Friday, March 25, 2011

Eckler_Actuarial Office 2

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 1954 SEAGRAM BUILDING, LUDWIG MIES VAN DER ROHE, NEW YORK

We have 5,200 SF of clean blank slate to work with for a new office project for Eckler.  I am really excited about designing a serene modernist space, with polished concrete floors, quarter-sawn walnut walls, an amazing high-tech meeting room, open creative-studio work spaces, a central communal kitchen, and transparent offices.  I am inspired by Mies for this project - I am also envisioning shots of gorgeous colour, intelligent furnishings, and cutting edge artwork.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

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'THE GREAT WAVE', KATSUSHIKA HOKUSAI (1760-1849)

For the past week I have been transfixed by the news reports coming from Japan - entire towns swept away in the waves within moments, the ensuing shadow of radiation... the incomprehensible consequences of a natural disaster followed immediately by the threat of a man-made one.  The stories and images put one's own daily concerns into perspective very quickly.  It occurred to me that the pursuit of beauty and thoughtful design somehow seems even more meaningful in the context of such events, not less.  It is so important to be constantly - and acutely - conscious of what and who we surround ourselves with.  It could all be gone in an instant.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Craftsmanship

I visited an amazing metal shop on Friday afternoon with Joseph Rizzo from Parallel General.  This is my favorite part of any project - meeting people who take great pride in what they do, and who constantly seek to learn more about the materials that they use in order to produce exceptional work.  They only use the best tools of their trade - this investment allows them to achieve what others cannot.  It is no wonder that they are kept busy with a loyal following.

There are a number of very skilled metal workers in the city, and from what I have seen this shop that Joseph has introduced me to is exemplary as a company that takes tremendous care with each project, going above and beyond with every detail.  They have impressive laser cutters and waterjet machines that slice quickly and precisely through metal sheet goods like butter.  Samples and mock-ups are made to ensure that expectations are met, and raw materials are scrutinized carefully before use.  It becomes clear how important communication and the appetite for problem-solving is throughout the design + fabrication process.  It is amazing as a designer to be able to learn from experts, and I hope to work exclusively with people and companies like this.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Hotel Le Germain _VICTOR 16

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TWO NEW ZINC BARS, CUSTOM LIGHT BOX, 'SHADOW FOREST' CUSTOM 
WALLPAPER, AND TWO-WAY MIRROR BACK-BAR DISPLAY.  
BLACK LEATHER STOOLS FROM KIOSK WILL BE ARRIVING SHORTLY!
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FOLDING GLASS WALL BETWEEN MAIN DINING LOUNGE AND 
PRIVATE DINING ROOM, WITH 10 FOOT HIGH DOORS.
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CUSTOM DESIGNED VELVET, WHITE OAK + BRASS SOFAS, 
,AND LIMESTONE DINING TABLES.  BLACK LEATHER ARMCHAIRS.
MONCER HARDWOOD FLOORING.

Finishing touches are taking place at VICTOR - the remaining custom tables are about to be fabricated, the new bar stools are en route, and floor to ceiling sheer drapery will add another luxurious layer to the private dining room.  The light box has now been installed above the new zinc bar with the 18 foot wide image I had designed.  I wanted the scale of the piece to be a little reminiscent of the artworks in grand spaces such as those found in old rail stations or perhaps the massive tilted frames high up in a Parisian salon.

David Chrystian's menu is better than ever, with vibrant local ingredients - we had a truly amazing dinner the other night.  It was fantastic to see the space full of people enjoying their meals and conversations.  I can't wait to return for another dinner - I have been thinking about that perfect lobster roll...

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Connections

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I am constantly discovering amazing new spaces and unexpected connections between the talent in the city.  I recently had the opportunity to tour Kal Monsur's studio in the west end close to my office - it is in an amazing building, complete with an axe throwing league (really), wonderfully high ceilings, weathered brick and an eclectic collection of tenants.  Philip Beesley's office was moving in as I was there - the crates of his brilliant Venice Biennale installation being carefully wheeled in - what an incredible space to show them.

I thoroughly enjoyed talking about ideas and opportunity for collaboration with Kal.  We also shared some New York nostalgia, having both lived there - Brooklyn had such a raw, dynamic energy at that time - this building reminded me a little of some of the converted industrial spaces I had known in Williamsburg.  Kal creates well crafted pieces using acrylic, walnut and back painting techniques - an interesting convergence of architectural and painterly processes.  I am looking forward to introducing his work to my clients, in particular the 'Pixels' series currently showing at O'Borne Contemporary.