When I produce new artworks I can`t avoid to get covered by acrylic blots. Depending on wich colors I use I look different every day. Here are some close-ups.
More info: sophiasanner.com
Continue reading Every Time I Make Art It Transforms Also Myself Into An Artwork
My name is Bria Neff and I want kids all over the world to know that we are the generation that will change the world.
When I was eight years old, I entered an art contest hosted by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and I won! I was so excited, but I didn’t even know what ‘endangered’ meant. That night, I asked my mom about it and we found out there were over 6000 endangered species! I felt sad, angry and helpless. I told my mom we were going to help them. When she asked me, ‘How?’ I said I would paint them and donate the money to help protect and save them. I don’t think she believed me because she said once I painted 10, she’d make a Facebook page for me. I had 10 paintings done in 5 days and the rest is kind of history. My Facebook page is a platform where I share facts, publish new art and spread awareness.
Facebook came out to my house and created my story in their Community Voices and then UpWorthy shared it, which helped me share my story! My 1st goal was to donate $500 and with my last painting selling at the wolf conservation center live auction for $25,000 this summer, I have officially donated $69,000! So now my goal is $100,000! It is a dream come true that it is even a possibility!
At the age of 13, I have now created more than three hundred unique paintings of endangered species and some just for fun. I use my website to sell them, I also donate them, and auction them off to raise funds to support the extraordinary organizations I work with like IFAW, The Wolf Conservation Center in New York, Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots and REST. I did a lot of research to choose those organizations because I want to make sure the money I donate protects wildlife and preserves natural habitats. Those amazing organizations have helped those dreams come true.
I am a member of a great network of talented artists from all over the world #wildoceans11! By using #artivism to take a stand and make a positive impact on endangered species and climate awareness, artists all over the planet are changing the world. I also use my platform on Instagram as a ‘Justice Girls With Heart’ ambassador to inspire other kids like me to stand up and speak out for the environment, themselves and each other.
We all have an important and powerful role to play and if we work together, we will change the world. So be original, stand out and speak up and let your positivity and creativity shine through. It isn’t always easy or popular but being true to yourself is the bravest thing you can do.
Follow my journey and help me reach my goal!
More info: pigtailsart.com | Instagram | Facebook
Everyone wants to cut costs, but not at the expense of the project’s functionality.
Architects, engineers and other design professionals strive to build strong reputations in their respected fields. To prove their competence, they must maximize their given budgets while also making sure to be efficient and detailed in their work. Everyone wants to cut costs, but not at the expense of the project’s functionality. How do you create a high-quality product that stays within budget? Two words: Value Engineering.
This time-tested process is focused on improving the value of a product by substituting low-cost options without sacrificing the quality of work. Value engineering is a win-win for all parties involved. By meeting an owner’s performance standards with money-saving solutions, design professionals deliver incredible value to their clients and boost their reputations.
We’re here to help ease the process for you. Here are six steps to value engineering:
Step 1: Identify the material makeup of a project. Ask yourself: What is this?
Step 2: Analyze the functions of those elements. Ask yourself: What does this do?
Step 3: Develop alternative solutions for delivering those functions. Ask yourself: What else could do this?
Step 4: Assess the alternative solutions. Ask yourself: Can this still deliver the experience the owner demands?
Step 5: Allocate costs to the alternative solutions. Ask yourself: How much will this cost?
Step 6: Develop the alternatives with the highest likelihood of success. Ask yourself: What will do the best job for the longest time?
A project owner’s expectations must be the highest priority when completing any project. No amount of money, work or time saved will be sufficient enough if a project owner’s needs are not fully met. There could be several different motivations for completing a project, and the design professional must have a solid understanding of these components before the project even begins. But if designers can meet the owner’s objectives while saving money, they are well on their way to building a name for themselves. For more information on Value Engineering, check out our eBook.
Rory Woolsey has worked in Management and Engineering in the construction industry for 40 years. He started as a construction laborer and superintendent and has experience in just about every construction profession from designer to estimator to project manager to field engineer and, most recently, a senior owner’s representative for many large public agencies. For 20 years he was the lead estimator and president of The Wool-Zee Company, Inc. working for architects, engineers and facility managers to accurately budget their construction projects at all stages of design. Rory has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil/ Structural Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in construction project management.
Visit Interior Design NeoCon SELECT partner showrooms to discover spot-on design for 2019.
StudioIDS is the new self-designed home of the Minneapolis office of international architecture and design firm Perkins+Will. The studio challenges what an office is and can be. Strategically located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the office focuses on landscape architecture, planning, architecture, and interiors in the areas of healthcare, corporate + commercial + civic, higher education, urban design, and science + technology.
ASID 2019 Outcome of Design Awards (Category: Culture)
Corporate Office (Workplace)
Minneapolis
9,800 SF
The new studio design needed to support Perkins+Will’s local purpose of design excellence, sustainable stewardship, and social responsibility, in addition to becoming a model mobile and agile work environment. P+W sought to challenge conventional workplace models using less to offer more opportunity for choice, creativity, and collaboration.
The best residential products exemplify both the latest trends and greatest innovations that a newly constructed home can offer. To help sort through what’s shaping product selection this year, BUILDER asked five residential design experts for their take on the biggest trends facing home builders. The products showcased below reflect their trend forecasts in each of six product categories. The pros interviewed are:
–Lee Crowder, model branding manager for Darling Homes and Taylor Morrison
–Jay Endelman, president of Maryland-based builder Guild Craft Inc.
–Manny Gonzalez, principal of Southern California–based KTGY Architecture + Planning
—Washington, D.C.–based developer and builder Sean Ruppert of OPaL
–Patti Wynkoop, vice president of product development and purchasing for Mid-Atlantic area home builder Miller & Smith.
Click here for a roundup of the newest products in the Exterior category.
Protective Finishes. Numerous exterior products are now designed to endure the extreme. Impact- and fire-resistant siding, from fiber cement to metal to hardwoods; shingles that withstand gusts up to 150 mph; and the time-tested use of shutters offer top-to-bottom protection.
Creative Privacy. Dense infill developments mean smaller yards with innovative privacy features for outdoor living. Inventive and customizable screening options include artistic fencing in unusual materials, vertical gardens, all-weather curtains, movable metal or wood panels, shoji screens, trellises, and pergolas. “We use unique design elements … to temper the close proximity of dense site plans,” says Wynkoop.
Modern Appeal. Contemporary designs and materials—larger expanses of glass, smooth surfaces, clean lines, flat or low-sloped rooflines, and commercial finishes—are in demand with buyers across the country. High-contrast color palettes such as white or pale gray with black window and door trim add a stylish touch to any architectural style. “Now we can get more creative with window and balcony placements, exterior skins, and colors,” says Gonzalez.
Al Fresco Spaces. Savvy builders provide buyers with lots of choices for outdoor amenities, including fireplaces or pits, outdoor kitchens and wet bars, entertainment equipment, and natural materials like wood and stone. “Roof decks and balconies are giving way to patios and terraces directly off kitchens and dining and living rooms,” says Ruppert.
Click here for a roundup of the newest products in the Interior category.
Healthy Homes. Along with sustainability and energy efficiency, consumers are more educated than ever about products affecting healthy indoor air quality. They demand low- or no-VOC paints and sealants, formaldehyde-free cabinets and adhesives, antimicrobial surfaces, and whole-house water
and air purification systems.
Wood Flooring. Hardwood flooring finishes skew lighter with natural, unstained varietals taking center stage. Products mimicking wood are also increasing in popularity, such as porcelain tile and laminate. “People finally warmed up to engineered and vinyl wood floors. Either they warmed up or products got much better—probably both,” says Ruppert.
Open Inside to Out. Open floor plans went from a trend to common practice, but now they extend visually in all directions—even outside—and dominate throughout all house sizes, styles, and types. Interior courtyards, breezeways, and open-air entryways appeal to buyers of all ages, from young families to empty nesters. “Perhaps the biggest trend in interior space is exterior space,” says Gonzalez. “More and more, interior areas open up to exterior areas to create a lively indoor–outdoor experience.”
Artisan Accents. Consumers enjoy expressing their creativity and supporting craftspeople by selecting unique, handmade products. Even big box home furnishing stores like Target and Ikea offer limited-edition artisan collections. “Today’s consumer bypasses anything mass produced in exchange for artisan products, fixtures, and features,” says Wynkoop.
Click here for a roundup of the newest products in the Kitchen and Bath category.
High Contrast. White kitchens and baths remain popular, but with high contrasting finishes. “Black is a really important color for 2019 and you’ll be seeing it pop up everywhere—from countertops to hardware and faucets—and paired with stark white cabinets,” says Crowder.
Plumbing Choices. A proliferation of finishes for plumbing fixtures and fittings allows homeowners to show off their personal style. Gold-plated, matte black, copper, brass, nickel, bronze, pewter, and chrome are all available across various price points in styles ranging from elaborate to sleek. “We’re seeing a revival of gold and bronze fixtures as designers mix metals in their palettes, similar to today’s fashion jewelry trends,” says Wynkoop.
