ID 3311 FALL FINAL

Solution Statement:

         When choosing the materials for Texas Tech’s “Red to Black” personal financial planning organization, many questions had to be answered. Which materials provide an optimal comfort level for students? Can these materials also give the feeling of professionalism? Will these materials remain durable? How do these materials act when set on fire? Can we get all of these qualities with our low budget? HON Furniture provides desks, chairs, and credenzas that answer all of these questions exactly how a designer wants. As these materials make up the new furniture, a versatile collaborative environment is created to get the most out of the space. 

RED TO BLACK OFFICE SUITES

FLOOR PLAN

SCHEDULE

MATERIALS

CARPET

FLOORING

Sustainability:

·      Fibers are 100% premium type 6,6 continuous filament Soft nylon for superior softness and resilience

·      Warranted for 25-year Texture Retention; 25-year Abrasive Wear; Lifetime Stain Protection

·      Protected against staining and soiling by Scotchgard Protector

·      Manufactured using premium type 6,6 continuous filament (bcf) nylon virtually eliminating shedding concerns

·      Made in the USA

·      Resists the effects of UV rays under normal indoor use

                   

Installation:

·      Top-of-the-line backing system for easier installation and enhanced performance

Maintenance:

·      Easily maintained with minimal effort - Vacuum regularly, cleanup spills/stains immediately, professionally clean every 1-1/2 to 2 years

         

LAMINATE WOOD

DESK/CREDENZA

Sustainability:

·      Indoor Advantage subjects products to specific air quality emission requirements

·      Valido laminate desks meet SCS certification guidelines

Installation:

·      Two decorative handle options in either black, brushed brass or satin nickel finish offer another way to personalize your desk.

Maintenance:

• For everyday cleaning, wipe the surface with a damp cloth or sponge. You may use a mild soap or detergent. Wipe completely dry with a soft rag using a straight line motion.
• Wilsonart laminate may need occasional dusting depending on where it is used.
• To keep the surface beautiful, use a non-oily furniture spray. (Remember to clean the spray off several times a year to prevent buildup.)
•   Furniture polish can also help to hide fine scratches in the surface. Be sure to completely wipe the polish from the laminate surface. The oils in the polish cannot penetrate the laminate and any residual polish could subject the users hands and clothing to stains. 

 

  FABRIC

  SEATING UPHOLSTERY

    Sustainability:

• Printed reproduction textiles
• 100% Cotton

Installation:

•        Standard upholstery installation

Maintenance:

• For regular cleaning, lightly brush or vacuum vertical surfaces to prevent dust and soil build-up. For spills, stains, or heavy soil build-ups: Clean immediately. Remove as much of the stain or staining agent from the surface. Vacuum the surface, gently brush or scrape off the material, and/or soak up any excess liquid from a spill. Do not dry completely as this will cause the stain to set, making clean up more difficult.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  VINYL TILE
  COFFEE AREA FLOORING
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Sustainability:
  ·      Recycles virtually all waste back into the production process
  ·      No wax finish
  ·      High gloss
  
  
  Installation:
  ·      Adhesive floor tiles
  
  
  Maintenance:
  ·      Avoid wax based furniture polish cleaners such as Pledge and Endust. These products contain wax and silicone products that will build up on the surface. This
  build up will create a “cloudy” appearance on the finish of the unit.
  ·      Avoid cleaning products that contain oils or are ammonia based
  ·      Sweep daily for high traffic areas
  ·      Mop with soap and water to clean stuck on dirt
  
  
  
  
    CONCRETE
  COUNTERTOPS
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Sustainability:
  ·      Strong and durable, resistant to deterioration and damage
  ·      Works with passive solar energy to heat or cool spaces
  ·      Buffers sound
  ·      Large range of shapes & textures
  ·      Allows variation in the resources used to produce it
  
  
  Installation:
  ·      Do it yourself:
  o   Step 1: Make the Mold Templates
  o   Step 2: Transfer the Templates
  o   Step 3: Construct the Molds
  o   Step 4: Seal the Mold, Create the Edges
  o   Step 5: Mix the Concrete, Cut the Steel Mesh
  o   Step 6: Pour the Concrete, Set the Mesh
  o   Step 7: Remove the Mold
  o   Step 8: Clean, Sand and Seal the Countertop
  o   Step 9: Install the Countertop
  
