Amy Astley

Global editorial director and U.S. editor in chief Amy Astley reveals what’s in store for the November issue

AD editor-in-chief Amy Astley reveals what’s in store for the October issue

AD editor-in-chief Amy Astley reveals what’s in store for the September issue

Countless creatives have found inspiration in California—authors, musicians, actors, screenwriters, artists, and performers of every type imaginable—and attempted to capture the enduring allure of the Golden State in their words, images, movies, and other output. Certainly the fields of architecture, interior design, and landscape are no less immune to its seductive call. The mountains, the ocean, the climate, the desert terrain, and the fantasy of an idyllic indoor-outdoor lifestyle at one with…

There is nothing more satisfying and inspiring for this editor than a house that defies and exceeds expectations—it always reminds me to keep an open mind. It was intriguing to learn that Grammy-winning superstar DJ and music producer Diplo had created a Brutalist concrete retreat in the jungle of Jamaica, but the epic scope of his ambitious undertaking and the sheer sophistication of the project surprised and impressed us all, as did his deep passion for the place. “For a little island, this co…

Armchair travelers, rejoice: AD took a jaunt around the world for our May International issue, and the pictures are worth a thousand words. If you, too, are working on “everywhere,” consider this a little shortcut. The richly individual residences and projects shown this month are so powerfully evocative that you might feel you have journeyed to Ibiza, Costa Rica, Lagos, the French countryside, Mexico, and even Los Angeles just by turning the pages. Add the passionate language each homeowner use…

In the face of climate change and the myriad obstacles to living an individually and collectively earth-friendly lifestyle, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and even defeated, but I found this month’s profile of influential Danish architect Dan Stubbergaard and his firm Cobe uplifting, inspiring, and full of hope and encouragement. The city of Copenhagen, a sustainability success story, is Stubbergaard’s playground—“a utopia of bike lanes, pedestrian thoroughfares, and swimmable waterways…

AD was founded in Los Angeles more than 100 years ago, and the city and its fascinating denizens and architecture continue to exert a magnetic influence on the design world. As the entertainment industry roars back to life, it feels particularly celebratory to visit a delightful cast of characters in their own environments in this issue. Not all the homes are in the Golden State, but all the players are deeply rooted there and have paid their dues. Referring to her glamorous Los Angeles hideout,…

Although the AD editors conceived this month’s edition loosely around the theme “the future of design,” I must admit that issuing predictions and edicts about what is modern, what is now, and what is next can feel as simplistic as dismissing looks and trends as “over.” In truth, the future of design is ultimately about discovering fresh talents and seeing the world through their eyes. It is also about homeowners who have the vision, imagination, and will to craft a bespoke environment. Excitingl…

It’s that time of the year again: announcing the AD100. The editorial team labors over the annual list, as we are keenly aware of how meaningful it is both within our industry and to the outside world, who regard the chosen group with great respect. Being included is a badge of honor for returnees and a career-changer for newbies. This year 16 firms make their debuts, and we expect to continue seeing ever more exciting projects from these talents and look forward to sharing them with you, our au…