STUDIO SIMPSON'S NEW OFFICE: SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION

Studio Simpson’s new office

Studio Simpson recently moved to a new light-filled building at 75175 Merle Dr, Palm Desert. The contemporary two-story commercial structure has a desert pedigree. Home to General Contractors Van Vliet & Co., who built it in 2002, Richard Holden and William Johnson of Holden & Johnson Architects designed the streamlined offices and warehouse. Before opening their firm, the architects apprenticed with the influential Desert Modernist William Francis Cody. Sandi Van Vliet, who worked for Palm Springs legend Steve Chase, executed the interiors.

Exterior of Van Vliet Offices, photo by David Glomb

Brothers Chris and Blair Van Vliet opened their construction firm in 1981.The Van Vliets collaborated with Holden & Johnson on their offices and Palm Desert’s Imago Galleries, a 35-foot-high, minimalist block surrounded by palm trees that showcases a sculpture garden and contemporary art exhibits. In addition to specialty commercial projects, their portfolio includes premier custom estates in the Coachella Valley. These include Vintage Club Indian Wells, The Reserve, Eldorado, Bighorn Golf Club, and Mirada.

Steve Chase’s home, Architectural Digest, August 1984, photo Mary E. Nichols

Holden & Johnson also designed Steve Chase's Rancho Mirage home, fusing elements of Frank Lloyd Wright with Luis Barragán. Chase, the designer to the stars, died at the age of 52 in 1994, a victim of the AIDS epidemic. He worked for iconic mid-century designer Arthur Elrod before going out on his own in 1980. With a staff of more than 20, Steve Chase Associates crafted modern, elegant interiors worldwide that evoked California's casual style. Among Chase's protegees was Sandi Van Vliet, Chris' late wife. Studio Simpson now operates in her old interior design office.

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