  
  ·      Hire an installer:
  o   Typically $40-$50 per hour
  
  
  Maintenance:
  ·      Concrete countertops have sealers applied for water and stain resistance. (Left in its natural state, unsealed, concrete is porous and will stain.)
  ·      Don't cut on concrete countertops. It won't hurt the concrete, but it will damage the sealer, which keeps out water and stains.
  ·      Always use cutting boards when chopping and preparing foods.
  ·      Avoid placing hot pans on concrete countertops. Concrete is very heat resistant, but, again, the concern is damaging or discoloring the sealer.
  ·      Avoid abrasive soaps or cleansers. Use a mild, nonabrasive, and non-ammonia soap for daily cleaning.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  CEILING TILE
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Sustainability:
  ·      Fire retardant
  ·      Ceiling tile contains recycled post-consumer and post-industrial products
  ·      Reflects more than 75% light that strikes its surface creating a brighter space and reducing light loss
  
  
  Installation:
  ·      Install without grid
  ·      Apply it directly to the ceiling using furring strips or adhesive
  
  
  Maintenance:
  ·      Dust and loose dirt may easily be removed by brushing or with a vacuum cleaner.  Vacuum cleaner attachments such as those designed for cleaning upholstery or walls do the best job.  Be certain to clean in one direction only.  This will prevent rubbing dust into the surface of the ceiling.
  ·      After loose dust has been removed, pencil marks, smudges, or clinging dirt may easily be erased with an ordinary art gum eraser.  However, a good grade wall cleaner may be preferred.  Be certain to use fresh cleaner.  Most Armstrong mineral fiber ceilings may be cleaned with a moist cloth or a sponge dampened in water containing mild soap.  (This does not apply to cloth-faced ceiling panels.) The sponge should contain as little water as possible.  After washing, the soapy film should be wiped off with a cloth or sponge slightly dampened in clean water.
  
  

What I've Learned In Materials Class

            

           At the beginning of the semester, I didn’t realize that I would be learning about many materials instead of just fabrics. However, I was pleased to find that the class also covered materials I am interested in, such as: countertops, wall coverings, flooring, etc. The best part of the whole semester was having the opportunity to go out into the city of Lubbock and find where different materials are located that are being used in the design world right now.

            The biggest thing that I will take from the class is the ability to observe a specific material and know if it is being used appropriately. In turn, I will also be able to pick out an appropriate material (considering function, aesthetics, and safety) when working as an interior designer. I’ve already noticed it happening. While eating at a restaurant, it is next to impossible to overlook what the tables and chairs are made out of and notice how durable they are. I can’t even walk around campus without wondering how flame resistant the window treatments are or how many double rubs a lounge area chair can take.

            Many complain about the “writing intensive” aspect of this class. However, I’ve noticed that writing about materials has branded the information to my mind better than the average textbook class. The acts as a journal that reminds me of all the experiences our class has had this semester and also reminds me of what I’ve learned on each field trip. This was my very first blog, and in this day in age, I am glad to know and understand the process of creating one.

            There are many classes that college students believe to be a waste of money. However, this class truly taught me things about materials that I did not know and will be able to use everyday of my future career. I am proud to know the ends and outs of materials and am proud to have taken this class. 

Parkhill, Smith, & Cooper Office Buildings

            Parkhill, Smith, and Cooper was almost the first LEED certified building in west Texas. It was only by a few weeks that an Amarillo building beat them to it. Parkhill, Smith, and Cooper is not your average design firm. They have actually completed the very extensive LEED certification process while doing their part for the Lubbock environment.

            There are many impressive elements to their offices, however the one that stuck out the most was their system of organization. If you have ever worked with interior design, or taken on any similar project, you know that the workplace gets messy fast. So instead of having a single workroom space that the mess can be hidden in, these designers work right in their hallways so that they are forced to clean up after themselves. So far, the system has proved itself to work well.

            The office had many other impressive features such as the roof garden and the grass parking spaces. Not only is the inside of the building almost completely sustainable, but the outside is as well. A roof garden provides more oxygen for the city of Lubbock while being maintained with (until this year) only rainwater. The grass parking spaces allow more plant life, while also having a “net” to catch debris from the building before it is able to reach the streets.

