Hervé Descottes, Founder of L’Observatoire International, and Arman Naféei, Music Director and Founder of the music podcast Are We On Air, talk about their collaboration on the lighting design of the ‘Are We On Air? Kiosk-O-Thèque,’ located on Sunset Blvd, near the iconic Chateau Marmont, in Los Angeles.

How did you meet and decide to collaborate on this project?

ARMAN NAFÉEI: We met at the Standard East Village project through André Balazs who I was working for at the time and immediately connected not only on a professional but personal level as well. Over the years we've constantly run into each other at other projects when the idea came about that we should collaborate more often "Sights & Sounds" was the idea. When my own project of the Kiosk-O-Thèque on Sunset Blvd in LA started to take shape I immediately knew that I wanted to bring in the best people to make this tiny former Newsstand really stand out and there's no one better to translate my vision than Hervé!

What was the inspiration for the lighting of the "Are We On Air? Kiosk-O-thèque project?

DESCOTTES: Our inspiration for the lighting was to capture and extend the feeling of the sunset on the boulevard. We aimed to recreate a warm, amber-ish, and vibrant atmosphere that mirrors the golden hour's glow.

NAFÉEI: The main goal was to have the space glow at night, when we're "On" or "Off" as the space is basically an experiential billboard on Sunset but I also wanted to pay an homage to Old Hollywood with a beautiful cinema canapé that just glows and makes the people look beautiful when they are standing in front or underneath it. The inside was more focused on retail shelving to highlight the books, records and merchandise. Another great idea of Hervé's was to have two red lights outside for when we're "On Air."

What inspires you the most in each other's work? Do you have any future projects planned together?

NAFÉEI: Even though music has been my speciality over the years it broadened the overall experience and lighting became my side obsession. To have not only a good friend but also master of his craft as a teacher is a gift, having people like Herve and Andre to fine tune my skills is a blessing. Even though we keep sending each other opportunities there are currently no new projects on the horizon, but I would love to eventually work in a new field on a large scale project with Herve such as a Museum or retail destination.

DESCOTTES: Arman's sensibility is truly special. I deeply admire his ability to connect with the good vibes in everything—whether it's music, people, or lighting. I'm definitely planning to expand our collaboration, aiming to create even bigger projects that reach more people, providing them with an emotional experience through sound, light, and all senses.