About Interior Designer & Restaurateur Barbara Lazaroff, ASID

Barbara Lazaroff is a highly regarded restaurateur and member of the American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.). In addition, Barbara is a producer, writer, published author, celebrated philanthropist, humanitarian and entrepreneur, podcast host and mother of two sons.

Barbara on Family

“Although my professional life is very rewarding, I still feel my most important creations, my greatest successes and blessings are my sons, Cameron and Byron. I feel my primary purpose is being their mom, setting a healthy role model and raising children of good moral stature, who will go on to contribute positively to the world at large.”

Lazaroff’s career in hospitality commenced after co-founding, marketing and leading the publicity of the Wolfgang Puck Brand & IP in 1979.

Barbara established Imaginings Design, Inc. in 1981 and was the sole designer for WP restaurants: Spago Hollywood, Spago Beverly Hills, Chinois on Main, Chinois Las Vegas, Eureka, Granita, Obachine and all the WP Cafés.

Lazaroff has also designed such popular restaurants as SHANE Hidden on the Glen, Bel-Air, California. Barbara worked abroad, designing Spago Tokyo, the Playboy Club Japan in Tokyo and the WP Café in Melbourne, Australia.

Ms. Lazaroff’s business and marketing acumen combined with her definitive design statements have provided an indelible imprint on the restaurant industry. Barbara’s renowned and innovative restaurant concepts are demonstrated in the restaurant design section of this site.

The Wolfgang Puck Brand has been developed to include the separate entities: Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining, WP Catering and WP Worldwide, (formerly Wolfgang Puck Food Co., where she served on the board). She is also a founding partner of the licensed WP products sold on HSN and elsewhere. The companies now have expanded concepts that extend across the U.S. and globally.

Barbara's exceptional work in the restaurant industry was recognized with her induction into Hospitality Design Magazine's prestigious Platinum Circle (1991). Additionally, the Interior Designers Institute of Newport Beach conferred the honorary Bachelor of Arts degree upon her (1992). Johnson and Wales University granted her the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management (1998).

Other projects

Ms. Lazaroff remains engrossed in her passion for design and is presently designing a line of home furnishings and accessories. The first creation will be a set of dinner plates inspired by her flame of life poem.

Her interest in art, charity, and her commitment to the restaurants' operations continues. Her plans for the future include finally setting time apart to realize her lifelong dream of writing and illustrating a series of children's books and marketing them with a line of children's toys and accessories.

In 2014 Barbara designed her exclusive “Flame of Life” Dinnerware, available for purchase on Amazon, with the intent of using 100% of the proceeds to support a variety of her charities.

Also in 2014, Barbara's "Exuberant Living" iTunes Podcast featured interviews with dynamic people from various industries: arts, entertainment, business, culinary, philanthropy, social activists and more.

Always a strong community-minded advocate of women, Barbara raised awareness as an Associate Producer for "Femme: Women Healing the World" (2013). Additionally, she was one of the founding members of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs (WCR, 1992) and one of the original members of the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH, 1984). Barbara contributed to the production of Grammy Award winning singer, Melissa Manchester's album, "You Gotta Love the Life” (2015).

Throughout her life, Barbara has been recognized with countless awards for her continuous philanthropy. NAWBO inaugurated her into their “Millennium Hall of Fame” for Business (2000) and also awarded her NAWBO’s “Legacy Award” for Philanthropy (2013). She is also James Beard recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award (1994).

Most recently, Barbara is the co-founder, with Jordan Roberts, at FGI: Filmanthropic Group International, a studio that works with brands, causes and A-list talent to create mainstream film and media. To raise awareness about bullying, FGI hosted the "White Rabbit" release party screening and donated to various charities (2015).

Barbara is also involved with a variety of humanitarian, environmental, social and political issues. Some of her humanitarian awards are listed below. You can learn about some of her causes on Barbara's Philanthropy page.

