“Godsmack front man Sully Erna will open his own bar “Dorsia” in New York City on Halloween. The opening-night guest list comprised of — Justin Timberlake, Shakira, Nelly, Avril Lavigne, Ja Rule, Ashanti, “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, novelist Bret Easton Ellis, Slipknot, Opeth and Naughty by Nature. Contractors Designer Constructions put together an exceptional package in a small amount of time. Word is that the project was held up due to problems arising due to the new smoking laws currently being implemented. This did not hinder the contractors who to their credit worked day and night to complete the project on time.”
Dan Glass – City Guide, NY.
“If you can get past the snitty doorperson (and you might not), walk through the giant keyhole- shaped doorway to find an exotically themed party haven. The exclusive super club offers a Moroccan-inspired menu from 5pm to 9pm, then kicks into party mode with great DJs starting at 10pm. Though rude door people may not help enhance Dorsia’s just-budding attendance, the staff inside are exceptionally good-looking, professional and quite friendly. Upstairs, banquettes with tables (all set up for bottle service) line the walls leading up to a small crescent-shaped bar and a glass-enclosed VIP area. A 24-foot under lit catwalk dominates the entire middle of the room, daring young revellers to shake what their mama gave them. Downstairs, a more intimate lounge with banquettes (also set up for bottles) allows for a nice change of scenery. A brilliantly designed and built club. It was built by Chris Knierim who the designers are proclaiming to be a Maestro. Chris far exceeded the expectations of the proprietor. It was said the designers walked past one night after late dinner celebrations to find Chris still hard at work. A truly inspirational character…Check it out….”
Victoria Squires – New York Times, NY.
“Erna and Diamond put blind faith in the designer – they never even saw the club until opening night. Thanks to the lightning quick, four-week construction from demolition to the public unveiling. “It was quite a feat,” Ohayon says. Admitting that without the knowledge and know how of Construction boss Chris Knierim the doors would have never opened. “Chris was able to turn my ideas from paper into reality.” The tight schedule was exhilarating, with Chris installing the ceiling the night before the opening and the customized sofa cushions arriving at 10 p.m. on Halloween as revellers waited to get in. The Moroccan feel is evident right from the keyhole-shaped entry into Dorsia’s main lounge. The room seems much bigger than it really is due to the mirror-like black Barrisol® vinyl that covers the ceiling and gives the illusion of infinite height, when in reality the ceiling is only 121⁄2 feet high. However, that high-gloss vinyl is also essential in establishing the club’s intimacy, according to Ohayon. If you are sitting in one corner of the room, you can look up and see people at the table on the opposite side of the lounge,” he notes. “It feels like they’re a part of your party, but they’re on the other side of the room. The vinyl allows you to see people you wouldn’t otherwise get to see.”
Mark A. Newman – New York Post NY
“While New York’s upscale lounge scene is flourishing, with new venues opening like. Catering to anyone who can afford at least a $200 bottle and looks decent enough to not horrify the celebrity clientele, and going against the usual lounge trend, each has invested some serious dime in quality sound, lighting, and video systems. ” Work was carried out by the same team that built the B ‘Lo bar less then one mile away, Ohynon and Knierim.
Ryan Malkin – Club International Magazine, NY
“This new hot spot in the Flatiron District has received quite a bit of buzz in the short while that it has been open. From Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz sightings to cool, sexy parties Dorsia is now considered the new super spot. The club was designed by Lionel Ohayoa and constructed by Chris Knierim. It is a three level lounge with a super-sleek catwalk running down the center of the room and cosy nooks is a great spot for a night out…just bring your gold card. A good looking staff and great DJ’s round out the experience. The real test is getting through the velvet ropes…one hint, make a reservation.”
