Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Mo
Our Week 5 assignment is to select the project we are most proud of. That's a tough one. Over the years, I've done a number of whole-house renovations, three new constructions (two houses and a condo), and countless room renovations in addition to design assignments for my architecture and interior design classes. I have always sought to create designs that fulfill the senses while affording utility and value, and give clients pride of ownership.
My introductory classes involved drawing by hand and perfecting line weights. John Markowski was a fearsome task-master but when he commented that he'd like to see my design built I knew I was on the right path. Ruhiges Landhaus (German for peaceful cottage) was my solution for a final project which required designing a lakefront retreat that included a media room, meditation room, master bedroom with an en-suite, living room, dining room and kitchen.
This three story design nestled into a steep lot and provided ample public and private decks for enjoying views of the lake and woods as well as a parking pad just off the road. My parents were depression-era babies so conserving resources was a way of life for me long before it became popular in the 80's and 90's. Even this first design incorporated high-efficiency appliances, lighting and sustainable materials. Whenever possible I design structures that are self-sustaining and off-the-grid.
I also design so that rooms can be redesigned without incurring major new purchases. Sometimes changing the placement of furnishings or simply changing a few decor pieces can be enough to give a room a much needed update.
Another early architecture project that I'm especially proud of involved researching an actual site in Arnold, MD. This project involved studying the topography and developing a plan that would provide shelter and restrooms for bicyclists riding the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail. The site is the southernmost and final stop before entering Annapolis near the Naval Academy.
Using the native-American Nanticock long house for inspiration I created a design that joined historical elements of the Eastern-shore tribe with those of the Maryland state flag. Cor-ten arches and hot dip galvanized purlins made up the building skeleton while translucent concrete and corrugated metal roofing were used for the inner structure that housed the restrooms. Solar panels and decorative glass panels displaying the quadrants of the state flag were interspersed in the upper portions of the skeletal structure to generate power and provide light dispersion. A water collection system that provided recycled water for the restroom facilities and the use of indigenous, drought-resistant plantings minimized the demands on the local aquifer. The open arches provided views of the wooded site and gave users a sense of being immersed in their surroundings while providing for essential functions.
And while I'm proud of my designs to date, there are new projects and clients waiting to have their dreams put into form. The design I'm most proud of? It's yet to be created.
My introductory classes involved drawing by hand and perfecting line weights. John Markowski was a fearsome task-master but when he commented that he'd like to see my design built I knew I was on the right path. Ruhiges Landhaus (German for peaceful cottage) was my solution for a final project which required designing a lakefront retreat that included a media room, meditation room, master bedroom with an en-suite, living room, dining room and kitchen.
This three story design nestled into a steep lot and provided ample public and private decks for enjoying views of the lake and woods as well as a parking pad just off the road. My parents were depression-era babies so conserving resources was a way of life for me long before it became popular in the 80's and 90's. Even this first design incorporated high-efficiency appliances, lighting and sustainable materials. Whenever possible I design structures that are self-sustaining and off-the-grid.
I also design so that rooms can be redesigned without incurring major new purchases. Sometimes changing the placement of furnishings or simply changing a few decor pieces can be enough to give a room a much needed update.
Another early architecture project that I'm especially proud of involved researching an actual site in Arnold, MD. This project involved studying the topography and developing a plan that would provide shelter and restrooms for bicyclists riding the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail. The site is the southernmost and final stop before entering Annapolis near the Naval Academy.
Using the native-American Nanticock long house for inspiration I created a design that joined historical elements of the Eastern-shore tribe with those of the Maryland state flag. Cor-ten arches and hot dip galvanized purlins made up the building skeleton while translucent concrete and corrugated metal roofing were used for the inner structure that housed the restrooms. Solar panels and decorative glass panels displaying the quadrants of the state flag were interspersed in the upper portions of the skeletal structure to generate power and provide light dispersion. A water collection system that provided recycled water for the restroom facilities and the use of indigenous, drought-resistant plantings minimized the demands on the local aquifer. The open arches provided views of the wooded site and gave users a sense of being immersed in their surroundings while providing for essential functions.
Design needn't be expensive and some of the projects that I'm most proud of include renovations with shoe-string budgets. The guest suite shown here was created with furnishings and decor from Ikea, Home Goods and other budget-friendly vendors. The paint was free (acquired from Ace Hardware when they began promoting their Clark & Kensington paint brand). The total budget for the room was $800 and guests always commented on how much they enjoyed their stay.
And while I'm proud of my designs to date, there are new projects and clients waiting to have their dreams put into form. The design I'm most proud of? It's yet to be created.
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