Inspiration #70: Kitchen Range Hood

Inspiration #70: Kitchen Range Hood
Last week we looked at kitchen cooktop inspiration so it’s only fitting that this week we look at the other half of the puzzle: the oft-forgotten details of the range hood! A range hood is the unsung hero of the cooktop, a sometimes hidden
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2021 Goal Setting

2021 Goal Setting
A new year is here, and thank God for that. With it comes a chance to refocus and do some goal setting for the year. Like most of us, my 2020 started as a whirlwind and ended as a hurricane. I was thankfully able to stay safe and healthy, and I hope
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Inspiration #67: Outdoor Shower pt 2

Inspiration #67: Outdoor Shower pt 2
Last week we looked at modern outdoor showers to give a refreshing take on this humid summer. This week we’re following up with some outdoor showers that are even better – they’re by the beach! Let’s jump right in. This is
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Inspiration #66: Outdoor Shower pt 1

Inspiration #66: Outdoor Shower pt 1
Maybe it’s because I spent all last week sweating it out in our near-100% humidity building the new south fence at #L2HQ, but I’ve been dreaming of an outdoor shower lately. Refreshing after working in the backyard, rinsing off after
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Architecture history – Pride edition

Architecture history – Pride edition
I'm still not really mentally in a place to understand what mentorship looks like during a pandemic, during a civil movement calling for long-overdue racial and societal reform, and during Pride month. I know it's important, I know I need to keep
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Advice for Architecture Graduates

Advice for Architecture Graduates
The 2020 Architecture graduates, and many others finishing their school years, graduated into a weird time. The architecture profession, and the AIA, has been working on resources and encouragements, including videos with Advice for Architecture
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Inspiration #65: Backyards of Greece

Inspiration #65: Backyards of Greece
The wanderlust continues this week with seeking out the outdoor spaces of a specific country I’ve not yet been to: Greece! These backyards of Greece are sure to make you want to grab your swimsuit and cool down. So settle in and dream of
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Inspiration #64: DIY outdoor furniture

Inspiration #64: DIY outdoor furniture
As the weather continues to improve and we all look for ways to enjoy the outdoors, some great DIY outdoor furniture seemed to be just the trick for this week’s inspiration. Pallets, wood, whatever you have on hand, and some ingenuity could
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Inspiration #63: Coastal backyard

Inspiration #63: Coastal backyard
It seems like I’m not the only one who enjoyed last week’s inspiration escape, so we’re returning this week with a look at larger bodies of water – coastal backyards! From the Atlantic around to the Pacific, the Baltic down
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Inspiration #61: Lake Cabin

Inspiration #61: Lake Cabin
Welcome to a special edition of the inspiration post, Wanderlust Wednesday! With so many of us still working from home and sheltering in place, I don’t know about you, but I’ve got the wanderlust itch. This week it’s cabin fever
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Inspiration #60: hammock inspiration

Inspiration #60: hammock inspiration
Last week we covered great backyard design ideas for an outdoor movie night, but ever since then I’ve been dreaming of relaxing in this almost-summer weather with a good book – so this week we’re looking at hammock inspiration!
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Inspiration #59: Outdoor Movie Night

Inspiration #59: Outdoor Movie Night
Another week has flown by and the weather here is trying to decide if it wants to be summer. Being at home during this shelter-in-place is making me think of ways to use the backyard at L2HQ – including for our increased movie and show time at
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Inspiration #58: Backyard String Lights

Inspiration #58: Backyard String Lights
Last week’s look at modern shade sails also got me thinking about lighting – more specifically, backyard string lights that provide both needed light and a sense of cozy living. String lights take less of a structural load, but mounting
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Inspiration #57: Modern Shade Sail

Inspiration #57: Modern Shade Sail
While I’m grateful to have a giant tree in my backyard that provides shade to the new deck, I regularly dream of having a modern shade sail for the extra sunny days and long summer nights. More common in Australia and parts of Europe, shade
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Inspiration #56: Modern Fence Gate

Inspiration #56: Modern Fence Gate
Today’s post is a bit utilitarian, but following up on last week’s modern vertical fence, I’m also researching for a modern fence gate at the alley of #L2HQ. My perspective is that even something entirely utilitarian can be
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Inspiration #55: Modern vertical fence

Inspiration #55: Modern vertical fence
It’s been awhile, but let’s jump back in. It’s almost summer and my brain is dreaming of continued backyard projects. Specifically, I’ve been thinking through the possibility of a modern vertical fence design for a south
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Inspiration #53: Backyard patio design

Inspiration #53: Backyard patio design
While we haven’t yet been blanketed in snow, a wet fall and winter has got the best of #L2HQ and the deck is not quite finished. I work on days when the weather gets warm enough, but it hasn’t kept me from dreaming about the finished
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Learning from mistakes in architecture

Learning from mistakes in architecture
If you've read any of my other blogs, you know I'm a major proponent of continued learning, pushing past fear, and therefore learning from your mistakes. Let's look today at what it might mean to be present in your career in a way that allows
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Visual Words

Visual Words
We architects are known for our creativity...with materials, ideas, problem-solving...and even our words. We are not above making up words, adding an "-ism", an "-ers", or an "-ation" to the end of a noun. What we're trying to get at is the visual
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Gaining Experience As A Young Architect

