Behind the Cover: Turn It Upside Down

A change of plans meant, literally, a change of direction for Perfect Surroundings

Images

« Prev Next »

For Joslin Diabetes Center’s annual fundraiser, Perfect Surroundings, Inc., converted the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel into a smart and sophisticated “supper club and lounge” setting.
The event, attended by approximately 800 guests, opened with a cocktail hour that was separate from the main reception, which encompassed dinner, lounge areas and entertainment. Perfect Surroundings’ plan was to create the ambiance by suspending most of the main design elements from the ceiling, but on the day of the event, the plan changed. Fire codes and additional challenges forbid the design firm from hanging anything.
“We planned on hanging a ton of fabric,” says Evan Carbotti. “Literally, hundreds of yards. But the fire officials said we just couldn’t do that.” Several major fires in Boston over the last few years have resulted in stiffer regulations for event spaces.
The fundraiser was scheduled for 7 p.m. The team learned at 9 that morning that plans for creating drama in the upper area of the room with fabric hangings weren’t going to work. Without missing a beat, the team turned the plan upside down and created an environment that would build from the ground up, instead of from the ceiling down. “We made some quick phone calls to vendors right around here, people with whom we had good relationships,” says Carbotti. They brought in 15-foot-high bamboo in oversized pots, tall cylindrical vases and other items.
“We focused a lot on the perimeter, getting the details there,” he says. “Then we let the center of the room be the tables and chairs.”
The result: A colorful, contemporary, fresh and fantastic space where guests enjoyed a lovely evening of high style and hope.

Perfect Surroundings, Inc. (Richard, Jordan and Evan Carbotti, Dwayne Ridgeway) in Newport, RI can be reached at 401.849.3115 or perfectsurroundingsinc.com.