Lonely Moose Designs

2006-11-28T09:33:00.000-08:00

Ya-Ya 2006

It was a happy Turkey day. So glad I got to see everyone. You can see the pix on Flickr... http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonelymoose/

Back to work.....

2006-11-20T16:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Turkey Day to All!!!

Can't wait to touch down in Iowa this week.....been looking forward to seeing everyone. Hope that everyone is able to spend time with their family and friends....that is what the holidays are for!

Hey...Extra whip cream on that pie!!!!!

2006-10-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

Check this out: My work is featured at the Flash Gallery!!! I have an original window display titled "Make Your Own Damn Dinner." My art will be up for the next month in the show "MADE"...... AND my display will also be featured in "Visual Merchandising & Store Design" (VMSD) magazine!!!!!!! All those years of merchandising for BabyGap finally paid off with national recognition!

IT'S OVER!!!

2006-09-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

As you can see....weeks 9, 10 & 11 flew right by. Today, Thursday, was the last day! I am SO done! Grades to follow.......

Here we go into Week 8........

2006-08-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

What a hectic week! It was a scramble to get everything done (see previous post), but I squeaked by. Some projects need a little more work, so I am trying to catch up this week.

In addition to the FOUR classes I registered into for next quarter, I ADDED ANOTHER!!! Am I Nuts??? Yep......I am now taking Advanced Construction Documents as my 5th class. Trying not to think about that now.....

Getting back to work;

1-the independant study paper is a priority. I also need to start the Power Point presentation that will accompany the paper. The presentation is due week 10, the paper is due week 11.

2- I need to design a web page layout that consists of at least 8 pages. This is for presentation of my portfolio, resume and business. Due Thursday.

3- The brochure needs some tweaking; some text isn't finished and I'm having an issue with the borders when it prints.

4- Codes, codes, codes. Still working on the team project. Also need to finish outlines for chap 9 (second half) and chap 10. Vocab words are due as well.

5- Need to start textiles team project. Rugs are the subject and I need to find 5 manufacturers to present.

Got to fly....Starbucks is calling me.....

Laura

Week 6 is over & Midterms are in.....

2006-08-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

Ok Folks...it's not a pretty picture. Week 6 is over and the midterm grades are in. I still have a MOUNTAIN of work to do. Here's the line up so far:

Digital Presentation B+
Codes A-
Textiles A
Independant Study C

Let's just all agree now that Independant Study class for a procrastinator is A REALLY BAD IDEA!!!!!!!!!!!! That grade is my first C EVER.....but it is not a "hard" grade..meaning that the final grade will be from the final project. This 'C' just tells you how much work I have done so far. Not much.

So, I will have to work super hard this week to remedy this. Digital presentation is dragging me down as well...because I'm good at it, I have been giving it a low priority. I assume that I can just get everything done quickly.

I am registered for next Fall quarter. Here is what we will be doing next:

Corporate Programming (online class for only 5 1/2 weeks...super intensive)
Statistics (because I totally forgot that I needed this last general Ed class...GRRR)
Grad Application & Research (the start of my last 3 quarters)
Lighting Design ( 7:30 AM on a FRIDAY of all things.....)

Got to fly....got too much work stacking up!

Week 5 is OVER!!!!

2006-08-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

Well, you knew it would happen...I'm posting late. I failed to post on week 4...but I posted twice on week three!! Does that count?

So, the work is piling up and time is running out. This coming week 6 is officially the midterm week. I have 2 HUGE assignments due for midterm evals; brochure, letterhead and business cards done with Illustrator & InDesign....and the bulk of my independant study paper on Barn Architecture. I should have about 15-20 pages done (out of 50) by now. I have yet to start.

The work that is due this week...the work that will be taking up all my time this weekend and into the week is:
1- Create and email an outline for my independant study paper.
2- Write 15-20 pages for my independant study paper BY THURSDAY.
3- Read 82 pages of Buidling Codes (chapters 7 & 8)
4- Outline Chapters 7 & 8 in Building Codes BY TUESDAY
5- Complete vocabulary words for chapters 7 & 8 in Building Codes BY TUESDAY
6- Type up the minutes for the ASID meeting and email them to board members
7- Complete Building Sleuth assignments 1, 4 & 5 for Building Codes BY TUESDAY
8- Finish Business Cards & Letterhead in Adobe Illustrator DUE THURSDAY
9- Finish Brochure of my work for resume...done in Adobe InDesign DUE THURSDAY
10- Write a client profile for Building Codes project BY TUESDAY
11- Begin schematic design of Building Codes project BY TUESDAY

And...I must have 50 loads of laundry to do, my roses are being choked by weeds and my raspberries are in need of a good cutting and weeding as well.