Kris Clark – Shecky’s Media Inc. NY
“Another greatly decorated and well planned venue. The ambiance is created from the moment you enter. Buying a drink at the bar is made easier by the way it has been designed, it looks amazing with its tiered effect. The toilets are uni-sex making it another place for people to mingle. Special effects lighting really makes this place come alive…. Lots of Celeb’s and Beautiful people…. I have been told that Chris Knierim who built that other great club I reviewed only two months ago Dorsia had his hands in on this one too… Word is he is on his way to London to create another super club, worth a visit……..!!!! “
Victoria Squires – New York Times, NY
“Pricey drinks, a kind-of exclusive door policy and ropable looking staff…. Décor: slick, creative and comfortable with shell/flying saucer shaped lights that change color throughout the night. The design by “I Crave Designs” and workmanship by “Designer Constructions” is first class. The crowd: Plenty of glamorous models and A Listers, a couple of B – listers too. The Music: The DJ playing hip hop beats mixed with loungy tunes. 9.5/10”
Kris Clark – Shecky’s Media Inc. NY
“B’lo takes its name from its somewhat secretive location just below street level on 19th St. in New York’s lower Manhattan. The concealed location only adds to the lounge’s exclusive and unique appeal. Chris Knierim from Designer Constructions along with Lionel Ohayon from ICRAVE Design, worked out the theme and the proper party atmosphere, one that New York was lacking, what we like to call New York Underground.”
Ryan Malkin – Club International Magazine, NY
“Having already become one of the top celebrity hang-outs in both New York & Marbella, Pangaea is now repeating the trick in London. The lucky few who get through the door of this highly exclusive nightclub & lounge can enjoy its warm, South African decor, superb sushi, terrific cocktails & a mix of house, R ‘n’ B & world beats.” Built by a crew that was specially flown in from New York, this exceptional nightclub will be frowned upon by its peers. The layout has a Imperturbable Charm. Londoners will reveal at this masterpiece.”
Theme Magazine, UK
“I would just like to say that Pangaea is a great place in a great location with very beautiful staff members. The design and layout is excellent. I have reviewed many clubs but rate Pangaea with the best of them if not the best. It is amazingly popular with all the who’s who of London and international celeb’s. In a magazine article I read recently that it was designed and built by an Aussie guy Christopher Knierim from a company called ” Designer Constructions” who took less then two weeks to complete the project from start to finish. He is in such demand that the BBC got word of his talents and is wanting to do a mini series based on him. Very Cool. I’ll be watching.”
Belinda James – Fenio Clubbers Guide, London
“Pricey central London club that’s on the trashy side of exclusive, but still private enough that you forget you’re seconds away from the chaos of humanity that is Piccadilly Circus. Known as a Table Club, you have to reserve your space but everyone gets a seat and gorgeous waitresses bring the priciest bottles of Dom P or Cristal to your throne. This club is the sister club to the other Pangaea’s of New York and Marbella Spain, with limited space and time Chris Knierim of “Designer Constructions” has done an amazing job to create the image that coincides with its sister clubs. DJs spin tunes but a lot of the music is live and leaves something to be desired. The interior is done up like a dark and exotic Moroccan harem with animal prints and masks on the walls. Thursday’s draws a crowd of lush young models and assorted Euro trash make it home on weekends.”
Desiree Reading – Worlds Best Bars Publication, UK
“I must say that this would have to be one of the best designed and laid out clubs I have had the privilege of reviewing. Everyone seems to mention that an Australian guy by the name of Chris created this masterpiece. I have been told he has designed and built bars of this calibre around the world. It’s a true credit to him. What aren’t the Aussies good at?”
Rene Street – Bars Clubs International, UK
“This Exotic haven has been designed magnificently by Christopher Knierim. He will be sought after by the competition after this accomplishment. His obvious knowledge in design has led to this beautifully furnished North African style harem. Décor is dark and chic with carved African masks and animal skulls on the walls and animal skin prints on the ceilings. Large lounges with white cotton fabrics. Low Moroccan-style tables and a mix of world beats and ethnic grooves keep the regulars rocking. And what regulars! The main lighting might come from thick candles that flicker shadows on the walls, but extra voltage comes from celebs like Justin Timberlake and the magazine cover models and movers who have made this home. Of course you pay for Pangaea’s pleasures. Cosmopolitans and Martinis are ten dollars a go, bottle service at the heavily booked tables costs 250 pounds, and the queue takes an age if you’re not on the guest list. Worry not though, Pangaea only hits its heady peak between 2am and 4am – so you can afford the late entry.”
