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Much like every other business on this show, its a slow journey.
Almost a year ago, I was working on a newNancy Meyers movie for Netflix.
There were some budget issues, and they pulled the plug on the movie on a Friday.
Two days later, I get this random email on my website.
Is there any way that you might be able to help us out with this?
And Im thinking,As a matter of fact, yeah.
As of two days ago, Im unemployed.
So we set up a meeting.
And that was it.
Did you know who they were?
I dont follow reality TV.
Pretend Im a guy who lives in a cave.
I had no idea who Katie and Ariana are.
We were well into the project before somebody said to me, Wait, youre doing that?
Someone sent me a thing Katie was on.
Somebody described hiring Nancy Meyerss production designer as a baller move.
I said, Is baller good or bad?
How were Katie and Ariana during the design process?
I have to say it was really smooth and easy from my standpoint.
They had an idea about a feeling.
They were super responsive, they liked my ideas, and it was a very positive process for me.
What was the feeling that they wanted?
I wouldnt say a romantic comedy, but they showed me these cafes they liked.
They have this sandwich menu and a plan of what they were gonna serve.
They werent gonna have coffee; they were gonna have tea.
I said, How about if it has a little bit of this Frenchy feeling?
Something I noticed was this buttery yellow on the awning and ceiling.
It reminded me ofwhat you saidabout rom-com apartments often being a warm yellowy white.
Design, for me, is super intuitive.
Theres yellow on the ceiling.
Whats a detail you think people will be surprised to see when the shop opens?
If you have English afternoon tea, they wanted those kinds of sandwiches.
And when it got to the art, initially I pitched black-and-white photos.
But I said, Wait a second.
Its Something About Her.
Couldnt it be images of women?
Not necessarily suffragettes or whatever, but images of women?
And theyre like, Thats really cool.
A lot of times on a film, we shoot in practical locations.
So its not that different of a thing.
Most of the films that I do take place in the real world.
Even if its a period film, it takes place in the real world.
Im not so much a spaceship guy.
Youre always telling a story.
Even when Im doing somebodys house, its telling a story.
But I could tell just from meeting them that wasnt it.
And this doesnt have to do with how many Instagram followers they have.
The clients may not even be aware that theyre telling a story.
I think Katie and Ariana were.
Why do you think Katie and Ariana came to you?
I didnt invent that aesthetic in any way.
I went to the Hamptons, I had spent time there before, I did a lot of research.
I brought a lot of observed detail into the house.
The kitchen in the house has a lot of similarities to Nancys actual kitchen.
Shes like, You did my plate wall!
We pull these little things in because its observed.
Whats the texture of the plates?
How do you feel about the fixation some people have with Nancy Meyers kitchens?
Shes said before that she can find it sexist, like it takes away from her directorial prowess.
But the way youre describing the process shows how intentional each detail is.
People love that house and that kitchen because of the story that takes place there.
Nancy is very involved in that process.
What makes her movies so resonant is that theyre very personal, each in their own ways.
When you invest real emotion, people identify with it.
Have you tried any of the sandwiches?
I have not, but Im looking forward to it.
Its fun for me, when I design a set, to see it come to life.
Have you seen the show since finding out?
This interview has been edited for content and clarity.
