In January, Business of Home held its first field trip of 2024, a visit to the Ateliers Saint-Jacques. Located outside of Paris, just a stone’s throw from the famed Palais de Versailles, and situated on almost 100 acres within the Domaine de Coubertin, the ateliers perfectly exemplify France’s heritage as master artisans and the vitality of such craftsmanship to this day. Despite the rain, a cheerful cohort of 20 designers and industry insiders enjoyed touring each of the four exceptional workshops, dedicated to: Metalwork and Wrought Iron; Joinery and Cabinetmaking; Stonecutting and Marble Work; and Art Foundry and Sculpture Restoration. After the tours, attendees took a moment to warm up and share their impressions over a cozy lunch. 

“We witnessed one-of-a-kind pieces from the world’s top firms moving through the ateliers. Some of the work was being painstakingly completed by hand; in other instances, we watched cutting-edge technology deployed in breathtaking ways. In both cases, the level of craftsmanship, attention to detail and commitment to excellence we observed is something that will stay with me for a long time,” said Business of Home editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen. “Ateliers Saint-Jacques was the perfect destination for our first international field trip, and the experience embodied everything we hope to bring BOH Insiders with these excursions: exceptional access to the most interesting and exquisite corners of the design industry.” 

Stateside the following week, a group of 10 gathered in New York for an exclusive tour of The Winter Show at New York’s Park Avenue Armory. Guided by the event’s curator, Helen Allen, attendees viewed a variety of booths showcasing an extraordinary assortment of exceptional antiques and fine art, from centuries-old classics to contemporary masterpieces. Afterward, the group attended a lecture that explored the crucial role of contemporary art in the preservation of modern-day American embassies. Following a brief survey of the history of Cold War–era embassy architecture by author David B. Peterson, artist, preservationist and director of the Historic Preservation program at Columbia University Jorge Otero-Pailos presented the fascinating story behind his upcoming sculptures (which will be displayed on Park Avenue this March), collection of prints and companion book, Treaties on De-Fences. The field trip concluded with a champagne toast—a celebratory moment that offered insiders the opportunity to discuss the tour and talks with fellow attendees and the liaisons from BOH.

“It was a pleasure to meet the BOH team yesterday for The Winter Show field trip,” said insider Samantha Gore. “I appreciate the gesture of connection and the shared interests we have. It makes me feel more connected to my industry and peers. And the beautiful objects were nice too!”