Timeless. Classic. Focused. Modern. Dramatic. These are just a few of the words that describe the cutting edge style and vision of interior designer Charles Pavarini III, founder and president of Pavarini Designs. His New York City-based, award-winning interior design firm specializes in both commercial and residential architectural interior design, as well as indoor and outdoor custom furniture, and the latest in lighting techniques and trends.
A Love of Architecture
Pavarini’s interest in architecture and design traces back to his grandfather, Charles Pavarini, Sr., who founded the Pavarini Construction Company. As a child, Pavarini would often visit his grandfather’s construction sites and watch the walls go up and eventual completion unfold. The Pavarini Construction Company is known for several New York City landmarks to include the 38-story Seagram Tower, and also buildings in Miami, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Pavarini’s love of architecture lead him to the New York School of Interior Design where he graduated at the top of his class with a bachelor of fine arts degree. While in school, he won the bronze medal for design achievement. After graduation, he worked as a design assistant to international designer, Ruben de Saavedra, which gave him the momentum to start his own interior design firm.
In conjunction with interior designer Elizabeth B. Cole, he started Pavarini-Cole Interiors, Inc. and the pair soon became well known for their contemporary residential and commercial interiors.
The World of Interior Design
The excellent craftsmanship of Pavarini-Cole interiors have captured the attention of esteemed publications around the world. In 1988, Pavarini was contacted by the Wool Bureau, an American wool promotion and research organization, to design a fabric and matching carpet that was displayed at Chicago’s famed NeoCon 1988.
When Elizabeth Cole retired from the firm in 1997, Pavarini started Charles Pavarini III Design Associates. His reputation as an interior designer and conceptual artist allowed him to expand his ideas and company in many directions. Pavarini’s ability to combine contemporary and traditional design elements made the spaces he transformed luxurious, but livable.
The Start of a Journey
Pavarini continued his quest to be at the top of his field and studied product design and marketing at Harvard University Graduate School of Design. He also took an interest in the theater world as a performer, and costume and set designer. It was in the theater that he gained valuable experience with lighting and how it could be used as an important interior design tool.
“Part of the journey in theater has definitely influenced me in my design career,” Pavarini said in a recent House Tipster interview. “It has given me the understanding of the power of light, color, and also a sense of drama. And a lot of my interiors do have a dramatic element to them. Livable, but a little bit dramatic.”
All of Pavarini’s projects, both large and small, start with a central theme and then expand to achieve the end result which comes from Pavarini’s vast knowledge of architecture, color, style, and fashion. Modern shapes are covered with traditional fabrics and patterns. Classic colors are used to create a contemporary feel. When it comes to upholstered furniture, Pavarini often goes with a neutral color.
“It is very easy to get a very different look with patterned or colored pillows,” he said. “That’s a great way to change the feeling of your interior.”
Each space that Pavarini designs is a result of his background, travels, education, and high level of artistry and perfection. His design concepts are highly praised for creating an international style and his mastery of combining old and new make a room room feel sophisticated, yet still inviting. A project that earned him Designer of the Year for Living Spaces Above $30,000, was for an Oceanport, New Jersey home that featured an origami theme and a black and white color scheme to highlight the fine details of the home and draw in the beauty of its surroundings.
Award Winning Style
“I’ve been in business for over three decades and I currently hold 26 design awards,” Pavarini told House Tipster. Several of these design awards are from the International Interior Design Association. The International Furnishings and Design Association named him Designer of the Year in 2010. This year, the Pavarini firm made its sixth showroom appearance this year at the 46th Annual world-renowned Kips Bay Decorator Show House: an oasis escape.
“I came up with the idea of doing a Home Wellness Retreat for Mind, Body, and Spirit,” he said. “This is an ancient philosophy of having wellness spaces, and we wanted to bring it forward and make it into a very high-end room specifically designed for wellness, healing, getting in touch with self, and being very mindful.”
Subtle design elements such as crystals, candles, plants, and water features were intentionally placed throughout the space to “help energize the space and also to realign oneself.” One of the most talked about features was an outdoor patio space with a 12 foot waterfall fixture. “Water is a very healing sound, a natural sound,” said Pavarini, “and by hearing that, your biorhythms start slowing down.”
Beyond the Walls
Always looking for new ideas, Pavarini recently launched his own outdoor furniture company – The Original Lawn Furniture Company. Benches, tables, and chairs are upholstered with “grass” or what looks like grass and are meant to be artistic, yet very functional. Some of his furniture was featured in the outdoor patio oasis at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House.
Pavarini has always had an interest in high quality and unique furniture which plays a crucial role in his interior design concepts. This year, he teamed up with Swaim Furniture to join the ranks of some of the most sought-after artisans in the industry known for their unparalleled craftsmanship of products for the home.
“We wanted to do a chair that was delicate, but very comfortable,” he explained of one of his pieces. Other items in the Swain collection are from his own home.
“I have a house up in Connecticut,” said Pavarini, “I’m redoing the house and I designed [a] sofa specifically for the house. [It’s called] the Architectura and it is cantilever.”
Pavarini is also working with Samad Brothers, a decorative rug company in New Jersey, who cater to high-end retailers and designers. The company will feature a line of Pavarini rugs which will reflect Pavarini’s unique personality and attention to detail.
Behind the Scenes
In addition to his highly creative side, Pavarini also has a philanthropic side. He has raised over $800,000 for the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club of NY, and designed and installed a chromatherapy healing room at the Ronald McDonald House in Long Island. He is currently on the board of trustees for the Summer Theatre of New Canaan where he has designed many elaborate sets for musicals. Next year, Bailey House, an organization that helps people with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses, will honor Pavarini with the Gina Quattrochi Arts & Legacy Award at their 2019 Bailey House Auction Gala. Pavarini has been co-chair of the Bailey House Auction since 2015.
Dedicated. Trend-setter. Visionary. Philanthropist. These are just a few of the words that describe Charles Pavarini III who continues to push that proverbial envelope in not only interior design concepts, but in the execution and design of humanitarian efforts as well.
Check out below the full video coverage from one of our special interviews with Charles:
