Testimonials
Deb Longua-Zamero has designed custom spaces for Hollywood Legends and Icons, a sitting US President, Property Developers, Residential Clients, Corporate Clients, and has designed sets for the Silver Screen.
"It is an honor to design for such fun and diverse clients. I am truly blessed."
— Deb Longua-Zamero, NCIDQ, CCIDC, WELL-AP
NORMAN LEAR | ACTIII CEO
Legendary Television Producer
"Deb- I thought I enjoyed my second floor office as much as was possible, thanks to you, but I find that joy and comfort dwarfed by how good I feel in my new office on the ground floor, thanks again to you. I’m grateful for the pleasure you continue to give me.”
DLZ designed (3) Office Spaces for ACTIII Productions, and on the team for (2) Estates for The Lear Family Estate.
JON J. REIDY, AIA | BRADY BUNCH MEDITERRANEAN RESIDENCE
Homeowner | Architect
“I am an architect, I work with a lot of interior designers … and while they are all very creative, for many there tends to be some degree of disconnect between the design intent and the realities of a complex construction project: great new ideas that come too late in the process to integrate without some kind of schedule pain or cost pain or both; late furniture layout changes after the light fixtures and floor outlets have already been installed based on the old layout; surprise ancient Roman basins that weigh a ton; impractical ideas that they have sold to the client without running them by the architect or contractor, and now I have to be the one to tell the client it simply cannot be done. You know, a bit detached from the real world.
I say that to say this: Deb is not that. She lives in the real world, she understands how her vision fits into the construction process, and she is absolutely tenacious. So much so that she is listed in my contacts under “Tenacious DLZ”.
I often use the analogy of putting a human on the moon to describe what it takes to make a construction project successful: it takes a certain amount of math calculations to get the spaceship off of the earth, travel 238,000 miles and place it right next to the moon … but it takes 100-fold that amount of math to safely land the lunar rover on the moon surface with its human cargo intact. Deb can land the lunar rover, that’s her frikkin brand.
My wife and I hired Deb to help us with a major renovation of our home. I had some anxiety about how the process might play out, because I’m a designer too, and it’s my own house … will our design sensibilities mesh? Will she be upset if I hold firm on some of my own ideas? How is this going to work?
Very quickly I realized my anxiety was unfounded, Deb was enthusiastic and creative and fierce, but collaborative. Over the course of the project we were like players in a jazz band, doing on-the-fly improv, playing off of each other’s notes. And the result is so much better than it would have been if I had designed the whole thing myself. It’s music.
Shortly after the project was completed, my wife and I were milling around on a break from our workdays, and as we were taking in the new dimensions/depth/color/texture/function of our new home she said, “We have a pretty effing kick-ass house.”
All thanks to Deb Longua-Zamero, Tenacious DLZ, lander of lunar rovers, maker of kick-ass* houses.
MICHAEL LOMBARDO | HBO President of Programming*
"Deb designed two offices for me. Her taste and professionalism are without parallel. In addition, she made the process an absolute joy."
*DLZ designed Michael's office when he was HBO's EVP of Programming, then again when he became HBO's President of Programming
JOE PETERSON | Exceleration Project Management President
"I want to share how much I appreciate Deb's stellar performance on the many projects we've been involved in since 1998. I wish we could figure out a way to clone her! Actually, that may be hazardous to my health; I couldn't possibly keep up with two Debs. Deb's ability to read situations with the client, read my mind, work her rear-end off to meet intense schedules, follow through on a wide variety of details on the CDs, maintain her excellent sense of humor and still have the design look great are simply indispensable. I deeply respect this balanced set of talents. Her motivation to constantly seek excellence in delivering superior service demonstrates an exemplary attitude."
GEORGE H.W. BUSH | President of the United States of America
Letter to the Design Team from the GSA:
JEFFREY BARNES | LIGHT FIELD LAB
Creative Development EVP
“Deb and I have collaborated on two very unique projects and both turned out better than I could have ever imagined. It’s a given that she has a fantastic design aesthetic but she also understands how to fully optimize any budget to their fullest extent. She is extremely competent, a hard worker, and was totally dedicated to both of my projects. During our last project we frequently exchanged texts, emails, and phone calls in the early AM hours, weekends, and holidays which she always answered in short order without complaint.