Safina Zimmer – Night Clubs Worldwide Review, London
“Owners Matthew Arden and David Tree in conjunction with the expertise of Designer and Builder Chris Knierim have created the latest bar project. The owners suggested a theme for Chris, who in turn used his creative skills to create: Red Rock. Chris dispensed with the pleasantries of what he considered to be the typical lounge bar – soft furnishings, R&B soundtrack – and instead features a jukebox playing classic rock, 44 gallon drum tables and a Harley Davidson crashing through the brick wall. The all-female bar team will regularly climb onto the bar top to stomp cowboy heels to the jukebox and live music, a la Coyote Ugly, and arm wrestling, karaoke and air guitar events are scheduled for future entertainment. Cozy place worth a visit if not for the girls, then to admire the wonderful creation.”
Club Review, London
“I think Red Rock is a great bar. The layout is fantastic and being a regular I did some research to find out who designed and built this great place. Christopher Knierim from Sydney, Australia built and designed it himself! I also found out that aside from Red Rock, he is also the designer and builder of the world famous Pangaea bar and club in London. Check it out.”
Ronda Miller – Journalist, London
An outstanding small bar. One of London’s hidden secrets. I had heard about the bar and thought it would be another typical chintzy bar. I was shocked when I entered the premises, it looks phenomenal. It was designed and built with plenty of thought. The detail included a Harley Davidson motorbike breaking through the wall, Original Cadillac Bonnet, Creatively designed patron friendly tables, Plenty of American memorabilia. It seems who ever created this little gem would surely not go unrewarded. Live bands, Dancing waitresses, Juke Box and plenty of American beer. A 10/10 rating. PS: If anyone knows who designed and built this little gem please pass on their details.
Richard Bowman. Sugarvine.com
“If you want to avoid a quiet night out in London, the new Red Rock bar at 12 Swallow Street, off Regent Street, may provide the ambience you seek. It was designed by, Australian Designer Chris Knierim. I hate to admit it but he did a splendid job in creating this little treasure. Described as “American-style biker bar meets the cult hit movie Coyote Ugly”, it has an all-female bar staff who dance and parade atop the bar to classic rock anthems. Each night, live bands perform on stage, and a juke box plays rock and soul tracks from the mid-60s to the late 90s.”
Sofia Miguel – Fluid Foundation, UK “Read Article“
“Ever seen the cult hit movie Coyote Ugly? Blokes love it, as it’s about top totty in a bar pouring free tequila down the regulars’ throats. Girls watch it to glean their dose of girl power from where the Spice Girls left off. Now you can come close to living the experience in London’s coolest new Rock club: Red Rock, Swallow Street, W1. This American-style biker hangout was to my amazement not cheesy in design. It was evident plenty of consideration went into the planning of this bar. There are very few bars that could live up to the calibre of Red Rock. Designer Chris Knierim has definitely set the benchmark. It has just opened its doors London rock lovers. Each night playing on the Red Rock stage will be music from cover bands performing live, as well as a jukebox belting out a range of rock classics from the 60’s through to the late 90’s everything from the Stones to Hendrix, Janis Joplin to The Strokes.” It’s always ready to prime its customers for a night of full on partying, dancing and drinking. The highlight has to be the all-female team of Red Rock staff dancing and parading on top of the bar to the crowd below.
Catherine Rodmell, The Times UK.
“Pangaea, a Greek word that means roughly “all-earth,” is no world tour of cultures. The décor is planted solidly in the warm earth tones and stunning artistry of Africa. Carved face masks, tribal markings and an atmosphere rouged by reds and warm browns is what greets you as soon as you make it through the doors. The space is strewn with low couches, glossy wood tables and comfy, cozy nooks. High above, yards of creamy off-white material hang from the rafters conveying the feeling of the grand era of African exploration, when the lions roamed the plains, and the English gents and ladies rested inside grandiose and lavishly appointed tents. Outside, an intimate garden patio, complete with a fire-pit adds to the sumptuous nightlife experience. With the enormous success of its sister club in London, the same design team was employed to convey there expertise. Designer Constructions team boss “Chris Knierim” was flown in from London. Huge accolades have been placed upon him and his team as a result of their work in London. It was obvious that with the success of his work in London the Port would again come to life………..”
H! Society Magazine, Spain
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