In its storied history, the Ivy League town of Princeton, New Jersey has long been known for the best in education, the arts, and culture. It has also—since 1974—been known as a showhouse town. But in recent years that aspect of Princeton culture had ceased, until last year when aspire design and home launched Aspire House Princeton, in a contemporary home only a few minutes from the Gothic towers of Princeton University and its surrounding landmark mansions. A portion of the proceeds from the showhouse were set aside to benefit the education and careers of up-and-coming designers from underrepresented communities.
In our recently released aspire design and home Showhouse Issue, we sat down with Joseph A. Berkowitz to learn more about his creative process in designing the entry for this project.
aspire: How much time did you have to complete this room, start to finish?
Joseph A. Berkowitz: Approximately six weeks, due to actual availability of the space.
aspire: What was your biggest challenge? Did you have a “Eureka!” moment during the process?
Joseph: It was more about experience than “Eureka!”—knowing the importance of the walls as a feature in the space, which is often the case when doing a foyer. The biggest challenge was timing, especially with our custom banquette from California.
aspire: What did you and your team accomplish that you thought would not happen in time?
Joseph: Our wallpaper was stuck in Paris until six days before the opening. Thanks to Arte and some excellent service, a new shipment was sent in smaller parcels and arrived in several days. At that point, our master paperhangers took over!
aspire: What was your inspiration for this room?
Joseph: A controversial black and white photo by Russian photographer Alexander Khokhlov that I fell in love with. I contacted him in Russia, and we made a deal. I kept that for my home.
aspire: Did you step out of your comfort zone for this project, and if so, why?
Joseph: I have been in this field for 35 years. There is not much I am not comfortable with regarding design and stepping out there. I do love to push the envelope though.
aspire: Despite the fact that there were so many designers involved, there is an inherent cohesiveness to the home. Did you all converse/collaborate? Or was this a completely individual process?
Joseph: It was truly an individual process with a group of seasoned designers. I believe we all took the lead from the architecture and the few elements already chosen by the developer. The house had a very specific contemporary vibe with organic materials in many locations.
aspire: Is your preference for a showhouse a small space or a large space? Does one or the other provide a better opportunity to stretch your creativity?
Joseph: I always prefer the larger spaces. I am of the “go big” school. However, it is all about style and design in the end. I have done and seen many a spectacular, small, showstopping room.
aspire: Describe the town of Princeton in one sentence.
Joseph: The town of Princeton is a proper and casually curated collection of elegant shops, and homes in a very pretty setting.
aspire: Paint or wallpaper?
Joseph: Wallpaper.
aspire: Hardwood or rug?
Joseph: Both.
aspire: Beach or Mountains?
Joseph: Beach.
aspire: Saturated color or black and white?
Joseph: Color.
aspire: Brunch or dinner?
Joseph: Dinner.
aspire: Midcentury or 18 Century?
Joseph: 18th Century, please.
aspire: Draperies, shades, or nothing?
Joseph: Draperies.
aspire: 2001: A Space Odyssey or The English Patient?
Joseph: 2001.
aspire: Week at the spa or week of Broadway shows?
Joseph: Spa on Broadway.
Click Here to view more interviews with the designers of Aspire House Princeton.
Photography by Mike Van Tassell.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.