What goes into creating a unique showhouse opening? “When you’re doing a showhouse, every day is Monday,” says Amy Lynn Schwartzbard. She has just bustled back from the site of the upcoming Kaleidoscope Project Firehouse Showhouse in Pittsfield Massachusetts. It’s been hard work coordinating the diverse, talented teams preparing for August 19, opening night. Nevertheless, she says, it’s worth the effort to achieve Kaleidoscope’s goal of celebrating BIPOC designers.
Why Look to the Kaleidoscope Project for the Future of Showhouses?
“I founded the kaleidoscope project a little over 18 months ago,” Schwartzbard explains. “It’s important because our design industry—which is supposed to be all about color—was not inclusive or diverse.” Schwartzbard is a hospitality and commercial designer based in New York and Massachusetts. She wanted to create opportunities for BIPOC designers to showcase their work. And she knew a showhouse would garner exposure.
Schwartzbard joined forces with developer David Carver. He has a winning track record of revitalizing buildings from the early 20th century for renewed community use. In this case, the building was a firehouse from 1906. It was one of the oldest in all of western Massachusetts. In addition to readying the space for its Firehouse Showhouse days, Carver will ready them to be market-rate residential units—helping address the area’s need for affordable housing.
Left: Virginia Toledo; Right: Everick and Lisa Brown
Which Exciting Designers Are Working Toward the Showhouse Opening?
But first, these spaces will have their day in the design sun. Schwartzbard is enthusiastic about the participating designers. Among them is Virginia Toledo. Schwartzbard calls her one of the smartest designers she’s met and notes that the story behind Toledo’s design begins with the firemen who originally worked there. Meanwhile, she’s calling Rasheeda Gray‘s room a “color explosion.” In fact, Schwartzbard says she’s been looking to Gray for interesting color combinations for years and sees design TV stardom in her future.
Everick and Lisa Brown are bringing their well-oiled husband-and-wife design machine to a “super chic” showhouse space for which they’ve “stepped outside of their comfort zone.” And the Austin Gray Design Group participants include founder Denise Gordon and her business partner Tanya Lewis. But they also make a point of collaborating with other women of color often. In this case, designer Marilyn LaVergne joined in. Schwartzbard calls the group the most eclectic of the project. Expect unexpected combinations from them, she promises. Last but certainly not least, Schwartzbard hails David Santiago, particularly for his efforts to document the showhouse transformations throughout the project.
Left: David Santiago; Right: Rasheeda Gray
What Will the Showhouse Opening Night Be Like?
As I speak with Schwartzbard, opening night plans are still evolving. Due to limits on how many people can be in the showhouse at once, the main event will likely take place at a space in the nearby Clock Tower building. However, guests will be invited on excursions to see the showhouse (just five minutes away). They can do so during the event or visit at their convenience afterward.
Tours will continue from the next day on through September 15 (10am to 5pm). Schwartzbard suggests the average tour will last about 40 minutes. She mentions visitors will find the area easily accessible via multiple train lines. And those looking to incorporate the showhouse into a multi-destination excursion might also consider incorporating visits to nearby MASS MoCA, the Norman Rockwell Museum and the rich selection of local farm-to-table dining experiences.
Denise Gordon, Tanya Lewis and Marilyn LaVergne
Want to Get Involved?
Excited by Kaleidoscope Project’s results-oriented mission to put BIPOC designers in the spotlight? They’ve already got their future showhouses in the works—in addition to dynamic educational and internship programs. So if you’re a BIPOC designer, ask to be considered for inclusion. Or, support Kaleidoscope by visiting the Firehouse Showhouse or contacting them to donate funds or products for future projects.
“As an industry, if we were going to be at our best and show off our best, then we have to show off everybody,” says Schwartzbard. “And that’s why the Kaleidoscope Project was founded: to let other voices be heard.”
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