Thanks to some great networking and conversation, I was blessed enough to have the opportunity to design a pediatric office. The doctors and staff played a very integral role in helping me create a functional space that is kid-friendly yet stylish.

It is a well known fact that master bathrooms (and kitchen remodels) equate to substantially hgher resale value in a home. If done right, these two areas can be instant deal-makers for potential home buyers.

Since just about everyone is laying low in this economic slump, why not enjoy your house while you’re in it by gradually adding a few things to bring some interest into your bathroom? If you plan on selling your house once the housing market improves, and you have some extra cash to work with, faucets, sinks and vanity cabinets are an easy way to update a tired, boring bathroom.

If you want to be a little adventurous, ditch your typical surface-mounted sink for a vessel sink and brushed nickel faucet like the one above from Kohler (www.kohler.com). The flirtatious curved edges are subtle yet bring alot of style to a daily function. This is almost too nice to brush my teeth in!

Tired of the standard built-in vanity base cabinets? Find a really nice console table like these from Ikea or Target and incorporate a vessel sink with it. Of course you may have to modify the drawers by making them fixed to make room for the plumbing, but with the help of a good plumber, you can have an eye-catching jewel piece in your bathroom in no time.

Think granite is too expensive? Recently I found a medium size rectangular piece of granite at a surplus store for $14.99! secure a slab of granite pre-cut for plumbing to the top of a console and what do you have? A hot new inexpensive vanity top.

If your cabinets are in great shape, but have a less than appealing wood stain, give them a new look by sanding, priming and coating them with a fresh layer of paint. Painted cabinets are filling up pages of interior magazines.

The High Museum in Atlanta, Georgia was designed by architect Richard Meier. His signature white porcelain enameled steel panels with concrete framing used in other projects are a stark contrast to the lush, green landscape surrounding it. Light plays a huge part in the museum as it pours through the ribbon windows and skylights. Typically museums are careful with they type of light they allow into a museum due to the damage it could do to the works of art that inhabit it. However, in this case, light was a symbol to illuminate the historic and cultural relevance of the works displayed. The dynamic nature of the space is supposed to heighten the experience of observing art.
I have never been to this museum, but definitely plan on visiting the next time I’m in Atlanta.

Has anyone been to this museum? If you live in the Atlanta area, stop by and blog about your experience.

If you ever find youself in Barcelona, Spain, this building should be on your must-see list. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, it’s obvious curvilinear structure is eye-catching. Gehry’s concept for this building was to mimmick the fish-like qualities typical of his work. The titanium panels take on a poetic, sculptural form, which is ironic since titanium is such a strong material. This has been one of my favorite buildings since its completion over 10 years ago. Any thoughts?

In addition to my tile fetish, I also love lighting.   There are three different types of lighting used in design:  general, task and accent.  The right lighting can give a space a very soft look and create a nice mood for the home.  Recessed lighting on the ceiling provides more even light distribution than a single ceiling light (fluorescent…uhg)!  Undercabinet lights in the kitchen area are great for illuminating the counter space when reading a cookbook.  Pendant lighting and chandeliers are accent lights which bring alot of color and style to your space.  Which lights catch your eye?

Sources:  www.ylighting.com, www.louispoulsen.com

It seems fitting that on this inaugural post that I give you some background on why I created this blog.  As an architectural designer for 14 years, I have seen alot of amazing architectural structures.  When I was a teenager visiting major cities with my family, there would be more buildings in my pictures than faces.  My mom recognized that I was interested in architecture and encouraged me to pursue it as a career (thanks mom).  The goal for this blog is to dialogue about architecture, design and what inspires YOU.

One of my favorite buildings is the Flatiron Building in New York designed by Daniel Burnham.   Considered one of the first skyscrapers, the flatiron building was also the first to use a steel skeleton as the primary structural element to create a Beaux Arts style.  Wrapped in limestone and glazed terracotta, it’s triangular, iron shape is the reason behind it’s name.  If you’re ever in New York at the 25th St./Broadway/5th Ave intersection, check it out.

So what’s your favorite building?