Scripps- Digital Graphics Hub

I2 tours City Flats Hotel – Holland, MI

THE FIRST LEED GOLD HOTEL IN THE MIDWEST
Their website says it best, “Stay different. Different is fun. It’s what keeps things interesting. Different keeps life more orange and less beige. Different leads to creating a LEED Gold certified hotel. One that doesn’t sacrifice style or our planet. After all, the earth has been good to us, so let’s return the favor. See? Different is good. We like different.”

Interior Image likes different too (and orange) so the hotel’s green design was very inspiring and fun to explore with oohs and aahs around every corner. You don’t have to be environmentally conscious to appreciate the hip/urban space. In fact the space is so stylish and full of eye candy (at least for us designer types) that you forget the chair your seated in was made locally. Or that your room is using 30% less water and is highly energy efficient… Congrats on the Gold.
http://www.cityflatshotel.com/

Interior Image tours Ciot Detroit

The Ciot Showroom will make any designer feel like a kid in a candy store. The large variety of stones, textures, colors and cuts is a reminder that no one does it better than mother nature. 

Both designers and end-uses will be inspired by the beauty of the showroom and everything it displays. The tile and stone possibilities are endless. www.ciot.com/

Institute For Athletic Medicine - Auburn Hills, MI

Located in an industrial area of Auburn Hills, the Institute for Athletic Medicine recently opened to serve the public as a medical and training facility. The vacant retail office supply store and warehouse was renovated in just six short months. Working within the existing building footprint it was a challenge to combine the needs of multiple doctors and therapists with multiple specialties.
Sharing one common entrance, the space is divided to create a natural flow for patients and employees: exam rooms in the front, therapy in the center, and training in the back warehouse. Separate reception desks allow for individuals to access each area without disturbing the other. A central corridor allows physical therapy exam rooms to serve as overflow for the surgeons and centrally located x-ray room creates easy access for both specialties.
A primary concern with this project was combining the aesthetic needs of each specialty. The doctors called for an inviting, nurturing space for patients to discuss pre and post-operational options and procedures. Therapists and trainers, however, identified the need for a more energetic and motivating background. In this case, warm, subtle color tones and textures were used to achieve a contemporary, welcoming environment. While stronger, brighter colors and smooth surfaces were used to provide a dynamic and upbeat work out atmosphere.

Re-using the existing building shell, minimal site development occurred on this project with exception to additional parking. The warehouse remained open with high ceilings for performance training to include a half court basketball court, astro-turf training surface, two-lane sprint track, resistance training equipment, and Olympic weights. Mechanical equipment and plumbing fixtures remained throughout the space. Work stations, exam room tables, and office chairs were also moved and re-used in the new facility.

New furniture was purchased from local, Michigan companies such as Trendway and Grand Rapids Chair Company. National lounge furniture was additionally used in the lobby, manufactured and transported in the Midwest. Materials including carpet tile, resilient flooring, and solid surfaces were chosen for durability, sustainability, and ease of maintenance.

Dual use of this space allowed for the entire building to be occupied, including the warehouse, which will serve as a destination for a variety of clientele. The interior was transformed from a cold, open retail box to a state of the art medical and training facility. By renovating and purchasing an existing site the Institute for Athletic Medicine is able to better serve their community and save on their overall budget.
http://www.michigankneeandshoulder.com/ http://cunninghamlimp.com/

Time for some Spring Cleaning

1) Clean out each desk drawer, to free up even more valuable storage space.
2) Clear off the top of your desk and then wipe off the surface of the desktop.
3) Have a master to-do list for each day at your desk.
4) Pre-Sort the mail (over the recycle bin). To-File, To-Read, To-Contact
5) Create a separate drawer for personal paperwork, items, etc.

6) Purchase Magazine boxes to store booklets, magazines, catalogs you want to keep.
7) Do not over stuff folders. It may be time to toss some of the information in the folder.
8) Empty workspace of everything but the essentials and the project you’re working on to cut down on distractions.
9) At the end of each project or event, organize paperwork and file or store it.