Gaining Experience As A Young Architect
Whether filling out hours for AXP (Architectural Experience Program) or trying to learn enough to work your way up to Project Manager, gaining experience on a new topic can be tricky as a young architect or architect-in-training. Note: This is the
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Inspiration #50

Inspiration #50
Today is officially the 50th inspiration blog! I thought I’d share some shower and bathroom designs that make great use of natural light by way of skylights to add a soft glow to the space. Ranging from modern to craftsman to contemporary
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Creating space for unlikely inspiration

Creating space for unlikely inspiration
The irony is not lost on me that on a topic of "unlikely inspiration" I found myself suddenly lacking in inspiration about what to write. I actually tried to write this blog FOUR different times over the past two weeks. Busy with work, home
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Inspiration #49

Inspiration #49
Sometimes a sink is just a sink. But sometimes it’s a breath of fresh air, making you eager to start the day. Sometimes…a modern sink design can make all the difference. How to treat the sink was a big deal, and ended up being the
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Inspiration #48

Inspiration #48
Welcome back! The master bathroom at #L2HQ is done but the inspiration continues on. One of the things I looked at out of necessity – but ended up being able to design around – was a glass divider. Depending on the layout of a bathroom
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What was I thinking?

What was I thinking?
This month's ArchiTalks topic "What was I thinking" could go so many directions: What was I thinking, taking on yet another unpaid task? What was I thinking, saying yes to help that group when I'm 2 months behind on something else? What was I
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Types of communication in architecture

Types of communication in architecture
Hand-written, text on a phone, email, contract language, sketch, face-to-face, over-the-phone, construction drawings....all of these things are types of communication that can be implemented in an architecture project. And on any given project you
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Inspiration #47

Inspiration #47
In the search for tapware for the master bathroom renovation at #L2HQ, I considered black shower hardware. I knew it would blend well with the floor tile and pop against the shower wall tile I had chosen and was looking forward to a matte finish
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ArchiTalks: How to start a design.

ArchiTalks: How to start a design.
We're all used to seeing the final photography of a project. You know what I'm talking about: the flashy pic with just the right lighting and the table staged perfectly with a full meal even though the kitchen in the background is spotless. It's
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#L2HQ Renovation: master bathroom design

#L2HQ Renovation: master bathroom design
I mentioned in last week's goal renewal post that renovation progress at #L2HQ is high priority this year because I've hit the line in the metaphorical construction sand of my ability to be able to handle consistent dust. The good news is that the
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Goal Renewal

Goal Renewal
I'm not entirely certain where 2017 went, but by the end of it, I was glad it had left. What started out as a super fun year: second AREsketches book published, winning of the Young Architect Award, some travel, and some #L2HQ projects done....ended
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Choices

Choices
I watched The Little Prince over the weekend and the movie keeps coming back to mind. When I'm working. When I'm walking the dogs. When I'm thinking of all the choices I have to make: for my career, for the house, for my happiness. Note: This is the
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2017 Holiday Gift Ideas for Architects

2017 Holiday Gift Ideas for Architects
How...is it already the end of November? I buried my head in work while people were buying Valentine's Day gifts and turn around and it's already past Thanksgiving. Eeek. Well - you know what that means - the 2017 Holiday Gift Ideas for Architects!
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Inspiration #46

Inspiration #46
As the master bathroom at #L2HQ moves forward quickly, I’m looking into bathroom tile accent wall options at every free moment. Subway, slab, marble, mosaic…all the options. This is the latest in a weekly post of residential architecture
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Eureka!? Finding myself amid the “busy.”

Eureka!? Finding myself amid the “busy.”
I found it! Wait...did I? Note: This is the thirty-second post in a group series called #ArchiTalks. This month's topic is “Eureka”. Today is a day to: plan and dream...but also to rest and just be. Trying to make these days more frequent - that’s
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Inspiration #45

Inspiration #45
Happy Friday! The rain has not let up in my neck of the woods, so I’m cheering myself up by looking at bathroom ideas. As I mentioned in the latest blog, the projects are shifting from the exterior to the master bathroom/en suite. Nothing like
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Ugly Architecture Details

Ugly Architecture Details
From an architecture standpoint, "ugly" is a dull, uncreative term used to explain an opinion. Let's face it, whether you think something is beautiful or ugly...it really is a subjective choice. I also know opinions are strong and take root easily
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Inspiration #44

Inspiration #44
Happy Friday! Last week we covered the modern wooden gate for the side of the house, but I wanted to also look at some modern wire fence options for that side location. There’s a double-edged sword of security: the solid wood gate provides
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Inspiration #43

Inspiration #43
Happy Friday! It’s time to look at some awesome modern wooden gate options to go in the horizontal fence that we talked about last week. This week we’ll focus on the side gate that happens between the houses – let’s go! This
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Inspiration #42

Inspiration #42
Happy Friday! Last week we covered some built-in furniture ideas for the backyard as we prep for new deck space at #L2HQ. We’ve previously looked at some cool backyard fence ideas, but as we get closer to fence time, I thought it would be
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Inspiration #41

Inspiration #41
Happy Friday! Last week we dug into some patio paver designs and styles…sorry I couldn’t help myself with the pun. It’s late. This week we’re going to take a look at some fabulous lounge furniture to go at the patio level
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2017 Goals Update

