ai3

ai3 Employee Sabbaticals - 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 16:43:00 +0000

For the 3rd time in our firm's history, ai3 offered employees a 3-day sabbatical. The goal was very simple: employee growth. Proposals were written and approved, and each person was required to "present" their journey to the rest of the studio.

Previous sabbatical presentations have been so meaningful and affected our ambitions to travel, create art, be mindful, run marathons, or just drink more bourbon. We thought it might do the same for you, so here are (3) examples of our employee's journeys.

KELLEN MINOR:
My sabbatical was an exploration of sketch and watercolor techniques typically used to document urban environments on location. I took photos during a recent trip to Charleston, South Carolina with the intention that I would later use them for this study. I began with a series of ink drawing exercises using a continuous uninterrupted line from beginning until end of the skyline. Unlike architectural drawing, this technique forced me to be more spontaneous and let my hand flow free of constraints.

The next was to incorporate watercolor into a study. I chose a photo of the tower at St. Philip's Episcopal Church with a building in the foreground and a tree line at the base. The process began with a single line sketch to quickly study the major shapes and forms. The next step was to draw a light framework in pencil based off of the ink study and then charge in with watercolor. The watercolor was layered on in three separate passes. The first was a light wash of the overall mass and shape. The second pass captured the shadows in a medium warm hue and then finally the darkest blacks and detail went on.

The third study was a combination of the two before using a photo of Broad Street. I started with a single line sketch of waterproof ink as loose as I could be with my fountain pen. It was then followed by a light wash of watercolor. Strong pigments were "charge in" in selected locations to create a vibrant atmosphere. Out of all the sketches created during my sabbatical, I found this one to be the most inspiring. The combination of loose but organized lines and blobs of color create interesting things that causes the eye to dance around the image.

CATRINA ROSA:

Being a June baby, I've always been attracted to a beautiful pearl, especially a fresh water pearl, and it's been a dream of mine to start a jewelry line centered around the pearl. The pearl symbolized purity, generosity, integrity, and loyalty.

For my sabbatical this year, I focused my energy on upstarting a jewelry boutique called earthen elegance boutique and "The Knotted Pearl" collection. I spent my time doing the following:
Day 1 - Branding | Packaging

Day 2 - Scavenging for the materials

Day 3 - Production of prototype designs & Set-up of Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/eartheneleganceshop

AMY PRICE:
My sabbatical was a self-guided 3-day @MasterClassOfficial culinary course with Gordon Ramsey. The course allowed me to focus on my love of cooking, to elevate cooking techniques reflective of our chef clientele, and to learn classic recipes with a modern twist.

Truett's Chick-fil-A, It's been our pleasure

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 12:39:00 +0000

Every successful design project begins with a willing and enthusiastic team, and boy, did we have a great one with Truett's Chick-fil-A in Newnan, Georgia. Collaboration was key - we met weekly with our Chick-fil-A client, graphics team, and the kitchen designer. Day after day, we developed new floor plans, remaining focused on how the Chick-fil-A customer would experience each aspect of the space.

We dove head first into the design challenge of combining the beloved Hapeville Chick-fil-A Dwarf House (opened in 1946) with the current Chick-fil-A concept. The goal was to create something fresh and timeless: the new Truett's Chick-fil-A. Named after the Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy, Truett's celebrates his fun-loving and innovative spirit, and showcases the brand's heart and heritage.

With a little helpful inspiration from Truett Cathy's one-of-a-kind antique car collection, a trip to the Chick-fil-A headquarters, and a few too many chicken sandwiches, the design concept was underway.

A full-scale mockup was created down at Chick-fil-A's innovation center. There we worked with the client team, physically moving elements around the space to see what felt just right.

Each detail- down to the racing stripe painted on the wall, which paid homage to Truett's love of automobiles - was thoughtfully designed to support the new narrative of Truett's Chick-fil-A.

Our client fully embraced the new design, but one element from the old Dwarf House was a "must keep" - the iconic red dwarf door. Installing it in the new restaurant preserved the connection of long-time Chick-fil-A customers to the newly designed space.

The new Truett's Chick-fil-A opened August 31st. Devoted customers slept outside in tents (in the rain!) so they could be among the first 100 guests and win a free sandwich each week... for a YEAR!

It was important for the space to honor and celebrate Truett Cathy: his entrepreneurial spirit, his generosity, and his fun-loving nature. Truett was a quotable man, and his sayings - carefully hand-painted on the white brick walls by a local artist - are sprinkled throughout the restaurant. Other hand-painted details include an evolution of the Chick-fil-A logo, from the early 1960s to present day, which patrons can glimpse while they wait in line to place their order.

We're thrilled with how the design came to fruition, and couldn't be happier to participate in the future of Chick-fil-A.
Thank you, Gwen Newland, for believing in ai3.

