Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1405904
T he challenge of redoing a historic house can be daunting for any designer. But when that property is the White House — and its occupants are the first black residents — pressure is on to make history. Michael S. Smith's collaboration with Barack and Michelle Obama on the redo of The People's House is the subject of Smith's book Designing History: The Extraordinary Art & Style of the Obama White House (Rizzoli), co- written by Margaret Russell. First Lady Michelle Obama met Smith shortly after her husband was elected president "in the mad swirl of the transition," she writes in the book's introduction. Smith designed interiors that balanced the Obama's needs as a young family with the White House's magnificent history. "He made sure our values and vision for America — one based on inclusivity and a love for all its people — were reflected in every detail of this remarkable home." Smith helped the Obamas select contemporary artworks by Alma Thomas, Edward Ruscha, and Robert Rauschenberg, along with furniture that showcased American craftsmanship. Smith, who has an international roster of high-profile clients, is a longtime member of the AD100 and was appointed by President Obama to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House in 2010. He now serves on the Design Advisory Team for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. At his Texas Design Week appearance Smith will appear with de Gournay's Hannah Cecil Gurney to discuss his new collaboration of wallpaper with de Gournay, which debuts this month; as well as showcase Jasper, his extensive collection of fabric, wall coverings, furniture, and accessories, now carried at Wells Abbott Showroom. And, of course, he'll touch on his book and his work with the Obamas and the White House. Michael S. Smith will speak and sign books along with de Gournay's Hannah Cecil Gurney Thursday September 23, 10 am to noon, at Wells Abbott Showroom (which carries Smith's Jasper line), as part of Texas Design Week Dallas. TXDW is a ticketed event: For tickets and complete schedule, go texasdesignweek.com. TEXAS DESIGN WEEK DALLAS MICHAEL S. SMITH — MAKING DESIGN HISTORY By Rebecca Sherman. Photography Michael Mundy. Yellow Oval Room in the White House Michael S. Smith The Obama family sitting room with a Sean Scully painting Michel S. Smith, President Obama PETE SOUZA 108