2017 Goals Update
  Well, the image above pretty much sums up the year so far...and especially of late. Life is moving so quickly that I totally missed a July check in and then mislabeled my next month's section in my Leuchtturm1917 planner. The first half of
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Inspiration #40

Inspiration #40
WELCOME BACK! The last 4.5 months have been a whirlwind of work, conferences, home project planning, and demolition. There will be an L² Design Lab progress post in the next two weeks over on the blog, but suffice to say – a lot of decisions
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Coming home as an architect

Coming home as an architect
This month's chosen topic was Homecoming. Homecoming makes me think of football...which I really don't care about. But homecoming can also be the act of returning to a familiar place...a sense of coming home...perhaps even if you haven't been
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Moon(lighting) changes with the seasons

Moon(lighting) changes with the seasons
Moonlighting gets a bad rap. Note: This is the twenty-eighth post in a group series called #ArchiTalks started by Bob Borson of Life of an Architect. This month's topic comes from Mike Riscica: “Moonlighting”. Moonlighting changes with the seasons
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ArchiTalks: Mentorship

ArchiTalks: Mentorship
What's mentorship all about? A year and a half ago, I wrote a 3-part series on mentorship. Today for ArchiTalks, it's time to take another look at the subject. Lessons learned, new goals, and more insight into growing our beloved profession. (The
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ArchiTalks: Advice for Clients

ArchiTalks: Advice for Clients
What's working with an architect like? Will we show up in all black? Maybe. Will we request or readily provide caffeine? Probably. Will our office space be awesome? Definitely. Will we surpass your dreams? Absolutely. Note: This is the twenty-sixth
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AREsketches Goals

AREsketches Goals
The first year of the #AREsketches book volume 1 has come and gone. I almost missed the publishing month anniversary it's been so crazy! As any creative person might attest to, I tend to find new fun creative projects when life gets busy. Because
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Architecture of Change

Architecture of Change
It's a common occurrence; as common as the world turning, and kind of related to it, too. Everything changes. Technology has continued to change at what feels like the speed of light. We get older. Seasons change. But what does that mean for us
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Inspiration #39

Inspiration #39
Back to the backard! We’ve covered layout and integrated steps. Time to look at the modern horizontal fence that will enclose the backyard space. The fence will line the north side of the property and portions of it will wrap south at the
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Inspiration #38

Inspiration #38
Oh my. After a month of crazy project schedules and traveling for board meetings, it’s time to get back to the inspiration in life! The winter has recently taken a turn for the worse after acting like we would have an early spring, the results
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House or Home? It’s in the story.

House or Home? It’s in the story.
Welcome back, gang! Last month we covered Style and what it means or doesn't mean to architects across the nation. This month we're segueing (maybe) into "House or Home", a topic offered by Keith Palma. Note: This is the twenty-fourth post in a
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2017 AIA National Young Architect Award

2017 AIA National Young Architect Award
For almost the last three months, I've had to keep the hardest secret. In early December, I got an email saying I'd won the 2017 AIA National Young Architect Award and could only tell family, sponsors, and close friends. Hilariously, last night I
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The AREsketches Style

The AREsketches Style
Hello, 2017! The crew got busy towards the end of the year and suddenly it was February! We're going co-op on this, and this month's theme is from @BPaletz - style! Note: This is the twenty-third post in a group series called #ArchiTalks in which
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Inspiration #37

Inspiration #37
I’ve been working on the plans for the exterior work to be done (hopefully) this summer on #ThisOldHouse and thought I’d change up the inspiration topic to show some of the thought processes, ideas, and how they’ve grown
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2017 goals for this young architect

2017 goals for this young architect
Better late than never to get your 2017 goals down, right? This year has gotten off to a blazing start and I've not given myself time to sit down and write my yearly goals post yet. (You'll find that "time" is a recurring theme in this year's goals)
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Inspiration #36

Inspiration #36
We took a bit of a hiatus while I worked on the new website – ta da! But now it’s time to get back to what really matters – awesome architecture! This week we’re focusing on open shower and tub concepts. So let’s get to
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2016 L² Blogging Recap

2016 L² Blogging Recap
I decided to wait until 2016 was fully over before I wrote my recap. Well, that and life has a way of getting hectic when you least expect it. So here we are, freshly into 2017. I thought I’d take a look back and do a 2016 blogging recap to
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Inspiration #35

Inspiration #35
Back to the bathroom we go! This week we’re taking a look at open tub shower configurations. As I continue to ponder the future en suite layout at #ThisOldHouse, I’m constantly considering efficient yet modern ways to lay out the wet
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Inspiration #34

Inspiration #34
This week’s inspiration stays in the kitchen. We’ve been looking at counter material details, so this week I thought we’d look at modern kitchens with open shelving systems and dark cabinets. Sometimes it’s nice to have
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Inspiration #33

Inspiration #33
In the last inspiration blog, we looked at butcher block counters, so I thought this week we’d stay in the kitchen and look at the beauty of a well-crafted concrete countertop. Smooth to the touch, durable, and modern – what
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The 2016 Architect Holiday Gift Guide

The 2016 Architect Holiday Gift Guide
It’s December! You know what that means – time to start thinking about how to show your love to those special people in your life. If it happens to be in form of a gift or two for that crazy creative in your life, you’ve come to
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Inspiration #32

