local architecture which corresponded perfectly with Svan's "Exceptional Designs for Everyday Life" philosophy.

One was a private residence designed by Jessica Johnson Moore for her father and his wife, David and Charlene Johnson. Jessica studied at the College of Design at NC State University and is now an adjunct assistant professor of architecture at the College and runs her own design firm in Raleigh - More Space Studio. Her design turned a once hurricane-devastated parcel of land into a showpiece of green building and beautiful modernist design. The steel frame and block wall construction is made warm and elegant with touches of exotic wood on both the interior and the exterior of the home. Needless to say, as I drove back and forth to the office each day I thought what a perfect location for our Svan photo shoot. To my pleasant surprise the Johnsons were very hospitable and welcomed the idea of featuring their beautiful home in our photography. In the months to come you will see photographs shot at this beautiful location. Again my sincere thanks to Ms. Moore and Mr. and Mrs. Johnson for sharing this beautiful home with us. Below is a peek of one of the photos from this fabulous location featuring two of my favorite models, my son Max and my daughter Sophia.

The next example of great design is the Dwell NextHouse. This 5000 square foot model home is a light-filled modern structure on a 13-acre lot in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The home has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and a kitchen/dining/living area with adjoining decks on the main level, family room and office. It includes unique design elements such as a secret loft above the Master Bedroom, a special screened deck off of the main level living room and large windows that show off the beautiful forest-like setting surrounding the home. It also incorporates Green elements and features cutting-edge design and products, furniture and accessories inside the home from select partner companies. This was the perfect location again to feature Svan's beautiful, functional designs. The property manager, Dave Newey, and the folks with Empyrean Homes could not have been more accommodating for the shoot, and perhaps that is due to the fact that they are pros at this. The Dwell NextHouse has been featured in Dwell Magazine and many others due to the uniqueness of the design and construction.

I hope that you will enjoy the new Svan lifestyle photography from these great locations. I know that I really enjoyed getting to blend my love of great modernist architecture with my love of great children's products. Who could ask for a better work assignment!