3:45am. There is a predictable voice that reviews my failures from yesterday and the possibilities for failure in the future. It is not an assuring, loving voice. It is a voice that makes me want to sink into the foreboding feeling that “this is not going to end well”. It is an “invitation”. An invitation to parlay with an enemy. “Isn’t it reasonable to talk about what could go wrong with your life?” “Shouldn’t you be concerned?” No amount of…
There is economy in uniformity. Manufacturers strive for it. Customers demand it. When we buy light bulbs for our home, we expect two bulbs of similar type to have the same intensity and color temperature. How displeasing would it be to buy 3 cans of the same paint for your living room – only to find out the color varies between them? Our expectation is that multiple items with the same name and specification will be uniform – within certain tolerances. …
My 2nd attempt in as many years to ascend Turtle Head Peak in Red Rock Canyon was truly rewarding. I spent considerably more time on the actual trail than I did in my last attempt. I prayed as I climbed, looking hard for the signs that I was still on the main trail. It was not easy. Sometimes a paint daub on a rock gave me assurance. Other times all I could do was my best to read the hints…
I recently watched a documentary of a well-known designer who had grown old and neared the end of his life (he has passed away since I began writing this). From what I know of him, he worked for some of the world’s most influential companies and individuals as he became (in the design world) a household name. He developed his personal brand with a certain star-designer look (normally involves over-achieving hair or striking eyeglasses) that made him and his work stand…
There is no “typical” design process with our clients. Sometimes they know exactly what they want down to the finishes. Sometimes they have no idea, other than knowing that they want us to help them get there. Sometimes they like the “feel” of something they saw on a blog, in a magazine, or on Pinterest, but can’t put their finger on it. Using a recent project, we’re going to give a peek into a not-unusual dialogue. A church in Fredericksburg…
Home automation. A quiet HVAC system. Consistent temperatures. Not the most exciting subject matter at first listen, right? That’s what our client wanted to get people interested in. Add to the mix the fact that the permanent home of the display would be in a high-end kitchen and bath gallery. Could we 1) draw people in, 2) educate on the subject matter, and 3) avoid looking out of place in a sleek showroom? We decided to snag interest through the…