February News!!
It's been a great start to the new year and we hope this finds you in good health and good cheer. I have lots to share!
Our architecture projects have hit their stride and the Kenmore project should be done the end of this month or first week of March! The reclaimed siding has turned out very nicely creating quite a fabric. We can't wait for the metal siding to be installed next. Check out our facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Calico-Studio/473139116058822?fref=photo) for the most current pictures.
Our architecture projects have hit their stride and the Kenmore project should be done the end of this month or first week of March! The reclaimed siding has turned out very nicely creating quite a fabric. We can't wait for the metal siding to be installed next. Check out our facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Calico-Studio/473139116058822?fref=photo) for the most current pictures.
While the architecture keeps churning we continue to develop new jewelry pieces such as Stell'R, Cos Mic, and Nov'A which feature our ceramics made here in our Redmond studio. And recently with the roar of the 12th Man and our SeaHawks making it to the SuperBowl, we were inspired to create new gear to help cheer on our team. Yes we were seriously bummed with the loss but we will still be rooting for them next season.
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Now for the BIG NEWS! We have recently been commissioned to create a new public sculpture in North Bend. The sculpture is called "Tangled Tentacles" and is inspired by the tentacled sea creatures found across the globe. Here's a few sketches we have been working on.
Erin and I are collaborating together to create our own tentacled sea creature and we need your help! We have retired crab boat rope donated from Dungeness Gear Works in Everett (these guys make the crab pots for the crews on deadliest catch) and retired climbing ropes from the guys at Vertical World in Redmond. We need your help unraveling the rope so that we can weave it into our creature! We will have 6 - 8 foot lengths cut and can show you how to unravel. Super easy just takes time and the more hands we have the less time it will take! We will have snacks and beverages to help keep up your strength as a thank you.
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Now if unraveling doesn't sound like a fun Friday we still encourage you to join us because we will also be knitting AND unveiling our new valentine notecards featuring beautiful illustrations dreamed up by our one and only Erin Bartlett. As always you can purchase our products at https://www.etsy.com/shop/CalicoCreates but we really hope to see you this Friday between 12 and 6pm at our Redmond Studio.
Lastly our drive for donations to Sophia Way went so well we are planning to do another drop-off February 12th! They are still in need of household cleaning supplies such as; dish soap, laundry soap, all-purpose cleaner, dryer sheets, etc. We will again be using 10% of our sells from our last drop off in December to this Friday to donate cleaning supplies. If you would like to make a donation please drop them off this Friday at our open studio or email me and we can arrange a pick up. Thank you so much for all of your support in our artistic and philanthropic endeavors.
Silk Painting
Last spring when we created over 60 hand painted silk scarves for the art docents at Audubon Elementary many of you expressed your desire to learn to paint your own. We here you, it is a lot of fun! This October we are offering a TWO DAY WEEKEND WORKSHOP on SILK PAINTING! please join us!
SILK PAINTING: two day weekend workshop
This workshop takes place October 11th and 12th at our design studio. The cost is $80 and includes two silk scarves, painting fees and instructions from our knowledgeable designers. Space is limited, reserve your spot now by emailing us at [email protected] or calling us (617) 869-9646. We look forward to seeing you!
*also its Breast Cancer Awareness Month so a part of our proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research*
SILK PAINTING: two day weekend workshop
This workshop takes place October 11th and 12th at our design studio. The cost is $80 and includes two silk scarves, painting fees and instructions from our knowledgeable designers. Space is limited, reserve your spot now by emailing us at [email protected] or calling us (617) 869-9646. We look forward to seeing you!
*also its Breast Cancer Awareness Month so a part of our proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research*
Natural Dye Workshop
Wonderful experience this past weekend learning how to create natural dyes with our instructor Kathy Hattori through Tolt Yarn and Wool in Carnation, WA. We had a great time and got great results. I never thought you could get this intense color with natural dyes! We used Cochineal, Madder, Osage, Marigold, Logwood, Chamomile, Red Onion, and Amaranth.
Forth of July
4th of July Sale brings a little holiday fun in our studio with animation. Check out our video and have a great 4th! YouTube Animation
#CalicoCreates #calicostudio #design #stopanimation #4thofJuly
#CalicoCreates #calicostudio #design #stopanimation #4thofJuly
Announcing Our Newest Crew Member Katie Cheetham
Katie Cheetham: a little bit about me
There’s something emotional about being in the woods. It’s a blend of silence and song, changing elements and continual growth… it’s powerful and near impossible to explain unless you experience it for yourself. Growing up in Montana, there was no shortage of forests to explore. From a young age I loved being in and surrounded by nature. I learned of its quiet, peaceful and refreshing beauty as well as its overwhelming and daunting power. By interacting with the environment, I fostered a deep respect and appreciation for natural materials, landscape, and the influential relationship one can have with their surroundings.