It's a cliffhanger.....can I get all these assignments done at an acceptable level in time for a decent midterm grade......?????

Tune in next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I NEED HELP!!!

2006-07-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

Ok. My 3-quarter long grad project is coming up soon. I will start the research phase in the fall (sept). I STILL DO NOT HAVE A TOPIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT AM I GOING TO DO???????

I am clueless. I do know the following: I don't like healthcare projects; I'm not interested in general office projects either.

I had a great time working on my hospitality project (hotel,spa,etc). Hotels and public spaces might be the way to go.

While residential design is very open and less restrictive than commercial design, I have done so many projects in that area that I am kind of tired of it. I don't know that my Grand Final project that will determine...or at least sway...which employers want to talk to me should be solely residential.

At one time, I thought I would transform a family farm that we own. However, I am currently doing that in an independant study. I am researching barns of the midwest-specifically eastern iowa and southwestern Wisconsin. I will then remodel/preserve the old barn for another use.

So..I'm open to suggestions via email or post your thoughts on here. Submit it all; the wild and the wacky. I promise I will address every suggestion.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-07-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

Week three is over. Only 8 more to go. Midterms will be here in just 2 weeks.

Codes class: Took 2 tests. Still need to photograph 2 codes violations *somewhere* in town and write a one page paper (for each) that summarizes them. Have 66 pages to read on Egress and Exits. Must outline that chapter & complete the vocabulary for it. Also need to start work on a 10,000 square foot retail space; must create the client profile this week, outline the building footprint in AutoCad and get comparables for the neighborhood it is to be built in.

Textiles: Don't think I learned anything this week. Homework this week is designing a repeating textile pattern and creating a write-up and boarded presentation about its specs, construction and applications. Also need to complete the textile sample notebook. Haven't even started that. A group project in PowerPoint is due on week 5. Haven't started that either.

Independant Study: Research on Barns of the Midwest- Still reading and reading. Field work and measurements are done of the barn and I can start loading that data into AutoCad. Need to finish with notetakeing and write the paper (30 page) so I can start the plan for the barn remodel.

Digital Presentation: Things were slow this week. A very boring in class project about text formatting in Illustrator. My group finished last- It was just so dry and dull that we were cracking up the entire time. Good thing we are class favorites and that the instructor has a sense of humour. No immediate homework for next week, although I haven't worked on the logo/letterhead report.

So, what are my plans for the weekend? Homework, of course!!!

2006-07-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

Here's something new......Let the song load and just press play! This is Pink with Indigo Girls. I LOVE this track...hope you do too!

Week Two

2006-07-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

How is this for consistency? Two postings in a row!!!

So, week two is over. I was hit hard by a cold that lasted Monday night-mid-day Wednesday. I missed my Codes class and now have to make up a quiz. I was able to email the outlines to a friend and she turned them in on time for me.

Codes: Must make up that quiz- I hear it was 5 pages long WITH load and occupancy calculations. Ugh. Suddenly, I'm feeling sick again....

Texitles class was uneventful. We did some burn tests to determine fabric components. Must get started on that notebook.

Independant Study: I missed my meeting with the instructor because it was on Tuesday..the day I was the sickest. I just couldn't drive and hour to Denver for class. Still reading and doing research.

Digital Presentation: Still learning Illustrator. This is the only class I actually like going to. Still have to complete a report on business logos and letterheads...due week 6.

My new digital camera should be here tomorrow. This will make some of my school research easier. Can't wait for that! The week ahead looks like homework, homework, homework.

Week One

2006-07-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

Week One is over. Ten more to go.

Independant Study looks to be fairly easy, providing I don't fall into a pit of procrastination.

Textiles & Finishes looks like it *might* be easy, since I studied fiber at Iowa State already. There is a pretty hefty notebook and sample book to complete. I may want to knock that out immediately.

Digital Presentation is going to be my coolest class. I will be creating posters and brochures of my work using Adobe Illustrator. I'm really excited about this one!

Building Codes....what can I say? I love the instructor, but his lecture style is kind of all over the place. He also has a very hefty notebook project that is due along with some in class drawings, as well as active research on codes in existing buildings. I think this class may kill me. Really.

So that's it for now. I'm going to try and be more consistent with my posts and keep this blog updated weekly. If you don't hear from me.......I've fallen into a pit of homework.

