Good Work — A Word From the Wise

This is the latest installment in our series featuring outstanding professionals who contribute to Design NJ.

Back in 1999 when the decision was made to launch Design NJ magazine, our team was armed with a dream, a business plan, and the unbridled enthusiasm of those who don’t know what they don’t know. Sure, we had unassailable marketing expertise and vast editorial experience along with access to the finest homes in the state. But what we would soon discover was that it takes a very special talent to capture the essence of a beautiful home.

Our publisher, Tammy Keck, went on a quest to find out who was at the top of the residential photography game. That research led her to Barry Halkin, an architectural photographer based in Philadelphia and a founder of Halkin Mason Photography. Barry graciously took time out of his busy schedule to meet with Tammy all those years ago. He was instrumental in helping her understand how to evaluate good photography, how to assess the viability of a proposed site, and how the “business” of photography operates. Tammy left that meeting impressed with his work and determined that Design NJ would hire only the best professional architectural photographers.

We are grateful to Barry for sharing his expertise and experience with us. He brings his own artistic aesthetic, along with decades of experience, to his work — including our very first cover in 2001. We’ve always set a high bar; Barry showed us how to make sure we reached that height in each and every issue.

  • Design NJ’s first cover (left), Spring 2001 (design: Mary O’Brien Cabaron) and our April/May 2003 cover (right) (design: Pat Mills) both photographed by Barry Halkin. Styles have evolved, but Barry’s talent has always been a constant.