10) Straighten desk at the end of the day and especially at the end of the week so that you can start each morning with a clear desk.
11) Streamline supplies in your desk drawers. Keep only what you will realistically use during the next month.
12) Place tomorrow's top priority task at the center of your desk before you leave work today. You'll start your day focused.
13) Clear your desk top of all personal mementos. Hang them on the walls, place them on shelves, but give yourself space to work at your desk, without distractions.
14) Simplify a big project by writing down everything. Then, put the tasks in order. Next, set up a time line. Finally, delegate as much as possible.
15) Reduce interruptions at work by arranging your desk so you can't see the door. Passers-by will not be able to catch your eye as they walk by, thus avoiding unnecessary conversation.

Seco Tools - Troy, Michigan

http://www.secotools.com

http://www.cunninghamlimp.com/

http://www.gillettassociates.com/

ITC Transmission Headquarters - Novi, Michigan

ITC’s primary needs were growth and flexibility. Incorporating an open office plan with a central core, the layout is conducive to both team building and informal interaction. The use of systems furniture allows for the expansion or contraction of each department’s ever changing growth needs. A central core containing common use areas and amenities anchor each floor and provide a focus for way-finding.

Color and light were consistent requirements – from floor and wall finishes, to ceiling fixtures, to the shallow footprint designed to provide ample daylight for all work areas. The calm and soothing colors create pleasant work environments that vary for each office floor, defining and identifying the respective departments. Colorful artwork by local art students were commissioned and are proudly displayed in select locations throughout the space.

The main entrance lobby has the dual personalities of presenting an open and welcoming first impression, while also providing a high level of security. The use of cut stone and subtle colors, with refined cherry details enhances both characteristics. Iconic imagery, tying the interior to the site, was reflected in custom carpet designs installed in the Lobby and Auditorium.

The themes of color and light, with the addition of texture, continue into the Employee Cafeteria and Food Service areas. Stronger, brighter colors with more natural light were implemented to provide an upbeat and energetic eating experience.

The main furniture specified for ITC was regionally manufactured, supporting the Midwest economy and reducing transportation. The appliances used throughout the six break rooms are all energy star rated and the light controls work off motion sensors, conserving energy. Carpet tile selections with an eco friendly backing reduced waste during installation. Porcelain tiles were specified for long term use, ease of maintenance and durability. The onsite cafeteria and auditorium, allow employees to remain onsite for gatherings, reducing the need for automobile use during business hours.

Working closely with the general contractor and architect a budget was constructed and followed throughout the design process. With a construction schedule of only ten months, many products were ordered far in advance, reducing the need or time for value engineering. Interior specifications called for the use of economical and American made products such as: Allsteel, Patcraft and Crossville, again saving time and money.

Overall, the interior design was carefully crafted to reflect a practical and professional feel, while supporting the scale of the architecture. The colors, materials and ideas implemented work together to unify, organize and create an asthcetically pleasing work environment.

http://www.itctransmission.com/
http://www.cunninghamlimp.com/

http://www.gillettassociates.com/

Boys and Girls Club - Troy, Michigan

http://www.bgcsm.org/

http://www.gillettassociates.com/
http://www.cunninghamlimp.com/

The Rock Lounge - Novi, Michigan

http://www.rockfinancialshowplace.com/

The Mall at Wellington Green, Florida

http://www.shopwellingtongreen.com/

Think Outside The Box

The way we work is changing and so is the cubicle. Gone are the days of endless cube farms, dull fabrics and panels so high that it feels more like a maze than an open office. People need to move around, collaborate, see out the window and be inspired. Furniture manufactures are creating products that make both designers and end users happy (maybe even the accountant). So think outside the box, drop down the panels, mix up fabrics and create a space that speaks to you.

Shown:

Trendway - Choices, "Highly-adaptable 2 inch panel system, for flexible space with a clean, efficient aesthetic."

Kimball - Hum, "Hum is the sound of productivity. Think. Engage. Focus. Connect. Make ideas flow."

Evolve - Open Office, "...everything you want in a furniture system - without the high prices."