Inspiration #32
This week’s inspiration stays in the kitchen. After a look at clean, minimal kitchens and then at built-in cabinet layouts, let’s check the counter. The butcher block counter to be specific. I love me a good place to cut my veggies, and
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ArchiTalks 22: Then & Now…and the middle

ArchiTalks 22: Then & Now…and the middle
Annnndddd we’re back. We took a bit of a hiatus since the last post for those headed back to school. So now we’re jumping back in to cover what we thought our careers would look like when we graduated, and what we find ourselves doing
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Inspiration #31

Inspiration #31
This week’s inspiration stays in the kitchen. Last week we looked at minimal kitchens with bare walls or open shelves. Today, let’s look at built-in cabinets for the minimal feel with some storage space. This is the latest in a weekly
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Inspiration #30

Inspiration #30
This week’s inspiration stays in the kitchen. After traveling the past two weeks, eating delicious croissants, and seeing how people in northern Spain live, I’m craving the minimal life and clean lines that come with it. So let’s
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Inspiration #29

Inspiration #29
This week’s inspiration goes back to the kitchen in search of a different detail – the waterfall counter edge. It’s all the rage right now, so I thought I’d look and see if I could find details that might work with the
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Inspiration #28

Inspiration #28
This week’s inspiration stays in the bathroom. More specifically the shower details – because while a soak tub looks gorgeous, the shower is where the day to day prep happens. This is the latest in a weekly post of residential
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Inspiration #27

Inspiration #27
This week’s inspiration stays in the bathroom. Last week we looked at linear bathroom layouts, but we’re switching to a clustered bathroom layout this week. The master bathroom space is mostly rectangular, so while I don’t have as
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10 excuses for not taking the ARE…yet

After giving two presentations at a regional level, I want to talk about something in the emerging professional world of the utmost importance: your license. Or rather, your current lack of it. So I decided to put together a list of the 10 excuses
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Inspiration #26

Inspiration #26
This week’s inspiration stays in the bathroom. The new master bath layout in #ThisOldHouse will have the sink, toilet, and shower grouped together in a 7′ x 8′ space, so I’m trying to figure out how to make a linear bathroom
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Inspiration #25

Inspiration #25
Time to get so fresh and so clean. Grab your rubber ducky or a glass of wine, we’re looking at the luxury of a soaking tub this week. This is the latest in a weekly post of residential architecture inspiration. If you want to see past weeks
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Inspiration #24

Inspiration #24
This week’s inspiration heads back to the master bathroom – specifically the bathroom counter. Because where you get ready should be as calm and stunning as you are. This is the latest in a weekly post of residential architecture
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4 Tips As You Go Back To School

4 Tips As You Go Back To School
Alright, gang! After talking about summer last month, it’s time you whippersnappers get back to school! To make sure that you get the most out of this next year, I’ve included 4 tips below to help you get/stay pointed in the right
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Inspiration #23

Inspiration #23
This week’s inspiration takes a look at the possibilities of a painted joist ceiling. At #ThisOldHouse, I’ll be taking down this godawful faux beadboard 1) because it’s ugly and 2) because of previous water damage that I know
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Inspiration #22

Inspiration #22
This week’s inspiration goes back to the kitchen. More specifically, to the kitchen backsplash. Because whether it’s for cleaning function or aesthetic flair, backsplashes prove their value time and time again. This is the latest in a
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Inspiration #21

Time to prepare your singing voice, it’s time to look at some fantastic showers for this week’s #ThisOldHouse inspiration. Open shower here, gorgeous marble there, we’re covering all the squeaky clean bases. This is the latest in a
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AIA Mississippi Presentation Recap

AIA Mississippi Presentation Recap
New Orleans! I’m coming for you. Can’t wait to join @aia_ms in July to talk with #emergingprofessionals about how to turn up the heat on mentorship, career pathing, and getting licensed! Come join me for chats, tips, sketches, and tours
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Inspiration #20

Inspiration #20
This week’s inspiration stays in the kitchen. Perhaps because I’m battling a cold right now that has me wanting everything clean, but these simple, white kitchens are really speaking to me this week. This is the latest in a weekly post
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Seasons of summer

Seasons of summer
ArchiTalks went on a short hiatus, but isn’t that what summer is about? Just to tie up this return in a neat little bow, we’ve decided to talk about summer and what that means to us. Note: This is the twentieth post in a group series
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Inspiration #19

Inspiration #19
This week’s inspiration shifts focus back to the kitchen. I started both a Blue Apron and a Plated subscription this summer (I cancel whichever meal set looks less tasty for the week) and have really enjoyed taking time to cook healthy foods
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Inspiration #18

Inspiration #18
This week’s inspiration is a bit of everything in the bathroom as my brain flits from thought to thought while I’m juggling a lot of things at work and #ThisOldHouse. But…they’re all pretty great! So let’s jump into
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2016 Goals Update

2016 Goals Update
If you remember back to January – among all of the other many and important things you’ve done since then – I did a 2016 Goals post called “New Year, New Goals” as a part of #ArchiTalks. I set four goals for myself
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Inspiration #17

Inspiration #17
And we’re back! We’re now in the full swings of summer and I made it through the other side of a project deadline. The summer heat has me constantly thinking about the master bathroom design in #ThisOldHouse. Particularly, the detail at
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Am I too old to be an architect?

