The Collector’s Edition | Caring for Your Private Art Collection

Filling your home with art is both a way of expressing yourself and curating the mood and atmosphere of your space. Think of your home as your own gallery, a blank slate with endless possibilities to surround yourself with artwork that inspires. Perhaps you consider your art collection in a methodical way, procuring only a few pieces to fill white walls in need of a focal point; or maybe you’re an art lover, eager to diversify your collection with oil paintings and sculptures alike. No matter your goals or methods, collecting and displaying art in your home is a personal endeavor, but there are a few things to keep in mind once you have an established collection.

Hire an Art Consultant

Sonia GherardiONE Sotheby’s International Realty

Part of the challenge of sourcing art is determining which pieces will work in your home, and how to obtain them. Hiring an art advisor or consultant—like Sotheby’s firm Art Agency, Partners—is an important step in ensuring that your collection is a thoughtful representation of your tastes. Curators that are linked to art institutions are not ethically permitted to be paid to advise private collectors on specific purchases, though they will sometimes be willing to direct you to catalogs, exhibitions, or galleries to help you make an informed decision; art advisors or consultants, on the other hand, are able to give you advice about which specific pieces to buy—and they have access to more off-market opportunities.

In addition to helping you determine and develop your taste, an art advisor generally has a strong network of galleries and collectors, which means they’ll be able to give you better access to opportunities ahead of the general public. Avoid overpaying for a work with an advisor’s guidance, who will be willing to bid for you at auctions and to arrange the logistics of transportation and installation. With their insider information and expertise, an adviser will be able to help you build a collection through both gallery purchases and public auctions.

Netherlands Sotheby’s International Realty

With a large art collection, it’s likely that not every piece will be displayed in your home at all times. Whether you choose to store additional pieces in your own home, in a specialized art storage facility, or in a private museum will depend on how vast and prestigious your collection is. Creating your own art storage will require determining where in your home is a suitable environment—avoid spaces with air vents or windows, which can damage art by exposing it to sunlight or air, causing fading or mold. Insurance is essential for any collector.

If you choose instead to store your collection with a specialized fine art storage facility, you will have the option of having a private space or a shared one. These facilities are outfitted with archival-quality conditions, like climate control, to ensure your artwork’s preservation. Sotheby’s Greenford Park, for example, is the fine art storage facility for Sotheby’s London, and features a viewing gallery and photographic studios. Some collectors are compelled to establish private foundations or museums to house their overflow of artwork, choosing to share their collection with the public. Aiming for the best of both worlds, the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen of Rotterdam has plans to open a public art depot as a special extension of the gallery, which will house collectors’ work that can be viewed by the public on an appointment-only basis.

Maintain Your Collection’s Integrity with a Conservator

Midge Carolan Berkery & David ColemanMott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty

The moment you make an art purchase, whether you’re a first-time buyer or a veteran collector, you need to consider how you’re going to care for and preserve it. If a piece has been poorly stored in the past, leading to damage, or if you’ve acquired a piece through auction that has been unearthed from a forgotten basement, chances are the artwork is going to need some TLC. A conservator is trained to record the damage that has occurred and to reverse the damage, a valuable resource for any art collector. Often, the fees for a conservator’s work will be covered by your insurance policy, and the fee is dependent on the type of work that needs to be performed, not on the value of the artwork itself.

Experienced collectors know that hiring a conservator prior to a major purchase is a wise move, both to protect their investment and to ensure that the installation of the piece goes smoothly. Artwork can be extraordinarily fragile and easily damaged in transport.

Make Use of Freeports for Collection Rotation

Steve SallionWarren Lewis Sotheby’s International Realty

Whether you’re planning to rotate out the pieces currently on display in your home, or if your private museum or foundation is under construction and you need a temporary home for the pieces being displaced, utilizing a freeport is a smart option. Freeports—warehouses located near seaports and airports that facilitate international trade—allow the import and storage of valuable goods, providing secure long- or short-term housing for artwork. Pricing of freeport storage depends on geographic location as well as size—a freeport in Manhattan will cost more than one in Portland. With extremely secure storage options and a temporary exemption from tax payments, the freeport is useful to the collector looking for a reliable way to discreetly rotate valuable fine art.

Art can transform a home, turning it into a sanctuary of creative energy. However you choose to curate your collection, be sure to protect your investment with smart storage and considered professional care.

