Bathroom Design

Working again on the "Santi" residence I have come across a new challenge, this time I was developing my concept that tied together the idea of unique individual definition of what a home is to a bathroom design. Along with the concept and mentallity of functionallity and aesthetics I was taking into consideration the accessibilty aspects, this was a challenge when deciding were I was to place my toilet, sink, and the design of the shower. I knew that I wanted to have a open floor plan that would allow easy turning peraminters for people who may be wheel chair users without compromising the look and feel of the project, the materials were all chosen to reflect my thought and concept that related back to the clients need as well as my conept of creating ones own definition of what home may be defined as.

After a process of creating smaller floor plans, I decided on a side mount accessible taoilet with that advantage of a roll in shower and fully accessible sink. I made sure that there were side bars on the side of the toilet that followed ADA recommendations as well as sink and countertop heights and storage space. This was a really eye opening expereince to recognize how much things can change with just a matter of inches.

Overall the completion of this project was in my opionion was successful, but could use a lot of improvement. I would have to say that more time could be used to add sketches and possible perspectives, and the overall poster layout could use some improving but I would say that I am happy with the result.

Seattle, Showrooms and Habitat for Humanity

While in Seattle I was fortunate enough to find some real important locations that I had never really heard of or knew even existed. I have live in the Seattle area my whole life and have driven past many of the showrooms we go a chance to visit.

The first stop was at the Seattle Design Center, located on fourth Ave. I never knew what was behind such a simple facade, I was taken back by the showrooms that were located within this center. I am excited to travel back and take some more time to peak around, I know that this will be a key location for my future, after that we were escorted around near the area to tile and marble showrooms and warehouses. The amount of information that given was almost like an overload, but so helpful. I was very impressed by 3form, the place was amazing! We got a chance to learn so much about lighting options and the possibilities of resin, as well as how the process of these fixtures can help in the innovation of our own designs.

Another great site that were able to visit was at the Seattle Center Pavilion, there we had a chance to visit a new project that Habitat for Humanity is getting ready to launch and mass produce. It is called "House of the Immediate Future", a very remarkable step forward for low income housing and a great focus on sustainability. The key feature that I would have to say I was not too thrilled about was the double fill walls that wrapped the exterior. Just as it sound they have placed two full structured framed walls to keep better insulated the whole house. I am sure that the amount of conserved energy will be great, but feel as though there really could be a better solution to the problem with a less invasive building process.

Overall the project and visit to all the showrooms were a great experience, and I am so thankful for the time and expertise by all the people who showed us around and gave us insight to the world of design.

Seattle Urban Sketch Crawl

This was the first sketch that I completed at the Seattle Sculpture park In Seattle. There was a great turn out from the Seattle Urban Sketcher, and was a lot of fun working around them and seeing how they approached the park.

My second sketch below was a quick 10 minute sketch that was influenced by my teacher Bob K. he had previously suggested that I try a more free and loose style. I think that I was able to accept that it was very sloppy after the fact that I recognized that the features in the environment were still coming through on paper.

Kitchen Project

If there was one major thing that I have learned thoughout this process of developing an idea to a final design solution it would be how important the idea of time is. There is no 25th hour and the time that is allowed is not an impossible feat to work with. I have to say that there were some sucessfull exectutions that I am proud which completed my vision, but at the same time there are many things I would like to go back an fix.

One of the most successful features would be the elevations and section in my drafting, I dont know why I colored them in, matybe to offset the fact that my perspectives seemed to be so poor or to really give an additional vibe of completion.

There are way to many things I would go back and fix but know that no matter what I would never be fully satisfied with a "finished" project.

With that being said, I feel that my board could use a lot of improving, as well as my perspectives, and the overall layout that was the result of my rushing.

Some detailed information:
-The shelving that wraps around the dining and kitchen area, would be modular, allowing for more or less storage space. Gloss blue finish.
- The counter top is white.
- The Cabinets below are of a dark Birch Wood.
- All appliances are Maytag EnergyStart, in a white finish.

Job Shadow

During a visit to Seattle I was able to go and shadow one of the leading design firms here in the state of Washington. Callison Design Firm, on 5th Ave. I would have to say that the experience was one of the best in my life. I really got to got a feel for the style of company that I would one day like to work for, everything from the design aspect to the enviornment really gave me an eye open experience.

My partner, Stephanie Chahan, and I were escorted around the offices that over looked the North, East, and West side of Seattle by a Junior Designer, Beta, who had recently graduated from the Interior Design program at Washington State University. She introduced us to many important people that all take part of the design process for many of the projects that the company works on. I learned that there is more to design that aesthetics, budget, and willingness to work, It has a lot to do with the connection that you are making to the built environment, the people who use the space, and how you are making an impact for the future. We had a chance to ask many questions and soak in all the information that they had for us.

They had very useful tips and information for a student like myself, and gave me the extra push I feel I needed to ensure my success in the field. Since the visit I would say that I have been more focused on becoming a better designer and student, so that I one day could go back an apply with confidence.

Some of the steps that they allowed us to observe gave me some insight into the type of work that I should be applying as a student. They not only were very helpful in that aspect but they were very informative in the importance of hand sketching as well as reassuring the idea of becoming knowledgeable in all drafting programs and focusing on portfolio, which I just started to work on.