What do you mean MY BREAK IS OVER?????

2006-07-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

I meant to post here during the spring quarter. As you can see, that didn't happen. This was the WORST quarter I have ever had...mostly for personal reasons, but the work load has increased... A LOT!!!

End result: All A's.

The three weeks of break have evaporated. WHERE DID MY TIME GO?? Let's see, I went to the Blues Traveler concert at Red Rocks on July 4. My parents came for a visit. Other than that, I can't remember a whole lot.

School starts on Monday. The line-up for the summer is :
1) Independant study (which will be research on converting and restoring barns)
2) Codes & Barrier Free Design (YUCK)
3) Textiles & Finishes
4) Digital Presentation

I will not be a teaching assistant this quarter. Mainly because there was not a class in need that fit into my schedule. The teacher that I worked for the past 2 quarters has left school to work at an architectural firm. I was hoping that he would stay on until next year and help see me through my grad process. Ugh.

I was also elected as Secretary for our student ASID chapter. This shouldn't take up too much of my time. My only problem now is that I sold my old laptop and need a new one to take notes on. Wish I would have thought of that before I sold it!

Pictures that I am posting are jpgs that were created in SketchUp. I completed my Hospitality Design and my Advanced Residential Design classes using SketchUp. It's pretty easy to use. For anyone that wants to try, there is a FREE version of it available through Google (they just bought this local colorado company). It's fun to use and there are lots of free objects available online to use in your projects.

Happy Summer to all!!!

Sunroom Views (entry)

2006-07-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

Attached Apartment (behind house) Views

2006-07-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

Living Room Views

2006-07-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

Axonometric Views- First and Second Floors

2006-07-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

2006-03-28T13:49:00.000-08:00

The Winter 2006 quarter is over. With only one week between quarters, I have little time to recover. This quarter brought 2 A's and 2 A-'s. Not bad. I will be a teaching assistant again next quarter, while taking 4 more classes. Busy busy busy.

Below are the jpgs from my Computer Rendering class. AutoDesk Viz 2006 was used to create the model and rendering. The images are from a loft project that I created while in Residential Design Development. The concept was a 10th floor loft in LoDo ( downtown Denver ). The computer rendering class only required one room completed, so I did not finish the entire loft. There are 4 areas; kitchen, dining room , living room and art nook.

The original project was created in 3D AutoCad. I was able to import the dwg files directly to AutoDesk Viz. All furniture was built by me, in AutoCad.

I hope to finish the project- just for fun, outside of school- and post those jpgs soon.

Kitchen

2006-03-28T13:46:00.000-08:00

Kitchen view; you can see the dining room on the right and the living room on the left. The dropped ceiling panels are glass in this model. Great reflectivity!

Living Room

2006-03-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

A second view of the living room from the entrance arches. The lighting failed in the lower left corner, but the fireplace looks good.

Living Room

2006-03-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

View from dining room to living room, with part of the kitchen island and barstools visible. The fire in the fireplace turned out great, although the fireplace was supposed to have a rusted metal look. The loft is not completely finished, so you can see the skyline jpg in the background. It appears to be one large window.

Dining Room

2006-03-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

This is the dining room. My rat terrier, Jet, is displayed in the art work on the wall.

Art Nook

2006-03-28T13:34:00.000-08:00

Note the hanging glass shelves. You can also see the Denver Skyline outside the window. The dining room is just beyond the art nook table. My friend Howard's dog, Einstien, is the art work on the wall. Just beyond that is my dog, Jet, displayed as art in the dining room.

Camera 4

2006-03-09T09:48:00.000-08:00

Camera 4
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

This scene needed better lighting. Too dark in the upper corner. I was trying to show the "hat lamp" with light, but forgot to light above it. Still, some good floor reflections.

Camera 2

2006-03-09T09:47:00.001-08:00

Camera 2
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

Great table of art canvas on the left side. Lighting is good in this one.

Camera 3

2006-03-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

Camera 3
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

I like the mirror on the wall and the reflections on the door, floor and ceiling. All furniture was built by me...note the spikes on the chairs.

Camera 1

2006-03-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

Camera 1
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

View of couch & glass top table in alcove. Note the flowers in the vase on the dresser. Built those myself...you can even see the stems through the glass. I particularly like the reflections on the floor.

