CLUB DESIGN
Starting in 1982, Norman worked on every aspect of design in New York's ground-breaking nightclubs. Beginning as a scenic painter, by '84 he was working as part of various design teams, and became a lead designer by '87. Clubs he worked on include Danceteria, Limelight, The Palladium, The Peppermint Lounge, Area, Nell's, The Tunnel, Quick, and Save the Robots. In this pre-cell phone era, few photos remain of the decor, mostly just the sensational crowds.
By '89, he was also operating nightclubs, and in the following few years, broke out into a wider market, designing several international night spots, including: Hell in Miami, Gold in Tokyo, and Peiser Einst in Munich. In '91, he opened his self-built resort, Lagoon, in Belize.
On his return to the fray of New York nightlife, he designed, owned, and operated a string of smaller, more intimate venues based loosely around Burlesque and Neo-Cabaret. He developed, and became known for, his technique, Victorianization, which transforms mundane or bland interiors into Gilded Age palaces. Highlights include: Dutch Weismann's, The Kit Kat Club, The Slipper Room, Show, The Triad, and The Blushing Diamond Speakeasy.
In 2007 Norman and his future wife, Amelia, relocated to Shanghai, where they designed, built and operated his magnum opus, CHINATOWN, converting a derelict Buddhist temple into the country's first such venue. Their adventures are detailed in Amelia's award-winning book, Diary of a Shanghai Showgirl.
Now based in London, Norman still designs nightclubs, interiors, events, and theatrical productions.
By '89, he was also operating nightclubs, and in the following few years, broke out into a wider market, designing several international night spots, including: Hell in Miami, Gold in Tokyo, and Peiser Einst in Munich. In '91, he opened his self-built resort, Lagoon, in Belize.
On his return to the fray of New York nightlife, he designed, owned, and operated a string of smaller, more intimate venues based loosely around Burlesque and Neo-Cabaret. He developed, and became known for, his technique, Victorianization, which transforms mundane or bland interiors into Gilded Age palaces. Highlights include: Dutch Weismann's, The Kit Kat Club, The Slipper Room, Show, The Triad, and The Blushing Diamond Speakeasy.
In 2007 Norman and his future wife, Amelia, relocated to Shanghai, where they designed, built and operated his magnum opus, CHINATOWN, converting a derelict Buddhist temple into the country's first such venue. Their adventures are detailed in Amelia's award-winning book, Diary of a Shanghai Showgirl.
Now based in London, Norman still designs nightclubs, interiors, events, and theatrical productions.
A hallway at AREA, 1984, NYC
Backstage at DANCETERIA with Madonna, 1983, NYC
Main stairway at PALLADIUM, 1984, NYC
The LIBRARY at LIMELIGHT, 1986, NYC
The KIT-KAT CLUB , 44 St. Street , 1995, NYC
The TRIAD, 72 Nd. Street, 2005, NYC
SHOW nightclub, 41 St.Street, 2002 NYC
CHINATOWN, Shanghai's first Burlesque and Cabaret club, 2008
A balcony scene at CHINATOWN
The bar at PAVILION, in Shoreditch London, 2012