Find the perfect blank slate for your burgeoning collection with these works of architectural art.

 

 

 

6 Homes Near the World’s Top Design Events

Good design is a gateway to the world, a universal language understood around the globe. Effective design showcases the brilliance of individual creators along with the cultures and contexts in which they work. And it’s certainly worth traveling for—hence the emergence of international design weeks. Every year, amazing exhibitions of high style and exceptional craftsmanship take place in cities globally.

Here are six you won’t want to miss, along with some of the most stunning homes nearby. For true patrons, establishing a home base near these flagship events can make a one-off experience an annual pilgrimage. After all: a design enthusiast visits; an aficionado moves in.

Dubai: INDEX Dubai and Dubai Design Week

Dubai

Dubai Design District, United Arab Emirates, photo courtesy of Solkafa/ Shutterstock Inc

Dubai has become synonymous with design; over the last decade, it has witnessed the rise of an avant-garde skyline whose buildings have shattered world records and won accolades. Within this architectural wonderland, the innovative Dubai Design District (d3) hosts Dubai Design Week every November. And in September, thousands of interior designers, decorators, artisans, and architects, converge on the city for INDEX Dubai.

design events around the world

Lewis KnollmanGulf Sotheby’s International Realty

This spectacular penthouse, situated in the heart of downtown just across the water from d3, puts visitors at the heart of Dubai. It’s a rare unit in Burj Khalifa, the tallest freestanding structure in the world. This luxury home has a front-row seat to some of the most interesting and iconic architecture in the world.

But why fixate on the landmarks around this residence when you could be enjoying the landmark features within? Leading Dubai firm Bishop Design is responsible for the contemporary interiors, set among curving open-concept spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Stockholm: Stockholm Design Week and Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair

stockholm design week

Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair, photo courtesy of Gustav Kaiser / Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair

Nordic design is well-known around the world for its elegance and functionality, and every February, Sweden’s enchanting capital lights up the long Scandinavian winter with Stockholm Design Week and the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair. Hundreds of events, exhibitions, and installations are on display, featuring work by household names as well as exciting newcomers.

interior design competition

Anders ElbeSweden Sotheby’s International Realty

A spacious loft in Östermalm is a great way to get cozy in this chilly city and take in the sights during the short days and long nights. With its edgy, sloped ceilings and exposed beams, this beautiful apartment on historic Sibyllegatan is a blank canvas—and therefore, a design buff’s dream.

Singapore: Singapore Design Week

Singapore

Marina Bay Sands, photo courtesy of Ake Wa/ Shutterstock Inc

A futuristic metropolis set in the tropics, Singapore is home to some of the most striking architecture and design in the world; look no further than the famous Marina Bay Sands and the public Gardens by the Bay nearby. It’s only natural that it would be the focal point for one of the premier creative gatherings in Asia Pacific: Singapore Design Week, which typically goes for two weeks, and in its latest edition hosted over 100 events and 200,000 visitors.

kitchen luxury

Karen KOHList Sotheby’s International Realty

Of course, many of the city’s most eye-catching design landmarks are mainstays—like this luxury condominium in District 9. The building is by the acclaimed firm Arquitectonica, and the innovative Y-shaped layout maximizes both the floorspace and windows, which overlook Singapore’s major shopping and entertainment strip on Orchard Road.

Milan: Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile; Fiera Milano

Milan design

Salone del Mobile, photo courtesy of Salone del Mobile.Milano by Alessandro Russotti

The mere mention of Milan makes most people think of fashion, with brands like Prada, Armani, Gucci and Versace headquartered in the city. But every March, it’s the interior and industrial designers who truly put on a show.

Milan Design Week is arguably the most iconic event of its kind, and its crown jewel is the Salone del Mobile furniture fair. What was once a trade show is now a confluence of epic conversations and larger-than-life ideas, with installations and demos from over 2,500 companies. In the off-season, patrons can still enjoy the largest permanent trade fair in Europe, hosted by Fiera Milano.

italy sotheby's international realty

Ivan ImbrianiItaly Sotheby’s International Realty

To really embrace the spirit of industrial design, escape to this turn-of-the-century loft. Originally a distillery for Compari, the building has undergone recent renovations; the eclectic mix of materials—checkered tile, wooden paneling, exposed brick—makes this home a feast for the eyes and a rare collector’s item. Not to mention, 10 Corso Como, a hub of Milan culture and style, is just down the street.

