The Science of Design

“When you stop learning, stop listening, stop looking and asking questions,

always new questions, then it is time to die.”

Lillian Smith (American Writer 1897-1966)

Yesterday I had a meeting with a local independent architect to discuss some of the details pertaining to the Ranch House project I'm working on. He is helping by providing his expert advice and opinions regarding the unique site conditions and overall building structure.  

One of the main challenges for this project is the site location of the new building. There are some existing environmental implications, outstanding functionality questions, and financial considerations that are greatly affecting the building's placement, all limiting us differently in each location.

Although the general purpose of the meeting was to gain information for this particular project, which I did; I feel like I should share one of the unique techniques I learned during our time together as he was mentoring me. We were discussing the positives and negatives of the site orientation and he introduced a very cool new tool called a sun rose.

 

Image courtesy of: http://www.solosol.net/sun_path_calculator.html

 

This tool, which I recognized from my college astronomy notes, helps understand how to position the building in such a way so that you can utilize the natural path of the sun to provide ample lighting, particularily sunlight, into the architectural environment. UREKA!

 

How to use a Sun Rose: Orient the diagram "N" on the site plan's North, so that all corresponding directions are lined up. Depending on the specific latitude location of your site, the sun rises and sets at different degrees in the sky during the summer and winter solistice. You can then determine how to place your structure, windows, doors, etc. and somewhat control the natural light input and output.

 

Want to read more on this topic?

Check out this book by architect William C. Lam

Project Management 101

We recently wrapped up a custom millwork project for a large local engineering firm. *Sigh of relief*

For this project, I balanced back and forth between design director and project manager. I created and submitted shop drawings for all the interior millwork and custom built ins. In addition, I was on site almost every day coordinating deliveries, overseeing each installation, and communicating first hand with the superintendents, architects, and other professionals. This was my first full on project management role, so I'm very proud of the final product and feel very satisfied with the overall experience.

Brain Food: It's hard for me to narrow down one particular lesson learned from this project since there are so many important things I gained throughout the process. However, I feel I should focus on my trials and errors as project manager since that was such a unique experience for me.

I think it's important to remember that as you work in the field, you will be exposed to a variety of construction road blocks, challenging installation situations and multiple personalities, just to name a few; all while trying to work efficiently and execute your products to the original intentions.

So basically, stay positive (don't get discouraged, there are solutions to every problem), be prepared (for the worst), communicate with your team of your expectations (set the bar early), and make sure the clients are happy (at the end of the day, that's all that matters).

Here are some rough pictures I took throughout the project:

Reception Desk with new raised bamboo accent panels, granite top, and privacy panel

Hallway Credenza with horizontal bamboo veneer and granite top

Existing Conference Table with new bamboo veneer diameter top

Elevator Lobby- bamboo wall panels

Elevator Lobby- bamboo wall panels

 Custom Wall Unit

*Before*

Looking into the conference room from the reception

*After*

View from Reception- Bamboo Panels with Painted Reveals

Left Hidden Refridgerator Drawers, Storage Drawers and Doors, Pocket Doors Cabinet, Wall Sconces

Pocket Door Detail

Reveals Coffee Bar/Display Station

View from Conference Room

Back Side of Custom Wall Unit

Left Hidden Refridgerator Drawers, False Bamboo Panels with Painted Reveals

(We also built a new 5'-0" base, a 4'-0" cherry table leaf,

and 5 bamboo grommet inserts to extend their existing conference table)

Seeing Green?

I have been frequently visiting Metropolis Magazine for some years now and I'm always excited to see the new features in their "DesignMart" section. This is where they highlight some of the newest, most innovative products sweeping the market place.

As I was casually surfing around this morning, I stumbled upon this interesting chandelier.Green Design has become a growing trend, especially these last 5 years or so, but this lighting fixture translates it pretty literally! (And I think that's the idea.)

Designed and created by water pressure lighting from dwellings, ltd, this chandelier encompasses the inspiration from one of the most basic natural elements- water. It is a whimsical reflection of the life cycle process of irrigation.

"Irrigation" Collection

$4200 list

Notice the crystal dragonfly!

Here are some other favorites:

"Lawn Sprinkler" Collection

$4800 list

"NYC Sewer Grate" Collection (can you find the little crystal rat in this??)

$3900 list

"Crashing Waves" Collection

 $5100 list

Now it wouldn't make sense unless they produced their beautiful fixtures in a sustainable way...

Their website describes that they use energy-efficient LED bulbs, which last 10x longer than standard incandescent. They opt for a powdercoat method on all their products, which is "dry, non leaching, and a more resource-recoverable finish process". Lastly, not one note is missed, they utilize "recyclable shipping and promotional materials."

Love? Hate? Let me know... (I'm thinking love!)

Desire to Inspire

Since I'm knee deep in the private ranch project, I thought I'd share with you my inspiration board that I created during the schematic design phase.

