Tools of the Trade
As an architect and designer, graphic representation and dimensional modeling generally form the language of design. However, there have been moments, especially working on the house, that I thought I had clearly explained an idea, only to have it turn out a little differently than I had planned, or I've run short on time to fully flush the nuances of a fabulous design, and the details have just gotten lost. Over the 4+ years we've been working on our house, I've definitely strengthened my skills in design communication.
My first love is hand-sketching. I drew before I could walk. If you know me at all, you know that I must have a piece of paper and a good black pen or pencil with me at all times. I've been known to ask bartenders for a scratchpad in a pinch. I don't know why, but some of my best ideas come to me after a couple glasses of wine.
I also love technology. REVIT, Photoshop and Illustrator are all tools that make my design life a little easier.
REVIT gives me accuracy, scale and quick dimensioning. Illustrator allows me to express new concepts over existing information, without having to spend hours recreating horizon lines and vanishing points.
Above is a combination lighting and space plan I did for friends who were renovating their basement. I built a simple REVIT model, using CAD files they'd provided of the existing space. Quick, easy, and to the point.
Below are drapery concepts I did for a private client. These details went to my drapery fabricator, to help convey alignment of a complex pattern within the fabric.
Below is a custom millwork concept I created for another private client. I sketched this in the car.
Above and below are Illustrator sketches I created for custom glass fabrications in our house. In this instance, I was working with a fabricator over email, to solicit preliminary pricing. By clearly delineating the new scope from existing elements, the fabricator was able to easily understand their scope of work, and the final installation was a breeze. The installer brought the sketches to the house, and the final product looked exactly like my design. Final installations courtesy of Oasis Shower Door .