Attractive & Accessible. Stylish universal design products are popping up in housing for all ages. Many of these products do double duty, such as towel racks or shower shelves acting as grab bars and spacious, no-threshold showers with built-in bench seats that also serve as shelves.
Island Living. Larger, decked-out kitchen islands continue to trend in most housing types and sizes. Treating the island like a piece of furniture is a new look, however, with islands having legs or even wheels for flexibility and more personalized style.
Floating Fixtures. Wall-hung vanities, cabinets, and toilets help the bathroom look larger and generate a sleek, serene atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and wall-hung toilets make spaces look and feel larger as the floor runs under the pieces and gives a more expansive aesthetic.
Click here for a roundup of the newest products in the Structural category.
Cross-Laminated Timber. Cross-laminated timber is becoming popular as structural material even for taller buildings and large expanses. The product offers the strength of concrete, but it’s more sustainable, lighter, and renewable, makers say. The product also offers fire and seismic resistance and produces minimal construction waste.
Prefab Products. Prefabricated systems allow for faster construction, stronger building envelopes, and reduction of waste. Panelized walls, flooring and roof systems, insulated concrete blocks, modular framing components, and structural insulated panels also provide builders with consistent quality of materials. “Some of the newest structural systems have a huge impact on what can be built cost effectively,” says Gonzalez.
Roof Fasteners. Even with today’s lighter roofing materials, roof fasteners make sense on every house given the increased occurrence of extreme storms. They also improve roof stability and load allowances. “Building a house now requires more wind bracing and stronger framing,” says Ruppert.
Steel Framing. As building codes get stricter, steel is making inroads with single-family construction. The material provides strength; resistance to wind, fire, and floods; quick construction time with less waste; and design creativity. Steel also serves as an environmentally friendly option as it can be recycled after use. “Lateral wind loads have increased across the board, so steel framing in residential makes more sense and allows for more flexibility,” says Endelman.
Click here for a roundup of the newest products in the Systems category.
Long-Distance Control. Consumers want the ability to monitor and manipulate lights, locks, thermostats, audio/visual equipment, water heaters, and appliances when at home or away. Most electronic components are available in smart forms that homeowners can control with their phones and voice-activated devices. “Consumers are hungry to not only integrate their homes but also centralize the process rather than manage several separate apps for everything,” says Wynkoop.
Systems That Save. Resource- and cost-saving products like tankless or solar-powered water heaters and ductless HVAC systems reduce homeowners’ utility bills and make them feel good about preserving resources. “Some residents turn tracking their utilities into something of a ‘utility video game’ where they try to win the month by having the lowest energy usage ‘score,’” says Gonzalez.
Responsive HVAC. Manufacturers are responding to consumers’ desire for indoor comfort with heating and cooling products outfitted with high-tech features like UV air filtration, evaporative cooling, humidifying and dehumidifying, and maintenance alerts.
Home Control. Lights, blinds, and thermostats aren’t the only self-monitoring systems builders can offer as upgrades. Smart water valve controllers detect leaks and alert homeowners, or turn off the water automatically. Manufacturers also make sensors to detect problems throughout the home, from a door that’s been left open to an oven turned on, to provide added safety and peace of mind.
Click here for a roundup of the newest products in the Windows & Doors category.
Peak Performance. For both windows and doors, savvy consumers demand higher thermal values along with improved impact and wind resistance. Using increased thermal values keeps indoor temperatures more stable, saving on heating and cooling costs, while windows and doors with higher
wind resistance can stand up to severe storms.
Door Design. Homeowners want the high-end look of wood and glass on doors for maximum curb appeal, added natural light, and as a personalized look for interior doors. “Wood-style front doors and matching arbors are a new trend even in contemporary homes,” notes Ruppert.
Window Walls. Window walls are becoming more common and less expensive. Many manufacturers offer bifold, accordion, or oversized sliding glass doors to heighten indoor–outdoor connections, frame views, and make spaces feel larger even with the door closed.
Think Big. For a “wow factor” to entice potential home buyers, an oversized window is the way to go. They are available in numerous sizes and options featuring fixed glass combined with a variety of operable panels. “We’re maximizing picture windows at sizes as large as 6×6 or 8×5 for an additional 40 square feet of glass,” says Wynkoop.
Black Trim. Black trim on windows and doors–inside and out—is trending across styles and price points. Darker shades of trim require less maintenance, make the glass look bigger, and provide a luxurious look for both contemporary and traditional designs.