Am I too old to be an architect?
I got this question via email the other day: Am I too old to be an architect? It weighed heavy on me, for a variety of reasons. First, I’m newly licensed myself – do I have the authority to send someone down a new career path? We’re crawling out of
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ARE Questions: the Path to Licensure

ARE Questions: the Path to Licensure
I’ve been thinking about writing this blog for awhile. And then…life…and uncertainty. We’ll get to that last one in a bit, but the life thing – it’s no joke. I remember talking with a friend about, “I
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The Young Architect’s Guide to AIAcon16

The Young Architect’s Guide to AIAcon16
The 2016 AIA Convention kicks off later this week and thousands of architects and industry professionals will be converging on Philadelphia. Some, typically younger professionals new to the AIA taking advantage of their “first year free”
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Q&A: Am I Ready To Take The ARE?

Q&A: Am I Ready To Take The ARE?
As a part of creating the AREsketches, I now get 2-3 emails per week from future and current ARE (Architect Registration Exam) test-takers, asking questions about the tests or for advice in general. Some of the questions have started repeating, so I
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Inspiration #16

Inspiration #16
As spring settles, I’m continuously thinking about the kitchen in #ThisOldHouse. What does the new peninsula want to look like? Now that I definitely have to take the ceiling out, do I expose the beams? What do the walls want to be? This is
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Inspiration #15

Inspiration #15
A busy week with lots of meetings and errands after work has me dreaming of relaxing in a soaking tub with wine and never getting out…or at least not until I’m sufficiently pruney. Since I have a marvelous, fits-two-people soaking tub
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Sneak peek into the AREsketches book

Sneak peek into the AREsketches book
  A couple months ago, the #ArchiTalks series was on “Tools” and, after fielding some questions on how the AREsketches get created, I decided to cover that in depth as a part of the blog. Fast-forward 2 months and those sketches
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Inspiration #14

Inspiration #14
Continuing last week’s trend of a beautiful white kitchen, let’s dive into some images with some more beauties. Gloss or matte, marble or concrete – these kitchens sure do sing! I’d be happy to have any of them in my home
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Dear Future Architects: 3 letters

Dear Future Architects: 3 letters
Dear future architects – here are 3 letters to help you at each stage of your journey. As a young architect myself, I remember what your path is like. I traveled it not long ago. It wont be exactly like mine, but the goal of licensure is a
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Inspiration #13

Inspiration #13
This is the latest in a weekly post of residential architecture inspiration. If you want to see past weeks, you can go here. If you want to see them curated on my pinterest (sometimes before they even hit the blog), go here. This week we’re
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Inspiration #12

Inspiration #12
This is the latest in a weekly post of residential architecture inspiration. If you want to see past weeks, you can go here. If you want to see them curated on my pinterest (sometimes before they even hit the blog), go here. This week we’re
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Social Media Primer, pt 4: HootSuite

Social Media Primer, pt 4: HootSuite
Today we wrap up the social media primer series. If you’ve missed the previous blogs in the series, I covered the background and why in week 1 and Twitter in week 2. After a break for #ArchiTalks, a recap on Instagram, and a vacation – we returned
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Social Media Primer, pt 3: Feedly

Social Media Primer, pt 3: Feedly
Today we return to the social media primer series. If you’ve missed the previous blogs in the series, I covered the background and why in week 1 and Twitter in week 2. After a break for #ArchiTalks, a recap on Instagram, and a vacation –
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Inspiration #11

Inspiration #11
This is the latest in a weekly post of residential architecture inspiration. If you want to see past weeks, you can go here. If you want to see them curated on my pinterest (sometimes before they even hit the blog), go here. After getting a minor
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Go have an adventure! [Playhouzz style]

Go have an adventure! [Playhouzz style]
Today’s post is not just a plea for votes on my Playhouzz entry, but also a look at the importance of adventure – both as children and adults. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of adventures that happened in my backyard, or
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Inspiration #10

Inspiration #10
Week 10 of inspiration images returns to the kitchen just as I deal with a pipe leak that will have me tearing out my own kitchen ceiling. My guess is over the coming weeks you’ll see details of exposed beam ceilings or other options as I work
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Architecture and Travel

Architecture and Travel
Architecture and travel. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. Cookies and milk. Jack and Diane. Anyone who knows an architect knows they are predisposed to want to travel the world. As a matter of fact, right now (Sunday afternoon) our
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Inspiration #9

Inspiration #9
After a short hiatus of traveling, we’re back and eager to share more inspiration!  Let’s go back to the bathroom and look at some Australian and European influences When the bathroom shower alcove is the same size as the
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Inspiration #8

Inspiration #8
This is part of a series on residential design inspiration. Have you missed previous blogs in the series? You can find them here…or add us to your feedly and you’ll never miss one again! Let’s return to the bathroom for week 8 of
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Social Media Primer, pt 3: Instagram

Social Media Primer, pt 3: Instagram
Today we return to the social media primer series. If you’ve missed the previous blogs in the series, I covered the background and why in week 1 and Twitter in week 2. Last week we took a break for #ArchiTalks (if you don’t know about
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Inspiration #7

Inspiration #7
Week 7 of #ThisOldHouse inspiration pictures takes us back to the kitchen! More beautiful open shelving and simple range hoods, complete with pretty tile and hardwood accents like a bow wrapping the present of these gorgeous kitchens. Open kitchen
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The tools that help make #AREsketches

