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www.MOSTmag.com || FASHIO N MAG A ZINE || 159he principal designer at Blakeley-Bazeley Ltd, James Blakeley III, has been creating contemporary, classic designs with a hint of antique for a compelling 25 years. The son of a Vice President for 20th Century Fox, he spent time traveling the world gathering what would become his signature style. From exotic locales, such as Thailand, China, South Korea and Hawaii, to trendy San Francisco and New York City, he finally settled in Los Angeles. Here he enjoys being close to the sea, snow, and desert.Blakeley compiles his target client-base mostly from referrals and real estate agents. To determine the possibilities of a house and the associated costs, often he views the property with the potential client/buyer. %u201cI let the house tell me what I can do to it,%u201c he says. %u201cI like to use solids and textures for a timeless look, as prints tend to look dated easily.%u201d One past client remarked, %u201cJames really understands the aesthetic and pragmatic aspects of design; he%u2019s reliable, honest and on top of everything.%u201dBlakeley prefers not to accessorize a home he is designing; he feels that would not allow the owners%u2019 personality to come through. %u201cIt%u2019s not something I try to do with my clients, I just do what their taste calls for and then add my own little twist.%u201d Usually his little twist is a black design element.Mr. Blakeley%u2019s home is an eclectic work-inprogress, where nothing is in its place and never will be. %u201cMy house is my lab.%u201d He reads and enjoys his tea in his sunroom that overlooks the backyard; he takes solace in his oversized club chairs.When we discussed what personal style he favors, he%u2019s quick to mention mid-century modern. %u201cI like how things were being pushed and relooked at for the lifestyle at that time.%u201d Blakeley also appreciates European-contemporary and Japanese looks, where you have a lot of yin and yang.As if creating beautiful spaces isn%u2019t enough, Mr. Blakeley is a Commissioner of the Beverly Hills Architectural Review Board. Each member brings something different to the table, yet they all strive for the same result. %u201cA great project helps keep our city beautiful and exciting for its citizens.%u201d The objective is to create a design that will fit into the overall look of the city, regardless of board members%u2019 tastes. A project he%u2019s most proud of is the new culture center called the Wallis. %u201cI think the two elevator structures are just wonderful since it really appears as if they were always there.%u201dTaking into account all that he sees in his travels, be it foreign or right here in the United States, one thing is clear, he will never do anything that he does not like. %u201cI will work around a project and make it come out the way that I want.%u201d When asked about retirement he simply states, %u201cThere are so many things I want to do in design and in life as well.%u201d Retirement is not in any of his plans.For more information on James Blakeley and Blakeley-Bazeley Ltd, please visit: www.jamesblakeley.com.By Denise Smith