Fast-forward several years and those values still hold true. My respect for the environment evolved into a desire to expose and highlight the natural beauty of materials, which I was able to do while working in Montana State University’s wood shop while pursing my Master of Architecture degree. The sensation of being in the woods is paralleled in the shaping of wood by hand in a workshop. In addition to becoming fascinated by furniture design and digital fabrication, what I have come to appreciate most about my education is that design – architecture, art, fabrication, and more – is an outlet for my creativity as well as a never-ending puzzle that I enjoy solving time and time again.
I relocated to the Northwest to foster that holistic sense of design. Calico Studio embodies my passion for design with their combined architectural, interior design, graphic design, and product design services. True to my childhood motto, “I’m not messy, I’m creative,” I find our work satisfying by being able to get my hands dirty in many creative projects simultaneously. In addition to writing descriptions for our website and ability to run a table saw without flinching, I enjoy visualizing spaces and finding the appropriate design for each individual client. At the end of the day, it’s important to disconnect, recharge, and find yourself in those original values instilled long ago. I find mine in seeking out new music, floating down a river, skiing fresh powder and I would say long walks on the beach, but long walks on the way to a mountain stream with my fishing rod are much better.
There’s something emotional about being in the woods. It’s a blend of silence and song, changing elements and continual growth… it’s powerful and near impossible to explain unless you experience it for yourself. Growing up in Montana, there was no shortage of forests to explore. From a young age I loved being in and surrounded by nature. I learned of its quiet, peaceful and refreshing beauty as well as its overwhelming and daunting power. By interacting with the environment, I fostered a deep respect and appreciation for natural materials, landscape, and the influential relationship one can have with their surroundings.
Fast-forward several years and those values still hold true. My respect for the environment evolved into a desire to expose and highlight the natural beauty of materials, which I was able to do while working in Montana State University’s wood shop while pursing my Master of Architecture degree. The sensation of being in the woods is paralleled in the shaping of wood by hand in a workshop. In addition to becoming fascinated by furniture design and digital fabrication, what I have come to appreciate most about my education is that design – architecture, art, fabrication, and more – is an outlet for my creativity as well as a never-ending puzzle that I enjoy solving time and time again.
I relocated to the Northwest to foster that holistic sense of design. Calico Studio embodies my passion for design with their combined architectural, interior design, graphic design, and product design services. True to my childhood motto, “I’m not messy, I’m creative,” I find our work satisfying by being able to get my hands dirty in many creative projects simultaneously. In addition to writing descriptions for our website and ability to run a table saw without flinching, I enjoy visualizing spaces and finding the appropriate design for each individual client. At the end of the day, it’s important to disconnect, recharge, and find yourself in those original values instilled long ago. I find mine in seeking out new music, floating down a river, skiing fresh powder and I would say long walks on the beach, but long walks on the way to a mountain stream with my fishing rod are much better.
Giving back to our community: Sophia Way
The temperatures are dropping in our neck of the woods. As I put on my gloves and scarf, and cinch my coat a little tighter I think, “What if I didn’t have a coat?” “What if there wasn’t a safe place for my family and I to get out of the cold?” Luckily I have had the fortune to live a comfortable life and grow up with a strong sense of community. From a very early age my sister and I were encouraged to help those less fortunate than our-selves. We have carried these values with us and regularly volunteer as art docents at our local elementary, walk-a-thons to raise money for cancer research, collecting clothes and so forth. But as I was driving through several intersections lately I couldn’t help but see the population of homeless increasing on the street corners. My heart goes out to them, and felt we needed to do something.
Two years ago I found Sophia Way, a non-profit organization that has the only staffed homeless shelter for women in King County. Many of the women being helped by Sophia Way have taken courageous steps by leaving their homes and their life behind due to domestic violence. These women are being empowered by the volunteers and staff that provide shelter, life skills training, social services and supportive permanent housing, and offer a path from homelessness to stable independent living. Their mission hits home, donations are an investment in women looking to better their lives which in turn betters our community. In the past we have focused on the winter shelter or clothing drive, this year we plan to make a broader donation to reach more women in need. So for the month of December and possibly longer we will be donating a $1.00 from the sale of each of our bracelets to purchase the following needed items: hand warmers, cases of bottled water, disinfectant wipes, gallon size Ziploc bags, boxes of chamomile tea individually wrapped, and bus tickets. We would also like to bring extra cheer by donating movie tickets, certificates for haircuts, or gift cards from Macy’s or Starbucks. Our bracelets can be found at www.etsy.com/shop/CalicoCreates.