The tools that help make #AREsketches
Note: This is the seventeenth post in a group series called #ArchiTalks in which Bob Borson of Life of an Architect gives a group of us architects a theme or a set of questions and we all have to post our response… this month’s theme
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Inspiration #6

Inspiration #6
Week 6 of inspiration is back in the master bathroom. Let’s take a closer look at open-concept bathroom showers and floor materials, shall we? Drool on, my friends.   When you can’t handle the crazy tile patterns, a simple and
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Social Media Primer, pt 2: Twitter

Social Media Primer, pt 2: Twitter
Twitter. Tweeter. Tweetbox. Twittersphere. Whatever you choose to call it, Twitter is my main interaction space when it comes to social media platforms (though Instagram is a growing second). As I mentioned in the previous “background & why”
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Inspiration #5

Inspiration #5
Week 5 of inspiration takes a look at the kitchen! While saving up for the master bath has been my focus of late, I’m always looking for great kitchen designs as inspiration for the future #ThisOldHouse remodel. As always, I trend towards
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Inspiration #4

Inspiration #4
Week four of the inspiration sneak peek takes us back to the master bathroom. As the design gets finessed, it looks more and more like the soaking tub will be separate from the shower or near a window. Outside of a couple tile details, this means
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Review: Overwhelmed

Review: Overwhelmed
In last week’s blog, I mentioned that a goal I have for this year is more “me” time. I’ve recently finished the book Overwhelmed by Brigid Schulte, which has had a big impact on my outlook on this topic, so I wanted to talk
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Inspiration #3

Inspiration #3
Week 3 of #ThisOldHouse inspiration shifts to the office, as I’m currently removing the last of the wallpaper for the renovation. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s inspiring the new design: Monochrome-y goodness and all the organized
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#ArchiTalks: New Year, New Goals

#ArchiTalks: New Year, New Goals
Note: This is the sixteenth post in a group series called #ArchiTalks in which Bob Borson of Life of an Architect gives a group of us architects a theme or a set of questions and we all have to post our response… this month’s theme: “New Year
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#ThisOldHouse Goals

#ThisOldHouse Goals
So much has happened in the first year and a half of ownership. If you want to catch up on all of the work that’s been done, check out the archives. Today I wanted to give you some insight on the broad goals for #ThisOldHouse this year (and
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Tapped for mentorship

Tapped for mentorship
If you’ve been following along, this is the last in a three-part series on mentorship. The first blog looked at the gift of mentorship, why it’s important, and what roles mentors can play. The second blog dove into how to find a mentor
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Inspiration #1

Inspiration #1
The next project for #ThisOldHouse is in the design phase which means lots of inspiration image searching. I thought, since we all love good design, it would be great to give you the inside scoop to the ideas for the next project: The master bath
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Finding a mentor

Finding a mentor
Mentorship is a weird thing. Depending on the career season, economical climate, location, job type, etc…the ability to find a mentor can vary widely. It’s important to realize, though, that there is one piece of the mentorship puzzle
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The gift of mentorship

The gift of mentorship
Thanksgiving is over, but this young architect is still thankful. Many times the supporting stage hands in life don’t get the publicity that the actor does come awards season. This doesn’t make them any less important. In fact
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#ArchiTalks: My first project

#ArchiTalks: My first project
Note: This is the fourteenth post in a group series called #ArchiTalks in which Bob Borson of Life of an Architect gives a group of us architects a theme or a set of questions and we all have to post our response… this month’s theme: my first
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#ArchiTalks: The everyday citizen architect

#ArchiTalks: The everyday citizen architect
Note: This is the thirteenth post in a group series called #ArchiTalks in which Bob Borson of Life of an Architect gives a group of us architects a theme or a set of questions and we all have to post our response… this month’s theme: citizen
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#ArchiTalks: Work/life…attempts

#ArchiTalks: Work/life…attempts
Note: This is the twelfth post in a group series called #ArchiTalks in which Bob Borson of Life of an Architect gives a group of us architects a theme or a set of questions and we all have to post our response… this month’s theme: work/life. The
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#ArchiTalks: Why I am an architect

Note: This is the eleventh post in a group series called #ArchiTalks in which Bob Borson of Life of an Architect gives a group of us architects a theme or a set of questions and we all have to post our response… this month’s theme: why I am an
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DIY – Nailed it!

DIY – Nailed it!
I wrote in a previous #ArchiTalks post about crafts that I always enjoy seeing the Pinterest fails. The HGTV effect, or the Martha effect…the insane amount of DIYs available that are made to look easy for the everyday person…masking the
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#ArchiTalks: Vacationing with an Architect

#ArchiTalks: Vacationing with an Architect
Note: This is the tenth post in a group series called #ArchiTalks in which Bob Borson of Life of an Architect gives a group of us architects a theme or a set of questions and we all have to post our response… this month’s theme: summer break. As
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#ArchiTalks: I love it!