New York: NYCxDesign and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair

NYCxDesign

NYCxDesign, photo courtesy of NYCxDesign

Each May, New York City becomes the center of the design world with NYCxDesign, a series of fairs, events, and celebrations that span all five of its boroughs. Of course, Manhattan is at the heart of the festivities, and the ICFF at the Javits Center has been an institution of luxury style for over three decades.

Steve SallionWarren Lewis Sotheby’s International Realty

Manhattan may be in the thick of the action—but after several consecutive days of events, Midtown can be exhausting.This converted Brooklyn condominium is a perfect oasis for design aficionados looking to take a breather: originally constructed in 1927, it once served as the printing facility for theNew York Daily News, but now offers 4,000 square feet of outdoor living space, a two-tiered private garden, and an open-concept interior that gives the owner complete creative license.

São Paulo: DW! São Paulo Design Weekend

design week

DW! São Paulo Design Weekend Installation, photo courtesy of DW! São Paulo Design Weekend

São Paulo has always known how to put on a show, and DW! São Paulo Design Weekend is no exception. Though it’s younger and less established than its counterparts in Milan and New York, DW! is known for its wide selection of featured events, and is the largest design festival in Latin America.

bossa nova

Bossa Nova Sotheby’s International Realty

For a home away from home in South America’s design capital, it’s difficult to do better than this apartment. Not only does the building bear the signature of modern design legend Daniel Libeskind, but the interiors have been meticulously appointed by noted Brazilian decorator Dado Castello Branco. To top it off, this retreat among the treetops comes with furniture from Minotti, along with the latest home automation systems.

Design weeks invite you to enjoy an ephemeral experience—a fleeting snapshot of world-class style that lasts for just a few days. But you can turn a weekend into a lasting work of art: whether you’re looking for a blank canvas to style, or a turnkey showroom featuring the work of today’s top artisans, there are apartments waiting for you the world over. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find one just around the corner from your favorite festival of contemporary design.

Take inspiration from the world’s top design destinations, and source your own home with remarkable details.

 

Penthouse Profile | Florida’s Most Design-Forward Condos

Some design aficionados may claim that nothing beats the Art Deco buildings on Miami Beach, but push farther afield and you’re guaranteed to find architectural gems in new builds and traditional high rises alike. The Sunshine State is making waves with a crop of water view condos featuring stunning penthouse suites. Dig into gleaming, streamlined kitchens, refreshing bathrooms with an oceanic feel, classic American comfort in plush living rooms, and long-table dining. Add in endless views of beach and ocean and bright splashes of color, and you may find that the state’s endless summer suits you just fine.

The Private Island Penthouse in Aventura

ONE Sothebys International Realty

Rosemarie FriedmanONE Sotheby’s International Realty

For anyone who’s ever dreamed of running away to their own private island, there’s Privé. The only property on the island, this development blends resort luxuries with urban conveniences—think private elevators, 70,000 square feet of indoor social spaces, and a private marina for yachts up to 150 feet, all done up in top-of-the-line finishings with nods to mid-century and inspired minimalist style. From the impeccable chef’s kitchen to the generous patio space to the at-home spa, the clean lines, beautiful stone, and inviting woods of this five-star penthouse to harmonize perfectly with the water below.

The Hotel High Rise Penthouse at Miami Beach

Florida homes for sale

Brenda Powers & Gabriela DajerONE Sotheby’s International Realty

Sitting pretty atop the W Hotel, this vista-rich penthouse hits high notes of contemporary and eclectic décor. Designed by Steven G, the home features 12-foot ceilings, which add an airy ambiance to the hints of Moroccan styling in the condo’s lighting, rugs, and chairs. Slatted woods, Calcutta marble, and chevron ceiling inlays add a nice nod to the natural world clearly visible via unobstructed 180-degree views from this peak Florida find.

