Originating from Nebraska and beginning my career in economics and politics under the Reagan administration, my earliest interest in design was fashion as an early follower of Giorgio Armani. My interest continued with a fascination for contemporary and modern art studying the works of Warhol, Pollack, & Basquiat. Adding art and unexpected design to wine bottles and label began with Stones Wine in 2011, and then with the creation of the Perrarus hand-blown glass edition in 2019.

The art of Stones and Perrarus first began with the wine in the bottle, creating some of the highest rated wines in the world. The art concepts that I developed for the Stones labels and Perrarus - The Art Series came from my desire to add art and design to the bottle, in effect create wine as a collectable piece of art made in very limited editions - each an original.

I am the owner of Fairchild Napa Valley, and Stones and Perrarus wines. Fairchild-Stones is a luxury, limited production portfolio of wines sourced from the most exclusive vineyards in the Napa Valley. I am the CEO and visionary for all of the Stones and Perrarus wines and the global ambassador for the brand.

Design to me means originality. Creating a look and feel that strikes the heart the minute that you see or feel the product. Creating in a category a product design that has never been seen before and is a “must have”.

Architecture is my first love, followed by fashion. The inspiration and perseverance that is required by architects to create some of the most breathtaking structures throughout the world astounds me. And the constant annual creativity of the fashion houses - Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin……great design in a very complex industry. Long, beautiful coats are my weakness.

Good design to me is a well thought out idea that appeals to the senses. In the case of Perrarus, if the first reaction is not “Wow”, then I have failed.

I like edgy. If I had to pick one design style it would look like Steven Tyler. Original and unexpected. The main characteristic is that it is not a remake and used design techniques not yet common in my industry.

I start with sketching conceptual ideas, whether a bottle design, label concept, then move directly to “the story”. What will make the design concept interesting to a global wine collector. Then I work backwards to the bottle and label, and the box in which it arrives. Hopefully all comes together.

Interesting question. Having grown up very rural with little to no exposure to design, I cannot openly credit my environment to my interest in luxury design. I think that I can credit my design interest to constantly being exposed to incredibly intelligent individuals that have incredible taste in art, houses, fashion, et al.

I am incredibly honoured to receive this award on behalf of my team. My lead designer, MRJONES makes my unusual requests come to life. My internal team has an incredible passion both for wine and design. I am fortunate to be associated with all of them.

Perrarus (Latin: rare, exceptional) is an annual creation with the goal of creating the rarest bottle of wine in the world. Each year a changing design. Each year limited to less than 400 bottles globally. Perrarus 2 - The Art Series, was created using original commissioned art from Cedric Bouteiller from Provence, combined with hand-blown glass, topped off with an artist crate as the delivery. We felt that Perrarus 2 had all of the features of great and special design.

The biggest challenge - I would say the combination of completing original art for each bottle and the hand-blown glass production for 400 vessels, and having them come together at the needed time. Both pieces are original created by artists.

My company culture is that our reward is the feeling that each of our clients has upon receiving and tasting the wine. The Award is an added bonus for all of the hard work my team has executed to make it happen.

Hands down the satisfaction of the end client is my favorite thing. The second; creating great wine from great vineyards which is essentially redesigning each year. Third, design is exciting. It creates visual satisfaction unlike nothing else.

I think that the United States excels most at presenting the designs available, whether furniture, fashion, luxury goods, etc. Seeing and executing great design is one of our strengths.

The impatience of the consumer world to remain with the status quo will demand that design moves faster and becomes more creative. This will possibly open up the playing field to new and original designers to gain entry with new and bold ideas.

Get the best internship available to you in the design area in which you are most passionate. Passion drives design. Period.

Read everything available to you. Work around the best and brightest people.

Hmmm. My college buddies called me Don Ho because I wore the same purple Hawaiian shirt to class. But don’t tell anyone!!

Hands down my father. We were very close. He instilled an incredible work ethic.

Keep an open mind and work relentlessly towards perfection. Listen to every idea, whether or not you think is has merit.

I am fortunate to do what I do. Waking up each day to vineyards, great wine clients, and a goal to create what has not yet been created. As Tom Hanks stated in his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes as his advice to his peers; “Show up on time. Know your lines. And come with a head full of ideas”.