Join us for an inspiring evening featuring four artisans who are redefining modern living. Their work is featured in three stunning hardcover design titles: New View California: A Curated Visual Gallery, modish: the book of great design, and /be-spōk/[bespoke]: a philosophy of beauty . These visionaries — architects and designers — transform spaces into artful expressions of harmony, seamlessly blending beauty, functionality, and sustainability. Their work challenges conventions and inspires a new era of environmental and aesthetic integration.
Collaboration with an architect or designer reimagines the possibilities of space, elevating outcomes by aligning the client’s vision with expert solutions. These partnerships not only bring bespoke creativity to life but also save time and money through thoughtful innovation and foresight.
Speakers include Neal J. Z. Schwartz, a modernist redefining architecture; Antonina Markoff, a trailblazer in sustainability; Kari McIntosh Dawdy, a storyteller through design; and Kelly Hohla, renowned for crafting timelessly harmonious spaces — this panel will illuminate the artistry behind their celebrated projects.
Immediately following the hour-long discussion that will include a lively Q&A, we invite you to a meet-and-greet the speakers reception and book signing of these breathtaking works published and authored by Beth Buckley. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the minds shaping the future of design.
The Program
4:00pm - and Q&A
5:00pm - Drinks reception
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The Lineup
Neal J. Z. Schwartz, FAIA
Founder + Principal, S^A | Schwartz and Architecture and Professor of Architecture | California College of the Arts
Neal J. Z. Schwartz founded S^A | Schwartz and Architecture in 1997, a celebrated studio blending modern architecture with thoughtful interior design. Under his leadership, the firm has received prestigious accolades, including a James Beard Award and numerous AIA Awards. Their work is featured in global publications like Architectural Record and The New York Times. Schwartz's expertise extends beyond design to academia, serving as a full professor at the California College of the Arts, where his contributions have earned national recognition. He is also deeply committed to public service, including pro-bono work with nonprofits like La Cocina and the National AIDS Memorial Grove. An advocate for policy reform, he spearheaded efforts to improve residential design review processes in San Francisco. A Harvard graduate with dual master’s degrees in architecture and public policy, Schwartz’s career is a symphony of innovation, education, and community impact.
Antonina Markoff LEED BD+C Founding Principal - Markoff Fullerton Architects
Antonina Markoff blends creativity, technical prowess, and a deep connection to nature to craft meaningful, sustainable architecture. Over her 36-year career, she has excelled across disciplines such as residential and commercial design, planning, furniture, and interiors, bringing exceptional attention to detail and an affinity for natural materials. A staunch environmental advocate, she is a LEED AP BD+C, co-founded the California Coalition of Chapters within the Climate Reality Project, and Climate Action California. Her community work includes contributions to Mill Valley’s planning and design policies. An inspiring educator, she has taught at USC, Cal Poly Pomona, and the Art Center College of Design, mentoring future architects and collaborating with luminaries like Pierre Koenig. Educated at Yale and Harvard, her architectural philosophy reflects her California upbringing, European explorations, hands-on family projects, and a lifelong love of nature, from which she draws boundless inspiration.
Kari McIntosh Founder - Kari McIntosh Design
Kari McIntosh Design (KMD), based in Burlingame, California, is a full-service interior design firm renowned for transforming heritage homes into modern sanctuaries. Kari’s clientele includes trailblazers in tech and finance, with current projects spanning a coastal Carmel remodel and a ground-up build in Wisconsin’s Sand Valley. A California native, Kari studied architecture at Cal Poly SLO before earning a Business Administration degree, later excelling as VP of Equities Events at JPMorganChase. Precision, efficiency, and clear timelines, hallmarks of her corporate career, now define her design practice. Transitioning to design in 2008, Kari launched her firm specializing in residential interiors and has earned acclaim for her warmth and resourcefulness. Her work has been featured in House Beautifuland Traditional Home Magazine. A LEED AP and member of ASID and ICAA, Kari’s showcase house designs — like the SF Decorator Showcase and Serena & Lily Holiday House—reflect her mastery of storytelling through interiors.
Kelly Hohla Founding Principal - Kelly Hohla Interiors
Kelly Hohla’s design philosophy seamlessly blends artistic sensibility, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of her clients’ lives to create harmonious, welcoming interiors. Schooled in the visual arts, she brings a refined grasp of balance, scale, and proportion to her work, crafting spaces that reflect equilibrium and comfort. After graduating from UC San Diego, Kelly began her design career in San Francisco in 2001, honing her skills at The Wiseman Group, where she cultivated a passion for craftsmanship, antiques, and architectural integrity. As Design Principal at Jeffers Design Group, she led a dynamic team on high-profile projects, further solidifying her reputation. In 2011, Kelly founded her own design studio, channeling her thoughtful and energetic approach into a thriving practice. Her projects, lauded for their elegance and functionality, have been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and California Home + Design, showcasing her enduring commitment to quality and artistry.
Beth Buckley Founder and Principal Publisher - benton buckley books
Beth Buckley, the visionary founder of boutique publishing house benton buckley books, brings decades of experience in luxury and exhibitionary publishing. Boldly passionate about integress and timeless curation, Beth is renowned for her discerning aesthetic and her unwavering dedication to authentic creativity. Her work transcends trends, showcasing artistry through museum-quality coffee table books that serve as lasting celebrations of design, architecture, and beauty. Often likened to a gallery curator, Beth approaches publishing with a passion for storytelling, bold vision, and a reverence for craftsmanship. Her philosophy, rooted in the permanence of print, honors both emerging and established talents, creating spaces for their voices to resonate through exquisite, artful tomes. Beth’s legacy is one of elegance, collaboration, and an enduring commitment to uniting seekers of beauty with its creators, inspiring all who encounter her work.
COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS: We strongly encourage attendees to wear masks at our events, although they will NOT be required. We will have masks available for attendees who want them. Do NOT attend the event if you, or any member of your family, have any respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, runny nose, and/or sore throat), or have had a significant exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. We have virtual options available, or we can refund your ticket(s).
ACCESSIBILITY: To request an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for this event, please email events [at] keplers [dot] org at least one week prior to the event.