If you would like to purchase any of the mentioned items directly you can drop them off at our studio: 18411 NE 27th Way, Redmond, WA 98052 (M-F 9am-6pm).
We wish you the merriest of holidays!
Two years ago I found Sophia Way, a non-profit organization that has the only staffed homeless shelter for women in King County. Many of the women being helped by Sophia Way have taken courageous steps by leaving their homes and their life behind due to domestic violence. These women are being empowered by the volunteers and staff that provide shelter, life skills training, social services and supportive permanent housing, and offer a path from homelessness to stable independent living. Their mission hits home, donations are an investment in women looking to better their lives which in turn betters our community. In the past we have focused on the winter shelter or clothing drive, this year we plan to make a broader donation to reach more women in need. So for the month of December and possibly longer we will be donating a $1.00 from the sale of each of our bracelets to purchase the following needed items: hand warmers, cases of bottled water, disinfectant wipes, gallon size Ziploc bags, boxes of chamomile tea individually wrapped, and bus tickets. We would also like to bring extra cheer by donating movie tickets, certificates for haircuts, or gift cards from Macy’s or Starbucks. Our bracelets can be found at www.etsy.com/shop/CalicoCreates.
If you would like to purchase any of the mentioned items directly you can drop them off at our studio: 18411 NE 27th Way, Redmond, WA 98052 (M-F 9am-6pm).
We wish you the merriest of holidays!
10 Things I Want To Learn
During our weekly office meeting our blog was found in desperate need for a posting. We always say I want to do “this” I would love to do “that” so we assigned ourselves the task of making up a list. Lists tend to be in most designer’s DNA, so making one should be easy right? Wrong, especially when there are so many options. The following ten things to do or learn are from the staff at Calico. What are your ten?
Heather’s List:
I love lists and my lists accumulate all over my desk taking over most pads, sketchbooks, and my android phone. They are also short and sweet. So here we go!
1. I want to take a refresher in welding and plasma cutting. In school I took full advantage of the shop working with metal, wood and plastics. As soon as school ended so did my access. Now that Calico is starting to make products it’s time to dust off my skills.
2. I want to learn Spanish—doesn’t everyone? I had the opportunity to take a hiatus to Spain many years ago and although I dreamed in Spanish I felt completely inept when trying to communicate with my Spanish friends.
3. I want to take an extended trip to Italy along an unbeaten path where my family can be submersed into the culture. Hey I am an architect and artist it’s part of my DNA.
4. I want to build a bottle sculpture. Last year there was a call for artist’s to create a sculpture along a river and I have this cool idea to build one out of bottles. I was inspired by the form of ferns and large leafed plants that grow along the edges of streams.
5. I want to finish my branch weavings. They remind me of the creepy crawly critters in my garden.
Heather’s List:
I love lists and my lists accumulate all over my desk taking over most pads, sketchbooks, and my android phone. They are also short and sweet. So here we go!
1. I want to take a refresher in welding and plasma cutting. In school I took full advantage of the shop working with metal, wood and plastics. As soon as school ended so did my access. Now that Calico is starting to make products it’s time to dust off my skills.
2. I want to learn Spanish—doesn’t everyone? I had the opportunity to take a hiatus to Spain many years ago and although I dreamed in Spanish I felt completely inept when trying to communicate with my Spanish friends.
3. I want to take an extended trip to Italy along an unbeaten path where my family can be submersed into the culture. Hey I am an architect and artist it’s part of my DNA.
4. I want to build a bottle sculpture. Last year there was a call for artist’s to create a sculpture along a river and I have this cool idea to build one out of bottles. I was inspired by the form of ferns and large leafed plants that grow along the edges of streams.
5. I want to finish my branch weavings. They remind me of the creepy crawly critters in my garden.
6. I want to learn how to use an espresso machine and make an excellent cup of cappuccino.
7. I want to learn to sea kayak. We live in the northwest and there are so many opportunities to paddle and explore.
8. I want to teach my boys to sew. It’s a life lesson that will serve them well. And has served me well…thanks to my grandmas and mom.
9. I want to learn how to cook scallops, like the ones on Top Chef.
10. I want to see the Northern Lights (erin- me too!) and on the same trip see a MOOSE (my husband and I have been told countless times “watch out for moose” those people lied, I am starting to believe there is a massive conspiracy they don’t really exist)!
End Scene. Next?
Erin’s List:
There are sooooo many things that I want to do, learn, or experience. When talking these over with my sister we found that a lot of the items on our list cross over but that’s why we get along so well and where we don’t cross…well that’s another blog post. I have tried to narrow down from what I have on my bucket list to things that are learning experiences. Here they are.
