Chronicle 36: Designing Healthier Office Spaces

THINK. DESIGN. PROCESS. 

Sustainable design also means healthier design - and healthier processes. Most of us spend over 1/3 of our lives inside office buildings. This makes the design of buildings and office space very important to our environment and our health. Creating healthier workplaces is a central part of Centric Design Studio's sustainable design strategy. The ways in which we use energy, and our choices of materials and processes, are the most effective way to reduce fossil fuel emissions and contaminants released from materials and processes.

Case Study for SpaceLab, Detroit, MI

Take a look inside one of our recent design projects. SpaceLab Detroit opened their doors for their first public grand opening June 8th, 2017. SpaceLab Detroit is a co-working office space in downtown Detroit area, conceived by husband and wife team, Bobby and Karen Burton. It is a state of the art, efficiently designed work space for today's entrepreneurs, architects, engineers, and construction service providers.

Natural Lighting
On this project, the south facing windows maximize the benefits of daylight from both the morning and evening sun. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D and is critical for facilitating vision and our bodies' ability to regulate hormones, which in turn keeps processes related to alertness, digestion, and sleep functioning properly.

Electric Lighting

Prioritizing around  natural light minimizes electricity usage, the largest source of carbon emissions. In addition, most of the lighting used in the space is LED, which uses energy more efficiently than traditional lighting and emits less heat. Motion sensors cause the lights to turn off when there is no movement in the room. Using less electricity helps us keep our environment healthier and adds up to big financial savings for the owner and tenant. 

Ventilation

Adding to the comfort level and energy efficiency of this space was a switch from steam heat to gas, allowing the occupants more control over temperature. The radiators were kept to maintain the character of the space, however, the duct work was reconfigured to facilitate the new system.

Use of Materials

Acoustical ceiling tiles are used in the offices for noise reduction. Environmentally-friendly materials were used for the carpeting, which also utilizes processes to maintain clean indoor air quality. Designer roller shades will give occupants maximum control over the amount of natural light to allow in, while also providing protection from UV light. 

Located in the heart of Detroit, SpaceLab is a model for the future of design and economic growth. Design challenges within the city's 2030 District consist of a delicate balance between maintaining buildings historical intellect while deploying healthy, sustainable, aesthetically pleasing key elements. All of this adds up to a reduction in fossil fuel energy use and costs. LED lighting also qualified the business owners for a sizable rebate from DTE Energy.  What is not to like about implementing sustainable design?

Chronicle 22: "Good Design is Good Business!"

Hair Essentials Salon Studios

Designed by Centric Design Studio

By Saundra Little, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA
Principal - Architect

H.E.S.S. Entrance

Design through Dialogue: Centric Design Studio understands our client's
entrepreneurial dreams!  - Photo taken in the Reception Area

Centric Design Studio would like to say from one business owner to another- congratulations to Hair Essentials Salon Studios (H.E.S.S.) on their grand opening this summer. 

Hair Essentials Salon Studios functions as a salon incubator. Hair Essentials offers unique, salon studio rooms offering each stylists the opportunity of owning their own salon without the large initial investment. Each stylist can operate in this upscale environment while setting their own rates and hours and choosing and profiting from their own product lines if the stylist chooses. Centric Design Studio's graphic and elegant design approach reinforces the unique hair salon business model of our client.

H.E.S.S. provides beauty professionals with the freedom
 of operating  their very own  upscale spacious  private
suite for the same price of Booth Rental.

Each stylist is a business owner with their "own"
salon studio- Individual Storefronts.
You are the BOSS!

Salon owner has a choice of individual looks to
 each studio room. 

Your comfort and well-being are paramount at  H.E.S.S.!
All salon amenities are designed with the guests'
comfort in mind.

STARTING ANY BUSINESS is a challenging goal, and any business owner can have difficulty figuring out how to overcome the obstacles: a declining economy, the headache of contractors and employees, and most importantly, the financial burdens and risks. 

The layout of traditional Hair salon usually has three spaces, reception, staff working and service.
In this project, we've decided to break the rule and re-organize space to improve client comfort and privacy.

Spa and salon under one roof!

All luxurious suites are completely private that's fully equipped with
your very own styling station, ceramic shampoo bowl ,
European hair dryer , etc.

Specialized Salon for hair loss treatment.

Over a dozen salon rooms available for selection.

Fortunately, Hair Essentials Salon Studios provides another option for stylist, barbers, massage therapist, and Esthetics in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Our client at H.E.S.S. is using her own entrepreneurial spirit to help beauty care professionals start their own businesses in this rebounding Southeastern Michigan economy.

