COMMERCIAL DESIGN
VOLVO CORPORATE OFFICE: Swedish automotive manufacturer Volvo Cars corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC. The concept for Volvo headquarters is a company focusing on the future of design and technological innovation. Inspiration for the office space is derived from Volvo’s new concept cars; which are a combination of historical reputation on safety and functionality but are also innovation in technology, style and comfort; feeling elegant and looking sleek and sexy. Administrative offices were kept at the core with glass sliding doors to allow sunlight to penetrate all spaces. Furniture was selected to reflect Swedish design, technological advances, and especially promote collaboration with break-out areas. The bue vinyl floor has a ceiling soffit mirroring the serpentine shape for way-finding.
BODIES IN MOTION: A community center whose vision is to involve people in some form of movement regardless of their age, gender or abilities. The objectives were to educate and provide guidance on exercise and nutrition, while giving value to the community. Inspiration for the concept was derived from the interwoven connection between exercise and nutrition, both are essential for a healthy lifestyle. The center marries this ancient ideology with current culture through originative equipment and materials. The design's focal point is automated walkways, which also occupies most of the volume on the first and second floor. Additionally, the space planning includes a café, retail, administrative offices, exercise classrooms and a nutritionist.
COME 2GETHER: A co-working space with the concept of COWORK*COMINGLE*COEXIST. Located in an abandoned building on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, the space has several options for low rent, collaboration, networking and social connections. The challenges presented in space planning were the existing numerous columns, a lack of natural light and to create private space without losing natural light. The design resulted in private offices, rentable conference and a seating area adjacent to a coffee shop.
THE FILLING STATION: A volunteer project for Winthrop MBA students preparing business plans to revive downtown Rock Hill. An existing restaurant, formerly a gas station, would be transformed into a taco fusion restaurant. The floor plan for kitchen and bath stayed in place, but the dining area was opened up. Garage bays were replaced with retractable glass doors that open up to an outdoor dining area with a bar and fireplace. The covered outdoor area is the focal point from a main thorough-fare and will be the draw for customers. A freestanding wall has televisions outside, as well as media in the interior bar.
THE FLORENCE HOTEL: Located in Florence, SC the boutique hotels design concept was derived from the town's effort to build tourism. One of the main draws for tourists is the beautiful Pee Dee River; and the lines of corridors on the first and second floors mimic the serpentine waterway. Besides a banquet room on first floor, there is also an ADA guest room, a restaurant and an outdoor lounge area. In addition to guest rooms, the second floor also boasts a lounge with bar that has access to an outdoor deck space.
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
WAGNER HOME: The design concept is southern hospitality, focusing on the aspect of representing the importance of and warmth of food, family and welcoming comfort within the realm of hospitality. Exterior architecture replicates historical southern homes, but there is a balance between vintage and modern. Space planning the first floor focuses on everyday living and entertaining with kitchen and living room open to each other. The second floor is private, with bedrooms and family room. The existing garage was converted into a residence for ageing parent. Special consideration was given to flooring transitions, door hardware and corridor widths throughout the in-law apartment and main house. An elevator was installed for access to second floor..
MASTER SUITE: 1200 square foot master suite that includes bedroom, closet and bath. Traditional details are in abundance in the moldings, coffered ceiling, lighting and fabrics. Antolini stone is featured in the fireplace surround, as well as in the bathroom counters and water feature. Textiles are silk, velvets and linen in the color scheme of chocolate and gold. Flooring is reclaimed wood and Daltile.
HISTORIC ROW-HOUSE KITCHEN: Kitchen that involves family and sustainability. It is large with a work zone specifically for the mentally challenged daughter who likes to bake, a wet bar pantry, food pantry, desk area and a space for the family pet. Traditional style cabinetry was used in a trendy blue color and brown cabinetry on island. Two different stone counters were used, along with stainless steel appliances. The jewelry that tops it off are the apron sink and reproduction lantern lights. Original brick walls and wood plank flooring were left intact.
THESIS
ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF GASTONIA: Located in the historic and newly renovated Loray Mill, it features exhibits that will be the catalyst for preservation within the local historic districts. Original brick walls and rough hewn ceiling beams are left intact and play an integral part of the experience. Reclaimed heart-of-pine is used in some flooring and seating. Exhibits feature pictures, tactile reproductions, shadow boxes and 3D hologram tables.