STEPHANIE ORMA ::::::::::: travel and design writer

One of my favorite pubs to write for is California Home+Design - where I weekly blog about my latest San Francisco design obsession from architecture, interiors, and products to emerging artists and must-see gallery openings. So I couldn’t be more stoked to have a mention in this month’s issue!

And speaking of which, I’m always on the hunt for the next great buzz-worthy SF arts and design news. Got an idea share? Shoot me an email. I’d love to hear from you! And follow my musings here.

For the latest issue of Communication Arts, I had the awesome opportunity to review two stellar design books dripping with creative inspiration: Saul Bass: A Life in Film and Design and Paula Scher MAPS.

Check out the reviews below (click image to enlarge):

Traveling with kids in tow can be a blast – but sometimes you want a table just for two. When you’re craving l‘amour, adults-only all-inclusives can be a sure flight to an ultra-romantic escape.

Read my full article for TRAVEL + LEISURE on “World’s Most Romantic All-Inclusives.”

Image Courtesy Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa

Ornament and pattern design – love it or hate it, the style debate rages on. Whether you dig decorative flourishes or vote anti-adornment on all things design, one thing is clear – the fanciful aesthetic has developed a bad rep. Name-called everything from “fussy distractions” to “overly girly” to “old-fashioned,” more than a few nerdy design brawls have broken out over the subject. Well, whichever side of the frilly fence you sit, lately (as in the last fifteen years) the expressive art has been making a comeback. And Denise Gonzales Crisp and Susan Yelavich, co-curators of CAM Raleigh’s upcoming exhibit Deep Surface: Contemporary Ornament and Pattern, have taken note of the re-emergence.

Read my full article on Print Magazine’s awesome design blog IMPRINT.

Andrea Tinnes, Type Jockey poster. Image courtesy Andrea Tinnes

Orma Design & Communications couldn’t be more thrilled to announce the exciting news that the San Francisco Symphony is our newest freelance copywriting client. What an amazing score!

These folks are mind-blowingly talented – both on stage and behind the scenes. Heading into their 100th year of performances, they’ve built an unwavering reputation of excellence. If you haven’t heard them play, get thee to the symphony ASAP.

We can’t give away too many details about the project yet, but come Winter 2011 be on the look out for our wordsmithy advertising campaign which includes radio spots, print advertising, direct mail, and online advertising. And check out this job perk: we scored a backstage tour and tickets to a breathtaking SF Symphony performance. All in the name of “research” of course.

DailyCandy knows what’s hot. And right now – it’s most definitely Sagrada Wellness (Orma Design & Communication’s rockin’ PR client). Their rejuvenating Ojai, CA yoga, Pilates, surfing, and wine tasting retreats are drawing serious attention. Today, Sagrada Wellness is featured on DailyCandy’s “Last Minute Trips and Weekend Getaways Around Southern California.”


Hey, if anyone knows what’s good for you – it’s DailyCandy. So listen up and get thee to a stress-free getaway asap.

Orma Design & Communications recently helped Tiburon, California kick-off the Shop Local campaign, ShopTiburon. Via branding, blog design and PR, we’re spreading the word that Tiburon is the BEST little town on the San Francisco Bay.

With charm reminiscent of quaint New England fishing villages and world-class views rivaling the most scenic European vistas, Tiburon is an oft-overlooked travel destination. Why visit? The rich, green rolling hills, the deep blues of the SF Bay, the breathtaking million dollar homes – all coupled with unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge, city skyline and Angel Island.

But don’t take it from us, follow ShopTiburon for the most buzz-worthy news, events, and happenings in town. Or better yet, come visit and see for yourself!