The Airy Penthouse Over the Green in Boca Raton

penthouse

Monica SquierNestler Poletto Sotheby’s International Realty

Consider this chic slice of heaven a picture-perfect blank slate for decorating to your heart’s content. Dress the light-filled rooms in fashion-forward throws, artistic portraits, and high-gloss accents, grounded by elegant black window grilles and kitchen counters. Or play up the escape factor with plush patio furniture on the Mediterranean-style terrace overlooking the fairway below. Paired with 10-foot ceilings and porcelain flooring, the penthouse’s amenities include a private two-car garage, designer kitchen with bar, and custom walk-in closets, all within an easy walking distance of some of the best entertainment Boca Raton has to offer.

The Glass Gulf Penthouse in Destin

beach living

Jonathan SpearsScenic Sotheby’s International Realty

Crystal clear glass spans both floors of this luminous Destin penthouse. A notch above open-concept, the two-story atrium-style living room is overlooked by bedrooms with glass feature walls so that not an inch of the Gulf of Mexico view is wasted. From the sun deck to the chef’s kitchen to the rooftop pool to the floating staircase, reflectivity runs throughout, each quality surface gleaming. Thoughtful design ensures possessions are tucked away, fostering a calming, hotel-style feel throughout.

The Bright and Beachy Penthouse at Sunny Isles Beach

Florida coast

Fabian Garcia Diaz & Allan KleerONE Sotheby’s International Realty

Everything about this two-story penthouse at Sunny Isles Beach feels optimistic. The décor hits a sweet spot, combining playfulness, excitement, and a relaxed tone that can only be found near sandy shores. Sparkling light fixtures and reflective surfaces play well off textured stone walls and marbled floors. A wave mosaic in the bathroom hints at the opportunities for water recreation just a few floors down. Plush chairs and a statement chandelier nestle around a matchstick-leg table open for brunch anytime.

The Traditional Surrealist Penthouse, Sunny Isles Beach

beauty

Oxana ObolevitchONE Sotheby’s International Realty

From the patterned ceiling designs to the quirky light fixtures to the organic-shaped mirrors, there is something unusual and appealing about this Collins Avenue penthouse. The stately living room with its glossy surfaces and crisp whites harkens to fine yacht interiors, while the home’s washrooms feature custom Bisazza mosaics and in-shower saunas. Dock your boat below at one of the berths available for sale or rent, host guests on the penthouse’s wraparound patio, and relax into the Sunny Isles lifestyle.

Whether sleek and minimalist or alive with splashes of color and unique treasures, these design-forward condos in Florida have the market on sunshine and ocean views cornered.

Your own home in the sky awaits; find your ideal Florida penthouse and enjoy the luxury and convenience of top-of-the-world living.

Modern Color That Never Goes Out of Style

Color is powerful. It can be commanding, soothing, or energizing; therapeutic and mood-altering; and perhaps beyond all else, it can make (and leave) a solid impression. With such influence at your fingertips, deciding on a color palette for your home can feel daunting—deciphering the nuances, knowing when to go bold—but these tried-and-true shades never go out of style.

Black and White

Nantucket realty

Nantucket, Massachusetts | Craig Hawkins & Bernadette MeyerMaury People Sotheby’s International Realty

Has there ever been a more classic color combination? Checkered floors will always be a kitchen favorite, but the fresh way to use this combo is to lean further into white and employ black in the elegant contrasting details, as seen at this beautifully designed Nantucket home. The pairing offsets the more casual aspects of the home, including an outdoor pool and family game room.

Taupe and Coffee

homes for sale in california

Montecito, California | Suzanne PerkinsSotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – Coast Village Road Brokerage

Typically, Balinese-style beach houses in tropical destinations are outfitted with bright accents to offset the wealth of wood running throughout, but this Montecito stunner breaks the mold with shades of taupe and coffee. The mostly monochrome walls and furniture take a refined and relaxed backseat so the setting—particularly the sunset views from the infinity pool—can really shine.

Gray Escape

gray escape

Southampton, New York | Harald Grant & Bruce GrantSotheby’s International Realty – Southampton Brokerage

From a cloud-like softness to steely strength, gray has substantial versatility, especially when it comes to modernizing traditional estate designs. Upstate at a Southampton summer-house, an airy main living space is accented in slate and smoky metals, adding depth to an otherwise creamy palette. Punch up neutral rooms with this moody hue and bask in the calming power of a good gray.