Most importantly, Deb is one of the best people I know and has that rare gift of making everyone around her feel important and special. Her down to earth nature, infectious sense of humor, kind heart, and steady confidence makes working with her an effortless and enjoyable experience. Simply put, Deb is the best and I look forward to working with her again in the future.”
FRANKIE ARIAS | APPA REAL ESTATE
VP of Development and Investment
“Deb at DLZ | INTERIORS isn't just another interior designer; she's the equivalent of the Navy’s Seal Team 6 in the design world. When faced with the challenge of developing a 100-unit mixed-use luxury apartment complex with an extensive array of amenities, Deb proved to be the ultimate solution. Her ability to craft distinct spaces while weaving a cohesive theme throughout the entire project is truly remarkable.
From designing innovative co-working spaces and conference rooms with custom vinyl wall prints to creating inviting common areas with several custom furniture pieces, game rooms, and outdoor lounging areas complete with firepits and seating, Deb's creativity knows no bounds. Each space she designed, from the elevator lobbies to the leasing offices, exudes a perfect blend of textures, colors, and materials, resulting in an environment that is both captivating and functional.
Not only did Deb's designs receive rave reviews from our tenants, but they also enabled us to achieve higher-than-anticipated rents and stellar reviews compared to our competitors. Her dedication to excellence was evident in every aspect of the project, from her meticulous attention to detail to her impeccable organization and scheduling.
What truly sets Deb apart is not only her exceptional talent as a designer but also her genuine warmth and sincerity as a person. Working with her felt like collaborating with a trusted friend, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have partnered with her on this project. I eagerly anticipate the chance to work with Deb and her team again on future endeavors.”
CARMI ZLOTNIK | LEGENDARY FILMS Executive, Producer*
"Deb made our experience in designing new office space into an artistic adventure. A real pleasure to work with -- I couldn’t ask for more."
*DLZ designed Carmi's office when he was HBO's EVP of Creative Operations, Business Development & New Media
ERIC STEVEN STAHL | Filmmaker
“I have worked with Deb for over 10 years. She was my art director on a feature film and we have collaborated on numerous projects since, outside of the motion picture arena. Just a FIRST CLASS designer and HUMAN BEING every step of the way. Can't say enough about her professionalism, sense of aesthetics and client interaction skills. A fine artist and a fine individual across the board."
SUE NAEGLE | Television Executive*
“Can I say the woman is amazing? Deb did a great job on my office and she was really terrific to work with. I thought I would pass a long a happy and satisfied gal's recommendation. She's fantastic!"
*DLZ designed Sue's office when she was HBO's President of Entertainment
MARYAM ANDERSON | Filmmaker
“The stars must have been in my favor when Deb came on board to Art Direct my film 'Burls'. Deb is not only professional, detail-oriented and creative, she is also an incredible and giving person. With Deb running the show, I never had to worry about the set design of the film. Her attention to detail was astonishing and made my job as Director much simpler. Her hard work and dedication to the projects she picks are clearly visible. She gets the job done no matter what it takes. I can't wait to work with her again.”
DEAN MAGLIERI | DI President
“I've know Deb since 1993 and it has been a genuine pleasure to have dealt with her professionally while in Washington DC and here in the Los Angeles area. Deb and I have collaborated on demanding projects together, which entailed stringent deadines and at times very demanding clients. Regardless of the complexity of the project, Deb always stood up to the challenge and further exceeded expectations. For this reason, when the opportunity presented itself, Deb was selected to participate on a high-profile project - designing a private office building in Texas for President George H.W. Bush, while he was still in Office. In addition to having an outstanding personality, Deb has always demonstrated to be an optimistic individual with plenty of energy to spare. She is responsible, sincere, candid and capable of dealing with many critical situations set before her."