Chronicle 25: A + G = Success

By Damon Thomas, Design Director, LEED AP, NOMA

Back in Chronicle 20 of this blog, my business partner, Saundra Little - AIA wrote about how + why our firm merges Architecture and Graphic Design.  When opportunities arise for this merger (A+G) the result can enhance your business and/or personal brand creating not just a good space but a great space.

Inalfa Roof Systems Inc. in Auburn Hills, MI and Centric Design Studio crossed paths at 2013 Ford Matchmaking Summit Sponsored by Pure Michigan Business Connect, in March of this year.  Much later this summer, Centric Design Studio was hired by Inalfa Roof Systems Inc. for interior design services at their Aubrun Hills, MI facility.

Centric Design Studio used an environmental graphic wall wrap to enhance the entry lobby which leaves no doubt to visitors that this company designs sunroofs.

We collaborated with Detroit Design Center on this project.  They are experts at creating unique fixtures, sculptures, etc. DDC created this sculpture (pictured below), which is more of an art piece, but defiantly enhances the lobby and strengthens the brand of this company.  Detroit Design Center used actual sunroof glass from Inalfa's factory to produce this artistic piece. 

It was important to emphasize Inalfa's global footprint for the visitors and employees of this company. In the open office space pictured below, Centric Design Studio designed acrylic prints of the flags of each country Inalfa Roof Systems Inc. has a presence.  

Taking the global footprint graphics further, we duplicated the acrylic squares but had the geographic boundary of each country printed on the acrylic.  This was topped off by integrating a clock on face of acrylic graphic marking Inalfa's global footprint with time zones.

We are thrilled to have any opportunity to enhance space utilizing architecture and graphics because we feel that when the two are placed in harmony, your clients will know exactly what you do without saying a word and your employees will have a deeper understanding of what they are part of.

For more on our environmental graphic art process for this project, please view our slideshare below:

Environmental Graphic Work by Centric Design Studio from Centric Design Studio

Thanks for reading.

-Damon Thomas

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!