52 weeks of design (Kitty & Company) week 7

​By Kitty Golding
Kitty & Company will be conducting a series of short interviews with Chelsea Residents for 52 weeks, bringing to light differing personalities and design styles in our community.  Perhaps you will meet someone new through these weekly interviews or perhaps it will be YOU! Stay tuned and follow us each week – we look forward to introducing you to the flair of 52 Chelsea Individuals – next up is Mr. Donn Angel Pérez.
 
 
 
What is your profession and for how long? 
Architectural Designer (30 years), College Professor (20 years) Artist (10 Years)
Your family members: 
Wife: Pamela A. Perez (Principesa) / Alan Perez (Animal lover, artist and drummer), Blake Teraou (Hyper Intelligent and courageous) and my Chihuahuas Charlie (Chelsea) and Pony (Picasso).
People think of me as Silly, creative and humorous but actually I am humorous, creative and silly. I guess I don't take myself seriously. Oh, and very spiritual and passionate to my Christian life.
When did you move to Chelsea? Where did you live prior to this? *
2018 and before moving here, my wife and I lived everywhere. Rented here and there, AirB+Bs, traveling, in tents at local parks and a place called San Diego- which is already forgotten.
 
 
What do you love about where you currently live? 
When the red cardinals come to visit and choose the branch in front of my window.
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would it be? 
On the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, in glass highly resistant to pressure and full of bamboo trees, and lots of oxygen- of course.
What three words describe your style? 
Abstract - Poetic - Creative – however, Spiritual would be my number one answer.
Who or what do you believe influenced your style the most?
There have been several - during my first week at U of M Architectural school: Deconstructionism Architecture class and simultaneously studying Pablo Picasso Analytic Cubism, The architecture of humanity of Samuel MacBee Rural Studio and the fascinating work (to this date) of Lebbeus Woods theoretical designs and drawings. Oh and the works and drawings of Zaha Haddid.
As you think about the home in which you grew up, what elements did you like and do you think you have incorporated some of them in your own home?
I was born in Venezuela with a few interior gardens open to the sky. I love and remember the breeze passing through the house every day, looking and hearing the rain at the same time and welcoming bats and birds to my home - including yellow, blue and red macaws.
Have you ever built a new home or remodeled an existing one? *
I have designed and built two tiny dwellings, but nothing large scale.
 
Have you ever sought professional help with the interior design of your home - if so, what did you find most helpful?
I have hired and fired myself many, many times as I have always been a designer of exterior and interior spaces.
Which room in your home gets the most use? Please give any explanation as well:
My Living room where my sofa resides – My wife and I sit here – it is our church away from church and where our Bibles reside.
If you were moving and could only pick one item from your home to keep, which would it be and why? 
My wife of course but since she is not an ITEM I would just go and move.
No room is complete without: 
A beautiful art piece (or ten).
If you are a pet owner, how has that influenced your choices in design, if it has? 
I invented Animal Architecture inspired by the unconditional love, shape and postures of my dog Sam that showed his pure and "unconditional" love for my wife Pam and I.
Which do you prefer- higher end items that last a long time, or economical items I can change out more frequently?
Higher end furniture pieces and accessories that can stay with me a long time.
By nature are you a Minimalist or Collector?   Minimalist.
A few of your favorite things!
Movie:
Blade Runner, Tron and The Abyss - all my most favorites!
Historical Place You Have Visited:
Roman Colosseum
Scent:
Peeling of a Tangerine and a Lime
Song, Artist or style of Music:
Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd and Progressive Rock
Meal:
Paella
Travel Destination On Your Bucket List:
The Angel Falls in Venezuela
Things to Collect:
Rocks, stones and pebbles, specifically Jasper .I love to find rocks with the full circling lines. Oh, and I also collect a lot of pencils!
Colors:
Parchment-Orange-Graphite
Design Styles:
Cutting edge-minimalistic-elegant
Hobbies
Drumming, Painting, Photography, Writing critically and most important: SKETCHING with an 8B Pencil
Kitty’s note:  Donn and I met at our open house in November of 2018.  He is an inspiring artist with diverse talents and backgrounds. He is a survivor and an all-around amazing individual.  WSG GALLERY  in Ann Arbor recently exhibited Donn’s work, and he has shown his creativity in  venues around the country, including this past year at Kitty & Company. On Facebook follow him at Donn Angel Perez Lopez  and or just google him-you’ll find him everywhere!

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