Soothing Blues

interior design

New York, New York | Randall Gianopulos & Christian EmanuelSotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

Dusty blue curtains, porcelain objets d’art, and a beautiful coat of blue paint all pair perfectly with antique, historical furniture, crafts-style woodworking, and a heavy dose of patterned fabrics. Blue’s tranquil feel has the ability to anchor beloved treasures, as seen at this Upper East Side mansion in New York.

Yellow and Gold

black and yellow

San Francisco, California | Bernadette LamotheSotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

There is a particular richness to yellow tones, be they featured on textured mustard walls, sunshine-bright seating, or rippled gold frames. Not only does this sunny shade complement almost any kind of lighting design masterfully, but it instantly illuminates vintage chandeliers and antiques. Pass it from chair to patterned wall to French door to feel as though you’ve stepped into Versailles, as executed at this palatial Pacific Heights apartment in San Francisco.

While there is much to be said for passing trends, as long as you stick to a classic color palette, your home will always stay in fashion.

Find palettes that spark your imagination in these designer listings, and bring timeless color into your life.

Open House | Step Inside an Architectural Gem

The notion of the classic American ranch has been exaggerated in pop culture— so much so that rarely do we find such a brilliant example of its modern interpretation. Here, in sun-drenched California, Rancho Santa Fe is not characterized by roaming cattle, rustic touches, and that trademark triangle dinner bell hanging on the front porch. Instead, it stands as an unconventional oasis—the ultimate dream home for architecture and design aficionados the world over.

Renowned architect Guy Dreier has conceived a structure as functional and impressive as it is striking. From the moment you arrive at the private gated drive, there’s a sense of the significance that composition played in developing the estate over seven years. Meticulous landscaping is backed by mountain and valley vistas in the distance.

At the residence, two-story walls of glass reflect the myriad pools and water features surrounding the home, while inviting warm California sun onto contemporary sculptures.

Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty | Contact Nancy Dixon for more information

Through towering glass doors, a flowing and original open concept with soaring ceilings extends its greeting. Sail-like overhangs conjure images of the Guggenheim Bilbao, while elegant natural colors and materials provide a grounding presence. High-tech smart design allows the home’s glass walls to tuck away for the ultimate indoor-outdoor living. In addition to its open-air mastery, the ranch boasts stylish original furnishings and mixing blocked sturdiness with organic shapes, all designed by Dreier to complement the space.

The main living and dining areas play peek-a-boo through a fireplace with artistic and sculptural integrity. Strong stone floats between two stunning blocked columns above ambient, low-lying flames, standing as a living sculpture and focal point in this sweeping room. This magnetic design is not the only stunning fireplace in the home; the master suite also features a central stone mantel flanked by sleeping and lounging areas.

Elsewhere, glass and water envelop the guest bedrooms, offering a sparkling reminder of the pools outside. Loft areas offer privacy and escape, glass-encased walkways link comfort and repose, and significant blockade stairways offer their own impressive interior views. A massive chef’s kitchen dares you to open your home to incomparable celebrations—leaving the detached two-bedroom guest house for your most discerning guests.

Taking advantage of the Sunshine State’s progressive views and making the most of its ample natural resources, solar panels supply power, while a refreshing citrus grove and well-tended farmer’s garden ensure the busy kitchen will never be shy of fresh supply.

The wider grounds are punctuated with both exotic and local flora, handpicked by landscape architect Theresa Clark. And outdoor living is non-negotiable thanks to the stunning sports court, tennis court, private pavilion, and infinity pool. A separate high-tech, zero-edge lap pool with its adjustable water level provides for wave-making swims, minus the splashing.

Every square foot of the property is a nod to a love of art and museum styling as well as an appreciation of design principles, and a desire to dream bigger than most could comprehend. This ranch, then, is the pinnacle of a well-designed life.

 

Classic Kitchens

Fresh ingredients, artfully crafted recipes, and memorable moments with family and friends come together inside of culinary experiences – all of which find their start in the kitchen. From New York to New Zealand, create an unforgettable meal in these classic kitchens.

new york kitchen

$9,850,000 USD | Millbrook, New York | Heather Croner Real Estate Sotheby’s International Realty

Meticulous planning by noted architect Paul Gleicher has repurposed these beautiful early agricultural barns as the centerpiece of this 40-acre gentlemen’s farm, formerly owned by the late music composer Marvin Hamlisch. Arranged around a large courtyard together with the newly renovated farmhouse of the same period, this beautiful property is privately situated and surrounded by meadows and woods in the midst of Millbrook’s glorious countryside. The compilation of restored buildings, circa 1839, offers an opportunity to enjoy 12,000 square-feet of luxurious modern living against a backdrop of history. Each barn, with exposed beams, wide board floors, and oak paneling, is uniquely appointed for separate use and includes beautifully laid out executive office space, billiard lounge, artist’s studio, gourmet kitchen, and media room.

