“The desire for a beautiful environment must originate with the people”
–Edward Durell Stone
Michael Lupardo’s passion has always been related to design. At the young age of eight, he began rearranging furniture and wallpapering rooms at his parents’ home. By the age of twelve, he was touring open houses that were on the market in the New York metropolitan area where he grew up.
After undergraduate years at Boston College, he continued his studies at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, studying interior design and architecture.
In 1983 he began a career in the hotel industry, first focusing on renovating small bed-and-breakfast inns, then joining the sales and marketing division of Kimpton Hotels, whose portfolio features small boutique hotels. His duties included overseeing operations, pre-opening sales and marketing and business development during the company’s formative years.
From there, Lupardo went on to join Hawaii-based Aston Hotels and Resorts. In 1990 he joined Coastal Hotel Group, a Chicago based Management Company specializing in four- and five-star resorts throughout the United States. While there, he demonstrated strong leadership abilities by significantly increasing occupancy and guest satisfaction ratings, while improving the financial results.
However, by late 1993, Lupardo was determined to realize his lifelong dream and in 1994 he opened LUPARDO for the Home, a retail store specializing in antiques, home furnishings and accessories. This naturally evolved into his present career as an interior designer.
Lupardo’s style represents classic design, be it contemporary or traditional, with a European influence and flair. He loves to mix the old with the new. Whether working with a flea-market find or a family heirloom piece, he combines these with newly designed pieces built to complete the setting. His favorite quote, borrowed from 20th Century architect Edward Durell Stone reads, “the desire for a beautiful environment must originate with the people.”
“This is what I look for in my clients. They must have a desire to create something of joy and beauty. When I design residential projects, it is imperative that my client’s personality be represented and be visible in the end,” he says.
Commercial commissions of LUPARDO Interior Design, Inc. include:
- John Frank restaurant in San Francisco, California, for which he received rave reviews from the San Francisco Chronicle, “The exquisite attention to detail sets off the tailored, almost Zen-like space — wherever diners sit, it simply feels good to be there.”
- Garibaldis on College in Oakland, California, which has also been recognized by the San Francisco Chronicle as a “stunning environment that is truly sophisticate, yet casual”
- Patsy’s Italian Restaurant in New York City; an original hang out of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack.
Residential commissions include homes in:
- Presidio Heights
- Seacliff
- Russian Hill
- Pacific Heights
- Santa Monica
- Palm Springs
- Beverly Hills
- Hollywood Hills
Other private residences outside of California:
- Aspen and Vail, Colorado
- Greenwich, Connecticut
- Palm Beach, Florida
- Houston, Texas
- Camden, Maine
Lupardo divides his time between Palm Springs, California, New York City and Camden, Maine. For further information please telephone 415.987.5611 or email at michael@michaellupardo.com.