James Magni’s mantra is not just a reflection of his dedication to design, but is also evident in the finished product of anything he touches. Named as one of Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Designers and famed for his signature aesthetic of “Global Modernism”, James Magni’s award winning designs are frequently lauded by the press for sinuous simplicity with strong, sophisticated architectural backgrounds. The New York Times declared, “…prophetic designer Magni, is trim, tailored, as a Jil Sander suit.“ In 2007, Robb Report Luxury Homes honored Magni Design Inc. as part of their “Top 40 Interior Designers” worldwide. With a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Magni’s love for residential design was born when he took a job with Dallas firm HMBH Architects. Now, with his Los Angeles-based company, Magni Design, Inc., the designer works with an impressive list of clients from around the world, taking how they live their lives functionally and aesthetically, and formulating design concepts specific each project, client, location and budget. Magni — who travels extensively searching for unique items — describes his design style as “Modern Globalism” and takes his cues from international influences including French items from the 1930s and ’40s, Asian elements, handcrafted African tribal pieces and, most importantly, art. Influenced by such design greats as Mies van der Rohe, Carlo Scarpa, Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Maxime Old, Magni also incorporates his past training into his interiors, often taking a very architectural approach. “I have immense respect for architects,” Magni says. “Interior designers must understand what the architect is doing and dovetail seamlessly with his or her work. I frequently go back and read about great architects’ philosophies ranging from Le Corbusier to Andrea Palladio.”
Architecture and design, where projects can take from 3 to 5 years, have allowed Magni to work on his true love — furnishings, art and sculpture — which he believes to be three all in the same. In 1996, when Magni was unable to find items for his projects, he decided to create the Magni Home Collection, sculptural furnishings, rugs and contemporary upholstery that began as a few pieces and have successfully grown into an ensemble the likes of an art collection. Quality materials including luxurious fabrics, woods, metals and finishes, such as cast bronze, hand-polished stainless steel, macassar ebony, rosewood, sharkskin, parchment, leather and recycled materials, create the ultimate look of modern elegance. “Quality is everything to me,” Magni says. “I believe these pieces will be tomorrow’s collectibles.”
