Interior Design is Just Like I Imagined

I am being interviewed this week by several interior design students from different colleges (part of their homework assignments). I was thinking about how I could tell them what it is like to be an interior designer and thought I would show them my week.

Monday:  I shopped for drapery hardware and installed drapes. I figured out that we needed a few more panels, so I placed that order. Those will be installed next week.

Tuesday:  I delivered four red chairs that I was able to sell because of the Dream Room Competition. Then I visited a client to check on our progress and decide on the accessories we still need to purchase.

 

Wednesday: The salon project was completed and we passed on the keys. I then met with a new client for a kitchen remodel. I wrote and sent out the contract.

 

Thursday: Picked up the last of the supplies for the little ADA bathroom and met with our carpenter to get all the little details just right. I also picked up this cute child’s chair from the upholsterer for one of our littlest clients.

 

Friday: Rushed around to get all the supplies for a color consultation and then meet with the client to pick just the right color.  I picked up some hand drawings for a drafting project.

Then, of course, there was paperwork, bill paying, phone calls, blogging and tasks for ASID for which I am the financial director.

I wonder if this is what they think it will be like. I think it is just like I imagined and dreamed.

Mobile Interior Design Studio

The last few weeks I have been traveling from interior design client to interior design client and I thought yesterday – I need a mobile design studio. I have always had a crazy desire to remodel and design the interior of an Airstream Trailer. Wouldn’t that be a great mobile interior design office?  I could have all my samples and catalogs right there to show my clients. I think it would be a novel idea.

Early last year I saw this post on Apartment Therapy and that is what got me to thinkin’

Then I saw this post on Autoblog. The automakers of the Mini Cooper have joined with Airstream to create this concept. Together with Danish furniture designer, Republic of Fritz Hansen, the companies have created a concept Mini Cooper S Clubman coupled to a matching 22-foot Airstream trailer with a "down-by-the beach" feel. Looks very stylish to me.

I found this cutie on CycloContractor, already for me to stuff the shelves with textiles, tile, carpet, and paint chips. Oh, my creative mind is reeling.......

Morada Brewpub Thesis Project

projectDESCRIPTION
 Adaptively reuse the old Morada Market to create and differentiate an inviting urban-contemporary microbrewery that departs from the dark, smoky, male-dominated stereotypical local tavern.

designDIRECTIVE

The restaurateur wants a design that revolves around a theme, but takes a subtle approach which gives diners a feel for what they are about to get, but leaves a little bit to the imagination — a trendy fine dining establishment with a relaxed casual chic vibe that may or may not be a brewpub. It feels sophisticated and futuristic, but homey and reminiscent of old world charm. The central design elements are organic, but geometric, pulling in the background of the building — a corner market — to evoke an authentic sense of place. The patrons should feel happy, relaxed and at ease, but excited as the fun environment draws them in.




Communal Dining Table



Loggia Dining





 designSOLUTION

The design pulls inspiration from the very definition of morada — habitat and mulberry-colored; and the abundance of heritage oak trees in the area. Juxtaposing industrial elements with warm woods, geometric forms and shapes, and a color palette of graphite, violet, and fuchsia creates a textural enriching space. Steel elements are used abundantly in the brew house tanks, bar counter, casework and upward arching sculptures evoking a sense of excitement. Large sculptures with a narrow stem base fluting out into a conical umbrella made of rebar mimic the shape of an oak tree. Wood floors flank the lounge and dining areas providing a warm balance against the metal elements. Bright and patterned textiles cover the booths and benches, while oxblood faux leather on the barstools reminds that this is also a tavern. Large cylindrical glass pendants drip from the ceiling like pilsner glasses waiting to be filled by the craft beer brewed onsite.

Booth Dining