            Parkhill, Smith, and Cooper would be a very interesting place to work, especially if you are a designer interested in LEED certification. However, I was surprised to learn that the design world is changing and our focus may be changing toward accommodating obese people. It will be interesting to see what is important to the clients of designers in the future.   

Jeff Seal Home Tour

Jeff Seal is a well-known homebuilder in the Lubbock area. However, his expertise has been called for in many other Texas cities such as Brownwood. These homes are nothing less than breathtaking. He is unique because his homes are far from “cookie cutter.” Each detail of the home is thought through to be a beautiful piece art. Even the functional aspects of his homes (doors, fireplace, ovens, refrigerators, etc.) are usually custom made because of an inspiration he or his designer had from something else. One of the most interesting things he shared was his inspiration from a trip he had taken that turned into a custom outdoor fireplace.

The first home he presented was French styled. There was no question about that. My favorite part of this home was the kitchen. Even though it wasn’t finished yet, I was already overwhelmed by how many beautiful details he was able to add before even putting in a table, chairs, and appliances. This kitchen had custom made wood furniture to display a television, beautiful light fixtures (that I would never imagine went along with the French style), a deep French sink, hidden refrigerator within the cabinets, and a brick herringbone patterned ceiling (my favorite). The beauty didn’t stop at the doors of the kitchen. He designed this house to have no backyard, but instead, a low-maintenance outdoor courtyard. This is the perfect solution for a retired couple that doesn’t want to worry about yard work. Yet the couple still has a cozy fireplace to sit by and enjoy the outdoors. Personally, I would like to see more of this in American homes, especially those with little to no backyards.

The second home he presented was beyond immaculate. Is it possible for a home to be too big? When driving up to the wooden structure, I was sure it was a hotel or some sort of commercial building. It’s not. It is a home built for a doctor and his family. This home was built out from both side of a huge dome entrance with wrap around stairs from a balcony. With the style inspired by a basilica church, it was completed with a prayer room. Yet many modern elements were also added, such as an indoor pool and two master suites.

            Jeff proved himself to be an extremely talented and creative homebuilder. He is an inspiration to those that may be afraid to think outside of the box. It would be an honor to receive the chance to intern or work with him as an interior designer.  

Custom Entry Door

Framed Dome Entrance

Learning Lunch

As mentioned before, Bryan Graham is an incredible designer. I can’t think of a better speaker for the interior design students of Texas Tech University. Lucky for me, I was able to attend the Learning Lunch for Design Day 2011. This was my first time to attend the learning lunch and my first time to hear from such a well-established designer.

Bryan Graham has done work in many areas of interior design, but is currently a furniture designer for Knoll in San Francisco, California. His appearance caught me off guard, but I was especially pleased to meet the designer whose furniture I had been using so much of in my own projects. Dr. Collier’s class had previously been working on an office for a businessman in the oil industry. For this project I found that the Knoll furniture fit this man’s modern taste well, while providing great functionality.

            What I thought was most interesting about Graham’s speech was the power point slides that showed how the function of an office changes as time progresses during the work day. I had never given that any thought and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was the first designer to think of these situations with such logic. Now when shopping through Knoll furniture for future projects I keep these ideas in mind. For example: There is a desk that he designed that is able to change from a personal private desk into a conference table for five people within a matter of seconds. I am beyond impressed and hope that I may one day be able to apply such logic to my designs.

The conversation towards the end of the learning lunch between Bryan Graham and the seniors of the interior design program made me anxious to get the years rolling and start my profession. It was especially good to hear that even in this economy, there are still very good interior design jobs out there. Not only that, but it also made me realize how many different fields of interior design jobs there are, and like Bryan Graham, I don’t have to pick just one to be successful. 

Leftwich Chapman Flooring Field Trip

            This field trip showed me how incredibly behind I am in the world of flooring. Who knew that there are so many good options! Before the field trip, my flooring choices consisted of tile or carpet. Little did I know how impressive all the other options are these days. For example: wood, cork, laminate, and porcelain tile. 

The first thing that came as a shock to me was the cork flooring in the wood floor area of the store. All my life I have had major issues with my feet, my knees, and my back. I noticed a difference the second I stepped on to that cork floor in the relief of pressure there was on my body. Then and there I knew that would be a definite purchase for my future home.

