Just Do It!

On Sunday, July 31^st, I completed my 3^rd half marathon.  This time around, I took my training pretty seriously.  I hired a personal trainer, whom I worked out with twice a week at 6:30AM sharp!  This new schedule took a lot of getting used to, but I ended up really enjoying it.  There is something awesome about waking up when the rest of the world is still quiet to get things done and get your thoughts together for the approaching day.  I learned that despite the fact that it is very difficult to get out of bed when it is still dark outside, it is totally worth it!  I managed to not only improve my physical fitness, but I became a much more organized person because I was able to do a few chores every day before I started my work day.  I did a combination of cardio exercises, running and strength training to prepare for the half marathon.  My trainer taught me a bunch of fun exercises to get myself in shape.  My personal favorite was the side run because you can flap your arms like a chicken when you do it.  It definitely promises for some funny looks from people on the Embarcadero. I finished the 1^st half of the San Francisco Half Marathon in 2 hours 13 minutes.  My goal for next time is going to be to finish in 2 hours.  This is going to take a lot of work and I am really going to have to strengthen my muscles and improve my running on inclines. 

Stay tuned for my next half marathon story!

Product + idea = ??? You be the judge…. Ch.1

Hunter Douglas Linear Metal Ceiling - Hey, somebody has to do it. New products come on the market all the time.  Designers have to have a fearless approach when experimenting with new products in order to discover their possibilities. 

Here at DM+A, we wanted to try using the Linear Metal Ceiling systems; Box & Deep Box Series.  It’s a very straight forward approach.  Linear planks lay in one direction within a soffit.  But what if you use different plank sizes and depths with a random pattern?  On top of two types of lighting, different soffit connections, and a recessed projector screen?  Well it takes a lot of planning and preparation.   

One of the biggest challenges was how the perpendicular end of the panels would meet the soffit.   Typical details would have you use a wall angle, but since we are using different depths of panels, only some of the panels would actually be touching the angle (See Image 1B).  This is not a look we wanted.  Our answer … hold the panels off the wall 2”.

Another challenge is when the panel runs parallel and how it would meet the soffit.  Since there is always room for error between AutoCAD drawings and actual field conditions, we had to be flexible in the design.  So we decided to allow the panel to run past the soffit.  This will allow any width to be along the soffit.  We did decide to limit the depth at this condition.

So now the tricky one…What happens once the two conditions meet at a corner?  Not exactly a happy one, but we must make the best of what we have.  The only question is the open space at the 2” along the long side of the panel.  It will be left open and one can potentially see duct work, pipes, etc.  After further discussions, we conclude that the potential to see the HVAC will be minimized by the perspective.  But to be on the safe side, in the end we decided to include a 2” wall angle mounted higher than the panels which would hide any exposed ductwork (click here, then click on 2nd square from the right).

There will always be hiccups in the process, but if no one took the risks, what would our built world look like?  

Click here to see the final product and tell us what you think.

Rags to Riches....

…the Otis Winfrey story.  Meet Otis, the newest member of the DM+A family.  I discovered this little stray living in the parking lot next to my building over the July 4^th weekend.  He had sustained a pretty bad injury to his front left leg by the time we were able to trap him.  Since then, he’s been at the SPCA getting treatment and putting some baby fat onto his tiny bones.  Lil’ Otis has had a rough & tumble beginning, but we’re all dedicated to making sure his life is nothing but smooth sailing from now on.  As of this afternoon, he’s officially ours.  If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello.  He’ll be happy to see you. I can’t say enough about the San Francisco SPCA , the care he received and the amazing staff and volunteers who save animals every day.  Please consider making a donation on his behalf at http://www.sfspca.org/support

Funny Name, Sweet Creek

National River Clean-Up Day was such a success, thanks to everyone who came out with their family and friends to support the CRC Committee of CoreNet to help cleanup San Francisquito Creek on May 21, 2011.  This is the last South Bay creek running above ground as it flows into the Bay and is a refuge for many native species, including shorebirds and fish.  Water levels in the creek are dwindling as the creek is filled with trash every year.  So every year, we work with Acterra to make the Bay Area a better place to live and work.

We are ecstatic to report we collected over 1,000 pounds of trash including old dressers, tools, cribs, tires and the usual litter of fast food containers and bottles.  Without the help of our volunteers we could never have hauled away so much junk that otherwise would have found its way into San Francisco Bay.   

Special thanks to Tony Yado and Corovan for providing us with a yummy lunch.

Michelle’s 33rd B-Day!

This year we celebrated my birthday by having lunch at Zero Zero, a restaurant in San Francisco’s SOMA District that specializes in wood-fired pizzas and various other tasty Italian treats.  We all enjoyed the family style dishes and got to try several menu items.  We were very impressed with the hard root beer floats, which are basically a spiked version of everyone’s childhood favorite.  Zero Zero adds just the right amount of dark rum to their root beer floats to keep the celebration going!  We also enjoyed the build-your-own ice cream desserts, which allow you to get a little creative by letting you pick your ice cream flavors and toppings.  We had a great time and enjoyed trying out another new restaurant in San Francisco!

