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)

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