Residential Construction and Design Project
I’m currently working with Seaver Construction as the interior designer for a new, multi-unit residential building called The Foundry at Wakefield, in Wakefield, MA. Close to the commuter rail, Route 128/95 and Wakefield’s popular Lake Quannapowitt and several other...
Boston Design Week 2019
I’m looking forward to several events and programs at Boston Design Week 2019, scheduled for March 27 – April 7. There are many, many great looking events, and some that stand out include those that pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus Movement, such as...Read more“Form follows function – that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.”
– Frank Lloyd Wright, 1908
Frank Lloyd Wright Quote
To me, I’ve always interpreted the phrase “form follows function” as meaning that the shape of something should come from its intended purpose and utility, usually as it relates to architecture, interior design, industrial design and the like. According to what I’ve read, the phrase originated from another famous (Chicago-based) architect, Louis Sullivan.
In my practice, I’ve generally always made design decisions based on how I think my clients will interact with an object. What will their reactions be upon first seeing it? What about each time they walk into the room? How will they use an object throughout the years, across different seasons, when at home alone, when entertaining guests? How does the object fit with the rest of the furnishings in the room?
My number one focus when selecting furnishings for a room is “Will my clients be comfortable and want to use the items I’ve selected?” After all, what’s the point of creating a beautiful design if it won’t be regularly used and enjoyed?
New Townhome Construction Project
I’m excited to be working with Seaver Construction and Century 21 North Shore/Braese Realty Group on a new townhome development north of Boston, called Baldwin Woods, in Woburn MA. As the lead design consultant, I’ll specify all exterior materials and finishes such as...
A Blend of Commercial and Residential Interior Design
I recently completed consulting on a large scale, multi-unit condominium and townhouse project in the Boston area that combined aspects of commercial interior design and residential interior design. Commercial – the project required compliance with fire code and...
Great Issues of Interior Design Magazine
Two recent issues of Interior Design® magazine are really outstanding. The March issue is the “Big Ideas” issue and features innovation in many aspects of design. From architecture to interior design to product design and new technologies, this issue is packed with...
Boston Design Week
I’m excited about the calendar of events for Boston Design Week, starting on March 30, 2106. Now in its third year, Boston Design Week keeps getting better and better. Per the Boston Design week web site: “Boston Design Week seeks to increase public awareness and...Read more“Generally people think that good design is how it looks. It is how it looks, how it feels, the character it has, the whole thing in one package. To make something good, it takes all of those ingredients worked out.”
– Michael Graves
A Quote From Michael Graves
In tribute to Michael Graves, 1934-2015. From prominence as one of the “New York Five” to product design to universal/accessible design, Mr. Graves was key in increasing public awareness of architecture and design.
The Enduring Classic Barcelona Chair
I’ve been reminded recently of the Barcelona chair, a classic furniture piece designed by German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The elegant, armless leather and steel chair is one of the most recognized pieces of furniture of the past hundred years. A new...
Legendary Alvar Aalto
While meandering through the gift shop at the Corning Museum of Glass recently (the gift shop is more like a wonderful gallery) I happened to see a photo of a familiar face – architect Alvar Aalto. Aalto (1898 – 1976) was a Finnish architect and designer, and I became...