Artists Rising To The Top At Image West Design

	Hilton Hotel rug by Image West Design student William Ulrich.

Have you ever wondered who designs those gorgeous carpets and upholstery fabrics in major hotels? It could be you. On a recent visit to Las Vegas, I stayed at the Hilton, hoping to get a glimpse of the seven carpets which former student, William Ulrich, designed and sold to the hotel through Image West Design. I searched the hotel, but they were nowhere to be seen. Yet, something told me the secret to their whereabouts lay behind the golden elevator doors which required a special "key" and led to the 30th floor. What was behind those gold doors?

I spoke with Hilton's Assistant Manager and explained my dilemma. He agreed to help. The manager contacted security (even he did not have a key) and we entered the golden elevator, the interior of which, made a valiant attempt to look like the Palace of Versailles.

We journeyed to the top, suspense rising. I held my breath as the elevator doors opened. To my surprise, there they were—two of William's rugs inlaid into the marble floor, looking very regal in their elegant setting! Not wanting to press my luck, I didn't ask to see the interior of the three suites which occupy the 30th floor. Performer Barry Manilow is a permanent resident in one of them. (His predecessor in residency was Elvis Presley.) So Barry, if you're reading this, I await your invitation. I hope these beautiful carpets bring you pleasure every day you walk on them.

And, while we are on the subject, I would like to mention the stunning new carpets being designed and manufactured by another former design student. After leaving a successful career as Art Director for Marcel Schurman, in January of 2005 she launched her own company, Alicia D. Keshishian, Carpets of Imagination of Petaluma, California. These luxurious wool carpets, consisting of bold contemporary designs, are hand-made in Nepal using centuries old weaving techniques. Alicia has this to say about her experience. "Well into my career as an art director and designer I realized I wanted to learn how to apply my design skills to commercially produced products. I found Teliha's classes and signed up immediately. Though I didn't quite know where it would take me, I was excited by the opportunity to expand my creative horizons. Teliha is great at encouraging individuality and promoting the development of one's own style through fun yet technical exercises and projects (which is not the case with many teachers). Some of the patterns I developed in her classes are popular designs in my line to this day."

So, whether you are in the mountaintops of Nepal or at the top of the Las Vegas Hilton, if you dream of reaching the pinnacle of your chosen field, don't let those closed doors (golden or otherwise) get in your way to finding that secret key to success. Sometimes it can be yours, just for the asking!