Centric Design Studio wishes our great client the best of luck on their new salon incubator business model.

Here's to you - Hair Essentials Salon Studios (HESS)
CDS wishes your  business great success!!!

Chronicle 21: First 30 days - Summer Internship 2013 Part 1

Beginning of My Internship

By Wiley Roberts, NOMA

I'm Wiley Roberts a student studying architecture and environmental design at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. During my college years at Bowling Green I was intrigued by the design process of architecture and the importance of sustainable design. Architecture is a craft that enables you to express methodology through sketches and drawings. A complex process that manipulates innovation and creativity to its fullest potential. How doctors have the ability to save lives, architects have the ability to enhance living conditions and protect lives. With that theory in mind from then on I knew that architecture was the path for me. One day I hope to run my own firm that will turn clients visions into a reality and better everyday life for the public.

 I started my Internship with Centric Design Studio in April and I have been enjoying the experience ever since. Every day you feel welcomed right away entering the office. An environment that's full of fun and excitement something others would love to experience in a work environment. A friendly and efficient atmosphere willing to put in the extra hours to complete a project if need be. Within the first thirty days I was a witness of it all the amount of hard work and dedication it takes to run a architectural firm.

We kicked the summer off with the Hudsons Site Design Competition. Never have I been involved in a worldwide architectural design competition. Not knowing how this experience would turn out I took on the challenge. The objective of the competition was to create a vision for a new urban development on the old Detroit Hudson site. Squeezing in multiple projects while working on the design competition was tough, but we accomplished it. 

City of Detroit -  Sketchup Base Model
Used for final rendering + board  layout by Wiley Roberts

CDS Studio Pin-up board - Competition Development
Wiley supplied  the 3D Model to CoG Studio for Rendering

My learning experience has been superb; almost every task has been hands on inside the studio and out in the field of work. Within the first few weeks I was able to put my 3d modeling and schematic design skills to use. My experience has allowed me to overcome many obstacles allowing me to improve on each project during my time in the studio. 

The month of May involved jam packed days full of site visits for future projects and existing projects. Hours spent analyzing research for current projects and obtaining code requirements. I've been on sites where I had to take field measurements and photos of the site. I have attended project meetings with the design team keeping track of progress and discussing the next steps for the project. I also contributed to fixing construction documents based on decisions made in the prior meetings with clients and owners. I was able to experience all of these tasks while in the midst of creating a new vision for an iconic site. 

Submitted board for Hudson Site Competition
Our team had several other images we wish we had time to add to the layout.....
more competitions work to come in the future

While continuing to work with Centric Design Studio I hope to continue exploring new challenges and broaden my horizon in the field of architecture. I am very excited to be continuing my intern and I look forward to what may come next. 

Wiley Roberts
2013 Architectural Summer Intern at Centric Design Studio

Chronicle 20 - A + G

By Saundra Little, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA, Principal

In connection with our Chronicle 17 + 18 blog posting on design of annual reports and “big” data graphics on architecture and urban communities (Infographics)  –  We go inside our studio to discuss our use of Architecture + Graphics.

How + Why does CDS merge Architecture + Graphic Design?

Few architects set out to be graphic designers. But the organization of visual and textual content comprises a large percentage of an architect’s daily responsibilities in a small firm: architects must produce proposals, presentations, and other printed and digital materials to communicate with clients and collaborators.

We believe creative problem-solving with 3 Dimensional Brand-Driven solutions will change the world around us.

“Art and Architecture are practices, not sciences.”

-Dave Hickey

This concept of [practice] is our approach here at Centric Design Studio (CDS), and we invite our readers” Inside the studio” as we develop our practice and design thinking.

Centric Design Studio’s Mission Statement:

Centric Design Studio is a merger of architecture and graphic design practices.  The architecture (space) and the brand experience (business identity) relates to one another.  Our method of practice gives structure to and communicates the relationships between an organization a whole, its divisions, its individuals, as well as its products and services, all with the objective of design value.  “Good sustainable design is good business”.  

We strive to solve the client’s problem and exceed their expectations. Each of our studio members are actively researching and implementing new concepts daily in our work transforming “knowledge into design”. 

How does CDS designers want to communicate A + G in their work?