1. Learn to blow glass. I have always had a fascination with glass it started with the windows in my church when I was a little girl to seeing a guy at Disney making a dragon out of molten sugar. My two visions came together with the first time I entered a Dale Chihuly exhibit. I was hooked.
2. Learn to play cello. If you know me, you probably know that I have very eclectic taste in music (I don’t think there is a genre that I don’t like). I love classical music and Yo Yo Ma is my hero. I have gotten to hear him play a few times while I lived in Boston and every experience was amazing.
3. Learn to make pasta. I have always secretly suspected that we have some Italian in the mixed bag of heritage we call our family. Regardless of my blind faith, I LOVE pasta! The challenge to make some from scratch screams of flour clouds and wine.
4. Learn to metalsmith (jewelry). I have seen How it’s made a few times and the idea of shaping metals into the creatures lurking in my imagination appeals to me. But really it stems from a ring my dad (he’s a dentist with access to cool metals, shapey things and a lab) made for my mother while she was studying art. Heather and I have coveted this ring our whole lives (cue sound bite…”my precious”).
5. Learn Spanish (see heather’s list we were both in Spain), Learn French, and while I am at it how ‘bout Italian so when Heather heads to Italy I’ll be ready. For a long time I have had an obsession with French movies, it’s taken a few hundred viewings but I now don’t have to read every English word to know what’s going on. I can actually listen with understanding.
6. Learn to make wine…okay I want to stomp some grapes while reenacting the scene from I Love Lucy with my sis. Wine is just icing on the cake. And if there happens to be a cute vintner (French or Spanish), well hey, we can knock 5 and 6 off the list.
7. I want to write a book. Reading is something I have always loved and speed-reading is something I learned at a young age. Can you say looking for a cure for insomnia? Children’s book, book on special family gathering places, and a cookbook are at the top of my list.
8. Learn the secrets of Ireland. Which requires traveling to the country of course. Come on my name is ERIN! I have always wanted to go there, plus I don’t hate the fact that there are no snakes in Ireland. There’s also Irish dancing, the art of whiskey making, awesome accents, history, hiking, green rolling hills, music, ahhhhh….. need I say more (many lessons can be learned).
9. Learn to play drums. Specifically the Djembe. I have mentioned my eclectic taste in music and while I was student teaching art I had a chance to observe a music teacher’s lesson with Djembes and other West African drums. It was so much fun and the students adored that I was learning along side them. I only got the one lesson and was left wanting more.
10. So last on my list (I had a hard time narrowing down) will be another list (heather says I don’t follow directions I say you need to push boundries). I want to learn to train dogs, make a slide show for our webpage in javascript, create my own dies or punches for printing purposes, letterpress (I love letterpress), mixing etching baths for my copper and steel intaglio plates (I miss the printmaking basement at school). Last but not least I want to care for a parrot, not to own just to teach it to say, “Have you tried turning it off and on again”.
Whew! My list is done. Despite how lengthy some might say it is, there is much more I want to learn. Lets go have a Bicardi and Cuke (IT crowd).
Katie’s List:
Alrighty, ten things I want to learn. I’m new to this blog thing, so when the to-do-list suddenly had a blog entry added I started wracking my brain. I came up with a whopping number of two things I want to learn. Really, Katie? Two? http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me10qewdEW1rlmtk4o1_500.gif After a sharp newspaper whack to the head, I came to the realization that there are many things I want to learn. It came down to what do I want to DO? Here we go!
1. Parametric Design. Parametric design is about setting up rules and parameters. If you tweak one of the parameters up front, everything down the road changes; it’s generative. I want to learn how to build things that are parametrically designed. How do I do this… let me digress to item #2.
2. Grasshopper. Not the jumpy small green insect (A.K.A. perfect fishing bait for a MT girl), but a computer program that allows you to design parametrically without all the brain pain. Say you create a cube in Rhinoceros (a 3D program), but now I want to apply ‘X’ surface treatment to it. Bing, bang, boom – Grasshopper applies surface treatment ‘X’ to it for me. Parametric design made easy – hence why I want to learn.
3. Framing. While I do have experience in running a table saw and other wood-shop tools, I have no idea how to actually build a building. I want to learn how to frame a wall, wall + window/door… really any framing will suffice.
4. Website building. Having your own website would be super helpful career-wise. I’d like to learn to build a website to showcase my portfolio, etc.
5. Fishing in Washington. I finally get the hang of fishing in MT and I have to start from scratch again. I hear WA is much different than MT fishing… salt-water, salmon, etc. But I’m super excited to try this one out and learn how.