The second thing I was amazed by was what they are able to do with tile now. They have come out with an actual tile that could easily be mistaken for wood. This is a perfect solution to the common durability problem with using wood in kitchens and in bathrooms.

The third thing I noticed was the how incredible laminate flooring is getting with all the new technology in cameras. They are actually able to print High Definition images onto these floors. This does wonders for what they are able to do with laminate. No longer to I see laminate as the worst choice possible, because it easily fooled me into thinking I was standing on a real wood floor. This is a giant leap for the world of commercial interior design simply because of the durability these floors provide.

Not a lot is going on in the world of carpet except that it is still beautiful. Technology has taken a small hit at carpet with brands like Stain Master that are able to practically eliminate the possibility of stains. Yet still the softest carpet is the best carpet in my eyes.

This is my favorite field trip that we have been on so far. The owner was awesome and taught me a lot of things that I could use in the future when suggesting materials to my clients, or even just purchases I want to make in my own home. I’m glad to know that such a store exists and I plan to go back in the future.   

Evaluating Design Elements & Principles

            On the very first day of interior design at Texas Tech University, Dr. Collier explains design elements and principles to the new students. I remember thinking “Well duh, can we get to the good stuff already?” Little did I know that I would, and will forever, continue to go back to those lists. Design Elements: space, line, color, shape, texture, form, and value. Design Principles: Unity, Emphasis, Balance, Scale, Rhythm, Variety, and Harmony. The more designing I do, the more I have to go back to these words to maintain “good” work.

            This particular picture was taken in Dallas, Texas during the showroom tour. What immediately grabbed my attention was the massive art on the wall; but look into this photo deeper, and you can clearly see the elements and principles of design shown. The spacing of the wall art creates horizontal and vertical lines. Depth is also shown in the wall art with use of the deep bowl-like carvings into thick cubes. This also creates contrast because of the light and dark colors used. Not to mention that each cube repeated creates a rhythm that follows down to the couch.

            When the eye is finally brought down to the couch area, elements and principles are continued. The couch cushions continue the display of horizontal and vertical lines. The arrangement of the pillows brings even more rhythm to the space. The shape of the sectional sofa creates a feeling of symmetry when combined with the pillow arrangement and the wall art. The tray and book on the ottoman offset the symmetry but it is still very prevalent.

            I’d encourage anyone looking to design a room, or even just creating a furniture arrangement to read over the list of design elements and principles. “Good” design, or any work for that matter, fades when we forget the basics. This is as close to a cheat sheet that we are ever going to get! 

Unusual Materials

A large part of being creative is having the ability to turn an old object into something new. There are no limits to what a designer can do with unusual materials. Designers can do anything from restoring an old piece of furniture simply to make it usable again, or creating a whole new piece of furniture out of an object one would never associate with furniture… like a bathtub.

Max McMurdo is a designer in the UK who has made a completely new couch out of a reused bathtub. He was able to cut a freestanding bathtub in half horizontally, add some cushion material, and call it a couch. This is a full functioning couch with armrests, and even a soft spot to lay your head as if you were actually in a bathtub. All we ask is that you keep your clothes on when using this couch in public.

This isn’t the only creative piece done by Max McMurdo. He also has a chair included in this same line that he has made out of an old shopping cart. Like I said before, the possibilities are endless. Here is what Kate Andrews, an expert on green furniture, had to say about McMurdo’s work:

“Bathtubs are places for relaxation, and here’s a new interpretation- turn your tub into a sofa! This clever design by Max McMurdo breathes life into an antique fixture, and turns what was headed for landfill into a smart, provocative, and comfy conversation starter. Founded by UK product designer Max McMurdo, Reestore is a line of green products based on the recycling of old home products. Taking everyday waste objects and turning them into charming yet functional pieces of furniture and accessories, Reestore attempts to “avoid traditional eco materials in favor of contemporary finishes, fabrics, and, above all, style” (Reestore.com).

This should remind us to think twice before throwing something to the curb. Instead, let the creative juices flow, and find out what cool new piece you could create out of it instead. Save the environment while bragging to your friends about that funky couch you have that they can’t find in stores. 

Resource: www.reestore.com

Texas Tech's Learning Lunch & Design Expo 2011

               It is always a treat to attend Texas Tech University’s Design Expo. This was my second year to go to the Expo, but my first time attending the Learning Lunch. These are excellent events for interior design students because it allows them a chance to meet many different experts and vendors in a short amount of time. This is one of the only times that employers from the “real world” come to see the students instead of the student seeking them. Not to mention, it is a good excuse for skipping class, getting to dress up, receiving a free lunch, and to be given many designer goodies.

