Parra project

The last few months have been filled with very interesting projects. The most interesting and challenging has been a walnut installation for Richard and Marlane Parra of Las Cruces, NM. It's always a treat working with the Parras, nothing is average. The approach to the work is always creative problem solving with a bent toward sculptural concepts.

Working with Dean Neff as the project contractor is a treat as well. Dean is a stickler for details and does only the highest quality of work. I would highly recommend him for any project, but especially for those with challenging designs and materials.

These photos were taken upon the completion of the cabinet installation. The stone tops have not been set and the tile work is yet to be done, but you can get a pretty good idea of what's going on. I'll be back on the site in a few weeks where I'll get some more photographs to show.

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Working with interior designers, pros and cons.

Here in Santa Fe there are a number of interior designers who specialize in the "Santa Fe Style", that is, southwest meets Mexican rustic. There are, however, a few designers who tend to lean a little more toward a contemporary aesthetic. One of these designers is Page Kelleher of Santa Fe Modern Home, another is Jeff Fenton of ACC, and one I have been working with a lot this last year is Ernie Sulpizio. All three of these designers are excellent at what they do and can really assist those with a discerning eye in transforming their environment. 

I find working with a good interior designer to be especially rewarding when we collaborate on a cohesive design, that is one that integrates many different materials and ideas to homogenize a space.

I have also found that working with interior designers can also turn in to a struggle for control. Some designers, I'll name no names, really like to make things just as tacky as possible with lots of frills and "goo ga" as some like to say. Gag me with some lace curtains and distressed raised panels!

I feel very fortunate to have the above mentioned designers to work with. They all three have a tendency to look at every situation with an understanding of the unique place and the individual client.

So, the real question is, when should one choose to use a designer? A good designer can assist anyone with state of the art concepts coupled with their own tried and true methods. A good designer also understands the visualization process. If you feel you are on top of your creativity and have a general sense of what you like, you may choose to not use an interior designer in your home improvement endeavors.

To work with a designer or not, what is my preference? It really comes down to the individual(s) ending up with the work. If my clients choose to work with me directly and problem solve without the aid of an interior designer I say, let's go. There is always the pleasure of successfully problem solving within your own space and seeing positive results. If, on the other hand, a client seeks the aid of a designer that allows them to make their own choices with guidance I say, let's go as well.

But, beware. There is a plethora of interior designers out there that are only interested in propagating their particular look, whether you like it or not. It can be a very unpleasant experience to follow your designers advice, spend a boat load of $$, and end up with something tacky and/ or unusable. Always look at a potential designers portfolio and interview them with very specific questions that address your personal needs. If one is available, go in to a home or business where they have done work. 

Update on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 8:29PM by Roger Atkins

I'm thinking about Japan. We are, as a people, finding ourselves caught in a most interesting situation; we're hungry for energy and seeking it in some very peculiar ways. In our lust for quicker, faster, harder, more we seem to have lost the memory of living. 

We are the stewards of a fantastic place to live, planet earth. Why do we even consider strife and hatred? An earthquake is something we can expect this planet to give us, we as a people can work together to prepare and help one another through such catastrophic times. In the mean time greed has blinded us to the need to work together.

Let's all try to find a place where greed does not throw a chain around our ankles. Let's all find a place in our hearts where we are ready to give without expectation of return.

Recent boxes

Here are a couple of boxes. One was made for a Santa Fe client to house a Bible and the other one was made for a Biloxi relative to house whatever will fit in it.

Back to work.

Since the last entry Mary Anne and I have been to Italy and I've moved my mother, Lois Atkins to Santa Fe. My mother and father were country music entertainers out of the mountains of Tennessee and Kentucky. They managed to pull together a life of musical entertainment and good family upbringing. There was always the pleasure of music in the house, not to mention the general comedy and laughter. My brothers and I never did without food, shelter and education. I will always feel a sense of gratitude for my parents.

Florence, Italy at Christmas? Check it out. What a beautiful city. Days of museums and architecture, nights of food and wine.  Pure inspiration!

Now it's back to work. Sounds good to  me....

UTEP Lectern

This has been a project full of challenges. The design and plan called for the piece to be constructed in African Mahogany in the style of the Butanese architecture found on the university's campus. The architectural elements consist of of very straight lines that have a subtle flair at the bottom. All of the case parts had to be mitered together thus creating a seamless look.

Afircan Mahogany is famous for its ability to dress and lay up flat but then, as if by magic, turn in to something that looks like a noodle overnight. So panels that start out flat and square end up being akin to a piece of macaroni! This is where the challenge really begins; how does one machine and fabricate using twisted material and end up with something that is straight, true, and sound? It has been an interesting problem and all has gone beautifully well. The attached photo will attest to that.

Stain has gone on since the photo was made and tomorrow the clear coat goes on with the copper inlays to be set. More photos will come upon completion.