Photo by Arthur Cohen
Architect Matt Berman is a founding principal of Workshop/APD, a New York City-based architecture and design firm specializing in high-end residential and commercial projects. Berman, along with his business partner Andrew Kotchen, launched the firm in 1999 and have designed everything from luxury single family homes, city lofts, upscale restaurants, multi-use buildings, and even custom furniture. Remember when Brad Pitt sponsored a competition back in 2006 to help bring affordable housing to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina" Workshop/APD’s entry was chosen as the winning design, giving the duo their first major break. Since then, they’ve established an impressive portfolio of dream-worthy places to live and visit. Along with architecture, he has an appreciation for Blenko glass, the geometry of Russian Constructivists’ works, and unusual plumbing fixtures and hardware. This week’s Friday Five sees what else Berman loves, including a designer, art, special locales, and a little technology. Photo by David Ghiraldini
1. Asbury Park

Asbury Park is one of the coolest places on earth. It?s an amazing town – a real-life phoenix-rising-from-the-ashes story. It had an amazing history in its hay day back in the 50s and 60s and then fell on really hard times. We?ve owned a home there for about 13 years and were an early part of the ?gay revitalization.? Today, the city has turned around and come back to life. It?s a spec...