Top Design

Exclusive Interview: Nathan Thomas, Winner of 'Top Design'

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:00:00 GMT

On last night's season finale of Top Design, Nathan Thomas crowned the winner, beating out finalists Preston Lee and Ondine Karady. For their final challenge, the designers were given a $60,000 budget to furnish a Los Angeles condo. They were only given two days to complete their designs, proving to be extremely challenging for the final three. Throughout the season, Thomas stood out for his unique looks and last night's finale was no exception. As the winner, he receives the grand prize of $100,000 and a spread in Elle Decor magazine. Today, he spoke to BuddyTV in an exclusive interview.

Below, you will find the complete transcript and mp3 of the interview.

'Top Design' Names its Second Season Winner Tonight

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Tonight's episode of Top Design marks the conclusion of the sophomore season of Bravo's competitive reality series that features interior designers as they compete to win cash and the coveted title of who has the top design. The season kicked off on September 3 with 13 hopefuls vying for $100,000 and a spread in Elle Décor. India Hicks took Todd Oldham's spot as the host, with Oldham returning as the designers' mentor throughout the series. Head judge Jonathan Adler, as well as Kelly Wearstler and Margaret Russell, also returned as the judges.

Top Design: Meet the Mentor

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:00:03 GMT

Currently on its second season on Bravo, Top Design has pulled in the visionary Todd Oldham to serve as mentor to aspiring interior decorators. The New York Post recently sat down with the acclaimed personality and managed to get a few words from him. He talked about the industry, his dreams, and New York City.

Despite being busy with his work on Top Design, Oldham manages to find time for his own films and art, like designing rugs and furniture. He admits that every wall of his Tribeca home “is painted in some version of stripes,” which serves as a respite from the often chaotic city life.

'Top Design' Sophomore Season Premieres Tonight

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Matt Lorenz earned the top prize during the debut season of Top Design more than a year ago. Now it was made public that the show featuring aspiring interior designers en route to some cash and a spot in New York Designer showcases didn't do well in the ratings, and Top Design's limited fan base wasn't so sure if it's going to be renewed after its first season. Despite the reported loss, however, Bravo decided to give it another shot with a few minor changes.

The second season of Top Design premieres tonight at 10pm on Bravo, with renowned designer Todd Oldham “demoted” from being the show's host to the contestants' mentor. The shift is reportedly part of the strategy to win more viewers considering the show's poor ratings on its maiden run. Now only time will tell if Oldham is better suited to this role reminiscent of Tim Gunn on Project Runway. Fashion model India Hicks will take the hosting job from Oldham.

Casting Underway for Second Seasons of 'Top Design' and 'Shear Genius'

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Last summer, Bravo announced the renewals of the hit series Top Design and Shear Genius, which means that both shows will be returning for their sophomore runs this year. Late last week, the network kicked off the nationwide casting calls for Top Design, while auditions for Shear Genius is set to begin on Sunday, January 20.

The first casting call for Top Design took place at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia. According to atlantahomesmagblog.com, aspiring contestants began showing up at the center as early as 11am, although the day's event did not start until 1pm. By the end of the day, almost 100 designers were interviewed for the chance to be on the show.

Bravo Announces Premiere Date for 'Make Me a Supermodel,' Second Seasons for 'Top Design' and 'Shear Genius'

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:55:46 GMT

During last night's episode of Project Runway, Bravo announced that their new reality series, Make Me a Supermodel, will premiere on Thursday, January 10 at 10pm. Make Me a Supermodel is a reality competition series (it does not, despite the title, involve extensive plastic surgery) that pits both male and female wannabe supermodels against each other in a competition to see who has the most supermodel potential. The winner receives $100,000 and a modeling contract. Although it may sound like a blatant rip-off of America's Next Top Model (it still kind of is), the big difference is that the competition is co-ed and will have viewers vote on the outcome, as opposed to the eliminations being decided by a panel of judges. In addition, Bravo also announced that they've green lit second seasons of both Top Design and Shear Genius.

Top Design, Season 1, Episode 10 "Lofty Designs" Recap

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:25:28 GMT

Originally aired on Wednesday, 04/11/2007

Episode Rating: ** (2 stars out of 5)

Episode Overview: The final challenge to determine the Top Design allows the final two designers, Matt and Carisa, the chance to let their true style show.

Episode Highlights:

The designers get their final challenge instructions, and they will finally have enough time, budget, and creative freedom to really “wow” the judges.
Despite their differences in the past, Carisa and her carpenter Carl manage to pull together for the final challenge.
Although they have more resources, there are still significant logistical challenges for the designers to overcome.

