About
Us
The Company
WATSON
DESIGN GROUP combines the experience of world class design,
restoration and construction with the old world skills of
master stone masonry, meticulous painting, artisan craftsmanship
and careful building and construction.
Led
by Carolyn Watson and Joe Torres, WATSON DESIGN GROUP draws
on their more than 50 years of combined experience in design,
restoration, construction and landscape. With a portfolio
of work that ranges across both historic and more contemporary
properties, they bring their talents and a trusted cadre
of affiliated master craftsman and artisans to every project.
Their team includes structural engineers and drainage specialists,
and along with their project management and superior technical
skills, are able provide the highest standards for reliability
and timeliness.
The
work of WATSON DESIGN GROUP has been featured extensively
in the recent book, at home: Pasadena.
Carolyn
Watson is an internationally recognized designer
and restoration specialist. Over the course of her career,
she has led projects as diverse as the interior restoration
of four historic churches to the interior and exterior lighting
for both Art Center Europe and Art Center’s Pasadena
campus, where she also taught. Her portfolio includes restaurant
design and historic home and garden projects. She studied
at the Brooks Art Institute in Santa Barbara where she concentrated
on fine arts. Her projects in the Los Angeles area include
many homes where she has maintained the original creative
vision of the properties through her technical skill and
knowledge. Her local Pasadena projects include Robert Simon’s
Bistro 45 restaurant, and work as a consultant for All Saints
Episcopal Church. She also designed the corporate executive
offices for Marc Nathanson of Falcon Communications, and
on the East Coast she has completed commissions in landscape
and interior renovation for many residences.
Having
apprenticed to renowned American designer, Paul Tuttle,
Carolyn also developed a unique mastery of materials for
her interiors, landscape, furniture and lighting designs.
Known as a color specialist, she brings this skill to all
of her projects, both historic and contemporary.
Joe
Torres is an award winning landscape and construction
professional with over 20 years of experience who leads
the team of WATSON DESIGN GROUP artisans, craftsmen and
fine masons. Recognized with a prestigious award from La
Canada Valley Beautiful, Joe brings to any project the ability
to conceive and execute a wide variety of solutions for
any project. His innovative use of stone, metal and other
landscape materials make him one of the most sought after
professionals in the area. Previous to joining Watson Design
Group, Joe’s work ranged from commercial landscape
and hardscape installations and many major estate renovations.
His expertise in addressing difficult hillsides led to Carolyn
and Joe’s collaboration on the perfectly realized
Japanese garden that is featured on the homepage.
