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Top 50 Event Designers 2019: Billy Butchkavitz

The Los Angeles-based Butchkavitz on creating a magical Emmys party.

June 18, 2019

HBO’s 2018 Emmy party “put a smile on my face, and the guests were blown away. The color palette, the carpet, the textiles, the tabletop decor, the large-scale decor elements all blended to create a magical Garden of Eden for this one evening.”

HBO’s 2018 Emmy party “put a smile on my face, and the guests were blown away. The color palette, the carpet, the textiles, the tabletop decor, the large-scale decor elements all blended to create a magical Garden of Eden for this one evening.”

Photo: Gabor Ekecs

Photo: Gabor EkecsButchkavitz began designing events in Honolulu in 1986, and it was here where HBO approached him to work on one of the network’s upcoming events, spawning the start of a long-term collaboration. The Los Angeles-based event designer is now synonymous with HBO’s bold, colorful premieres and red-carpet events, including its annual Golden Globes and Emmys parties and multiple Game of Thrones premiere parties.

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Check out the rest of BizBash's 2019 Design Issue

The team aimed to merge the natural beauty of the orchard with the luxurious RHONY aesthetic, incorporating red velvet lounges, gold and mirrored tables, and glamorous bars. 'Lots of people commented how they felt like they were walking into a real orchard and how beautiful the space looked,' Skonieczny said. 'I heard quite a few comments on how it was one of the most incredible transformations they have seen at the Chelsea Factory.'

This Elegant 'Real Housewives' Event Used Over 2,200 Apples as Decor

At Netflix’s Emmys after-party earlier this month, candles were more than just decor—they were a bold statement that set the tone for an unforgettable night. The event was produced and designed by Gold Sky Productions with an 'Underground Opulence' concept, featuring a design that embraced the industrial brick and concrete building while layering in luxurious materials like velvet, marble, silks, and satins. A showstopping element? An arrival moment featuring 1,800 flickering candles, a classical pianist playing pop hits at a grand piano, and a 7-foot gold N inlaid with over 300 candles. See more: Emmy Awards 2024: Jaw-Dropping Event Designs From Netflix, HBO | Max, Disney, and More

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The team aimed to merge the natural beauty of the orchard with the luxurious RHONY aesthetic, incorporating red velvet lounges, gold and mirrored tables, and glamorous bars. 'Lots of people commented how they felt like they were walking into a real orchard and how beautiful the space looked,' Skonieczny said. 'I heard quite a few comments on how it was one of the most incredible transformations they have seen at the Chelsea Factory.'

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At Netflix’s Emmys after-party earlier this month, candles were more than just decor—they were a bold statement that set the tone for an unforgettable night. The event was produced and designed by Gold Sky Productions with an 'Underground Opulence' concept, featuring a design that embraced the industrial brick and concrete building while layering in luxurious materials like velvet, marble, silks, and satins. A showstopping element? An arrival moment featuring 1,800 flickering candles, a classical pianist playing pop hits at a grand piano, and a 7-foot gold N inlaid with over 300 candles. See more: Emmy Awards 2024: Jaw-Dropping Event Designs From Netflix, HBO | Max, Disney, and More

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The organization's annual event celebrated its upcoming exhibition season with artist-designed activations and whimsical drinks and desserts.

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