Disclosure.

---

Open Door Disclosure

This site is a resource for my friends and me in the design, architecture, and education communities. It is not primarily financially driven. I'm here to build a community and learn from astute readers. I treat the content here with the convivial spirit of a casual cocktail party for people I enjoy spending time with. I operate under a "make it right" mentality, maintaining a collaborative environment that empowers clients to build a well-lived life.

For decades, I've gathered helpful information about art, architecture, history, and interior design. I use this information in my consultative work and pursuit of my MA in Architectural History at the Architecture School at the University of Virginia. As an emerging scholar, I use art, photos, and film in my writing and attempt to be courteous about publishing rights. I use the guidelines for fair use published by the College Art Association (CAA), which advance research, practice, and the impact of the visual arts. 

Fair use is a legal doctrine that permits limited use of copyrighted material without acquiring permission from the rights holders. It is codified in Section 107 of the copyright law in the United States. The purpose of fair use is to allow for the use of copyrighted materials for commentary, criticism, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.

This site's editorial content, design elements, and image creation are crafted and sustained with various digital tools. Microsoft Office and Google Docs facilitate our document creation and organization, while Grammarly enhances our linguistic precision and grammar. OpenAI's GPT and DALL-E technologies are assistive in our ideation process and generate some distinctive imagery featured. The construction and hosting of the website are made possible through GoDaddy. These technologies significantly contribute to productivity, fostering an environment for original, thoughtful, and creative output. It is important to note that specific digital tools mentioned, including Microsoft Office, Adobe, Google tools, Grammarly, OpenAI's GPT and DALL-E technologies, and GoDaddy, are used either free of charge or at discounted or standard market rates.

When I review products like books, fabrics, metal finishes, wall coverings, etc., these items are sometimes provided to me free of charge. Unless otherwise noted, I may keep and use these samples after reviewing them.

If you click on a link to a product on this site, it may be an affiliate link. This means I could earn a small commission if you go on to make a purchase.

In all of these situations, my opinions and recommendations are my own. They are not influenced by vendor relationships or the potential to earn a commission. My primary goal is to provide helpful and accurate information to my readers and the community I'm building here.

Regardless, as of December 1, 2009, the FTC requires bloggers to disclose whenever there could be hidden interests or unspoken biases related to relationships and recommendations. These could include:  

• A decorateur buys my latte for an interview, advice, or guidance. 

• A publisher hands me books to review. 

• A vendor gives me samples of fabric/metal finishes/wall coverings, etc. 

• I post Amazon, affiliate, or other links that may or may not give me pennies for a purchase.

• Someone loops a tote bag with a logo on my shoulder, and I'm seen in a photo schlepping it around.  

As you read this site, please assume the following is true in the past and the future of every link and product I use:

(Illustrations below courtesy of Louis Gray and Jeannine Schafer)