Ther'es a lot on this page, but first, here's a video that will give you an idea of who Barbara is:

Speaker - Lecturer

Ms. Lazaroff has been featured on the lecture circuit speaking about marketing strategies; building and maintaining successful restaurants at the RHIDEC show; at ASID conferences, MUFSO conventions, YPO conferences, the Volkswagen of America Board of Directors and managers, the Ceramic Tile Institute's annual conference, and The Women's Conference.

Barbara Lazaroff speaking at various events and on the radio Ms. Lazaroff has addressed students and faculty at UCLA seminars, California State University at Northridge and at the Interior Design Institute of Newport Beach.

To Interview Barbara or Book Her As Speaker

We’re not into web forms and questionnaires.
Simply send Barbara an email and provide as much information as you can.

If you're press and seek to interview Barbara Lazaroff, please let her know the following as it applies to your needs:

Your publication or program
Deadline or taping date
The topic of your article/program/segment
In what capacity would you like Barbara’s participation or what would you like her to focus on
If you've worked with Barbara before, what/when/where
Anything else you feel she should know

To book Barbara as a speaker, let her know as much as you can about the event:

Date and location
The circumstances under which she’d be speaking
The desired focus
Travel arrangements if applicable
Anything else you feel she needs to know

Co-Founder of the Wolfgang Puck Food Company (now Wolfgang Puck Worldwide)

In 1994, Ms. Lazaroff co-founded the Los Angeles-based Wolfgang Puck Food Co. and served as a board member, as the director of Restaurant Design and Development, and as part of the Real Estate and Site Selection committee until 2000. The Wolfgang Puck Food Company was reorganized as Wolfgang Puck Worldwide which encompasses a variety of restaurant, café concepts as well as a licensing platform for many aspects of the Wolfgang Puck brand.

Catering

Ms. Lazaroff and Chef Puck also have an extensive catering business, which garners international attention through such noteworthy events as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences®, Governors Ball, GLAAD League Convention & Gala, The Louis Vuitton United Cancer Front Gala, Donna Karan/Marshall Field’s Fashion Show, Lincoln Park Zoo Gala and Lyric Opera Chicago.

Wolfgang Puck Catering brings a new level of innovation and inspiration to restaurant, special event, catering and food service management for cultural, corporate and entertainment venues across the world. Wolfgang Puck Catering venues in the United States are located in: Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Indianapolis, IN, Las Vegas, NV, Los Angeles, CA, Minneapolis, MN, San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA, St. Louis, MO, and Washington D.C. The international catering venues are located in: Berlin, Germany & London, England.

Restaurants

Ms. Lazaroff and Chef Puck co-own and operate fine dining restaurants:
(These links go to the official page at wolfgangpuck.com.)

Chinois On Main - Santa Monica, CA (Los Angeles) ~ Opened 1983
Postrio - San Francisco, CA ~ Opened 1989, now closed
Spago - Las Vegas, NV ~ Opened 1992
Spago - Beverly Hills, CA (Los Angeles) ~ Opened 1997
Chinois - Las Vegas, NV ~ Opened 1998, now closed
Trattoria Del Lupo - Las Vegas, NV ~ Opened 1999
POSTRIO - Las Vegas, NV ~ Opened 2000
Spago - Maui, HI ~ Opened 2001
Vert - Hollywood, CA (Los Angeles) ~ Opened 2002, now closed
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill – Las Vegas, NV ~ Opened 2004
20.21 - Minneapolis, MN ~ Opened 2005
CUT – Beverly Hills, CA (Los Angeles) ~ Opened 2006
Wolfgang Puck American Grille. Atlantic City, NJ ~ Opened 2006
Red Seven @ The Pacific Design Center (W.P. Catering Division) – West Hollywood, CA (Los Angeles) ~ Opened 2007

Fashion

Lazaroff contributes much time to the fashion field as well.

She has extended herself to judge and give direction to the students at Fullerton Fashion School, as well as Brooks College in Long Beach and is a devoted supporter of Otis School of Design.