Continue reading FIVE EXPERTS ZERO IN ON THE YEAR’S BIGGEST PRODUCT TRENDS
| PROJECT NAME | SinnerSchrader |
| LOCATION | Prague |
| FIRM | Kurz Architects |
| SQ. FT. | 7,500 SQF |
Over the past two decades, SinnerSchrader has become one of the biggest digital agencies in the world. Its work for Audi and Volkswagen, among other brands, meant that when it came time for new offices in Prague a former research center for car testing was a natural fit. Kurz Architects, however, had another idea to test drive: transforming the 7,500-square-foot office into a non-hierarchical space along a horizontal axis that could be navigated not by car, but via skateboard.
Read more: Rapt Studio’s Young Talents Design Skate-Centric SoCal HQ for Vans
The company’s 60 employees access the skate park/corridor axis from the entry, which then connects meeting cubes of translucent polycarbonate, focus areas with hanging chairs, a combined kitchen and yoga studio, and breakout spaces on the way to a 2,200-square-foot open terrace.
A mix of vintage and new Czech furniture provides character, while wool carpeting warms up the Marmoleum floors. The biggest challenge, according to the design firm’s principal Zuzana Kurz, “time,” which like a skateboarder executing tricks, sure seems to fly when you’re having this much fun.
Read more: Roar’s Pallavi Dean Uses Color Psychology to Define Work Spaces at Edelman’s Dubai Offices
Keep scrolling to view more images of the project >
Read more: Uber EMEA’s Amsterdam Office Embodies the Tech Brand’s Global Ethos
Continue reading Kurz Architects Designs a Skateboard-Friendly Office for SinnerSchrader
Our definitive list for anyone who’s ever said or heard: “This is the Hamptons of…”
TEXT BY
Continue reading Here Are 5 Locals-Only Towns to Tack On to Your Vacation
As you may have already seen the invitation, I had an open house for a painting I did for a client/friend! This project was originally planned to be painted as a mural for the Mill’s residence, but instead, it’s a large (mural size) painting done on 3 24″x96″ canvas boards! There was chocolate, cheese, and wine served at the event along with chances for winning 2 gift cards!
I had a blast working on this painting. In case you are wondering how I started on this piece, I, first, painted the three panels solid black. Then, I drew an outline for the cranes. I worked on painting the cranes and the bush-like background simultaneously! I used a plastic fork to add the bushes and it created a really nice texture on the canvas panels. The featured image shows my grandpa who is looking at the details of the painting. He is a delight to speak with and always has a positive outlook on life and its details 🙂
The items below shows some pictures of the process as well as the reception:
To See More Pictures Of The Reception, Click Here!
I am so happy to share with you that the “Inside Out” Series opening reception was a huge success! Around 110 people attended the event. I sold a painting, a print, as well as several products with my artwork printed on them. The attendees thought that the concept behind the subject matter was very appropriate and suited the theme of the exhibition. I was asked various questions such as the medium used on the paintings. They were curious to know if the medium used was watercolor or color pencils. They found it interesting that the paintings were done in watercolor pencils. I explained to them that the art was created using watercolor pencils. Watercolor pencils make it so much easier to handle the paint. It makes the user(s) more in control of paint; therefore making it an easier medium than watercolor itself.
Here Is A Quick Summary Of What The Exhibit’s Concept Was About:
“You know the idea of using plants and flowers in a room, bringing the outside in? For years, this concept has been very popular in designing an interior space that would make the occupants feel like they are experiencing being in nature simultaneously. This idea is still in practice and provides for great human experiences.
For the past couple of years, I have been analyzing this concept in a deeper sense of not only the interior space but also looking at the exterior and the correlation between the landscape, outer building structure (architecture), and the inner building structure (the interior). I started looking at some of the popular name architects and their works, seeing at least one common ground. All these famous sites connect the landscape with its architecture and interior design. If the inside space is designed a certain way, it somehow balances with the architecture style or some elements of the landscape design.
“The Landscape. The Exterior. The Interior.” These three areas made me think of the Venn Diagram. If “A” is the landscape and “B” the interior, then “C” includes commonalities of both A & B. In other words, area “C” brings areas “A” & “B” together.
The conclusion I came up with is that all the parts and pieces of an area where a building lands on need to be balanced and have harmony as a whole and no single part stands alone by itself.”
Here Are Some Pictures Taken At The Opening Reception:
For More Information And More Pictures Of This Event, Click Here!
Join the Discussion
Please read our Content Guidelines before posting
Poor indoor air quality? Transform the walls of your home into a permanent air purification system. Simply add the ionic paint additive by Air-ReNu with interior house paint and apply the blended mixture to the walls. One application will remain effective for 8-12 years eliminating offensive smoking, cat urine odors and airborne toxins.