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.