Instagram Photo Credit: @Mcneilsigns @dvdphoto @dantcathy

Congratulations Kellen Minor, our newest Principal at ai3

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 19:58:00 +0000

Ahhhh, our dear Kellen - Special K.
A ridiculous perfectionist. An artist. A watercolorist. Beloved Snack-Provider. His gentleness and creative passion have found a home at ai3. We love him for how much he loves his wife, Krystle, and his son, Rowan, and we won't forget his dog Roma, so named for his honeymoon destination in Italy.

To be a Principal, one must embrace all that we stand for at ai3. Kellen's honesty, curiosity, accountability, and fearlessness to do his best for ai3 and his clients makes him a true asset to our studio. Joining us in 2013, Kellen has led and inspired our studio to produce some of our best work.

Congratulations to Kellen for earning this new title.
We look forward to your future creations with the team here at ai3!

Fish Head Mock-Up for Dragonfly Miami; Actually 10' tall

I don't know what to say...

The beautiful family- Krystle & Rowan

Serious about costumes- Office inside joke (dish detergent in dishwasher)

And, serious about Halloween home decor

Jason, Amy, Kerry, & Kellen at Cooking Class

Blame McLean if you're ever frustrated. He brought you here ;)

There's Roma!

Kellen was a big part of the award-winning design for Cooks & Soldiers

Rowan and Kellen

Yep, you're stuck with us!

The Alps- Kellen's inspiration for a BrewPub design, sigh....

Embraced by the Mississippi Delta... Inspiration from our benchmark trip

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 22:26:00 +0000

Ethan Lewis, Jillian Rooker, and Kerry Wittwer met up with our client and the locals of The Delta for a recent benchmark trip before the project kick-off of a boutique hotel in Cleveland, Mississippi.

By Ethan Lewis

"Getting there is the hard part. But once you are, The Delta is in your blood."

Luke Chamblee with Chamblee Hospitality Group flip-flopped his way through the paint-chipped double doors of The Crystal Grill in Greenwood, Mississippi. Like a star high-school quarterback walking through locker-lined hallways, he winked, waved, and nodded at everyone he passed. It seemed as if everyone knew one another, and not in the "know-of" way, like really knew one another, like they had something in common. Even Luke, a city slicker from nearby Jackson, making his maiden voyage to the Delta, was unconditionally welcomed... and Kerry, Jillian, and I were right by his side.

Over a half-dozen steamy hot-tamales and "still the best around" fried chicken tenders, Luke explained the details of his new venture, a boutique hotel in Cleveland, Mississippi.
"But why?" I thought to myself. "I guess that's what we're here to find out."
---
For those of you who don't know (I didn't) the Mississippi Delta is not, in fact, the Mississippi Delta. The true delta of the Mississippi River is located some 200 miles to the south, in Louisiana. The Mississippi Delta, however, is an alluvial plain cradled by the Mississippi River to the west and the Yazoo River to the east. Covering a great deal of the west side of the state, "the Delta" seems flat enough to see all the way down to the Vicksburg bluffs from its northern tip near Memphis. Setting out from Greenwood, we began our criss-crossed traipse through what has become known as "the most southern place on Earth."

I wiped the lens of my cell phone camera with my already sweaty waffle shirt and began snapping shots of vast soy bean farms. I thought to myself, "Oh, this one is going to turn out great," but was interrupted by Luke's sarcasm, "You better take those while you can, it's the only soy bean farm in the Delta." There's something about it, though -- the way endless rows of dark green crops meet the light blue summer sky, or how the breeze moves across the leaves, creating synchronized dances of waves. Right then and there, my affair with the Delta began.

Sure, I love Atlanta, been here my whole life, probably going to die here. But when I say I have an obligation to the Delta, an obligation to preserve what had been culturally neglected, I'm being honest as the rust and the heat, the mud and the mosquitoes. For this reason, Luke's project has inspired us to dream a little deeper and attempt to involve the whole Delta community. We drove to Greenville the next morning, under the spell of loose guitar strings plucked by Robert Johnson, to pick up Kerry at the Mid Delta Regional... err... Airport? Put it this way, Kerry dropped her ID in the bathroom and the one cop working the building approached her and drawled, "Think you dropped this in the bathroom, ma'am."