Exclusive Interview: Goil Amornvivat, Ninth Contestant Eliminated from Top Design

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 12:32:27 GMT

It's Goil, "like gargoyle," as he himself likes to put it. Goil Amornvivat, the Yale-educated architect brought this sense of humor and unique sensibility to his time on "Top Design," and made it all the way to the final four. He took time from his busy schedule to answer BuddyTV's questions about his experiences on the show and his future plans. He also offers some additional insight into his design ideas for some of his rooms featured on the show.

Top Design, Season 1, Episode 9 "Elle D??cor Cover Inspiration" Recap

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 15:06:31 GMT

Originally aired on Wednesday, 04/04/2007

Episode Rating: ** (2 stars out of 5)

Episode Overview: Matt, Carisa and Andrea all compete for a spot in the final two in a relatively straightforward challenge to create luxury on a budget.

Episode Highlights:

The designers are charged with creating a luxury living room inspired by an Elle Décor cover, but have limited funds.
Carisa and her carpenter Carl argue and eye-roll their way through another challenge.
The rooms are judged and the final two are selected.

Recap:

The final three designers have been selected and are all focused on getting through this challenge and down to the Top Design final two. Andrea Keller is surprised that Carisa Perez-Fuentes is still in the competition, thinking that her design style has been pretty consistently one-note. Carisa, on the other hand, is surprised that Andrea is still there, thinking with her architecture background, she has been struggling to show a truly finished room.

Top Design, Season 1, Episode 8 "Metropolitan Home Suites" Recap

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 16:33:29 GMT

Originally aired on Wednesday, 03/28/2007

Episode Rating: ** (2 stars out of 5)

Episode Overview: The final four compete for a spot in the final three and for a spread in Metropolitan Home magazine as they design a luxury hotel suite.

Episode Highlights:

The designers get to take a field trip to the Viceroy Hotel and judge the judge: its designer is Kelly Wearstler.
It might seem like a repeat, but it’s not: Carisa has problems again with her carpenter and Goil has problems with keeping his cool.
A carpenter has a nasty encounter with a saw.

Top Design, Season 1, Episode 7 "Chef's Choice" Recap

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 11:48:17 GMT

Originally aired on Wednesday, 03/21/2007

Episode Rating: ** (2 stars out of 5)

Episode Overview: Five designers are left and they are free, finally, to work alone on this week’s project: designing a chef’s table for a mystery guest.

Episode Highlights:

As the designers head into the final stretch, they at last have the chance again to work solo to show their design style.
Carisa Perez-Fuentes and Goil Amornvivat continue to be a little frazzled as they pull together their looks.
The mystery judge makes his appearance, and it’s a face familiar to Bravo viewers.

Recap:

There are just five designers left and the big question is: do we still care?

Top Design, Season 1, Episode 6 "Life of the Party" Recap

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 13:44:37 GMT

Originally aired on Wednesday, 03/14/2007

Episode Rating: ** (2 stars out of 5)

Episode Overview: The remaining six designers have to work as a team (again?!) to plan and design a party tent for this week's product placement.

Episode Highlights:

Top Design continues to test my patience by having the designers yet again work in a team AND work on a project that is just totally boring.
Carisa and Michael carry on the friction that was established in last week's episode.
Goil has a little meltdown.

Recap:

This week on Top Design, Todd Oldham tells the designers that they will be creating a party for Bicardi Limon, and, once again, they will be working in teams. Matt Lorenz says he is completely over working in teams. Hear hear: I'm over watching the designers work in teams. With only six people left, why do teams? It makes it difficult for the home viewer to really see any one individual's strength and style. And the intra-team conflicts just make nearly every contestant seem unlikable, so I feel totally indifferent as to the outcome.

Honestly, I'm getting to be a little over Top Design in general. I'm usually willing to give Bravo pretty wide latitude with their reality shows, but this one is turning into a snoozer. So let's just get through it, I guess.

Top Design, Season 1, Episode 5 "Garage Band" Recap

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:58:47 GMT

Originally aired on Wednesday, 03/08/2007

Episode Rating: ** (2 stars out of 5)

Episode Overview: The designers have to work in a team to re-design a garage. Seriously. Yes, it's boring.

Episode Highlights:

• In order to build an entire episode around the vehicle that sponsors the show, the designs have to all work together to clean and re-design a garage; this is not a good idea for an episode.