California kitchen$40,000,000 USD | Montecito, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – Coast Village Road Brokerage

Nestled in the hills of Montecito, this more than eight-acre property features quintessential Californian indoor/outdoor comfort along with luxurious Balinese and Asian-influenced design. Torii gates invite you across an expansive koi pond to the front entry where, through a glass wall the heart of this remarkable residence, the Great Room is seen. The interior wall finish, replicated from the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, was achieved through a meticulous, hand-crafted process involving six layers of sand and plaster.

expansive kitchens$5,750,000 USD | Bethesda, Maryland | TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

This sensational home was built in 1913 and renovated by Gibson Builders in 2013 with interior design by award winning Mary Drysdale. The residence, unparalleled in design, features an incredible grand salon, gorgeous master bedroom suite with his and her baths, and gourmet kitchen.

kitchen design$7,388,000  CAD | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

Combining clean contemporary lines with timeless traditional details, this home’s interior design by Brian Gluckstein is remarkably elegant yet casual and inviting. Blending both worlds seamlessly, the formal living and dining rooms are finished with wallpaper and wainscoting. The coffered ceiling with crown molding has recess pot lighting; 10-foot ceilings and eight-foot solid core doors add grandeur.

new zealand kitchenPrice Upon Request | Wanaka, New Zealand | New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty

Constructed from hand placed hardwood pillars and featuring schist detailing throughout, this spacious lakefront mansion is timeless in both design and function. A stunning entrance draws you in, where you are welcomed by the tranquil sound of water. High ceilings and a grand staircase lead you to the upper level, where the master bedroom and en-suite, a two-bedroom apartment, library, bar and entertainment wing await.

real estate holland$3,495,000 | Holland, Michigan | Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty

One of the many inspired details in this distinctive Lake Macatawa residence includes the incomparable kitchen. Boasting Wolf and Sub Zero appliances, there is ample storage space as well as generously sized island with barstool seating. A butler pantry compliments nearby, ideal for mixing an evening cocktail while taking in your private lakeshore views and the rest of the captivating home.

Intern Insights: Gina

Meet our summer intern, Gina! She was able to provide exceptional help to our Marketing Department during our busy summer season, and we are so grateful for her willingness to work. As her time with us draws to a close, learn more about Gina and the internship experience:

internshipStudying a Business major and a Studio Art minor at Hope College, I found myself interested in marketing, which led me to my internship here at Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty. I didn’t have a ton of experience in marketing yet, and knew very little about the real estate industry. I grew up in a family that worked in building supplies manufacturing, so I thought I might have a little experience with homes and home exteriors. I came in super excited to get immersed in marketing and learn about a new industry.

The biggest thing that I have taken away from this internship is that branding matters. Marketing is such a big part of every industry, and I’ve found that I love being a part of such a large aspect of business. The Sotheby’s International Realty® brand is so well known, and I consider myself lucky to be able to learn marketing while working under such a prestigious name. Creating any materials for the office was fun for me, and I felt like I was doing important work when I put the Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty logo on all of our promotional materials.

The office that I worked in was the true highlight of this internship. I grew up in a family-owned business, and found myself comfortable with the family-oriented atmosphere in this office. From my first day, everyone in the office made an effort to know my name and treat me like an important person in the office, not just a stereotypical intern. I was included in conversations, I felt as though my opinion mattered, and I truly feel as though I fostered important relationships through this internship.

I know I’ve learned some important skills in this internship that I will be able to bring into future interviews, jobs, and careers. I’ve become more fluent in design programs, I’ve learned how to write for the purpose of marketing, and I’ve learned a lot about the inside of the real estate industry, which I had no prior knowledge of. I’ve learned important communication and leadership skills, and learned to trust my intuition when creating marketing and advertising materials. I have become more confident in my skills as a result of this internship, and I feel very thankful to Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty for that.

-Gina Schierbeek