Meet Tom Newman of Newman & Wolen Design in Pico-Robertson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Newman.

Tom, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to LA in 1999 and worked for Marc Appleton in Santa Monica. I had done many types of architectural work since college, but I finally found my niche with custom residential design. With Debbie Wolen, a friend and former colleague from the Bay Area, I started a partnership. Just a few small house projects got us going. Suddenly, it’s been over 15 years and I’m still at it.

I am very fortunate that all my clients come to me by referrals, whether it’s from contractors, friends, or most importantly, past clients. Keeping clients happy and really listening to what they want is critical. People in this profession are notorious for their egos, but insisting on your way can lose you a client and the future work they may provide.

Residential design is very personal, and picking the right architect is the key to success. It really is like dating; you have to feel a connection to your clients and interact accordingly. Sometimes, you just aren’t the right fit. But when it works, it means adapting to what works for each person and for each couple. Clients have to be heard, and with couples, both must feel that they are getting what they want.

Stylistically, I adapt to whatever the client wants and the project evokes. Many of our projects are remodels and additions to existing homes, usually of a traditional style. The goal is to make the house feel like it’s always been that way, and any new work should be seamless with the original. Many times the challenge is to undo what’s been modified in past renovations and bring back the beauty of the old home (with all the modern amenities, of course).

Has it been a smooth road?
The housing market takes its toll on the design profession, but sometimes in our favor. If times are tough, people may not choose to risk the purchase of a new home and decide to remodel or add on to their existing home. It’s a way to change their lives, but on a smaller scale. That niche has helped keep the business going.

Budgets are the biggest struggle. Unless they have done it before, people just don’t know what it costs to build a house in Southern California. “Too much” is the usual answer, but our jobs, good weather and lifestyle keep us here. Also, television design shows don’t help because they portray unrealistic times lines and costs. It’s a lot of smoke and mirrors, and that makes for impossible expectations.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
There will always be a need for what we do. People will always live in houses, and time will forever wear down all the parts and pieces. Sometimes it may just be changes in trends and style. Technological improvements in home systems will also encourage remodeling and upgrades. Who knew just ten years ago that new homes would require fire sprinklers and electric car charging stations? And those sorts of advances are just going to keep coming, which is a good thing.

While trying to adapt to the market, I have some new business angles coming up including a comprehensive design-build group. This would include architectural design, permitting, construction, as well as interior and landscape design. It would be a one-stop-shopping concept. This would work great for some clients who want to have everything done and coordinated but not want to be too involved. We will make it work for anyone with trust and quality being the key components.

Contact Info:

• Phone: (424) 523-3230
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NEWMANandWOLEN

Image Credit:
Robert Rosenheck (portrait shot)

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