K-Vegas Curb Candy: Downtown Digs

On these pretty, albeit usually sunny days that we are recently having, the baby is getting strolled around the neighborhood like the little prince he is by yours truly, while the hubs has been working it out in the shop.  He prefers to spend his "breaks" on yard work, rather than the leisurely  low-cardio walks that I like.  These precious moments of having the gifted opportunity to stroll the baby is quite enjoyable and the surrounding views really aren't so bad either. 

The other day, I actually remembered to snap a few shots of some of the lovely homes that are on our trek downtown and thought it would be nice to share this "curb-candy" as inspiration!  I mean who doesn't like to see a pretty house?

From these walks, I like to absorb the visuals.  I get ideas on color and texture combinations, pathways, landscaping, and different kinds of built forms, just to name a few. For instance, I absolutely love pea gravel pathways that are used at our nearby Botanical Gardens.  The experience of  hearing the sound as I walk upon pea gravel is so soothing to me.  Likewise, I adore a vintage slate roof.  The color and texture that the slate provides is always remarkable in my mind. It seems like such a luxury to have a slate roof.  So with that said, please enjoy some of the local views that we enjoy here in our little town of Kernersville, NC.    

Until next time,

A + B

YWCA: THE MODERN FACE OF GREENSBORO

We are extremely grateful for the opportunity that Adam has had over the last year to work on an exciting design/build project for Greensboro's new YWCA headquarters, which has been guided by modernist Architect, and friend, Robert Michael Charest of Atelier Charest + Associates, and Elon University.  Robert's design talent ceases to amaze us with his provocative design abilities. As noted in the image above, the overall structure carries a striking exterior street-side with prominent textural interplay among materials, forms and finishes.  This 'interplay of materiality' is a consistent theme throughout the interior of the facility as well.  

Adam's role throughout this project's process has varied.  Appointed as Lead Designer by Robert, Adam has been responsible for the initial 3D digital rendering presentation, visual signage, contributing to parts of the physical model, along with a multitude of custom mill work and built-in designs.  With that noted, it is worth mentioning that ever since our i.Arc days at UNCG, (specifically when Adam joined Robert's first Urban Studio [US] design/build),  Adam has always appreciated collaborating with Robert as a fellow designer.  He says, "Robert is one of the very few that I can verbally draw design details to out loud and he sees and thinks the same way." It is that harmonious rapport which yields such a fantastic end product. 

A bit of background on the new YWCA headquarters: 

At the time of acquiring a very cool, yet very dilapidated building at 1807 East Wendover Ave., which dates back to the mid-century era, the Y contacted Robert after being familiarized with his Urban Studio at UNCG ,named My Sister's House.  This project was designed and built by Robert and his Department of Interior Architecture students for the good of the community, and as a powerful life lesson in design/build.  My Sister's House resulted in an unconventional, yet thoughtfully designed facility serving as shelter and support for victims of domestic violence.

The fresh and modern appeal of My Sister's House aligned perfectly with what the YWCA was striving to achieve!  Hence, their hiring of Robert + his hiring of Adam = a spectacular result!!!  See for yourself!

And here are some of the nitty-gritty process photos of custom works.

It has truly been exciting to work on such an unconventional building in the triad area with our friend, Robert who is such an imaginative designer!  Kudos to the both of them for doing such an outstanding job!!!

Until next time,
A + B 


****All professional photography provided by Read Creations ****