Research- Centric Practice

CDS Studio A+ G Book/ Research List:

1. “Graphic Design in Architecture” 
      by Liying Zhou

2. “Graphic Design + Architecture: A 20th-Century History” 
      by Richard Poulin

Centric Design Studio's take-away from the “Graphic Design + Architecture: A 20th-Century History” is a refreshing first historical overview which examines this unique merger of graphic design and architecture in the context of artistic, social and cultural movements and influences of the twentieth century. This book is now a comprehensive reference for our studio of visual and narrative material that illustrates and evaluates this unique history which author Richard Poulin hopes that by reflecting on it,  all can derive inspiration and insight for the future.

As architect James Stewart Polshek says in his introduction, “Buildings can tell stories.” They do this not only through their own form but also through a “synthesis of graphic design and architecture.”

Case Study: Hair Essentials Salon Studios - Ann Michigan

CDS Computer Rendering "A"
Color applied based on a individual Salon Studio Theme

CDS Computer Rendering "B"
Wall Graphics applied based on a individual Salon Studio Theme

In our latest project Hair Essentials Salon Studios we are incorporating a graphic element into the architecture of a project providing a big message with minimal construction and cost. We see graphics as a tool for bringing a different scale and sometimes a new texture into a project that does not otherwise have the budget or program for a refined materiality.

Salon - Centric Design Studio 3D Floor Plan
13 Individual Studios - requiring 13 individual  design themes

HESS Spa Room 1-  Theme room "A"
Calm colors and rich textures used for making a relaxing setting.

HESS Black + White Suite - Theme room "B"
 Bold wall Graphic used as a focal point

Whenever possible, we try to take the opportunity to collaborate architecture and graphic design, as partners, expanding the conversation about spatial intentions.

Stay Tuned…..

Private, relaxing, upscale, spa setting....
 All created with color, texture and graphics - Stay tuned!

Chronicle 16: Looking Back and Moving Forward

As we venture into a new year of architecture and graphic design, we reflect on the things we are most proud of accomplishing in 2012 (in no particular order of importance):

Our relationship with TechTown. Our offices are located in TechTown, a business incubator in Midtown Detroit. We appreciate the support we receive there, the relationships with the staff and residents, the leadership opportunities, and we were even named Entrepreneur of the Month.

Strengthening our foothold in the healthcare design market.  We partnered with Harley Ellis Devereaux (an Architectural Record Top 250 Firm) to provide design development, construction documentation and building information modeling (BIM) services for the new the 162,000 square foot, $110 million Cardiovascular and Multispecialty Building at the Detroit Medical Center central campus.

Construction at the DMC Heart Hospital

Blogging and Social Media. In addition to posting regularly on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, we started this new blog – “Inside the Studio” – chronicling office activities and highlighting our people and our work. Our Top 3 Blog Posts:

      3)  Historical Residential Re-Design in Detroit

      2)  The Detroit Design Festival

      1)  CDS in the Detroit Community

Government design. We worked with Ghafari (an ENR Top 200 International Design Firm) and AECOM (ranked the number one design firm by ENR) on the Wayne County Justice Project. Centric Design Studio played an integral role in the 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) documentation and detailing of the facility, and the project team adopted Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) to save costs.

Wayne County Justice Facility - Sketches

Wayne County Justice Facility - 3D Model

Wayne County Justice Facility
Under Construction

Our Employees. We’re especially proud of the graphic design and BIM work by Shanita Rutland and the enthusiasm for the architecture profession that our summer intern, Stephen Lentini, brought to our office.

Our affiliation with the Detroit Creative Corridor Center (DC3). This year we completed the first-ever Creative Ventures Program sponsored by DC3 and celebrated our graduation with 17 of our businesses classmates, including architects, performing artists, web designers, and others growing their businesses in Detroit. CDS principal, Saundra Little, also serves on the Advisory Board of DC3.

Detroit Design Festival. DC3 sponsors the annual Detroit Design Festival, and this year we displayed mobile demonstration units for W.A.R.M. Training Center in Detroit, one of eight energy demonstration centers in the state of Michigan. CDS joined the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) in a design charrette to design the flexible, compact, mobile units that will carry and display sustainable building products, educational materials, and tools.

NOMA Conference. We were pleased to have been an integral part of the planning and hosting of the National Organization of Minority Architects Conference that was held in Detroit in October. We got to see old friends, build new relationships, and network a little, even though we were quite busy with the day-to-day logistics of the Conference.

Bryant Residence. We re-designed a home in the historic Palmer Park area of Detroit. We’re seeing our design come to fruition as the changes are now under construction. We can’t wait to show the finished product.