Accessibility Sketch Journal

Exiting Carpenter Hall.

Working on the idea of accessibility in our built environment has been an eye opening experience. I have had some understanding of people with sensory disability in the past when I took courses on American Sign Language and would go to the meet ups and gatherings, where Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and even Blind people would come together to hangout. I tried to keep up and felt like I could never really understand and grasp the full understanding of their situation in the environment that they lived in. I just felt like I was an outsider looking in, which resonated again with the project that I participated in.

Daggy Faculty Break Room

In a group of two we were given regular everyday tasks of going from one location to another, but this time in a wheelchair. I started off by using the elevator and heading to the bathroom on the second floor, this is when I first met a student that is a wheelchair user. I asked him if he had any tips and he mentioned that the wheel chair we were assigned with actually was meant to be pushed rather than to personally operate. I knew from there it wouldn't be easy. As I entered the bathroom I recognized the inability to fully operate both door and wheel chair, I had a real tough time maneuvering within the space and getting in and out of such a space.

The next task was to head to another building relatively close requiring exiting and wheeling myself through a more uneven and rough surface. I didn't expect the change in terrain to be so drastic but it really shook me up to see the difficulty I was having. The doors were heavy and narrow, the carpets where like quick sand, and the halls were hard to maneuver around.

I really can't imaging the difficulty some may have when going to new places, having to re evaluate every move, and hoping that the accessibility will make it possible for them to live theirs lives. As a design student I truly hope to subconsciously make smart and informative decisions. The cost and innovations of these design solutions should not be a second hand thought, as a human race we should think with understanding an acceptance that not everyone is "average" and that there is more to the design world than what may be visually pleasing to some, but rather to make all things pleasing to all. If we allow ourself to limit the accessibility to some rather than others we will only continue to drive a divide between ourselves and limit our possibilities as a human race.

Concept Development

In developing an idea (design solution) I have found that a set of process work helps best when building off a foundation. As part of this process I was first given the task of working off the base of some lyrics, poems, quotations, etc. in relation to the ideas or reference of "home". I choice a song titled "Coming Home" by Diddy -Dirty Money where I broke the song down to my personal reflection of its meaning, and what the meaning or definition of a home and house may be or mean. To some its one thing and to others it's another. This idea guided me to develop some parti's that represented that sole foundation. I examined the idea of the materials in a home, what it takes to create a home, how do we define home, and so on. I found many literal ways to express those thoughts, one in particular was wood, and a closeup abstraction of woodgrain, along with the systematic process in which a home or a house is created.

I saw something very interesting within that idea an decided to develop it further, I continued on until I reached the point of recognizing the relation of wood grain to a finger print, or the similarities in the form of the two. The ways that they both seem to have a wrapping or layering effect of unique individuality, the natural form that the two have, and as well as the possibilities of abstraction.

These abstract parti's would ultimately help me through my conceptual models and the foundation to the design solution for the design problem. I was (and for the most part, still am) working towards a solution for a kitchen and living space in a two bedroom apartment located in the Palouse. This process of conceptualizing and developing has been very helpful, and I find to be very productive solution in the overall design process. I would say, that had I more time, I could keep working on developing a more efficient and greater solution, but with that being said, there are always going to be constraints and timelines that one must follow and accept. Moving forward requires confidence and acceptance that continuing with the design will only allow for it to grow and there for getting better.



NOTE: Specific location, and the clients name, I am under the assumption that he would like to keep it disclosed and private.

Client Brief.

As a designer one of the most important tools to developing a good design is taking into consideration the needs and wants of a client. This sounds like a no brainer but there is more to that notion than one may think.

Recently working on a project for a man who has bought a new property in the Palouse, he was looking for some creative solutions for a one and two bedroom apartment (among a common space, and retail and spa amenities). He had given us the task of developing possible kitchen and living space designs, while keeping in mind the location, history, and budget. At first my mind raced with ideas and visions, but noted that the best possible outcome would be by developing a connection to his wants and needs; this would in turn help guide me in the right direction.

As the group consulted and gathered questions we came up with a organized list of important aspects and features that would revolve around the design solutions. We came needed to figure out the Client's Philosophy, the Deign Problems, and the Design Goals. These key factors would be the compass to help each and everyone of our design process along with supporting materials and expectations.

I was able to gather and collect important information that would help spark my design solutions, while at the same time allow me the freedom (in a way) to stay within my own design philosophy. I believe that this process of creating a client brief was very crucial in  creating a  successful base to the overall goal.

NOTE: Sketch will be posted soon, and as far a specific location, clients name, and the actual client brief, I am under the assumption that he would like to keep it disclosed and private.  

Kitchen Design thoughts

Recently worked on a project, not 100 percent satisfied with the results, but I know I tried my best to fulfill the requirements to the best of my abilities with the timeline. If there was one thing that I could do to improve, it would have been my time management. The project as a whole could be 10 times better and still not complete. Even then I would want more time, but that helped me realize one major thing, control and develop, no project will be fully complete but that shouldn't ever limit the quality of the finished project. Timelines are for a reason and should be taken seriously. I know that I need to go back (and will) and work on a few things just to personally satisfy the completion of what've got. For the next project I think I'll take my time more serious.

Pics up soon.