While searching for an appropriate image for this month’s Parting Shot we came upon the photo you see above. It was taken on the rooftop of the W Hotel in San Diego, and undoubtedly drew a lot of attention.

The cool stools are from Lebello USA, and the striking fire pit is the creation of Mr. Important Design (now, there’s a fellow with no lack of ego), a company that has created striking, jaw-dropping venues from San Diego to Dubai, and Palm Springs to Mumbai (alright, he’s earned the right to that moniker). Unfortunately, the chairs are gone now, but the fire pit remains.

We thought about using the headline, “Torching the Dogs.” After all, doesn’t every retailer end up with a few dogs every year? And we thought about mentioning to the folks at the Merchandise Mart that it might make a perfect sculpture to accompany those eight lonely heads that gaze longingly at the entrance to the Mart. We dismissed both ideas.

Instead, we’ll just hope that you enjoy a flaming connection to the industry you’re in.

Mr. Important Design, (415) 573-9840, info@misterimportant.com. Lebello USA, 7442 W. 80th Street, Los Angeles, California 90045; (310) 878-4578, www.lebello.com.