2006-03-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I haven't updated this blog since the beginning of the quarter. The current winter quarter will be over in just 2 1/2 weeks! Time has flown by and as usual, I am swamped with work. I have continued to be a teacher's assistant for a level 2 AutoCad class. I have also been picking up some paid tutoring gigs from students needing AutoCad help. Both of these experiences are frustrating to some degree; most students I work with DO NOT take notes, they DO NOT save handouts and then they get angry when deadlines come up and they don't understand the work that needs to be turned in. This has generally been true for young and older students. Age doesn't seem to matter. The Art Institute is NOT a cheap school and the expectations are high. Interior Design courses are about $1100 PER COURSE .....PER QUARTER. My quarterly tuition bill for 4 classes is $4212.

My point is: If you are not serious about school....or if you are not sure about your major.....DON'T go to an expensive school. It makes more economic sense to flunk out of a cheap school. Anyway........

Moving on.....I am posting some jpg's of a project from my Computer Rendering class. We use AutoDesk's "Viz" software. It's really a combination modeling and rendering program. All furniture, walls, objects are made by me. After the solid object is made, materials are applied. Lights can be placed in the scene to make it render realistically.....THIS is the REALLY hard part. You can see that one of my 4 jpg's has particularly bad lighting. Each scene took about 6 hours to render on my home computer (PC), so I didn't realize that the lights were poorly placed until after the complete render....and I wasn't about to do it again.

Homework is calling...enjoy the jpg's.

2006-01-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

First day of winter quarter. This means 11 weeks of classes are in front of me. On two days each week, I have a 7:30AM class...NOT because I thought this was a good idea, but because the idiots that schedule classes left me no choice. You know that graduation is looming when you start running out of classes to take. This quarter my schedule could be described as 'swiss cheese.' I have two 7:30AM classes and two 6:ooPM classes....leaving a giant hole in my afternoons. I am also driving into Denver on THREE days each week this quarter instead of my usual two days.

Today was 4 hours of freehand sketching...which is REALLY HARD. And lots of homework. Tomorrow is another early day, with Digital Design at 7:30 AM...which means I have to get up around 5am and leave the house about 6:15am. The drive is terrible.

Tomorrow is also my first day as a TA (teacher's assistant). At least he's one of my favorite teachers and it is a subject that I am stunningly good at!

More to come.........

2006-01-08T19:15:00.000-08:00

Here's my new baby!!!!!!!

Here is the Mini out of the box..............

And here is the whole happy family!!

New keyboard, track ball and printer...the monitor need to go. Seriously hoping for a flat screen sometime soon. Isn't the mini just the cutest thing?

2006-01-05T17:23:00.000-08:00

Three weeks of break have really flown by. Spent most of the time recovering from pneumonia; didn't get much of my 'to-do' list accomplished. Was hoping to get the kitchen painted, but it just didn't happen. I did clean up my studio the other day.....not because it was high on my list, but because it was such a MESS!!

The line up for next quarter is: Free Hand Sketching, Computer Rendering, Fundamentals of Working Drawings and Digital Design.

Here are the final pictures of the Townhouse Model from my Building & Environmental Systems class.

2005-12-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!!

It's FINALS time again.......

2005-12-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

.....and it's not the NBA finals!!!

Finals week...4 classes. Everything will be over by December 16 and then it's THREE WHOLE WEEKS OFF!!!! At this point, I have 7 papers due (with sketches and photos), a model construction notebook with hand drafted floor plans/sections/framing/elevations, still have to finish a 2 story (with basement) model of a townhome, 2 rendering projects are still due, there is a major comprehensive test in architecture and furniture history, and i have YET to start my floor plan for a 3000 square foot retail gallery space (with spec book).

We'll just see if I live through this........

In the mean time, here are some construction photos of the townhouse model. The class is called "building and environmental systems" so the model is designed to show house construction. Enjoy!!

2005-11-16T08:21:00.000-08:00

And another thing......... (continues on my rant from above)

Right after I wrote my last ranting post, I had this happen to me and I have to share it.....

So, I'm talking to a friend about school (well, this person DID ask) and this person said that it was "no surprise" that I was doing so well. And I thought...."what the &*$&#&$????????"

It occured to me that my friends and family might think that my artistic talent is really good and they probably think that it is easy for me to take that talent and do well in school. What they don't realize is that everyone I go to school with is just as talented (sometimes more) than me. When I go to school, I am AVERAGE. It is a struggle to keep the competive edge, to stay fresh and to come out on top of all that.

This is another factor that makes design school difficult.

Not that I'm complaining...I live for this. I'm fortunate enough to have a place to go and study where I am the norm and there are others that think like me. I just wish the people that I am closest to would understand.