As a designer, you have the great responsibility of how you affect the built environment. The spaces you create have the power (yes, power!) to not only be functional, but can enhance the quality of life and culture of its occupants. Curious as to the actual definition of an interior designer? Check this out!

So, not only do designers develop a particular style custom to the client and design solution, but those decisions can have a huge impact on the overall success of the space.

For this project, here is what I have in mind:

Rustic, Humble, Comfortable, Efficient, Unique, Masculine, Bold, Durable

1. fabulous found Kilim rugs by pottery barn

2. dark patina bin pull by rocky mountain hardware

3. getting creative with ceiling tiles

4. inviting rustic table and chair

5. don't mess with texas, longhorn cabinet pull by anne at home

6. unique bathroom vanity and sink, thanks to bearfort lodge

7. rust colored pulley pendant light fixture

8. putting the fun in organized, cute pantry storage

9. getting twiggy with it, branch chandelier fixture

10. who wouldn't want this beautiful handpainted buffet?

11. hi casual, i'm elegance. thanks to google images 

Case of the Mundays

On Mondays like this, cold and cloudy, I particularily miss working on this project. It was one of the most beautiful offices I've ever worked in! This was a residential remodel for one of my client's vacation homes on Applehead Island Horseshoe Bay, Texas.

The major elements of this project that I worked on were two freestanding media cabinets, several bathroom remodels, and the outdoor kitchen.

Brain Food: One of the major lessons learned on this project was that communication is key to the overall success of a project. Whether I was discussing media components with the IT professional, detailed dimensions of frameless glass shower doors, or selecting products and finishes with the client; it is an absolute MUST to ask questions, take notes, and communicate goals with everyone involved. Not only is this important so that everyone is on the same page, but you learn a lot from other's expertise that can propel you to making better decisions as a designer.

Here are some images of the final products:

Rear view of the Residence

The peaceful view of the lake

Custom Upstairs Media Cabinet with Hand Woven Inserts

The brains behind the operation.

Detail of the Hand Woven Inserts

Custom Teak Recessed Cabinets with Grill, Sink, Refridgerator, and Ice Bin

Downstairs Kitchen Media Cabinet with two tone Veneer

Guest Bathroom Vanity

Master Bedroom Vanity Remodel

Crush on Texas

Last week for work, I traveled down to a little town in southwest Texas called Rocksprings. One of our residential clients has the most beautiful 3100 acre hunting lease just outside the city. I was surprised as to how drastic the landscape changed throughout our travels. You know you've arrived when you see the freckled rocky terrain, grazing goats, and huge rolling hills.

The purpose of this trip was to document the site conditions of their existing residence in order to prepare for their new Mess Hall addition that we are constructing and project managing during the summer. More specifically, we will also be designing all the custom furniture and millwork for the new space. Don't worry, I will constantly update on the status of this exciting project!

Here are some photos I took...they don't do it justice.

An old rusted oil pump in the sunset

On up the road

 

A catapillar's view of an old cattle shoot

Getting confrontational with a cactus

Outside looking in

Worn Out Knob

View from the Front Porch- Large Axis Deer

Wedded Bliss

Here are some pictures from my wedding in September of 2009 in Fort Worth, Texas.

The decor was subtly modern with traditional elements.

I just love this color palette of Black, White, and Mustard Yellow.

Meet Lauren, the newlywed!

Lauren and Kacey Happily Ever After

Fabulous Floral Design by Deitra Butler @ Lush Couture Floral

Photo by Adrien P. Maroney http://www.apmdesignphotography.com/

Fabulous Floral Design by Deitra Butler @ Lush Couture Floral

Photo by Adrien P. Maroney http://www.apmdesignphotography.com/

Fabulous Floral Design by Deitra Butler @ Lush Couture Floral

Photo by Adrien P. Maroney http://www.apmdesignphotography.com/

Wizard of Oz

Hi. I'm Lauren! (and that's Duke) Although I'm new to this whole blogging thing, I have to say that I'm absolutely thrilled to have this new forum to share my world, well... with the world!

My hopes and goals are to utilize this blog as my online diary and working portfolio of my thoughts and discoveries as a young professional interior designer. Warning, I will most likely ramble at times! It will be a snap shot into the overall process behind my projects, give first hand experience of furniture design and production, showcase my ever-changing inspirations, and reveal my successes and failures.

So background check: I currently have the amazing opportunity to design custom furniture and millwork for high end commercial and residential clients as well as project manage. In addition, since my degree is in interior design from TCU in Fort Worth (shout out!), I also am able to provide a wide range of design services: sketching and rendering, finish selections, lighting design, etc.

It's hard to define exactly what I do on a daily basis, as most designers will attest that no client or project is ever the same. Forget a routine! That is the beauty of this career path for me. That although I prefer to have a method to the madness, some sort of organized chaos, I thrive off of the ability to adapt in unique and challenging situations.

Hopefully this will serve as a new, evolving perspective behind the design process and help sift through the cloud of color for fabulous interior inspiration. Enjoy!

I look forward to sharing with you!

-LC