CBDS

I'm a week deep into school and not only my last spring semester, but also my last design studio at Catholic (wow, thesis in the fall, still cannot believe how quickly time flew by). Studio this semester is supposedly the "capstone" of my education - the comprehensive building design studio (CBDS) group project that everyone dreads. Seriously, some legendary horror stories. Rumor had it we were going to have a Solar Decathlon project, but apparently that was just not enough, so now we're doing a net zero master plan in Southeast DC. Oh yeah, and my group also lucked out and drew scenario three, which as far as I can tell doubles the amount of work this semester as we have to design scenario 1 (21 townhomes) and scenario 2 (10 single residency occupances + communal area), all the way through construction documents...

Anyways, I thought for some humor I'd post images of what we're working with. A DC councilman came to introduce the project to us. It's pretty ironic that the new master plan calls for an entirely sustainable strategy and yet they have to tear down a minimum of 15 buildings on the site to clear the area (this is a real project that has had some financial problems but is slated to continue when the economy picks back up). The only building that is staying is the St. Coletta School by Michael Graves, which is adjacent to the block we're on (aren't we so lucky??). The site visit was fun in the snow last week, too, especially wandering around the STD, TB, and detox clinics that are on the site...

Michael Graves' St. Coletta School - our next door neighbor

Can't wait to spend some time here ;-).

It's off to Mop I go

Well, not exactly, but our house decided to have a group Spring Clean and organize day (I know we're in the dead of winter, but feeling motivated), so I better get my blue heels and apron on and get to work. Hope you all have a great three day weekend!

Inlay Inspiration

As I begin a new semester working in the wood shop, I've basically been told I need to learn to use the CNC machine at our school (will probably be a good idea when thesis rolls around, so I'm not complaining). I think I'm going to make a coffee table for the house, since our living room is currently the land of college furniture. I think the shape is going to be pretty simple, but I was thinking I'd use the CNC for the top - to inlay a pattern or design in it. Right now I'm thinking a combination of Walnut and plywood, but I'm also whirling around a bunch of different ideas for what I'd want the inlay pattern to be. I'm really digging all of these guys below...

All images from Iannone Design, a company that uses all reclaimed, sustainable or FSC wood - amazing pieces that are eco-friendly too.

Monday Morning Blues

Look 7 am, I want to like you. In fact I want to like you so much I'm willing to see you daily (well, maybe not on the weekends), but in exchange you can't be dark and dreary. We're not up in the arctic circle you know. Guess I'm feeling a little blue about starting school (and come on, you know it's my favorite color), so here are some blue rooms I'd rather be sleeping in right now...

Want to source these images but I've been hanging on to them forever - I think the first two were from Domino, and the last might be an Elle Decor (non-US version?).

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Getting ready for my flight - in less than 8 hours I'll be back in DC - and having to brave the cold again. At least classes don't start until Monday - here's to one final weekend of freedom!

Cute illustration found on etsy here

My brother is rad

My inspiration today comes from the most talented photographer I know, my brother Eric. Tuesday he showed me an album he shot of a friend's wedding (someday when I get married I think I'm going to need him to shoot my entire wedding in film) and tonight I noticed he posted some new photos on his blog he shot while hiking with his friends recently. I can't wait to get back to DC and continue using my new camera, feeling so inspired!

Eric and Bella.

Blue Velvet

After spending last night down in Encinitas with my brother, I made a detour to my friend Catie's new condo, helping her move some of her heavier furniture and talking about future plans for the new place. When I left her house this afternoon and drove back up to Orange County, I found myself daydreaming of my new apartment/condo/house - you know, the one with the perfect location in a mystery city, with amazing natural light, hardwood floors, lots of closets, and my very own outdoor space? While all that may just be fantasy now, I do know it is likely a blue velvet sofa will find its place into my living room. I've been collecting images of them for way too long...

From a vintage Domino Magazine

Internet?

Emily Henderson's adorable living room (now I just need to get my hands on a flag of Finland).