Caught on Camera

Jenga decides to hang out while I am redlining shop drawings.

Saga Swimwear

When I am not busy at my day job as an interior designer at DM+A, I am a freelance writer for MF Magazine, a music/fashion/entertainment magazine based in Portland, Oregon.  Recently, I interviewed Michelle Byrnes and Alex McCauley, two awesome girls that started San Francisco’s Saga Swimwear.  Check out my article to learn more about Saga and their sophisticated, sexy swimsuit designs! I have been writing for MF Magazine for four years and have covered several musicians, actors and fashion designers.  Read my article in our latest print issue (flip to page eight) on Sweden’s Peter Bjorn and John and their latest album Gimme Some .

AI Teaching - Here's a Lesson For You

Typically I teach building codes at the Art Institute of California – San Francisco.  Teaching Building Codes is a bit dry, but once a student “gets” it, it’s rewarding.  This quarter I have the opportunity to teach Programming and Space Planning 1 for the Interior Design dept.  It’s really fun exploring the different methods of programming.  In the real world, time is of the essence, so you don’t get to do every method of research.  The programming phase is when we as designer’s research, explore, and investigate the facets of a project.  It is the most important phase, because it can make or break the project.  By programming we define the client’s needs and prioritize the client’s wants.  There isn’t one clear path to programming.  Each job, client, and designer will require different methods. The goal is to be as efficient as possible with our time and make the largest leaps with the information at hand.

Sometimes as a client, you may think, “I can tell you all you need to know.”  But in reality, there are just some things you don’t think about, especially when it’s about the use of space.  As a client, your priorities are different than ours as a designer. You may want the design to be completed cheap and fast, when we want to take the necessary time to design, so the users can work efficiently.  Always remember that the Programming phase isn’t a phase you want to rush.  If something isn’t planned for, it will affect the rest of phases and in the long run take more time.

It’s my b-day, yo.

Lollie's Bday 2011 with Friends, Frankie & Lucy

A lot has changed in the last year of my eventful life.  I am still enjoying my career as Official Host and Guest Services Coordinator at DM+A, although I’ve been accused of sleeping on the job lately.  In July, we moved (again) to a sort of sketchy neighborhood.  While my mom has been less than enamored with our new surroundings, I’ve enjoyed taking in the new sights and smells of the locals and have taken to adjusting my appearance accordingly.  As you can see, for this year’s birthday soiree, I donned my favorite street-cred hoody.  Don’t be afraid, though.  It’s still sweet old me underneath the attitude and threads. We munched on Goat Hill Pizza, cookies from Moulin Pooch and cake and strawberries.  All of my favorite peeps and homey’s Frankie and Lucy were at my party, which made it even more righteous.  Peace out.

Fresh Meat

Hey everybody, we’ve pushed some new projects up onto our recently spiffed up website.  We’ve responded to great feedback and made our portfolio section easier to navigate and enlarged the images in this section for better viewing.  New projects include a gut renovation (Daly Mansion), a home office (SF Home Office), and an executive conference room (Oracle CVC).  We’ll have a few new projects to add in the months to come.  Stay tuned.

Drinks by Design Tsunami Relief Efforts

This Wednesday (5:30 pm), March 30, 2011 @ La Mar, we have a chance to be a part of the tsunami relief efforts in Japan.  Drinks by Design is contributing a portion of the proceeds from this months $10 cover to the American Red Cross, whose relief efforts are instrumental in helping Japan recover.  Thanks to the sponsors - Caesarstone, Fox Marble, Dwell Magazine and California Home + Design Magazine, your $10 cover will also get you a free drink or two.

Let's all do our part by joining Drinks by Design to network for a cause!

Heidi Contest

Well it’s official, DM+A has the second best Heidi look-a-like in San Francisco working for them. Yeah that’s right, I got runner-up in the Heidi look-a-like contest.  What would drive me to rent a dirndl and take a long lunch break to pretend I am Heidi?  Well a trip to Switzerland!  Even though I didn’t get first place, I still get a trip, but I fly economy.  I am not complaining.  I studied abroad in Switzerland five years ago and I am excited to go back.  They have a great blend of traditional and modern architecture. Keep a look out for my blog of the trip, I am sure I’ll have a lot to share!

Future Designers of America

I was recently invited to be a member of the Professional Advisory Committee for the Interior Design Program at The Art Institute of California – San Francisco.  Always ready and willing to offer my two cents on anything design-related, I happily agreed.  This involved participating in a Student Portfolio Review and a discussion about the program’s curriculum.  My fellow committee members included other industry professionals from firms such as BAR Architects, HOK and the Wiseman Group.  It was great to hear what different studios are looking for in junior staff and to observe what other design pros see when looking at the students’ work.  The general consensus was: show more process and basic design practices and focus less on the smoke and mirrors in the presentation.  So, okay kids, listen up.  Here’s a little free advice: Hone your design skills; develop proficiency in drafting conventions; practice your hand sketching; and have a point of view!  If you can’t demonstrate these things, all the overblown graphics in your presentation documents won’t make a bit of difference.  As the incredibly astute Louis Schump of HOK offered, “It’s hard to see what’s going on with the plan when it’s cloaked in a sea of baby’s faces or a bamboo forest”.  So true, Louis.  So true.

