There is nothing more satisfying and inspiring for this editor than a house that defies and exceeds expectations—it always reminds me to keep an open mind. It was intriguing to learn that Grammy-winning superstar DJ and music producer Diplo had created a Brutalist concrete retreat in the jungle of Jamaica, but the epic scope of his ambitious undertaking and the sheer sophistication of the project surprised and impressed us all, as did his deep passion for the place. “For a little island, this country has had such a powerful cultural impact around the world. There’s magic here,” says the musician, who acquired 50 acres of land a decade ago and describes the remote location as “a crazy place to build. There were so many ways that it could have failed, but we kept finding solutions.” (Be sure to watch Diplo’s Open Door on archdigest.com as he shows his spectacular getaway and the thoughtful details that express his personal history.)
This issue teems with fascinating creatives in their personal spaces, from Ghanaian art star Amoako Boafo in the residency he is opening near Accra to AD100 mainstay Victoria Hagan in the historic Palm Beach home she overhauled for her own family. We visit the cool LA atelier of Italian designer Giampiero Tagliaferri, who has seemingly overnight emerged on the global design scene as the one to watch, and the romantic Berkshires home of fashion designer Adam Lippes, who must have been a decorator in a past life, so sure is his way with interiors.
Diplo’s creative director Sara Nataf told AD, “If you want to know who Diplo is, just look at his house.” The same could be said about each of the visionary talents in this issue.
Amy Astley’s letter appears in AD’s June 2024 issue. Never miss an issue when you subscribe to AD.