6. Scuba diving. I love the water, and snorkeling just doesn’t seem to cut it sometimes. I want to learn how to scuba dive and as it turns out a friend of a friend is a scuba instructor in Seattle. Can you say, perfect!?
7. Rock climbing. I’ve never climbed outside. I’d like to learn how, or more specifically how to tie my own knots, how to belay, and maybe work up to lead climbing and a multi-pitch climb.
8. Skiing. I’m a decent skier, but I want to get to the next level (ie. double black diamond chutes in a narrow tree line with the sickest deepest powder). Now if that’s “cheating” because I’m not learning anything new… the progression of becoming a better skier segues into learning how to backcountry ski. So there.
9. How to drive in Seattle without my iPhone. There’s streets going this way and that, oh wait, that’s a one way and you have to go around the block… and there goes the only parking spot available in a two-mile radius. All while I am trying to listen to Siri telling me where to go. Well Siri, you’re confusing and I want to learn how to drive here without your help to make my life easier.
10. Fluent Italian. I visited Italy for a study abroad and had the time of my life. I would absolutely love to have a time-share there some day and learn fluent Italian so I can avoid sounding like an idiot when I order my espresso each morning.
So the plan is…how to design parametrically with grasshopper and create beautiful parametric designs which I will then be able to publish on my handcrafted website ensuing multiple commissions. That will allow me enough funds to design and help build the house of my dreams with my immense framing knowledge. I will drive seamlessly through Seattle on my way to go saltwater fishing, rock climbing, scuba diving, or backcountry skiing in the winter. And lastly I will vacation in Italy and have long chats in fluent Italian with the adorable Old Italian man that owns the tiny café where I will order espresso every morning. Life is (& will be, fingers crossed) good. Cheers! –K
7. I want to learn to sea kayak. We live in the northwest and there are so many opportunities to paddle and explore.
8. I want to teach my boys to sew. It’s a life lesson that will serve them well. And has served me well…thanks to my grandmas and mom.
9. I want to learn how to cook scallops, like the ones on Top Chef.
10. I want to see the Northern Lights (erin- me too!) and on the same trip see a MOOSE (my husband and I have been told countless times “watch out for moose” those people lied, I am starting to believe there is a massive conspiracy they don’t really exist)!
End Scene. Next?
Erin’s List:
There are sooooo many things that I want to do, learn, or experience. When talking these over with my sister we found that a lot of the items on our list cross over but that’s why we get along so well and where we don’t cross…well that’s another blog post. I have tried to narrow down from what I have on my bucket list to things that are learning experiences. Here they are.
1. Learn to blow glass. I have always had a fascination with glass it started with the windows in my church when I was a little girl to seeing a guy at Disney making a dragon out of molten sugar. My two visions came together with the first time I entered a Dale Chihuly exhibit. I was hooked.
2. Learn to play cello. If you know me, you probably know that I have very eclectic taste in music (I don’t think there is a genre that I don’t like). I love classical music and Yo Yo Ma is my hero. I have gotten to hear him play a few times while I lived in Boston and every experience was amazing.
3. Learn to make pasta. I have always secretly suspected that we have some Italian in the mixed bag of heritage we call our family. Regardless of my blind faith, I LOVE pasta! The challenge to make some from scratch screams of flour clouds and wine.
4. Learn to metalsmith (jewelry). I have seen How it’s made a few times and the idea of shaping metals into the creatures lurking in my imagination appeals to me. But really it stems from a ring my dad (he’s a dentist with access to cool metals, shapey things and a lab) made for my mother while she was studying art. Heather and I have coveted this ring our whole lives (cue sound bite…”my precious”).
5. Learn Spanish (see heather’s list we were both in Spain), Learn French, and while I am at it how ‘bout Italian so when Heather heads to Italy I’ll be ready. For a long time I have had an obsession with French movies, it’s taken a few hundred viewings but I now don’t have to read every English word to know what’s going on. I can actually listen with understanding.
6. Learn to make wine…okay I want to stomp some grapes while reenacting the scene from I Love Lucy with my sis. Wine is just icing on the cake. And if there happens to be a cute vintner (French or Spanish), well hey, we can knock 5 and 6 off the list.
7. I want to write a book. Reading is something I have always loved and speed-reading is something I learned at a young age. Can you say looking for a cure for insomnia? Children’s book, book on special family gathering places, and a cookbook are at the top of my list.
8. Learn the secrets of Ireland. Which requires traveling to the country of course. Come on my name is ERIN! I have always wanted to go there, plus I don’t hate the fact that there are no snakes in Ireland. There’s also Irish dancing, the art of whiskey making, awesome accents, history, hiking, green rolling hills, music, ahhhhh….. need I say more (many lessons can be learned).
