In every project, I ask, what will create that drama—that’s the fun part.

When I lived in New York in early 2000, my cousin who was a sous chef at Nobu gave me a $100 gift certificate to experience it with my girlfriend, now wife. I was a recent Fine Arts grad from Cal State Fullerton, wet behind the ears, and never truly went to a fancy restaurant before. Sitting there in Tribeca, staring at beautiful people was intimidating, but I was excited. We did the Omakase and that meal changed my life, particularly the yellowtail tartar with caviar. I never knew food could be so incredible. Ever since then, I chase that feeling and now lucky enough to create those experiences everyday for people—it was that moment that I understood that design and experience were one in the same. 

What’s important to Mark.

I’m fascinated with beautiful machines and ran across Singer, a Porsche custom designer, and in their shop in Burbank they spray painted, “Everything is Important” on their blank white wall. I agree.