Awards

Design Awards

1991 — Look West Award, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise
1991 — Platinum Circle Award, Restaurant/Hotel Design Magazine
1992 — The Interior Designers Institute of Newport Beach
1994 — Assopiastrelle Design Award, Association of Ceramic Tile & Refractory Manufacturers, Italy
1994 — Los Angeles Times, StyleFest Award
1995 — Hospitality Design Award, Dupont Antron
1996 — Ray Bradbury Creativity Award, Woodbury University Library Associates
The Woodbury University Ray Bradbury Creativity Award is presented to individuals who embody the creative spark and social conscience that characterizes Bradbury’s work. The award was established in 1987 in collaboration with Ray Bradbury (b. 1920 – d. 2012). Mr. Bradbury was a strong advocate for literacy and learning, and a great friend to the Woodbury University Library. For many years Mr. Bradbury presented the annual Creativity Award himself.
2006 — Interior Designers Institute, Excellence in Design Award
2007 — Art to Life Award for Interior Design, Art and Living Magazine

Business Awards

1986 — Honors Profiles, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise
1992 — Cal State University, Northridge, Recognition of Distinctive Excellence
1993 — Nation’s Restaurant News, MUFSO Special Recognition (Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators Conference)
1994 — Outstanding Restaurant & Chef of the Year – Spago Hollywood, James Beard Foundation
1994 — Business and Professional Women’s Award, United Jewish Fund
1995 — Hot Concept Award, National Restaurant Association /Lazaroff & Puck
1995 — Victoria Magazine, Women in Hospitality Award for Industry Excellence and Entrepreneurial Spirit
1996 — Restaurant & Institution’s Top 100 Independent Restaurants - SPAGO HOLLYWOOD /Lazaroff & Puck
1997 — Innovator Award, Nation’s Restaurant News /Lazaroff & Puck
1998 — Top 10 List of Businesses Visa Award, The Best of Los Angeles - Gayot Publications/Gault Millau /Lazaroff & Puck
1999 — UCLA Extension, Restaurant Industry Innovation Award for Creative Partnership / Lazaroff & Puck High Impact
Restaurant leadership Award, Restaurant Business
2000 — High Impact Restaurant Leadership Award, Restaurant Business
2000 — Millennium Hall of Fame Award, National Association of Women Business Owners-Los Angeles Chapter
2000 — Outstanding Achievements in Business & Community Contributions, Women in Business, Los Angeles
2001 — Women Chef & Restaurateurs’ Golden Fork Award (sponsored by the Culinary Institute of America)
2006 — Special Recognition Award, The Network of Executive Women in Hospitality, Los Angeles Chapter
2006 — NEWH – The Network of the Hospitality Industry, Award of Recognition
2011 — Los Angeles Business Journal, Women Making a Difference Awards' Nominee
2013 — National Association of Women Business Owners Los Angeles, NAWBO-LA Legacy Award

(The restaurants have additional awards from organizations & magazines too numerous to list)