Bryant Residence Under Construction (First Floor)

Bryant Residence Under Construction (Second Floor)

Our Commitment to Detroit. What a surprise to have a spot in QuickenLoans’ “Made in Detroit” commercial. We are proud to be part of Detroit’s high-tech corridor, and we are fully committed to the design and re-building of this great city.

The Centric Design Studio family wishes everyone a healthy and prosperous 2013!

Chronicle 15: Historical Residential Re-Design in Detroit

by Chris Bruner, Project Designer

Existing West Facade

As Centric Design Studio (CDS) steps into the historical residential design market, we find the task challenging and extremely interesting. Our client - the home owner - is a professional and well established in the medical industry. This single bachelor decided to purchase his home in an affluent area of northwest Detroit, right off the beautiful surroundings of the Palmer Park Golf course - a place where many people only dream about living. The total size of the home is 4,000 s.f., and about half of the existing square footage is projected to be remodeled. Several changes to the exterior and interior will totally transform the appearance of the traditional-style home, which was built in 1948, into a modern, open space.

In this project, the homeowner is looking to transform this traditional Georgian home into a more modern space while keeping certain aspects of the original design. There are three floors and a full basement, but the remodel only involves the first and second floors. Here are the existing conditions: the east facade faces the golf course and the west facade faces the street; the first floor includes a small kitchen next to a small dining room, and two parallel walls in the foyer separate the dining room from the living room; on the second floor, there are five medium-to-small-sized bedrooms and three small bath rooms.  

Existing First Floor 3D Model

Existing 2nd Floor 3D Model

Now, here's a brief look at some of the changes that will be made:

For the kitchen and the dining room area, a wall with a four foot opening that currently separates both spaces  will be eliminated, converting the space into one large room. To allow this opening, two 10-inch end walls at opposite sides will act as columns to support an 8-inch LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) support beam installed to support the load from the floor above. Four additional openings will be created along the two walls in the foyer at distances of 7-6" and 2'-6".  Both foyer walls are load bearing, requiring the installation of a 10-inch LVL beam support to cover the large span. Two additional pier walls will be built to support the load placed onto the LVL beam. The wall leading into the living room (off the foyer) will have similar openings as the wall along the kitchen and dining room. These changes will truly open up the first floor area. 

Proposed First Floor Plan

The existing second floor has five bedroom and three full bathrooms.  In the remodeled space, the number of bedrooms will be reduced to three. Two existing rooms will be combined, becoming a master suite that encompasses a walk-in closet of over 230 s.f.  Adjacent to the walk-closet will be the master bath, furnished with a lavish Jacuzzi tub as well as a double faced fireplace that shares the master bedroom wall.  Another modern upgrade will be a washer and dryer installed inside a new linen closet off the central staircase.

Proposed Second Floor Plan

Outside, the east facade facing the golf course will substantially change. The existing portico with columns and its half round pediment at the rear entrance will be removed as well as the two picture windows on opposite sides of the rear door. French doors with side lights will replace the current one. The original rear entrance removed and replaced by a floor to ceiling French window. These changes will create two rear entrances that will be be located in the dining and living rooms. Also, the existing brick patio will be extended twice its current length to the full length of the house. 

3D Model of East Exterior

At the west facade, the bow window inside the kitchen will be replaced with a bay window. The fieldstone along the face of the garage, along with the retaining wall that supports the planter at the porch at the main entrance, will be replaced with a light limestone to give a more attractive appearance.

Front and Rear Perspectives and Site Plan

With all the new changes to the home, CDS was able to create this transformation using REVIT 3D modeling software and BIM technology, assisting the owner in visualizing the final outcome. So far, the photo-realistic interpretation has been a great success, allowing the home owner to uncover some of his hidden creative aspirations - he has since made more changes.  Now that construction is underway, we can't wait to see how close the REVIT model and the actual finished product will be.

Project Progress

Chronicle 11: We Know What You Did

(This is Part 2 of Stephen's internship chronicles. See Part 1 here.)

Stephen Lentini, CDS' summer intern, presents a portfolio of his work at the Studio. He completed a variety of 2D and 3D (BIM) designs, building surveys, and graphic design projects during his few months at CDS. His work can be viewed in the slide presentation below.

Stephen's projects included:

• Detroit Public Schools facilities
• TechTown (office building)
• Industrial buildings
• Single-family residential
• Presentation documents, signs and business marketing collateral

              

                 Centric Revue by Stephen lentini from CentricDesignStudio

Stephen was a valuable member of the team while at CDS. We wish him all the best, and always look forward to his visits back to the office.

Stephen, we know what you did last summer! LOL!