2005-11-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

I should be writing papers today. I have 5 due by friday..WITH photos and WITH sketches. Topics are: Queen Anne Furniture, Palladian Architecture, Georgian Architecture, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton. That should explain my reading selections....why else would I read a furniture encyclopedia????!!!!!

I want to rant a bit: I am having a hard time relating to people outside my major...specifically my personal friends that I have had for years and some family members.

Here's the thing....My major is Interior DESIGN....and most of the world perceives that as Interior DECORATING. Let's get this straight first: To be an Interior Designer, you need a bachelor's degree AND you need to be licensed by the state you live in by taking the NCIDQ exam(national council for interior design qualification exam). While getting an Interior Design BA, you study architecture, building systems, HVAC and electrical systems, residential, commercial, corporate and hospitality design. We also take courses in materials and estimates, textiles and finishes, AutoCad, drafting, drawing, rendering (by hand and computer) and human ergonomics. WE ARE NOT INTERIOR DECORATORS!!!!!!!!!!!!

A decorator is not, in any state, required to take an exam or possess a degree. If you think you have good taste for interiors (furniture, carpets, drapes, paints, etc) you can call yourself an Interior DECORATOR....but until you get your BA in Interior DESIGN .....AND until you pass the NCIDQ, you are NOT AN INTERIOR DESIGNER!!!!!

And my friends and family don't get it. I can complain about my workload for school and they think they know....but they have no idea. The stress of a design project ends in a presentation and defense. Imagine if you are an English major and the only way you are graded for all your classes is by presentation and defense. How about a Math major? Because it is all so subjective and there are no definitive solutions and answers to design, we are judged by presentation and defense.

What is presentation and defense? Your design concept, from beginning diagrams to the final solution, is presented on foam core boards(or sometimes via power point) in front of a jury. Most times, the jury is your class and teacher...sometimes an extra faculty member sits in. Your presentations are 10-30 minutes long, based on the project. Pray that you are good at public speaking. After the presentation comes the defense: A question and answer session from the faculty and your classmates. Sometimes it goes well....other times, you feel like you are being picked apart by vultures. You could have the best solution in class, but fail because you crumble when you present your design. Your design could be highly inferior to everyone else, but you are able to pass because you are slick in the presentation and you convince (BS) everyone into believing your solution is the best.

The work load for creating a project? Here is a brief synopsis of the process (which could be longer, depending on the project):

Inerview the client
Write the program (a 10 to 200 or more page document that outlines EVERYTHING)
Draw adjacency diagrams
Create ajacency matrix
Create furniture matrix
Write a concept statement
Draw block diagrams
Draw rough diagrams
Create prototypes
Load into autocad OR hand draft all floor plans
If presenting in 3D autocad, build all walls, doors, windows, furniture and fixtures
If presenting by hand, draw out all perspectives, sections, elevations, details
Spec out all furniture, fixtures and equipment- complete with ordering information & numbers
Create a budget of all construction, furniture, fixtures & equipment
Gather samples: materials, textiles, finishes
Render all drawings, either by hand or computer
If needed, build a model or section model of your design
Grid plan your presentation boards
Cut foam core with razor (don't cut hands)
Spray mount all drawings to foam core
Mount all textile, finish and material samples to foam core
Glue foam core board together

There is no average price for a project. I have done some concept boards with supplies I had in my studio, other times, I have to shop for lots of materials. Boards can run from about $20 to $3000. If you are doing an architectural model, your price will skyrocket. One model that I did (see villa savoye) cost me almost $350!! After that, I still had to create a digital presentation (more $$). On average, I think I have been spending about $150 per presentation. For each class...and that's 4 classes per quarter. It's not cheap!!!

So, I'm talking to a friend they other day and they ask about how school is going. I try to describe my work load and the answer I get is " yeah, college is tough. I remember getting stressed out when I had papers due or test coming up." What kind of answer is that? My heart sank. It was like this person didn't even want to try and understand my life (even though I was there for them while they were struggling in college!). No one gets it and no one seems to want to get it. My husband gets it...he has seen me up for 3 days straight trying to finish a project. My kids get it... they have seen their dad take days off work so that I can finish a project.

I wish the world could learn to separate Designers from Decorators. I wish the people I know could deeply understand the amount of work I am putting into school. ...and remaining on the dean's list. It's competivie 24/7.

That's my rant....for now.

2005-11-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

Song of the day: Set it off (Audioslave)

Word of the day: Driven

What I'm reading: 1- The Encyclopedia of Furniture & 2- History of Furniture

End of the Quarter

2005-07-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

Ok...here's the awful truth:
At the end of the quarter, this is what my studio looks like........

