Profile: James Magni

Named as one of Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Designers and Robb Report’s Top 40 Interior Designers worldwide, James Magni is famed for his “Global Modernism” aesthetic and award winning designs. The architect, interior designer, furniture designer and soon to be published author, is frequently lauded by the press for his sinuous simplicity and strong sophisticated architectural backgrounds.

Trained as an architect James is very much influenced by such design greats as Mies van der Rohe, Carlo Scarpa, Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Maxime Old. In 1996, when he was unable to find the perfect objects and items for his projects, he decided to create the Magni Home Collection; sculptural furnishings, rugs, contemporary upholstery, and lighting round out the mix.  The iconic collection is best known for exquisite craftsmanship using only the most luxurious woods, metals, finishes and fabrics; including cast bronze, hand-polished stainless steel, macassar ebony, rosewood, sharkskin, parchment, leather and recycled materials.“Quality is everything to me,” says James. “I believe these pieces will be tomorrow’s collectibles.”

Check back tomorrow for the details of VERY special giveaway—a Magni Oval Table.

How would you describe your personal style?
Modern, warm, smart and dramatic, always in an edited way. I wanting to leave one wanting more.

What is your most prized possession?
As possessions refer to a material good I would say my father’s cufflinks and a Brian Faulstrom painting given to me by close friends.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Our objective here on earth is to achieve happiness through knowing our Spiritual Source. How do we know when we have achieved happiness? When we live peaceful, joy filled lives that emanate love on a daily basis.

What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
Expressing my creativity in some form.

What inspires your creativity and designs?
Staying connected to my spiritual source via meditation, prayer and quiet times throughout the day. Traveling to exotic places expands my thoughts and creativity. Books on all topics inspire me and learning from historical references.

Who are your style icons?
In Fashion, Jil Sander and Tom Ford’ Oprah Winfrey for Lifestyle; Carlo Scarpa and Mies Van Der Rohe Architecture; Dan Peres Editor of Details Magazine.

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Michael Palladino from Richard Meier’s office, Tom Ford, Architect Tadao Ando.

What books are currently on your bedside table?
I start my day with “In Gods Care” daily meditations, I was just given “The Myth of Freedom” by Chogyam Trungpa and the Abrams Spring Catalog (my new book is on the cover – Magni Modernism).

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Beautifully designed products with details that have been labored over in fashion, automobiles and leather goods. My Cartier watch and cufflink collection is very personal to me. I don’t wear a lot of jewelry, but I appreciate the craftsmanship that went into them. On a spiritual note I believe the greatest luxury in life is the Freedom to choose our thoughts. As an American we can create the life we want and have the greatest freedom in doing so. When freedom is taken away, one quickly sees what a luxury it really is.

Past or present who has most influenced your direction in life?
Architecturally: Mies van der Rohe, Corbusier, Carlo Scarpa, Barragan, Tadoa Ando

Spiritually: Marianne Williamson, Cardell and Linn Smith (Quantum life changes) Dr. Robert Gould (Science of Mind), Oprah Winfrey
Mentors/clients/ friends: Hans and Vivian Buehler, Joe Leach, Linda Chambless.

Profile by Ronda Carman