Uncommonly Gracious and Kind

 

One of the things I’ve loved about my career is the remarkable people I have met along the way. The characters are varied, their stories all unique, and their reasons for coming to New York City run the gamut from students hunting for their first apartment share in Murray Hill to titans of Middle Eastern royalty buying floors of apartments in Billionaire’s Row – and everything in between. On the development side, I have worked with legends in architecture and artistry, such as Annabelle Selldorf and Robert AM Stern. It’s why I am still doing this 30 years in – I love the art of building.

 

Just like in any profession, there are good people and bad. The honorable and the con artists. The courageous and the cowards.And this week, we lost one of the good, honorable, and courageous. A true gentleman who was a master of architecture, art, and design. Thierry Despont was not just one of my favorite architects and designers in the world; he was a phenomenal human being and friend. He was also one of the most ethical clients I personally represented. Time with Thierry was always special. He just had that way about him. Every one of the lunches we enjoyed at his favorite restaurant in Tribeca; the hours chatting in his private gallery; hanging out in his office on Harrison Street talking about the state of real estate; and sharing our thoughts on all of our common passions. Art. Music. The Moon. And Africa. These are moments I will carry with me.

 

In 1986, Thierry was awarded the task of refurbishing the State of Liberty for its 100th birthday. He designed homes and personal libraries for industry titans like Bill Gates and refurbished gems like the Cartier Mansion on Fifth Avenue and the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. His fingerprints are on some of the most beautiful private homes and most successful condominium projects in New York City. His work is legendary and will, without a doubt, stand the test of time. The artistry and vision he brought to each project were distinctive and sophisticated. He respected the intent of use, meaning if he was designing a home, it felt like a home – not an art project. So many designers often get lost in their own artistry and lose sight of the intent – Thierry never did. He created art meant for living.

 

It is easy to point out the black marks in this industry, the swindlers, the egoists ruining the skyline with their vanity projects, or the conglomerates building monstrosities, hoping for a windfall. I routinely write about these people and point out their folly and flaws, but losing someone like Thierry caused me to reflect on the fact that I have been so fortunate to have had a front-row seat witnessing creative brilliance and inspiration at its best, all the while being uncommonly gracious and kind.

 

Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” When I think of Thierry, I smile.

 

 

I hope it brings a smile to your face.

 

Let’s do this.

 

- Shaun

 

Note: Padkos is taking a vacation for the next two weeks to take two children to college and a tired wife on a much-deserved break before the younger ones start back to school. I’ll be back on September 8th.