Chronicle 8: Shanita Rutland

Charles Kendall Adams, an American educator and historian who served as the second president of Cornell University, said, "No one ever attains very eminent success by simply doing what is required of him; it is the amount and excellence of what is over and above the required that determines the greatness of ultimate distinction." 

Shanita

Six years ago I met Saundra Little, and right away, I developed a professional and personal respect for her. I am grateful that my experiences with my mentor have blossomed into a fruitful apprenticeship. Over the years, our work lives have often intertwined at just the right moment, allowing us to stay in touch. In 2010, when presented the opportunity to work again with Saundra on a project, I didn't hesitate to do whatever I could to help. She later invited me to work with her on a regular basis.  After meeting with her Centric Design Studio (CDS) partners, Damon and Chris, I knew I had to come aboard. I not only joined a design firm, but also a design family. I appreciate the company's culture, which celebrates each individual's varying experiences and humble personalities.  

New Birth Baptist Church Atrium
by Centric Design Studio.
3D Modeling by Shanita Rutland.

Saundra, Damon and Chris have a drive and energy that is infectious.  One cannot help but to be inspired by their positive energy and good company. The firm's drive is unparalleled to anything I've seen. It's encouraging seeing CDS' ideas and philosophies in my reflection, knowing that if you really want something, the only thing stopping you is yourself. Working at CDS rekindles a personal desire and passion to see beautiful work created in the City of Detroit. Each member at CDS brings something different to the table, whether it be an architecture proposal, graphics project, or simply debating about fantasy football. They create a warm, friendly, welcoming environment where they seek creativity, and each person has a voice and enjoys their work. I enjoy working for Centric Design Studio and with my colleagues.  Most importantly, I enjoy going to work and contributing to the company's success.  

Inside the Studio - Inside Jokes
What makes a good studio environment? Goldfish crackers named LeBron, everyday day it's someone's fault, and when the chips are down the motivational words of Monica Conyers, "Do it, baby, do it!" are echoed.  

New Birth Baptist Church Master Plan by Centric Design Studio.
3D Modeling by Shanita Rutland.

Chronicle 7: Stephen Lentini, Summer Intern – Part 1, Beginning of Internship

Stephen at CDS

My Name is Stephen Lentini, and I'm an architecture student at the University of Detroit Mercy, entering the Master’s year beginning this fall. Since beginning my college career, I have come to admire urban design and sustainable construction methodology. It is my dream that these two practices will come closer together in the future, and it's a concept that I intend to explore in my graduate thesis, and after in my professional career.

I've been an intern at Centric Design Studio since late May, and I've enjoyed my time here immensely. The studio has energy and an attitude of cooperation that makes for an exciting, efficient, and friendly work environment. During my time with the studio, I have been able to put my graphic, 3D modeling, and surveying skills to use. This has allowed me to improve upon my existing skill sets and challenged me to learn new ones at the same time. My work has also taken me into the field to visit construction sites and participate in project bids, each of which offers new insight into the professional design process and construction methodologies.

3D model by Stephen

Continuing on with my work at Centric Design Studio, I hope to keep marching into new territory, doing new things, and exploring new ideas. I am very eager to be involved in more site visits, seeing how designs translate into physical objects and how those objects are put together. I expect that my time with CDS will continue to improve my skills, broaden my design ideologies, and boost my competence by introducing me to new ideas and challenging me every step of the way!

Chronicle 2: CDS Specialty - Healthcare

CDS' Design Director, Damon Thomas, recently traveled to beautiful Grand Traverse, Michigan for the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and AIA Michigan Health Facilities Planning Seminar. The event featured presentations from healthcare service providers and administrators, as well as design and facilities professionals, providing the latest information to assist in the planning, designing, constructing and maintaining health facilities. Damon also had the opportunity to meet and network with other professionals offering services specific to the health facilities market.

Damon (right) at the Health Facilities Planning Seminar,
with Thom Thelen of Acoustics by Design (left) and
Bianca Graves of Tooles Contracting Group (center)

You see, health facilities is one of the market segments we specialize in at Centric Design Studio. Most recently, we partnered with Harley Ellis Devereaux (an Architectural Record Top 250 Firm) to provide design development, construction documentation and building information modeling (BIM) services for the new Cardiovascular and Multispecialty Building at the Detroit Medical Center central campus. The 162,000 square foot, $110 million facility will house interventional and non-invasive cardiology and ambulatory surgery along with two floors of medical offices.

Damon (far right) at the groundbreaking ceremony for the
new DMC Cardiovascular and Multispcialty building