Big Thanks to Michelle!

I want to give a big thank you to Michelle for staying late to get the job done.  After a site meeting on Thursday I came back to the office with tons to do.  I had another meeting for my rowing team at 6:30pm.  Without her help I wouldn’t have been able to make it.

Color Game

 Here is a cool little game I found at a museum shop. It’s simply called Color Game and it’s created by architect and designer, Ted Naos.  The game teaches you the qualities and characteristics of color.  You can discover the after image or even the Bezold effect.  I personally just like creating “cool” combinations.  So get out there and play with color.

Sun Shading

Anyone who has visited our office, knows we are in an old textile factory that has large windows.  If you visit from October to March between 9am and 1pm, then you have probably seen the large umbrella in my cubicle.  No, I am not pretending to be on vacation in the Florida Keys. I am actually blocking the sun from hitting my computer screen.  If you don’t know, the sun angle is lower during the winter months.  During the summer months, the sun is higher and is only hitting the desk, however, during the winter it travels farther into the space and onto my computer screen.   We currently have Lutron shades in the office.  So what is the problem?  Lutron Sheer shades range in openness factor of their weave.  The openness factor can range from 0%, which is blackout, to 10% openness.  When Gregg originally built out the space, he planned for Lutron Roller Shades with 5% openness for the West side and 3% openness for the South side.  At the time, 3% was the lowest openness factor available besides 0%, which would “black out” the office.  Since then, Lutron has come out with a 1% openness, which should correct the glare during the winter months.  I am sure Gregg will be sad to see the umbrella go. Oh and that’s Jenga, she was a bat for Halloween this year.

Check out the solar metrics diagram on the Lutron link: http://www.lutron.com/Products/ShadingSystems/Fabrics/PerformanceSpecs/Pages/SolarMetrics.aspx

Al Crit

Since I teach at the Art Institute of California – San Francisco, I was asked to do a portfolio critique at our office.  Gregg and Jennifer accepted to sit in as well.  Kimberly Pendergast & Jay Patel are in their final quarter of the Interior Design program.  I ended up not saying much because it was enlightening to just listen to Gregg and Jennifer.  Each of them have a different approach when critiquing, but they also complement each other.  Gregg’s approach is from the role of an architect and designer, who wants to see the overall product be of high quality and beautiful.   Jennifer’s approach is from the role of interior designer and her experience in advertising, focused on the details and the professionalism of the portfolio.  Any comment I may have had, they picked up and were spot on.  I was impressed to just how much was accomplished in such a little amount of time and I hope the critique helps Kim and Jay bring their portfolios to their full potential.

You can view AI student portfolio work here.

The Tradition Continues!

Traditions are a way in which we show honor and respect for those that came before us. They show us the way to celebrate, to mourn or to help those in need. Tradition is what brought all of us back to Edgewood Center for Children and Families for our annual Gingerbread House Extravaganza. This year was no different, we had a room full of 20 excited kids, 9 boxes of pizza, 30 undecorated gingerbread houses and of course our wonderful clients, friends and co-workers who made it all possible. Mark and Kristin from Edgewood made the coordination of this three ring circus more fun than work. I don’t know who had a better time. Want to help us next year? Just let me know…

The Last Supper

One of the great things about living in San Francisco is the amazing variety of locally grown, organic produce that is readily available in the farmer’s markets throughout the city.  Since I was scheduled to prepare the next staff lunch, I decided to buy as many ingredients as I could at my local farmer’s market and see what I could come up with.  One of my favorite summertime soups is a variation of gazpacho called Bloody Mary Soup.  It’s really only worth making when tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers are really fresh and I lucked out on my shopping exposition, especially with the heirloom tomatoes.  Then I thought to myself, what better than fish tacos to round out the menu?  I used fresh corn tortillas, with a white bean & thyme mash, pan fried tilapia, purple cabbage slaw, green salsa and cojito cheese.

Little did I know that when I was preparing this lunch that it would be our last for awhile.  We voted as a team to take a break from preparing Monday lunch. Knowing this group, preparing and sharing food will probably continue in one shape or another.

Building for Charity, One Piece of Gingerbread at a Time

I got involved with Edgewood a few years ago while working at another office when we started our gingerbread building party. It was such a cool thing to bring this kind of joy to a disadvantaged group of kids that I thought when I have a firm of my own I want to instill the same things in my employees.

So back in 2007 I contacted Edgewood to see if they had a need for a similar function like the one we did years ago. Luckily the director, who was once a counselor there, remembered me and the firm I had previously worked with. He thought it would be great to restart this tradition all over again and so did we....Stay tuned for photos from the 2010 Edgewood Gingerbread Extravaganza. The Edgewood Center for Children and Families is one the oldest charities in San Francisco. ECCF started in the gold rush days for kids orphaned by parents going off looking for gold. Today the ECCF takes in troubled youth and counsels families in need.