Communication




In preparation for a client meeting we started to map our communication vehicles. We quickly discovered a few things..

- that the notion of a clear hierarchy is fading
- the sheer number of outlets surprised even us.
- you can no longer approach communication in a linear fashion.
- the constant is change

The process of the analysis was rewarding for us providing evidence of a position that we espouse to our clients- Classic paradigms are becoming obsolete.

We owe credit to Edward Tufte, who gives us inspiration through his poetic books on information and communication.

The Perfect Storm

Last week was a perfect storm of inspiration. It starts, sadly, with the news of the passing of a friend and mentor, John Partridge. I include him in ‘inspiration’ because of his noteworthy inspiration to so many designers, elevation of good design and a true desire to improve our environment.

The news of his passing came during an all day session with our client envisioning 2015. The subjects we touched included the inevitable recovery of the economy and how our culture will shift focus. A new definition of luxury and relevance. A trend in urbanization,  sustainability, smart life and personal wellness and meaning. We are emerging as a community in a way we have not seen in recent history. I believe we have just come out of the age of envy and are entering the age of purpose.

The third part of the perfect storm involved a fallen pine tree and four pampas grass plants. With a little youthful inspiration and help from the kids, we constructed a massive yurt like lean-to. Rather than cut up the tree and trim the grass, we laid the large branches and carefully wove together a network of purlins. From there we coated the entire mass with pampas grass to make it weatherproof. We have promised to spend the night there in spring.

I reflected on the these things as I layered the pampas grass with my exuberant kids and considered its relevance as it related to my vocation. Our mantra- we love design, we are relentlessly creative, because it matters- was further defined this weekend. 

We love design the way John did and share that passion with our clients much like he taught me. 

We are relentlessly creative, because our emerging world demands creativity on all fronts. Recovery will come from questioning the status quo in all we do. 

It matters because we have a responsibility to a generation and we need to preserve their creativity, ingenuity and inspired perspective.

Here's to you John, man of inspiration.


Charles Luck Stone Center Workshop





We stopped by the Charles Luck Stone Center Workshop recently to see how the stone work for their new Charlotte location is progressing. While we missed the onyx wall panels- they are on site for installation, we did see some incredible work.

They had the onyx tops for our furniture ready. The seams feature rotated stone bands to expose the material on edge. Fantastic material.

The Soapstone vanities are made from Alberene material quarried in Virgina, near Charlottesville. They have a hand and sheen like no other stone we have seen.

The 6cm Carrarra marble in the Hospitality suite has a honed perimeter and polished center, separated by the butcher inspired 'blood groove.' Coupled with the flat chamfer edge this classic material shows a little edgy design. We also saw the very stylish Carrarra pedestal- all curvesin these intersecting planes.

The Workshop is amazing in their craft and attention to detail. Without craftsmen like this, our mantra- We Love Design- would be much harder to realize.

Next up- we look at everyday objects that embrace design, and why we are inspired.

(Nearly) Finished

We paid a visit to Karn Custom Woodwork to see our furniture prototypes. The Walnut endgrain coffee table has a fantastic luster from the hand rubbed varnish/oil finish. We love how carefully they oriented the grain.

The super clean stainless steel frame of the meeting table really makes a nice line with the walnut top. The darker strips are endgrain bands and we used the varnish/oil finish on this piece too for that soft, flat sheen.

Coming soon- a credenza with center matched walnut veneer face and onyx stone top. It was in the last stages of finishing. We are also working on a little sideboard of quartersawn ancient Chinese Elm. It will feature exposed dovetail joints and unique metal features.

Furniture




We have been designing furniture for our clients for years and now are developing our own line of furnishings for 2009. We have pieces in production and are developing more prototypes.

We are material and craft fanatics. The wood we use is from Mountain Lumber and includes 600 year old Chinese Elm, and reclaimed Oak from Guinness fermenting barrels. We have partnered with Charles Luck Stone Centers to find the most distinctive stone available-some of the most phenomenal colors and patterns we have ever seen. Metalwork comes via the craftsmanship of Robert Chase. When he is not building Lemans race cars, he does some fantastic metal and carbon work. Consistent with our collaborative mission, our role in the design is a part of the whole. Material and craft elevate the product, making each piece unique.

Purpose Form and Craft. Our pieces are hand built individually. They are distinctive, signature elements. Signed and numbered, each has its own story and place in time.

Charles Luck Stone Center- Charlotte, North Carolina




Process
The Charles Luck Stone Center is under construction in Charlotte, North Carolina. With an early spring opening date, construction is moving quickly. We were onsite recently review the stonework and rough-ins. It was cold and wet, but these guys were getting it done.

Charlotte is the third location of the Charles Luck Stone Center. Locations in Richmond and Sterling Virginia  opened to great enthusiasm from the design community.