Yep...this is where all the magic happens. Hard to believe, eh?

Villa Savoye

2005-07-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

Ok...this is the Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier. It is located in France and was built in 1920. A key piece in architecture, this was the first "modernist" structure built. Forget all its structural flaws; the leaks, the cracks, lack of heat, too hot in summer (basically, BAD DESIGN)....all beginning design students get to study this one!

After hand drafting the floor plans for this building using a grid system and nothing more than deductive reasoning, we had to BUILD this model. You can find anything and everything on the internet...EXCEPT measurements for this building!!!!! ARGH!

Model is made from foam core (1/8", 3/16" and 1/2"), lexan and styrene. Total cost: about $300 (still adding up receipts).

For more pictures of the construction phase....see me at www.flickr.com. Look for me as "lonely moose"...you can find an entire photo set. For more information on the Villa Savoye...look it up on Google!!!

Entire plan drafted by me. Model and all construction done by me. April-June 2005.

Enjoy it now because I plan to set it on fire and film it....kind of a performance piece. :)

(burning down the house.....)

Final Model Pictures

2005-07-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

Below....the final pictures of my Villa Savoye model. What a pain this was. Bottom line: some things worked out well and some could have been much better. You get to a point, however, after 11 weeks of work and more than $300 put into the project that you just say "whatever".....!!!!!! I got an A...better than I thought I'd do. I am glad this class is over.

Final Pictures

2005-07-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

Bathroom Remodel Project- June 2005

2005-07-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

This project was a bathroom remodel...of course, I chose MY bathroom of MY ACTUAL house. Pretty exciting!!! Again....if anyone out there has an extra$150K, I could start construction right away! :)

The parameters of the project: Each person had to remodel an existing bathroom in the style of a country drawn at random. I picked Venezuela. My concept was less about the cultural aspects and more about the landscape; the rock and the water, along with a bright color pallette.

Some other parts of my program:

Move the first floor laundry room to the second floor.
Create better traffic flow in the kid's bathroom.
Create a personal water closet area in the master bath.
Master bath needs a jetted tub for two.

This board shows the original floor plan of the second floor; to include the existing master bath, bedroom, hallway and kid's bathroom.

All drawings and floor plans are hand drawn and rendered with Prismacolor colored pencils.

Bath design, concept, drawings and boards were created June, 2005.

Proposed Bath Design

2005-07-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

This board features the new (proposed) design for the master bath, as well as the second (kid's) bath and laundry area.

The kid's bath area has been reduced to one private bathing area, with double vanity sinks outside the door. This provides a more efficient flow and usage of the bath area for a large family. Around the corner from the sink area is the laundry room, moved from the first floor to the second for maximum efficiency.

The master bath area has been entirely re-worked. A private water closet has been created and the double sink/vanity area are no longer facing the bedroom. A half wall with an arched doorway separates a semi-open bath plan from the master bed area. The shower is flagstone and has a Kohler body spa waterfall in addition to a regular 'rain style' shower head. The large jetted tub seats two and has chromotherapy lights built in. The tub has Venezuelan tile. The vessel style sinks are custom blown glass in a cobalt blue. The chandelier lighting is also custom made in rainbow colors. The floor is stone tile and continues into the walk-in closet/dressing area.

Bath Perspective (proposed)

2005-07-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

This board features the proposed design in perspective. You can get a good look at the rock shower and chromotherapy jetted tub.

The south wall (sink/vanity area) is removed in this drawing so you can see into the entire master bath.

Bath Elevations

2005-07-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

All four elevations (north, south, west, east) of the proposed bath.

Bath Reflected Ceiling Plan & Fixtures

2005-07-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

This board shows lighting placement (reflected ceiling plan) as well as some of the fixtures used in this project.

Kitchen Remodel Project- May 2005

2005-07-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

Project: Remodel and existing kitchen. Of course, I chose MY kitchen of MY ACTUAL house...so this was a FUN project. If anyone wants to send my about 200K, I can get started on the construction!!! :)

The project parameter was to remodel in a randomly chosen style...and I happened to choose "Gothic." Probably not how I would ACTUALLY remodel my own kitchen, but it was worked out ok. I went with the Carpenter Gothic, which was more "modern" and fit my personal tastes more than a traditional high Gothic style would have. So, the proposed (new) floor plan you will see is the plan I would really like to have...but the gothic style is probably not my first choice.

