Work as One

I know I've mentioned this before but I really can't stress it enough. I'm talking about contractor/architect relationships. When the two can come together and not only put out a kick ass product but also communicate their ideas from paper to building, it can make for pretty sweet results. We are going to be doing a couple different renovation projects (both on water) and both have such a good vibe. I like the feeling of coming away from a solid meeting with the client and the architect and just knowing that all parties are truly excited to continue moving forward. You can feel the passion and that makes you want to run with the momentum.

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Solid Wood Island

A sweet little kitchen island here. There's just something cool about this solid, 14 foot chunk of walnut. It brings a richness to this black on white kitchen space with its warm color and high gloss. I like the custom look of how they carved it into the cooktop as well. This particular piece is by Evan Shivley. He salvages these from urban forests in Marshall, CA.

via Remodelista

Interior Details

I like the idea of incorporating not only textures but styles as well. They brought in a rustic, lime-washed oak on the island and paired it with the smooth, polished finishes of the appliances, cabinets and tops.

Here are the same finishes and textures in this command center or small office. I see it mostly done in the kitchen but why not take it to another part of house. The shelves are very cool too as they appear to be floating while being back lit.

via Contemporist

Beet Squad

Today it's all about the wife and her crew, The Beet Squad. They are involved in a competition to Reinvent Fast Food on www.yoxi.tv

Yoxi is an online competition where teams of 3 use videos they create to compete and come up with creative solutions to social issues. Reinventing Fast Food is the social issue they are competing for and they have come up with a pretty kick ass idea called FoodSurge.

FoodSurge is an online daily deal site that links proprietors, producers and passionate people who all want to eat real food. By creating a web of support, they are able to keep costs down, create a risk free experience for restaurants and producers, and also give the public the options they want.

The Beet Squad is one of the top two finalists and the last round of voting started yesterday and ends tonight at midnight PST. You can go to yoxi and vote here for The Beet Squad. Just make sure you are signed in before voting.

To learn more about The Beet Squad and see the rest of their videos, check out their page here or go to www.thebeetsquad.com

Dining on the Water

A whole new take on dining on the water. This is super cool for a couple reasons. It takes my mind off of this nasty winter that has set in here, it's a fundraising effort by a non-profit promoting sustainable seafood and, it's a custom designed floating dining room.

This group is trying to bring awareness to the amount of plastic that is floating out in the oceans and showcasing ways to put it to use. The design team took approximately 1,700 plastic bottles and used them as the foundation for this floating dining room. The structure may come across a little raw but all the materials are local and have been donated. They didn't have a ton of time or a huge budget to work with so it's basically a cedar shell with a metal roof. I like the simplicity. It's still refined and looks cool.

The dining room only holds 12 people and it was just put up temporarily for the summer. It's all about a creative idea, raising awareness and giving back. There should be more projects like this.

via ArchDaily

Jo's Apartment

A little more New York to finish off the week. The wife did find some time to catch up with a sweet college friend who has this really cool apartment in the West Village. Such a cool little pad. It has that charm and warm feeling you look for in traditional apartment living with the classic built-in book shelves and the weathered reclaimed brick fireplace. And, I'm digging the look of the old school marble fireplace surround. You don't see that application that much anymore and when you mix it with the brick and hardwood, it's an instant classic. You can recreate anything, but sometimes, there is nothing like an original. Joanna had her friend from Little Green Notebook remodel the place and they did a great job. You can read and see more here.

(via Cup of Jo)

NYC Loft

The wife was in NYC this past weekend on business so we've been talking a lot about the city. Since it's been on my mind, I've been looking at different styles of architecture. This is a loft in Tribeca where they did a very cool job keeping the volume of the existing space while still providing some necessary division to separate rooms.

The loft has 3 sides full of windows and it was key to keeping them free and clear of any room division or obstruction.

Two other cool features I liked about this place are the custom sliding and operable panels they designed and the blown glass pendant light fixtures. When you look close you can see that they used the same pendant fixture throughout. It's a nice subtle accent with the exposed wire.

photos by Richard Powers via ArchDaily