INTRODUCING MAX GOUGH
Empiric's part time sales associate, offering design services
Max Gough moved to the West coast in the spring of 2000, leaving behind him a fledgling New York City dance career and long east coast winters. Inspired and reinvigorated by the beauty of Southern California he went on to earn separate degrees in Photography and Interior Design. At the start of his career he had the good fortune to work with notable designers such as Gary Gibson, D. Crosby Ross, and Martyn Lawrence Bullard. After several years of mentorship he was ready to strike out on his own.
Maximillian Designs was born out of a cross breed of different influences and worlds which now enable him to create unique and sumptuous spaces. " I feel my own style is discovering what makes my clients happy and pushing them even further to make it the work or living space of their dreams. " He has completed projects in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.
If you want to meet Max and discuss your project, he is currently working Wednesdays and Saturdays at Empirics Beverly Blvd showroom. We recently sat down with Max to dish design.
Annie: What is a common misconception about designs services?
Max: That they have to be expensive! I am able to enter someone's home and, in a 3 hour window, aid them in color consultation and space planning. I can offer suggestions for window treatments, fabric, and lighting or help with design dilemmas that have their progress at a stand still.
A: What is the cost for your 3 hour consultation?
M: The consultation is $375 and should they decide to proceed with additional services this fee is absorbed into the larger vision.
A: What do you think makes you stand out in the design world?
M: I believe I am unique in that I'm not a designer that comes in and stamps the same style on every project. I have the ability to listen to the clients needs and wants for their space and give them the room of their dreams or better than what they imagined. The places we live in have the power to make us feel differently about ourselves. I love completing a project and hearing a client say, "I never thought I could live in a place like this". Often this is achieved by rearranging their existing furniture and adding color for an inexpensive change.
A: What are a few of your favorite spaces in LA?
M: Pali House, which coincidentally features many items from Empiric. I wasn't aware of this until I started working with Empiric and feel our finding eachother was kismet. Another is Maison 140 in Beverly Hills. You walk in and feel like you're entering a place outside of Los Angeles. Really sexy! Also, Terroni on Beverly Blvd where the designers did a fantastic job of blending old and new features that are unexpected and really exciting. Plus they have great pizza and a nice wine selection.
A: What are your favorite pieces currently in the Empiric showrooms?
M: Our new Williams Sleeper Sofa. Ask any designer how difficult it is to find a beautiful sleeper sofa! With this piece there is no compromise between form and function. We recently got in a stunning vintage George Nelson Dresser. It's classic, understated, and with its new finish, extremely chic. Also, a pair of MonteVerdi Young black leather chairs that are a handsome addition to any sophisticated room. Of course all of the unusual objects that fly in and out of the store daily are a decorators dream to add the final interesting touches to any project.
Paul McCobb did so much work that was consistently great and accessible to middle class Americans that we applaud him and will continue to search for and restore his work for years to come. For all these reasons and more, we're adding Mr. McCobb to our Standing on the Shoulders of Giants column.
