Search

Friday Five with Michelle Ives-Ratkovich of The Switzer Group

11.23.18 | By
Friday Five with Michelle Ives-Ratkovich of The Switzer Group

This week’s Friday Five has us traveling to Los Angeles, California to The Switzer Group to check-in with Principal Michelle Ives-Ratkovich, LEED AP who heads their West Coast office. The award-winning interior architecture firm is headquartered in New York City but expanded their operations earlier this year to establish a presence in LA. With over 25 years in design and management in the architectural and interior design worlds, Ives-Ratkovich is the perfect fit with an extensive portfolio from previous roles at AECOM and Leo A. Daly. Beyond interiors, she brings expansive knowledge in real estate, construction, and product development. Now, let’s see what this busy creative selected for her five picks.

The Heydar Aliyev Center \\\ Photo by Iwan Baan

1. Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid is one of the few women in architecture and design that has been able to exceed expectations in our industry. She inspires me and other women to push the boundaries of design. I believe it is so important for the women in leadership within our industry to support the next generation of young designers.

2. Iguazu Falls in Argentina
Nature provides so many images that influence what we do. I was especially enchanted during a trip to Argentina, where I spent the day marveling over Iguazu Falls just outside of Buenos Aires. It is a wonder of beauty found in nature that can inspire us all. Traveling to other countries gives you a perspective that informs and celebrates how other nations embrace art and design.

Outlast Hexagon Glass tiles in grey by Creative Materials Corporation

3. Simple, clean design is soothing to my soul

Pablo Picasso, Portrait de Jeune Fille, D’Apres Cranach le Jeune, II, Linoleum cut printed in colors. 1958, signed in pencil, aside, From the numbered edition of 50, framed, 647 by 532 mm; 25 ½ by 21 in \\\ Source

4. Inspirational art
Inspiration by famous artists using color and unique imagery to feed the creative mind. Also, we are very fortunate in Los Angeles to have a thriving center for young artists. There is a neighborhood in Downtown LA noted as the Art District. This community has truly revitalized an amazing area where many new and accomplished artists take root and get the opportunity to display wonderful art through multiple venues.

Photo by Ilona Shevchishina

5. Fashion
Beautiful fashion makes every woman feel glamorous allowing them the freedom to express their personal style. Fashion designers can transform women, making them feel fabulous. This concept moves through all phases of life allowing women of all generations to feel strong and beautiful.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.