CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE
Takes Vision, Time and Commitment
June 2015 Newsletter
Architects are trained to see the big picture but the devil is in the details. A great plan may flow well, have properly sized and proportioned spaces and may be efficient, intimate and easy to work and live in but an Architect’s job is not complete until the interior finish of the spaces is designed. How do Architects knit these final details into the work knowing that color and texture are very personal and yet so very critical to a great project? While Reality TV shows make design appear fast and cheap, creating interior synergies takes time. Behind the scenes, there are many people working many hours to make the rooms in these shows attractive and glamorous.
In the designer’s realm, the first step in any program involves not only listening to the client, but also listening to the flow of the interior spaces and the exterior architecture. The customer’s desires and needs are the first filter but the final use is part of the entire composition. One of the golden rules of design is that form follows function.
The concept and flow are usually developed in the beginning phases of a project. By the design development phase, the architect and/or designer conceive and see the end result. There are many scenarios used to compose the atmosphere. Comfort and function are paramount. Reflection is placed on making the interior comfortable, but efficient and productive. Access from all and to all areas should be effortless.
Interior selections for a home and office follow a similar pattern. The use of the space determines the end result. Choosing color, texture, pattern, reflectivity and feel of the furniture, fabrics, flooring, cabinet, fixtures, handles, tile and other finish selections guides the interior scheme. Neutrals are the starting point, grounding the scheme and then we highlight and accessorize with brighter colors and accents. If the space is more traditional bright colors brings eclectic styles together.
Architects and designers consult with interior trade suppliers to follow and create the latest architectural trends. Once our interior design ideas are generated, we collect and share the various samples to create a color scheme/theme to present. Durability, economic feasibility and budget factor into the final design decisions with the client.
Just a few short years ago, picking out interior design selections for your home or office meant tearing out pictures from magazines and starting an idea file in a cluttered manila folder or time consuming binder. Today there are many avenues on the Internet, including search engines, Pinterest and the homeowner’s idea saving and sharing abilities on Houzz. Good design still takes time and commitment. What time and resources you invest in your design pays off in the long run.
OMNIA Group Architects use these the same principles of good design, utilizing websites as dynamic engines to perfect our programs. A great architect adds more value to your design and helps you to maximize your budget. When it comes to color, materials and shape, it is important to blend with the architecture and to create the desired atmosphere. Selecting a professional architect/designer produces and inspires the use of the architectural space. We are committed to creativity and good design.