February 21, 2007
Editor’s Note: Joe Stewart is more than the guest judge on tonight’s episode of “Top Design.” He is the set designer responsible for the shiny black floor and tufted walls in The White Room. Bravo was happy that Joe took time away from his busy schedule (he called us from the tents at the Independent Spirit Awards where he was setting up) to talk about not only judging, but designing the set where the winners and losers are announced.
The job designing the set came from my relationship with Scott Stone, one of the producers of Top Design. We’ve known each other for a very long time. In fact, we made Jane Fonda videos together. The truth is everybody in town did them. There were 17, I think. And I did the last four. Scott and I also worked on a game show called, “Shop Till You Drop.” So he called me up and we hadn’t worked in a long time and I thought: how fabulous.
My plan for the white room was …I think it’s always good in television if you have some sort of signature thing that’s easy. It can be anything as long as it’s easy and you can say it in one sentence like “the white room.” Once I had that idea, then I started playing around and added the tufting, the shiny floors, etc. I use those floors all the time because they add depth. We use them on award shows because they hide things. Music shows they’re great for, too.
For Joe Stewart's bio, click here.
Comments
Randy Kammer wrote:
How fabulous! Could that be any more Joe? Since I have known him since he was 18 and way before he went Hollywood, it is wonderful to see his talent admired by such a large audience. Would love to see more of him, that would truly be fabulous!
posted on February 22, 2007 at 10:30 AM
LK wrote:
Jon,
Great work on the show.
posted on February 22, 2007 at 11:10 AM
kathy wrote:
I think the architectural aspects of the White Room are successful, but the set up is awkward for the judging. Having the "safe" designers walk to the side and continue to stand there lack drama and visual interest. On PR, the runway itself and the scrim lend drama. I think once the designers are no longer being judged, they should leave the room or sit down at a collection of white chairs in different styles - something that plays on the show theme and stops them from standing in a boring row. And, when the designers are standing so far away from the judges, there no drama in them stepping forward a step or two on the large open floor.
posted on February 22, 2007 at 11:52 AM
LK wrote:
That's 'JOE' not Jon. Sorry 'bout that
posted on February 22, 2007 at 10:38 PM
Nancy Spivey wrote:
The problem as I see it is that the judges do not follow the rules they set down.
How well did they use the yard sale finds? All did this I guess. As stated, Andrea was the most creative.
Goil used damaged chairs and made them innovative.
Carisa did what?
Does it satisfy the client? Carisa's did not. Ryan's was too scary to think about, and the client said she could never sleep there.
As for Ryan making a "statement", that was not part of the challenge.
Ryan did not care if the judges or his client liked the room. Hello?
As far as the afghan, that could be easily removed. Ryan's room divider could not.
This episode fails the viewers. We like to play along, and make predictions. But if the judging is inconsitent and not based on the assignment, we are lost.
posted on February 24, 2007 at 4:06 PM
MB wrote:
I'm digging those stools in the white room and haven't been able to find anything comparable online. I love that the back disappears and the seat is wide, padded and swivels. On someone's blog, I read the seats grip too -- which can be a good thing! I HATE sliding off a tall stool! Pulled up to a counter, for casual, everyday use, a jeans & yoga pants wearer doesn't have to worry about a graceful dismount. Please post more details on where those stools can be found.
posted on March 3, 2007 at 7:14 PM
meliblu wrote:
Agree with poster Kathy about how awkward it is for the contestants to stand in a line at the side. Wish that as on PR, they all went to a backroom and the cameras followed them and picked up on their comments. The viewing audience would get to know the contestants a little better if they went to the backroom after they were told they could stay. As many others have also said on other blogs, the contestants are too far away from the judges as well and so they need to make some sort of adjustment. Do like the set and although the lighting is bright, my main problem with Project Runway is that the lighting is too dim, so won't complain about actually seeing Top Design contestants in the light. Really like the tufted walls. Can't figure out why Felicia picked that afghan after Micheal was in the bottom on the children's challenge with his nursing home themed room, but I don't think removal of the afghan would have saved Felicia on this challenge because that room clashed with itself and wasn't harmonious, just very disjointed. Do not agree with Carisa's win as she was just good at yard sale shopping. Think that Matt's Armani Casa room should have won because it was what his client wanted and it didn't look garage sale.
posted on March 12, 2007 at 4:47 AM
Renee wrote:
I can't stand those 3 judges. Please don't let those judges come back next season. I like the judges from previous seasons more.
posted on March 16, 2007 at 12:23 AM
d.mo wrote:
Joe is FABULOUS!
i was sad i didnt get to hear that on the show so if he come back to guest judge again get that on camera!
posted on March 23, 2007 at 3:44 PM