Welcome to My Portfolio of Work

Over the past 18 years I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects including residential and commercial design.

While working as a project architect I developed an interest in the architecture of the interiors and interior design.
I pursued a career that would allow architecture and interior design to work together.

Now I am managing an interiors department in an architecture firm located in Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Updating A Chair

It is amazing how you can transform a piece of furniture. It just takes some creativity, time, and money... and the perfect piece!
Here are some images of furniture that were re-upholstered to give them an updated look.

before


after


Adding unique striped fabrics (about 6 different styles)

before


after, the chair is in the distance


before


after

Adding leather piping, and a fun geometric fabric gave this traditional style chair a hipper makeover.
All professional photography (after images) by

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Product Spotlight: Made to Order



Have you ever had the opportunity to design a custom rug?  A few years ago a client asked that I assist in selecting a rug that was fitting for his unusually shaped dining room. It was the perfect opportunity to explore patterns and color. This rug had to be fitting to the Mediterranean Style of the residence and also appeal to the client.  We looked for architectural inspiration from the window and muntin patterns, iron accents, and the colors of the stucco and tile roof.


notice the pattern of the decorative windows
photography by Anice Hoachlander



View of the Exterior
photography by Anice Hoachlander

We first discussed the patterns, and then we selected each individual color for the rug pattern.  There are various shades of red, greens, yellows and tans in addition to both cut and loop textures. The colors will vary depending on the cut and loop texture.

This is a copy of the rendering as produced by the artist of
Stark Carpet in The Washington DC Design Center.
Look at the amazing attention to detail!

image provided by Stark Carpet
I love how the colors and pattern work so nicely together.  The diagram to the left of the rug layout represents the color range as represented in the rendering. Once approved,  the drawing, color selections, and a full size template for the room were sent off to production with a 6 month lead time.


This is an image of the final product.  This is a 100% wool pile, hand tufted, cut and loop textured rug,
Made to Order.





Well worth the time and effort

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Turning Point

As a project architect, one of your responsibilities is to develop the construction drawings for a residence and assist the builder with any issues that may develop during the construction phase of the project.  I spent the earlier years of my career as a project architect who also detailed the architecture of the interiors.  I had the opportunity to develop the drawings for this residence designed by Mark Sullenberger, president of CDC, and also detail the interior millwork and built ins.  It was a ton of work, and after spending  time meeting with the client, developing the CDs, and also designing the architecture of the interiors I reallized that I had to focus my energy just on interior architecture. After all, it can take months to develop these drawings and months more to develop the interiors.


It was sort of a Turning Point in my career.  I set aside the large scale construction drawings and proceeded to expand the interiors department.  Although I often step back into the world of technical drawings and residential design, my main focus is interior architecture and design.

Here's to the Turning Point  and here are just a few samples of the project that led to the switch.
All photography by Apertures Inc.



Overlooking the golf course




The Main Entry


The fully paneled Library and custom desinged Mud Room

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Magazines

It is often very helpful to share magazine images with clients in order to discuss styles that may appeal to them.  Unfortunately our magazine sources are slowly becoming obsolete.  Just a few of the magazines that have recently closed their doors are:

Southern Accents
Domino
Cottage Living
Western Interiors & Design has merged into Luxe Interiors + Design

and to my surprise....
Washington Spaces

I am a huge fan of Washington Spaces.  I read their magazine from cover to cover and read their blog weekly.  Plus, I often attend their events. It was so nice to have the opportunity to meet with other local designers and suppliers and join in on celebrations.

What is the future for Design Magazines?

Some of the former Domino employees have grouped together to create a new online magazine called
Lonny Magazine
Is this the wave of the future?  I enjoy the site, but find that I still enjoy browsing and physically holding a magazine.

The Washington Spaces Holiday Party and also 2009 Best of Kitchens Spaces celebration has been canceled.  I was looking forward to the event and also catching up with everyone.  These are just a few images of our winning entry.  To view more visit: Washington Spaces.

2009 Best of Kitchens, Oustanding








Credits:
Kitchen Design:  Amy Collins, Amy Collins, LLC
Builder:  Sandy Spring Builders
Photography:  Kenneth Wyner Photography

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

LongView

Designed by Custom Design Concepts and recently featured in Washington Spaces, is a residence worth seeing.  I was honored to be a member of the design team involved on this project and my main focus was Interior Millwork.  As you will see, there is much to enjoy!

Here are just a few images of the extensive details!
all photography by Kenneth Wyner Photography


The Main Entry

Mark Sullenberger, architect and president of CDC,
Project Architect Joan Janicki and Architect Richard Radcliffe were members of the design team


The Porte Cochere


Through out the Foyer and many of the other rooms
you will find elaborate paneling and wood accents


The Family Room has an intricate wood beamed ceiling and
paneled walls that encase the entertainment system
I love the herringbone patterned floor!


I worked closely with Joan Janicki to detail the structure of the iron grate floor and metal columns

detail of the Library bookcase and window seat



View to the Conservatory



Since many of the rooms are continuously paneled, I thought it would be nice to incorporate fabric into the panel of the Dining Room.  The ceiling has a soft plaster cove with some subtle uplighting.


One of my favorite rooms to detail- The Bowling Alley.
I just love how comfortable, warm and retro it is.