Existing floor plan is a broken U-shape kitchen with a peninsula. The kitchen is connected to the family room. The client (myself) wants more kitchen space for family activities and is willing to sacrifice some of the family room space. Both rooms need to be unified to create one environment.

Below are photos (not great ones) of the boards I created for my kitchen remodel. All drawings were rendered (colored) by hand using prismacolor colored pencils. All drawings were drawn by hand (including floor plans) and were not produced using AutoCad or any other computer program.

Kitchen design, concept and boards were created May, 2005.

Existing (old) Kitchen Perspective

2005-07-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

This drawing is a perspective of the existing kitchen before the remodel. Very outdated for a large family.

**Note** Ok, bad picture...PLUS the foam core that the drawing is mounted on is crooked. It SLID to the LEFT overnight and I didn't notice it until my presentation. It turned out to be pretty funny...but I still have to remove the drawing and remount it for my portfolio. Grrr.

Proposed Kitchen Perspective

2005-07-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

This is a perspective view of the new (proposed) kitchen.

New (proposed) Kitchen Floor Plan

2005-07-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

Here is the proposed floor plan. The peninsula from the old floor plan has been removed to make room for the island. The island is 2 levels and will allow for food prep, washing, and eating. A wine cooler, ice maker and 2 drawer diswasher are built into the island.

The kitchen island has crept into the space of the family room, but is now more open for family activities, eating and conversation...and the family room really hasn't lost a lot of space! The flooring is reclaimed barn planks, 8" wide, that cover the entire kitchen and family room. Countertops are Ebony Pearl Silestone. All appliances are stainless steel. Paint "Wine Tasting" color by Behr. All cabinet and drawer pulls are iron. Cabinets are by Kraftmaid and are Wilmington Oak with a Chickory Glaze finish.

Cabinet Nomenclature & Work Triangles.

2005-07-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

This board shows the North and West elevations, as well as the nomenclature for all the cabinets. Work triangles are also shown.

Kitchen Elevations

2005-07-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

Two elevations from the kitchen, the North and the West, fully rendered. Leaded carpenter gothic arch glass fronts to the kitchen cabinets. Oven, warming drawer and microwave are in the wall, separate cooktop with pan storage drawers below. All appliances are stainless steel.

Project Princess

2005-07-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

This is a presentation board that I made for a little girl's room. The concept was about fairy tales and was designed around a collection of fairy tale paintings that the little girl had made. The board is made from an 11x14 painter's canvas and the wall colors are shown on the canvas. The white chair rail is also shown, in place and in order with the wall colors to give the client a visual of how the room will look. Other materials shown are : oak flooring, Laura Ashley bedding, sheer sparkle drapes and sheer purple pillows. The purple tulle surrounding the board represents the sheer canopy over the bed.

Design, Concept and Board created March, 2005.

Sure, design school SOUNDS easy.......

2005-05-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

Well, there won't be much fun this weekend...or sleep. I am buried in projects that need to be completed Tuesday. Here is my "to do" list:

Draw 2 Floor plans, 1 nomenclature plan, 2 elevations and 2 perspectives of the kitchen remodel project I am working on. All drawings must be rendered (colored).
Finish writing the program for the kitchen project, along with adjacency diagrams and bubble plans.
Build presentation boards for kitchen remodel project....material samples must be included, so I have to shop for those.
Obtain pricing for all kitchen items and create a pricing and spec book. Spec book must include information for everything used in the kitchen project.
Finish 2 story residential floor plan for AutoCad class. Must include plumbing & HVAC, furniture, lighting plan & ceiling plan.
Draw all reference symbols and other misc "write block" items for AutoCad project.
Create templates for cover sheet and drawing block.
Non-design related, I have a Spanish presentaion due at 7:30 AM on Tuesday morning. Must find information about Spain, architecture, demographics, etc.

The kitchen project is ruling my life right now. I am really afraid I am not going to be done on time....although, that really isn't an option. ARGH!!!!

Viewing Tower- Plan View

2005-05-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

Viewing Tower- Plan View
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

In plan view (overhead). This gives a better idea of how the interior space works. You can see how the walls of the tower give the illusion that they cut through the interior space. In elevation view, you can see that the box looks like it has been pushed through the walls and appears to float.

The design is simple lines and shapes brought together. It really works!

Viewing Tower - Interior

2005-05-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

Viewing Tower - Interior
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

This is a shot of the interior space before I put the walls and roof on. It contains a chair, table, 3 plants in a planter box (see background) and a gazing crystal.