            The Learning Lunch speaker was fantastic! His name is Bryan Graham and he is a former interior designer who now works as a furniture designer for Knoll.  I was especially interested in what he had to say because for weeks now, I had been working with Knoll furniture for an Interiors III project designing an office. Because of this, I was already familiar with some of his style and some of his work. I don’t often think of how the furniture is made, only how pretty or comfortable the piece is.  His stories gave me a whole new insight of the furniture building process.

            Next was the Design Expo; the main event where vendors line the walls will their samples, brochures, and gifts to coax design students over to their booth. It works. In fact, I now have multiple bags of magazines and samples from these types of events. There were many good vendors this year, but my favorite by far was a company I had never heard of before. This is a man who brings all sorts of technology into places you didn’t even know you needed it in. His most amazing projects include placing a touch-screen monitor into the table at a restaurant allowing the customer to interact with the kitchen. This way the customer can order their own meals and tell the chef exactly what they want. The technology doesn’t stop there. Say there is a movie theatre right around the corner from the restaurant. The two companies can make a deal where the customers are able to browse movie times and even purchase tickets from the table. The possibilities are endless to what this man can do.

            There were many other great vendors at the expo that I look forward to working with in the future. This is a great event that keeps everyone up to date with what is going on in the design world today. Plus, the food is amazing!   

Upholstery Analysis

             Throughout the Human Science building of Texas Tech University there are lounge areas for students. These areas give students a place to take a break from the classroom atmosphere and sit down next to one another in a social, relaxing setting. This lounge area in particular is filled with upholstered couches and chairs.

The fabric chosen to upholster the couches and chairs in this room is faux leather. Also known as “pleather”. Pleather is very durable and easy to clean. It is water resistant, meaning that Starbucks cups are welcome in this area (a very important function of student furniture). This is also a cost effective choice, however designers must be carful on the amount of “faux” fabric in a room because there is a risk of it looking cheap. Most people know the difference between leather and pleather, and this particular use of black and red screams “Our budget could not accommodate real leather!”

Black and red completely clash with the nature of this building. It is not pleasing to the eye to find a bold black and red (Wreck’em!) next to warm brown tones. However, these upholstered pieces stand a chance with aesthetics because of their silver (chrome-like) base.  This material continues to the base of the surrounding tables to give the pleather some contrast, and it looks good.  There are a few things that should be changed aesthetically to the upholstery of the seating in this space, but if we are only focused on function and durability, this choice of faux leather wins. 

All About Looks Field Trip

www.allaboutlooks.com

          All About Looks is a fabric upholstery shop in the Depot District of Lubbock, Texas. The Depot District is most commonly known for its bars and nightclubs so it was interesting to find this hidden gem in such an unexpected location. The business is ran by a mother and her two adult daughters who each have their own specific talents that contribute to their business. The age differences seem to allow the business to keep up with the latest trends in fabric while also recognizing the classics. Another reason that “All About Looks” is successful, is the talented upholster they have working for them. The ladies explained how rare it is to find an experienced upholster these days because it has become a lost art over the years. His work was very impressive and you could tell that he had been doing it for a long time.

These women know all there is to know about fabrics. But if there is something they don’t know, they “Google it.” Of course the mother of the two daughters relies on her relationships with experts when she doesn’t know how flame retardant a certain fabric is, but the girls are trying to teach her that sometime its simply faster to find the answer on the internet. It was most enjoyable to see how these two generations are able to work together threw different cultural viewpoints to keep their business running successfully.

They have each had their own real life experiences and were able to share some of them with us. In our business of interior design and upholstery, it is more common to deal with unexpected client needs than it is to follow directions by the book.  This is why it is helpful to hear the weird stories from “the real world”.  They went on to explain many of the specific rules when choosing a fabric for a certain space. There is a lot to consider, such as: durability (number of rubs), fire resistance, availability, price, hardware, and so on.

In this economy, it is refreshing to see a small business such as theirs still running strong. It is inspiring to see a mother turn her hobby into a bonding experiencing with her daughters. Not to mention making money while doing it.