• Carisa's working style continues to rub the other designers the wrong way.

• Ryan's continues to be ambivalent about interior design in general, and this challenge specifically.

Recap:

This week's Top Design challenge is, at host Todd Oldham tells the designers assembled outside the Pacific Design Center, "a family affair." And, as if by magic, a family appears in this Bravo show's painfully-awkward-product-placement-mobile.

Top Design - What Do the Pros Think?

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 10:12:59 GMT

This week, Bravo isn’t airing a new Top Design so we decided to take a look out in the blogosphere to find out: what do working designers think of Top Design? Tops or Nots?

Retail Design Diva, a retail design weblog, thinks the show features “some phenomenal up-and-coming talent” and that it’s “an added bonus to the show is the sneak peak into the personalities of some of the top leaders in the design world today” via judges Jonathan Adler and host Todd Oldham.

Exclusive Interview: Felicia Bushman, 5th Contestant Eliminated from Top Design

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 09:18:35 GMT

Currently working on a house in Cape Town, South Africa, Felicia Bushman has been quite busy since being eliminated on Top Design during last week's episode. Though in the past Felicia's designs had pleased the judges, last week's room prompted the client to say that if she lived there she'd "shoot [he]rself." Felicia took time from her hectic design schedule to talk to BuddyTV about her experience on the show, her issues with the time limits, and her consistently positive attitude.

What was your motivation for going on a reality show?

Mostly exposure. I love what I do and it was a chance to show a great number of people rather than just the clients I work for. I am also very competitive, love a challenge, it excites me.

Top Design, Season 1, Episode 4 "One Man's Trash..." Recap

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 13:47:37 GMT

Originally aired on Wednesday, 02/21/2007

Episode Rating: *** (3 stars out of 5)

Episode Overview: The designers finally get the chance to meet their clients before they begin work on the challenge, but that doesn't mean there isn't a twist!

Episode Highlights:

The designers this week get to design for a tough crowd: other designers, design students to be exact.
Luckily, they don't have to work in teams again, but their partnership with the Top Design carpenters can still occasionally be just as fraught.
The producers throw a shopping hurdle to the designers, but with only one exception, most are able to rise to the challenge.

Recap:

It's hard to believe we are already down to eight designers on Top Design! Host Todd Oldham meets with the remaining competitors on the lawn outside the Pacific Design Center, and tells them for this next challenge, they will actually finally get to meet their clients before getting the task specifics.

Top Design, Season 1, Episode 3 "Life's a Beach"

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 14:37:06 GMT

Originally aired on Wednesday, 02/14/2007

Episode Rating: *** (3 stars out of 5)

Episode Overview: The designers’ favorite activity – working in teams – is back. This time, they’re working in groups of three to build a beach cabana. It’s more harmonious than you might expect, but that’s not to say the process is totally friction-free…

Top Design's John Gray Confirms He's HIV-positive

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 17:35:14 GMT

John Gray, contestant of Bravo's newest reality show Top Design, justified his unruly behavior on the premiere of the show by revealing that he’s taking medication to treat HIV. "I just want everyone to know I'm HIV-positive," Gray tells his fellow contestants during Top Design's Wednesday, February 7 episode. "I'm not making excuses or apologies."

Top Design, Episode 2 "Child's Play" Recap

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 12:08:26 GMT

Originally aired on Wednesday, 2/7/2007

Episode Rating: ** (2 stars out of 5)

Episode Overview: After last week’s team challenge, the designers are excited to work solo. However, there is, of course, a "design curveball" in the works that requires quick thinking on the part of all the contestants.

Top Design - Blog Chatter 2/2/07

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:21:48 GMT

Even with its late starting hour of 11:00 PM, Top Design was Bravo’s highest rated series premiere in its history. Like many reality shows, the first episode is a little hard to judge. There are so many new people running around to get to know, much of the show is taken up just with introductions. Nevertheless, we got a little flavor of some of the personalities, potential conflicts, design styles and show format, and it all has set fingers tapping in the blogosphere. We made the rounds to see what people are saying in response to the show and what the show’s own designers and judges are saying behind the scenes…

Top Design, Episode 1 "Mystery Judge" Recap

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 12:35:40 GMT

Originally aired on Wednesday, 01/31/2007 Episode Rating: *** (3 stars out of 5) Episode Overview: In this, the first episode of Bravo's foray into the world of interior design, we meet the designers and judges, have the very first challenge, and say goodbye to not one but two contestants.