About

Forteza Design Philosophy

Forteza Designs offers clients a superior blend of dignified and understated style coupled with a sense of quiet refinement. The Forteza Designs philosophy emphasizes collaboration whereby client and designer develop a close working relationship in order for the project to achieve its fullest potential. Working as a team, we refrain from approaching a project with preconceived notions, preferring instead to explore each client’s desire for a particular style, or visual statement.

Often times our clients are uncertain as to what they are looking for – but they know it when we discover it together. Forteza Designs defines the creative process as a consideration of the micro and macro aesthetics. We established
a design matrix that accounts for the smallest detail while at the same time encompasses the total environment.

“We believe in maintaining continuity of atmosphere while at the same time allowing always for the unexpected.”

Juan Forteza

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Mr. Forteza possesses a B.A. in Interior Planning and Design. He served on the board of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and is a California Certified Interior Designer. He judged at the 1997 National Interior Design Awards and has been a guest speaker at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference. By invitation, he has taught at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and California State University at Long Beach and Northridge. He also serves at CSU – Long Beach on the advisory board of the interior design program, where he graduated. Mr. Forteza collaborates with his wife and associate, Loretta, who has over 25 years experience in the design field.

After successfully working for some of the most prestigious architectural and interior design firms in Southern California, Mr. Forteza formed Forteza Designs for the practice of commercial and residential interior design. His projects include the luxurious salon he originally created for Bijan on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills in 1976 as well as its latest redesign in 2002, also Bijan’s Fifth Avenue boutique in New York; the Avi Rossini boutique on Bond Street, London; the Palos Verdes Beach and Athletic Club, the Trump National Golf Club pro shop in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA; the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion for the Performing Arts, and REMAX Realty Headquarters, both in Rolling Hills Estates, CA. He has also been commissioned by worldwide clients to create luxurious homes that have been featured on The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.