#ArchiTalks: I love it!
Note: This is the ninth post in a group series called #ArchiTalks in which Bob Borson of Life of an Architect gives a group of us architects a theme or a set of questions and we all have to post our response… this month’s theme: three words. No, not
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#AIAcon15 Recap, Part 2: the convention

#AIAcon15 Recap, Part 2: the convention
This is the second in a series of recaps on #AIAcon15. To see the first, and learn why you should join me a day early next year to help a non-profit, go here. As I mentioned in the last post, this was my second convention. I left off the recap of
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#AIAcon15 Recap, Part 1: the day before

#AIAcon15 Recap, Part 1: the day before
As most of you know, last year was my first convention. As I mentioned in my recap, I came home from it overwhelmed with information but invigorated about my chosen profession and thrilled at the friends I made in the process. I left off with a
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ArchiTalks meets #ThisOldHouse

ArchiTalks meets #ThisOldHouse
Note: This is the eighth post in a group series called #ArchiTalks in which Bob Borson of Life of an Architect gives a group of us architects a theme or a set of questions and we all have to post our response… this month’s theme: favorite place. I
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Do the Math: #ThisOldHouse gets grass

Do the Math: #ThisOldHouse gets grass
We left off 3.5 weeks ago with a laundry list of things to do at #ThisOldHouse…ironically enough to get to the point of actually having laundry capabilities in the house. Yes, right now I am at the mercy of using my parents’ machines
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Oh, you crafty!

Oh, you crafty!
Note: This is the seventh post in a group series called #ArchiTalks in which Bob Borson of Life of an Architect gives a group of us architects a theme or a set of questions and we all have to post our response… this month’s theme: crafty. Outside of
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Pause and Redirect: #ThisOldHouse update

Pause and Redirect: #ThisOldHouse update
I realized last night that it’s been 4.5 months since the last official blog update on the renovation progress of #ThisOldHouse, though if you follow along on Instagram or Twitter you’ve probably been keeping up. The projects throughout
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#ilookup…but why?

#ilookup…but why?
    I look up. Seriously. All the time. I can’t remember a time in my life when I haven’t been looking up. Buildings have always intrigued me. We would travel somewhere as a family when I was young, and I would lag behind
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Architecture: It’s a human thing

Architecture: It’s a human thing
Note: This is the sixth post in a group series called #ArchiTalks in which Bob Borson of Life of an Architect gives a group of us architects a theme or a set of questions and we all have to post our response… this month’s theme: Architecture in the
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#ThisOldHouse Inspiration: cast iron tub

#ThisOldHouse Inspiration: cast iron tub
It’s been about a month since the last #ThisOldHouse blog – so it’s time for some more inspiration! The house came with the original cast iron tub and I knew after a couple weeks of planning that it would stay in the full bath. The
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My Favorite Things: the pieces of my story

My Favorite Things: the pieces of my story
Note: This is the fifth post in a group series called #ArchiTalks in which Bob Borson of Life of an Architect gives a group of us architects a theme or a set of questions and we all have to post our response… this month’s theme: My Favorite Things
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Architects Making Tools: the value of why

Architects Making Tools: the value of why
Back in the beginning of December, I was contacted by someone at American Institute of Architects (AIA) National asking if I would like to participate in the (then) upcoming Technology in Architecture Practice (TAP) Congress. I spoke with her on the
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#Thisoldhouse Inspiration: tile everything

#Thisoldhouse Inspiration: tile everything
  It has been awhile since the last #thisoldhouse update. As Thanksgiving came and went, and prep for the last AIA Indiana and YAF Indy events for the year did the same, my calendar seemed to fill faster than I could turn around. As mentioned
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Words of wisdom: your great potential

Words of wisdom: your great potential
  I’m reading Seth Godin’s Linchpin right now and this quote from my Pinterest board “Words on Creativity” jumped out at me. In the book, Seth talks about the cog vs the indispensable person, how we’re all able to
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A Day in the Life of: An Almost Architect

A Day in the Life of: An Almost Architect
Note: This is the fourth post in a group series called #ArchiTalks in which Bob Borson of Life of an Architect gives a group of us architects a theme or a set of questions and we all have to post our response… this month’s theme: A Day in the Life
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The projects begin: #thisoldhouse bathroom

The projects begin: #thisoldhouse bathroom
As most of you who follow along on twitter or instagram know, the first major project has begun at #ThisOldHouse. The (second floor) full bathroom has officially started demo/reno. Before I even bought the house, I’d had visions of what it
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#ThisOldHouse Update: where I started

#ThisOldHouse Update: where I started
As I was talking to an architect friend about layout options for the full bath, she was asking all sorts of questions about what was around it and the general layout of the spaces. It was then I realized that, despite all my efforts in taking
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Words of Wisdom: Constructing the Future

The architecture and construction professions have a million metaphors for creating the dream of the future we aspire to. Build, construct, “draw up”, lay the foundation, etc. There’s tons of them. Here’s the thing: The
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Sustainability: What’s it worth to you?

As I mentioned in last week’s post, my background in sustainable design does not prevent me from being a nature-killing Hulk sometimes. Every designer has had a moment where the sustainable implications of a choice have been spaced as they
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Words of Wisdom: What’s next?