The furniture was formed out of aluminum sheet. The gazing crystal is actually a glass bead that I had made. It cracked while cooling and has been in my toolbox for years. Now, it has a home. The plants were made from beading wire...38 gauge, maybe? Very tiny and delicate.

Viewing Tower View 2

2005-05-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

Viewing Tower View 1
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

Different view of the tower. You can see the beginning point of the steps that carry you up the tower and through the structure.

Viewing Tower Project

2005-05-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

Viewing Tower View 6
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

Model of a viewing tower that I designed for an architectural model class.

Built from foam core, basswood and lexan, this model is at 1/2" scale. Tower dimensions are 12' x 12' base, 30' tall.

This was a lot of work! Trial and error working with different material and glues. Models are also very costly...there is probably $30+ spent in materials...PLUS buying the tools I needed to get started. Ouch.

Design School is time consuming and expensive!!!!

Work on Display

2005-04-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

On Display
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

On the left you will see my board on display. It is an interior design analysis of St. John's Cathedral in Denver. This was one of three of my works to be displayed at school.

Nesting/Stacking Boxes

2005-04-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

Nesting/Stacking Boxes
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

All three boxes in stacked position. Lid of Box #3 is off, revealing the scarf.

Nesting/Stacking Boxes

2005-04-25T14:21:00.001-07:00

Nesting/Stacking Boxes
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

All three boxes, with lids on, stacked.

Nesting Box #3 Opened

2005-04-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

Nesting Box #3 Opened
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

Box #3 with the lid off. Scarf pulls out as lid is lifted off.

Nesting Box #3

2005-04-25T14:20:00.001-07:00

Nesting Box #3
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

Box #2 with the lid off. You can see inside to Box #3 (turned sideways).

Nesting Box #2

2005-04-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

Nesting Box #2
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

Box #1 with lid off. You can see inside to Box #2.

Nesting Box #1

2005-04-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

Nesting Box #1
Originally uploaded by lonely moose.

Box #1 with lid on.

Nesting Boxes- April 2005

2005-04-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

So, this project was to construct "Nesting Boxes" from foamcore board, using only rabbet cut techniques to make the corners. Requirements were: 1)Minimum of three boxes, any size 2) Boxes must pull apart easily with 1 1/4" clearance or less 3) A personal or sentimental item must be in the smallest of the three boxes 4) Lids must fit securely.

Working with white foamcore, I decided to make my hidden item a scarf of bright color that would pull out of the box when the lid was removed. I started by making the smallest box and worked out from there. I ended up with 3 very clean, but plain boxes.

After playing with the finished boxes for a while, I felt that the boxes did not pull apart as easily as I would have hoped...with the lid from box 3 coming off and revealing the scarf before it had been removed from box 2. This made me think about adding a handle to "lift" box 2 out of box 1. Then, I thought that I could turn box 3 sideways...so that the lid was not facing up, but to the side. If I gave box 3 a handle also, then I could control when the viewer pulled the lid off the box. So now, box 2 and 3 have embellishments that act as handles and box 1 looks very plain. I added some embellishment that would control how the lid was put on box 1. Also did the same with box 2 and 3.

Interestingly enough, the boxes ended up having not only a nesting quality...but a stacking quality as well. They look very architectural. This was more than a study in crafting a box out of foamcore. It became a study of revelation and disguise.

2005-02-07T16:15:00.000-08:00

Lorelei....Lonely Moose Designs

Blogging Day One......

2005-02-07T15:30:00.000-08:00

First blogging day. Currently working on a design project for a loft space that has issues with its combined living room and dining room area. I may have to change the swing of the entryway door to make things work. Biggest problem- there is a carved out niche for the tv to sit in and my client feels compelled to KEEP the tv THERE....which is why I HATE pre-determined niches for entertainment centers, stereos, etc. It just makes a designers job harder and limits the clients usage of the space. Beautiful exposed brick on the walls and new hardwood floors add to the charm. I'm sure I can make something work......

****UPDATE*****Finally! Here are 3 pictures from the completed loft project.

Solution: Door swing is changed, coat hooks are behind the door. Door opens to the tv area, which DOES revolve around the architectural niche and is its own area. L-shaped couch with bookcase storage behind it creates another living space. Bookcase also creates a divider or hallway that separates the bathroom door from the living area. Eating space is now bar-style, since client did not need a formal dining room. Almost all the furnishings act as storage or can be opened up for guest sleeping. Materials chosen are primarily leather and twill...this highlights the 12 ft rough exposed brick and glass wall that spans the entire loft.