Humanitarian Awards & Special Recognitions

1989 — Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger, Special Recognition
1989 — City of Los Angeles Department of Aging, Certificate of Appreciation
1990 — Woman of Achievement, the Woman’s Group Friends of Tel Hasher
1990 — Hall of Fame Award, QUEST Children’s Organization /Lazaroff & Puck
1991 — Social Concern Award, American Jewish Committee /Lazaroff & Puck
1992 — St. Vincent Meals-on-Wheels, Thanks for being an Angel /Lazaroff & Puck
1993 — Scholarship Fund Award, Oralingua School for the Hearing Impaired /Lazaroff & Puck
1993 — Hollywood Entertainment Museum, Best Seat in the House Awards
1994 — Humanitarian of the Year Award, James Beard Foundation
1995 — Silver Spoon, Food Arts Magazine /Lazaroff & Puck
1996 — Friend of Law Enforcement, Recognition of Outstanding Service & Support / Lazaroff & Puck
1997 — Decade of Service, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center /Lazaroff & Puck
1997 — Stars of Tomorrow Scholarship Gala, Fulfillment Fund /Lazaroff & Puck
1997 — Los Angeles Girl Scout Council, Special Recognition
1997 — City of Los Angeles, Muscular Dystrophy Association - Men & Women of the 90s / Lazaroff & Puck
1997 — Divine Design, Project Angel Food and DIFFA/LA
1997 — Athletes & Entertainers for Kids, Hero Award
1997 — University Hospital's Ireland Cancer Center, 5 Star Sensation Special Recognition / Lazaroff & Puck
1998 — Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, Special Recognition / Lazaroff & Puck
1999 — Nevada Congressional Recognition, Safe Nest /Lazaroff & Puck
1999 — Ireland Cancer Center-Pediatric Oncology Unit, University Hospitals of Cleveland -
A room in the unit was named in honor of Lazaroff & Puck for their work with the bi-annual Five Star Sensation Event
2000 — Meals on Wheels Association of America, Golden Meal Award / Lazaroff & Puck
2001 — Hospitality Design Magazine, Humanitarian of the Year Award
2002 — University Hospitals of Cleveland, The Samuel Mather Award for Philanthropy
2003 — Venetian Ball, Special Recognition
2004 — St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, Angel Award
2004 — American Cancer Society, California Spirit XX
2005 — City of Beverly Hills, Community Spirit of Beverly Hills Award
2006 — Aviva Family & Children’s Services, Spirit of Compassion Award
2006 — Greystone Garden & Design Showcase Recognition & Appreciation Commendation
for Distinguished Service to The City of Beverly Hills
2007 — American Cancer Society, Special Recognition Award
2007 — American Cancer Society, California Spirit XXIII, Special Recognition, Los Angeles Region
2007 — UCLA Mood Disorders Research Executive Advisory Board, Special Appreciation
2008 — American Cancer Society, California Spirit XXIV
2009 — American Cancer Society, California Spirit XXV Award
2010 — Israel Cancer Research Fund, Special Recognition as Chairperson of The Long Bright Cantata
2010 — KindredSprits Humanitarian Award
2010 — American Cancer Society, California Spirit XXVI
2011 — City of Calabasas, California, Honorary Citizen
2011 — Calabasas & Malibu Fifth Annual Wine & Food Festival, Certificate of Commendation
2011 — American Cancer Society, California Spirit XXVII Award
2011 — Alliance for Housing & HealinglThe Serra Project/Aid for AIDS, A Faire of the Heart Visionary Award
2011 — Israel Cancer Research Fund, Certificate of Appreciation
2012 — American Cancer Society, California Spirit XXVIII Award
2013 — Big Brothers Big Sisters, Innovator Award
2013 — American Cancer Society, California Spirit XXIX Award

Honorary Degrees

1992 Degree of Bachelor of Arts, Interior Designers Institute, Newport Beach, CA
1998 Degree of Doctor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI

Interior Design Affiliations

ASID — (American Society of Interior Designers)
CCIDC — (California Council for Interior Design Certification)
IDCEC — (Interior Design Continuing Education Council)
U.S. Green Building Council Member
LEED — (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). “Certificate of Completion” for New Construction Technical Review

Hospitality Affiliations

WCR – (Women Chefs & Restaurateurs) - Founding member
NEWH - (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality) - Founding member

Board Affiliations

2010 — Joined the Board of Governors for Jewish Life T.V.
2011 — Joined the Board of Directors for the Friends of Sheba Medical Center - Los Angeles
2011 — Joined the Board of Directors of the Israel Cancer Research Fund - Los Angeles

Other Business Involvements

Monet's Palate^® — “The Perfect Blend of Art and Good Tastes”^®

Monet's Palete logo The brainchild of Aileen Bordman, Monet's Palate is the online destination to discover and enjoy Claude Monet’s other passion — food.

MonetsPalate.com is based on the award-winning film, Monet’s Palate - A Gastronomic View from the Gardens of Giverny with Meryl Streep, Alice Waters, Roger Vergé, Daniel Boulud, Michel Richard and Joachim Pissarro.

At the site you can visit The Palate Pantry which grows each day so you can buy wonderful food and drink like chocolates and wine produced according to Monet’s discriminating palates. You can also learn about and purchase the film.

“A toast to Monet" — at MonetsPalate.com

Websites

Follow @BarbaraLazaroff