9. Learn to play drums. Specifically the Djembe. I have mentioned my eclectic taste in music and while I was student teaching art I had a chance to observe a music teacher’s lesson with Djembes and other West African drums. It was so much fun and the students adored that I was learning along side them. I only got the one lesson and was left wanting more.
10. So last on my list (I had a hard time narrowing down) will be another list (heather says I don’t follow directions I say you need to push boundries). I want to learn to train dogs, make a slide show for our webpage in javascript, create my own dies or punches for printing purposes, letterpress (I love letterpress), mixing etching baths for my copper and steel intaglio plates (I miss the printmaking basement at school). Last but not least I want to care for a parrot, not to own just to teach it to say, “Have you tried turning it off and on again”.
Whew! My list is done. Despite how lengthy some might say it is, there is much more I want to learn. Lets go have a Bicardi and Cuke (IT crowd).
Katie’s List:
Alrighty, ten things I want to learn. I’m new to this blog thing, so when the to-do-list suddenly had a blog entry added I started wracking my brain. I came up with a whopping number of two things I want to learn. Really, Katie? Two? http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me10qewdEW1rlmtk4o1_500.gif After a sharp newspaper whack to the head, I came to the realization that there are many things I want to learn. It came down to what do I want to DO? Here we go!
1. Parametric Design. Parametric design is about setting up rules and parameters. If you tweak one of the parameters up front, everything down the road changes; it’s generative. I want to learn how to build things that are parametrically designed. How do I do this… let me digress to item #2.
2. Grasshopper. Not the jumpy small green insect (A.K.A. perfect fishing bait for a MT girl), but a computer program that allows you to design parametrically without all the brain pain. Say you create a cube in Rhinoceros (a 3D program), but now I want to apply ‘X’ surface treatment to it. Bing, bang, boom – Grasshopper applies surface treatment ‘X’ to it for me. Parametric design made easy – hence why I want to learn.
3. Framing. While I do have experience in running a table saw and other wood-shop tools, I have no idea how to actually build a building. I want to learn how to frame a wall, wall + window/door… really any framing will suffice.
4. Website building. Having your own website would be super helpful career-wise. I’d like to learn to build a website to showcase my portfolio, etc.
5. Fishing in Washington. I finally get the hang of fishing in MT and I have to start from scratch again. I hear WA is much different than MT fishing… salt-water, salmon, etc. But I’m super excited to try this one out and learn how.
6. Scuba diving. I love the water, and snorkeling just doesn’t seem to cut it sometimes. I want to learn how to scuba dive and as it turns out a friend of a friend is a scuba instructor in Seattle. Can you say, perfect!?
7. Rock climbing. I’ve never climbed outside. I’d like to learn how, or more specifically how to tie my own knots, how to belay, and maybe work up to lead climbing and a multi-pitch climb.
8. Skiing. I’m a decent skier, but I want to get to the next level (ie. double black diamond chutes in a narrow tree line with the sickest deepest powder). Now if that’s “cheating” because I’m not learning anything new… the progression of becoming a better skier segues into learning how to backcountry ski. So there.
9. How to drive in Seattle without my iPhone. There’s streets going this way and that, oh wait, that’s a one way and you have to go around the block… and there goes the only parking spot available in a two-mile radius. All while I am trying to listen to Siri telling me where to go. Well Siri, you’re confusing and I want to learn how to drive here without your help to make my life easier.
10. Fluent Italian. I visited Italy for a study abroad and had the time of my life. I would absolutely love to have a time-share there some day and learn fluent Italian so I can avoid sounding like an idiot when I order my espresso each morning.
So the plan is…how to design parametrically with grasshopper and create beautiful parametric designs which I will then be able to publish on my handcrafted website ensuing multiple commissions. That will allow me enough funds to design and help build the house of my dreams with my immense framing knowledge. I will drive seamlessly through Seattle on my way to go saltwater fishing, rock climbing, scuba diving, or backcountry skiing in the winter. And lastly I will vacation in Italy and have long chats in fluent Italian with the adorable Old Italian man that owns the tiny café where I will order espresso every morning. Life is (& will be, fingers crossed) good. Cheers! –K
Is a “Fail” really a fall or a step in the right direction?
