So, I figured it might be a good idea to start placing some of the work me and my firm have done just over the past few years. Each will be a part of a Project Series. On each project I will upload different sketches, working drawings, photos, anything and everything I have documenting the particular project.
I will discuss problems and solutions discovered along the way with each project, or my “lessons learned.” Overall, I think it will give you a good idea about what kinds of architecture there is out there; small commercial, renovations, you name it!
So lets get started with one of my favorite projects I’ve designed so far with my firm.
Ortho One: Orthopedic Medical Office
Project Scope:
This client came to us in need of a new medical office in Arlington, TN. Currently Ortho One has two other office locations and the ever growing Arlington is to be it’s third.
The building needed to be approximately 5,000 square feet. It needed to house a large physical therapy space, and smaller one-on-one patient offices. Obviously it also needed a sizable waiting room, reception area, breakroom, and 2 offices for the doctors who would be working here.
Usually clients will bring some pictures of buildings or spaces they like; however, this client really let me handle the overall design and look of the building. The few keywords that were always spoken about in our meetings were SIMPLE, CLASSIC, CONTEMPORARY, MODERN, and INDUSTRIAL.
Initial Sketches and Models:
Once I sent the above proofs to the client, I gained approval to continue with the overall design! Talk about a relief! Designing a more modern building is still a 50/50 shot with how clients will accept the design. And this one liked it! Awesome!
Design Review Committee Submittal:
It should also be mentioned that this project is in an area that required a Design Review Committee to look over the entire building appearance and approve it for construction. Everything down to the window colors is called into consideration.
Below is the Architectural documents provided for such submittal. All four Elevations, 3D Renderings and a Color/Material Board are required.
Luckily no comments or revisions came out of this review! In my world that’s a huge WIN! Check out my recent post about how I render images like this easily!
Site Visits:
Ah yes. The ever wonderful site visits! One thing that was a little bit of an issue on this job was making sure the contractors understood what a common bond was. After the third time explaining it, they figured out what it was I was wanting and the Brick install commenced! (PS, always check your weep holes!)
That canopy fascia though! No sir, no way was this going to fly.
Much better, but it still needs work.
So this one received my approval. It wasn’t perfect, but it had a ton of improvement from the first install. My lessoned learned was be careful how you design a break metal canopy!
Ahh, the importance of a paint sample. Or in this case, a door stain sample. Online photos lie, so ALWAYS make them send you a sample board for final selection on the important stuff! (I went with the bottom stain choice.) Special thanks to my CAD tech for assisting with the shot. Such perfect Vanna White form!
The Final Walk Through:
Lobby View: One of my favorite parts of this design was the Lobby and Reception counter. The client wanted a “glass shield” that was essentially floating, so that’s what she got! But the counter top design was one of my favorite parts!
Even the public bathrooms got a little something extra with a wainscot detail around the entire room.
Here’s another example of a lesson learned from me. See that vertical grab bar? Yea, code is just starting to make us install these here. Wish I would have installed my tile wainscot a little higher.
I guess I love reception desk design, cause this was another part of the project I couldn’t wait to see!
And from the other side….
Remember that large physical therapy space I spoke about earlier? Well, here it is without any equipment in it yet. Man, you should see the views in here though! Put a machine in front of a window and I’ll do all the physical therapy you want!
Stay tuned for some great final shots of the exterior. This project was by far the closest I have ever rendered an image and had it come out looking nearly identical! What to learn more about my rendering? Check out my post where I show you the three quick steps!
Designers On Record:
- Architect: Stevie Wilbanks, AIA – Ledford Engineering Planning and Architecture (Arlington, TN)
- Civil Engineer: Kevin Ledford – Ledford Engineering Planning and Architecture (Arlington, TN)
- MEP Engineers: HNA Engineering (Arlington, TN)
- Structural Engineers: Fowler Engineering (Hernando, MS)