Well, the creative but not stable option didn’t pan out. The lesson learned is I’m worth the leap. The second lesson learned is – and this may come more from my general thoughts on life – something better is waiting
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Sustainability: I am my own worst enemy

As most of you who read this (all 2 of you, thanks!) know, I just closed on a house. I know you want to see it and hear details. Believe me, I’m excited to share them. It will slowly be shown as I work on it, but today I’m focusing on
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Wednesday Words of Wisdom

I love a little alliteration, but not as much as I love design. And with that, here’s my inspirational thought for the week.   I’m heading into a fork in the road and I’m choosing creativity over security. I don’t know
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Design the mundane

Last week we talked about the importance of design. That everything is worth being designed well. Maybe it’s the creative heart (or brain, or…?) in me, but my heart definitely goes pitter-patter when I’m happily surprised with an
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Design is important: Design the mundane

As an (aspiring) architect, I think everything deserves to be designed well. Sadly, bottom line  (read: bottom dollar) typically trends towards high function, low frill…and low cost. But at what expense?     Obviously these two examples cover
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AIA Convention, recap: Chicago in pictures

Since the last post was rather wordy, I thought I’d follow up with some pictures that tell the story of convention. The digs Airbnb hooked me up with a place to stay after my original host canceled last minute. Needless to say their customer
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Pillows on the walls

No, we’re not talking a padded cell, though I’m sure at some point every designer has felt they needed one. Robert Bronwasser of Smool has started marketing his design for organizational “pillows” for your walls. Upon
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Neon dreams of safekeeping

This week’s thinking thursday takes a look at a team out of Switzerland who have studied their environment and made a dual-functioning product out of their research. Their name is SputnikZurich and they make cool products out of the orangeglo
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Pillow Talk

While browsing design-milk the other day, I came across this pillow. The description from the maker’s website says  “The starting point of designing ‘HUHU’ is for encouraging people to get emotional compensation by using the object. Many
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Jones House Plans

Back in September, we were contacted to do our second set of house plans. The client had some general ideas from looking at a variety of sources, but wanted pieces of each option while still being budget conscious. We dove into the project, loving
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5 boxes of Crayons

I decided to try out a DIY craft that I’d seen on Pinterest a couple times to give to dad as a Christmas gift. Having just retired from teaching, I figured he would like the school-relation that this piece takes on.   The first task was
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843 Nails.

That’s how many it took to complete the design of this project. Not to mention the screws for the wood connections. And guess what? I loved every minute of it. This was also for the to-be-married couple as their wedding gift. They seem to like
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DIY Wine Crate

Not too long ago – literally people, it was just last weekend, be proud of the minimal delay! – a good friend of ours had a bridal shower.  She and her fiancé have been living together for the past couple months, so they don’t
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California Bungalow Addition Study

A study of a typical small California Bungalow, circa 1939. The existing home has 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, kitchen and living room, with a detached 1 car garage, total living space is a sparse 712 SF. Property has access from street to back
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Finished Gun Rack

Wow it’s been crazy!  I didn’t realize how quickly time had flown – the guncase is now finished and we’re eagerly awaiting our next project. The guncase turned out smashingly I think, and – most importantly – the
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Job Update

As you might know, if you follow L2 on facebook, we’ve been working on a new project for a client. Our neighbor saw us while working on the modern dresser and we got to talking about our business. Next thing we knew he was pulling what looked
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New project – citrus coasters

This past week we’ve been working on a new project.  The summer heat’s been coming in, and our cold-drink intake has upped exponentially.  I decided, why not make some fun summer coasters for said cold drinks?  And so, voila: I got the
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FMF: Red and White Dresser

We wrote a week or so ago about a dresser in dire need of a facelift that we found at a flea market. Well, after much hard work (and having to start entirely over due to a polyurethane issue – did I mention it was a lot of hard work?)
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Flea Market Find: Dresser

One of the many things we’re working on right now is a dresser with solid bones that we found at a flea market, but in dire need of some TLC.  It used to be the base cabinet for a buffet (we think) and had a giant hole cut out of the top
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a model

I recently created a model for my masters thesis in architecture. The image below is of the finished product. You can find process images here.

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Wooden Half Model

Hand carved pine and mahogany half model of the Friendship Sloop. The Friendship Sloop is a design from Maine, that started in the 1880’s as a fishing and lobstering boat. It is a gaff-rigged sloop, which varied from 21′ to 50′ in
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Outdoor Bar Chair

Who knew an about to be abandoned barn could yield such good lumber. More than 60 linear feet of hardwood 1×4’s were stacked on top of the rafters in this two story barn. The lumber was enough to produce two chairs for a bar height table
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Recycled Compost Bin

Recently constructed composting bin. The owner wanted a composting bin made of recycled materials, preferably wooden palattes. We found matchnig oak palattes at a local manufacturing facility which were being thrown out. We found a way to connect
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Butcher Block Island – Near Completion

The Butcher Block is finally assembled. It was designed to be a functional kitchen island workspace for a small apartment. Made of walnut framing and maple panels thes side shelves and two drawers provide much desired stroage and trash receptical
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Simple Frames

Left to Right – Mahogany frame with satin finish. Walnut frame with hand planed edge, with satin finish. Double layered walnut frame with glossy finish.

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Eastvold Inspiration

A part of our constant source of design inspiration is fueled by browsing other design blogs and taking note of… noteworthy products. We ran across Eastvold Custom Woodworks earlier today on Design Milk and love some of their stuff. They also
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FLAGPOLE DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION

The basic goal was to build a flagpole. We wanted to create a sculpture piece which explored the different methods of modern wood joinery and emphasized the structural components. From here we investigated construction techniques used in wooden
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