Decisions, they can be really hard to make sometimes because there is a fear that you will make a mistake and fail yourself or others. As a designer it often can be hard to help your client to face these fears. Sometimes you have to make the jump with them. Help your client(s) to understand that if you, as their designer, have gone in the wrong direction with a design you actually expect them to tell you this is wrong and why. We actually want to hear it, because what you as the client might not realize is, we have at least five to ten other solutions that we can switch to for your design problem. Without telling us where we “fail” to hit the mark, we are prevented from honing in on what you want or what sings. Sometimes we just throw stuff at you to see what sticks, what you gravitate to and what you strongly object to. So don’t be afraid to say, “no” or “this isn’t it” and please help us to understand why by using descriptors such as “well it’s just too blue”. The more info you give the closer we can get to what you would really like. We the designers are not afraid of failure because we know that it is just a step in the right direction and you as our client are just helping us narrow down what it is you really want. You won’t hurt our feelings, after standing in front of a firing range a million times during design school critiques, we have learned it’s not about us personally it’s about working through the design. In the end we like to solve these puzzles. Sometimes the wrong direction puts you in the right place.
EEB 5/30/13
Decisions, they can be really hard to make sometimes because there is a fear that you will make a mistake and fail yourself or others. As a designer it often can be hard to help your client to face these fears. Sometimes you have to make the jump with them. Help your client(s) to understand that if you, as their designer, have gone in the wrong direction with a design you actually expect them to tell you this is wrong and why. We actually want to hear it, because what you as the client might not realize is, we have at least five to ten other solutions that we can switch to for your design problem. Without telling us where we “fail” to hit the mark, we are prevented from honing in on what you want or what sings. Sometimes we just throw stuff at you to see what sticks, what you gravitate to and what you strongly object to. So don’t be afraid to say, “no” or “this isn’t it” and please help us to understand why by using descriptors such as “well it’s just too blue”. The more info you give the closer we can get to what you would really like. We the designers are not afraid of failure because we know that it is just a step in the right direction and you as our client are just helping us narrow down what it is you really want. You won’t hurt our feelings, after standing in front of a firing range a million times during design school critiques, we have learned it’s not about us personally it’s about working through the design. In the end we like to solve these puzzles. Sometimes the wrong direction puts you in the right place.
EEB 5/30/13
Architecture Isn't Just Drawing Pretty Pictures
Note: The pretty picture is on the floor.
In real-estate it is all about location, location, location, but in architecture it is coordination, coordination, coordination. On three separate occasions last week I found myself explaining what it is that architects do, and the answer is complicated. Yes we do get to draw pretty pictures and we really enjoy the opportunities when they come, yet they are only a small part of what we do. The first third of a project lives in a world of endless possibilities, some more viable than others. The last two-thirds is in finding the balance between a client’s dreams/goals and reality, which requires an enormous amount of coordination.
1. CLIENT- coordination of dreams and goals
In the first third we draw and pull together a lot of pretty pictures, in fact images are how we get a lot of our initial information from our clients. When presenting our clients all of these images we are focusing on their reactions. What are you telling us with your words, your body language? What hits the mark and what needs further revision? Then we translate this information into a dialogue to define a project’s scope, budget and timeline, which will shape the design. We continue this process until a balance is found within a design that fulfills the big three (scope, budget, and timeline) in coordination with our client’s dreams.
2. PLACE- coordination of design parameters, existing conditions, and codes (rules for building)
During the entire project we are coordinating existing conditions and building codes with the constantly evolving design parameters. But a good portion of our coordination prowess comes in when we put together: bid sets, permit sets, and/or bank sets. All three can be the same, but depending on the project and its location there are usually at least two drawing sets. You see this is when dreams have to be fleshed out so that they can become reality. A drawing set must describe the project to the client, the engineer(s), the bank, the contractor, sub-contractors, and planners with the local permitting office. Now the fun begins, because not all of the parties speak the same language nor do they all need the same information. Yet all the information must be coordinated in such a way so that the set can be pulled apart and made relevant to each party so that as the pieces come back together in their physical forms they fit and have stayed true to the intention of the design. For example windows, within the design the windows may be used to bring in light, to frame a view, or simply to provide ventilation. For the client and designer we want to know what they look like, how they will make a space feel and how much they cost. The contractor will need to know exactly where they are located, their size, manufacturer and so forth to be able provide the client with the cost and installation in the design. The building department wants to know the windows’ u-value (energy efficiency), location relative to ground level, and whether they are tempered to protect you the client from getting hurt and to protect the environment by enforcing the building and energy codes. Amongst these three scenarios there is one product and quite a difference in information required by each party and that’s just the windows.
3. CONSTRUCTION- coordination between client(s), designer(s), engineer(s), contractor and building department
Okay we now have a design, we have a permit, money secured and we are ready to start building, so are we done with coordination…Nope. Can the architect help…Yep. Personally I have never seen a project small or large without the opportunity of having a hiccup. There is always a hiccup, and all team members should be prepared, including the client. Flexibility, knowledge, and teamwork are the key ingredients to navigating through the tough spots of construction. Architects inherently have a bird’s eye view of the project and can foresee possible issues along the way through the process and have weighed out many possibilities for the potential outcome. So when an issue, arises they are immediately working with their team to come up with and assess solutions. Architects are usually the facilitators within the team helping the members understand the issue, the possible solutions, and then providing advice to the client so that a plan can be put into place. What seems like an easy solution to a small issue in the immediate could actually cause bigger issues down the line, which is why having the architect involved during construction can save a project money and time in the long run. I also cannot stress enough, how important it is that you have a team that respects and works well together.
As an architect coordination takes up a majority of my time, but I have found that it is what is required to make sure your project is a success. It begins from the first time we talk to a potential client until we shake our client’s hand and say goodbye.
HRBW 4/22/2013
1. CLIENT- coordination of dreams and goals
In the first third we draw and pull together a lot of pretty pictures, in fact images are how we get a lot of our initial information from our clients. When presenting our clients all of these images we are focusing on their reactions. What are you telling us with your words, your body language? What hits the mark and what needs further revision? Then we translate this information into a dialogue to define a project’s scope, budget and timeline, which will shape the design. We continue this process until a balance is found within a design that fulfills the big three (scope, budget, and timeline) in coordination with our client’s dreams.
2. PLACE- coordination of design parameters, existing conditions, and codes (rules for building)
During the entire project we are coordinating existing conditions and building codes with the constantly evolving design parameters. But a good portion of our coordination prowess comes in when we put together: bid sets, permit sets, and/or bank sets. All three can be the same, but depending on the project and its location there are usually at least two drawing sets. You see this is when dreams have to be fleshed out so that they can become reality. A drawing set must describe the project to the client, the engineer(s), the bank, the contractor, sub-contractors, and planners with the local permitting office. Now the fun begins, because not all of the parties speak the same language nor do they all need the same information. Yet all the information must be coordinated in such a way so that the set can be pulled apart and made relevant to each party so that as the pieces come back together in their physical forms they fit and have stayed true to the intention of the design. For example windows, within the design the windows may be used to bring in light, to frame a view, or simply to provide ventilation. For the client and designer we want to know what they look like, how they will make a space feel and how much they cost. The contractor will need to know exactly where they are located, their size, manufacturer and so forth to be able provide the client with the cost and installation in the design. The building department wants to know the windows’ u-value (energy efficiency), location relative to ground level, and whether they are tempered to protect you the client from getting hurt and to protect the environment by enforcing the building and energy codes. Amongst these three scenarios there is one product and quite a difference in information required by each party and that’s just the windows.
3. CONSTRUCTION- coordination between client(s), designer(s), engineer(s), contractor and building department
Okay we now have a design, we have a permit, money secured and we are ready to start building, so are we done with coordination…Nope. Can the architect help…Yep. Personally I have never seen a project small or large without the opportunity of having a hiccup. There is always a hiccup, and all team members should be prepared, including the client. Flexibility, knowledge, and teamwork are the key ingredients to navigating through the tough spots of construction. Architects inherently have a bird’s eye view of the project and can foresee possible issues along the way through the process and have weighed out many possibilities for the potential outcome. So when an issue, arises they are immediately working with their team to come up with and assess solutions. Architects are usually the facilitators within the team helping the members understand the issue, the possible solutions, and then providing advice to the client so that a plan can be put into place. What seems like an easy solution to a small issue in the immediate could actually cause bigger issues down the line, which is why having the architect involved during construction can save a project money and time in the long run. I also cannot stress enough, how important it is that you have a team that respects and works well together.
As an architect coordination takes up a majority of my time, but I have found that it is what is required to make sure your project is a success. It begins from the first time we talk to a potential client until we shake our client’s hand and say goodbye.
HRBW 4/22/2013
Hi from "The Sisters" of CalicoWe are so excited to bring you updates of what is happening in the studio. Currently this week we are getting ahold of our social media and adding to the images of our different outlets. We have had interest from many parties in our process and more of what we are doing on a multi-disciplinary scale. Please check back to be updated on what that will include.
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The Month of FebruaryThis month has been crazy busy in a great way. I have been working hard to get Via Cacao's Media Kit finished and out the door, because everyone should know about and own these cute bows!
Also one of my new clients Logo's are coming along nicely. The design challenge for this client (photographer) is the amount of photography logos already out there. Any cleverness in design can easily become cheesy which I really prefer to avoid. This along with several other architectural projects have kept us busy with the occasional foray into some jewelry we are developing and testing out. |