Carving our way through soy, corn, and rice farms, we arrived at a long and straight dirt driveway lined with sunflower fields leading to the Baby Doll House in Benoit. Stepping out in the heat, we encountered a true character, epitomizing the spirit of The Delta. Eustace was his name. He toured us all around the film-set-famed property of its namesake - a historic plantation house that was spared during the Civil War because the owner, Judge J.C. Burrus, had a personal friendship with the commander of the Union forces at the time. Eustace walked us through his shotgun shacks (on Airbnb), introduced us to his skunk-huntin' dogs, explained that the blue porch ceiling confuses and deters "dirt-digger" wasps from nesting, and showed us his mastodon jaw signed by the "Gunslinger" himself, Brett Favre. (Apparently, it was the only autographable medium he had on his person when he randomly encountered Favre in the Delta backwoods on a hunting trip.) Sticky with sweat, we felt a cool breeze pushed by a wall of rumbly dark clouds and all joked about the impeccable timing of Kerry's single-prop plane. "We need it!" Eustace hollered, as we hurried to the truck and thanked him for the education and hospitality.

http://thebabydollhouse.com/

Rain. Like I've never seen rain before -- a summer storm whitewash of water balloons. Good thing the roads are as straight as bowling alleys with gutter-bumpers of soy fields. When we safely arrived at the Delta Meat Market in Cleveland, we were warmly welcomed by a head full of long and sandy hair held back by black-rimmed eyeglasses and with a big smile, he said, "I'm Matty, it's great to meet you, welcome." Something was off, though; there was no drawl, no accent, and in fact he looked and sounded like he could have been from the East Village. Sure enough, Matty had moved from Stuyvesant Town, New York, to the Delta after a stint at Teach for America, and had been captivated by the charisma of the region. He started an ice creamery and recently joined forces with Chef Cole Ellis, a prominent and well-respected figure in the Delta. Cole is the proprietor, owner, and executive chef of the Delta Meat Market and soon-to-be executive chef of the hotel restaurant. Cole is a man of big dreams, big personality, and big skills. He brought us out burgers under slabs of thick-cut bacon, watermelon wedges sprinkled with feta cheese and dribbled with balsamic glaze, and for dessert...? Hot, fresh powdered-sugar donuts with pounded, syrupy blueberries. For lunch, y'all.

http://www.deltameatmarket.com/#index

With a food-induced coma dangerously nigh, Kelli Carr, the bright-eyed and energetic tourism director for the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, took the reins and led the way to Studio 230, where we spoke with local artists. Later we cooled off in the shade of the lush gardens at McCarty Pottery, where we met the owner. By the sweltering 3 o'clock hour, we immersed ourselves in the history of the blues in Dockery Farms, where B.B. King said, "You might say it all started right here." Soon after, we toured Delta State University, home of the Fighting Okra, and got a lesson in the history of music at The Grammy Museum.

On our way out to legendary "Po' Monkeys," one of the last remaining tried-and-true juke joints, we received word that Willie "Po' Monkey" Seaberry had passed away that evening. I had only heard of him days before, but everyone from Memphis to Vicksburg, surrounding Mississippians and Arkansawyers, and anyone who had been down the Mississippi blues trail considered him the spirit of the Delta. You could feel in the thick, hot air that this was a tragic loss for the entire community and the end of an era. With Kelli in tears, we waded through black clouds of mosquitoes and approached Po' Monkey's dilapidated shack to pay our respects. Justified by Cole, even with such a tragedy, there would still be celebration, "Because that's what 'Monkey' would have wanted."

Somehow, after only 48 hours, I felt like I was a part of a bigger family -- a family full of crazy uncles and cousins, but family nonetheless. And amidst the poverty, the lingering racial divides, and the confining reliance on agriculture, the Mississippi Delta embraces you with its history, charm, humor, and eccentricity. As designers and architects, we have the unique challenge of telling stories without words. Fortunately, the Mississippi Delta has a story to tell, and a damn good one at that.

Congratulations Kerry Wittwer, ai3 Principal!

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 15:42:00 +0000

Last month we announced 1 new Principal to ai3: Kerry Wittwer.

Kerry joined ai3's studio a few months before I left for maternity leave, 9 years ago. We'd all remained friends since our previous firm-life and believed she'd be the perfect addition to our growing studio.

She has been a tremendous mentor to our staff and a trusted leader to our clients. Her personality and free spirit have been a HUGE part of our culture, and while we miss her daily since she decided to work out of Nashville, we don't want to live without her! How could we? She's the only one to take on ANY dare!!!

Let me share the uber fun that is Kerry Wittwer....

Kerry Wittwer

Principal, ai3

Kerry and her husband Clay pose for ai3's Holiday calendar - inspired by "Juno"

Kerry at ai3's annual Chili Cook-Off. Has she won yet with her Tennessee chili?

Jason Carney, Kerry and Clay polishing off some chili

Bowling for Charity with the ai3 team

Running first 1/2 marathon with Ann-Marie Lima in Nashville

Kerry actually DOES get a lot of work done...

Kerry's dedicated mentees: Jillian Rooker & Elisa Gangone

Wouldn't you love to have these 2 as your studio Principals?

I have no idea.

Yes, our tom-boy had two beautiful girls: Clara and Lilian

Our very own, Kerry Wittwer, Principal at ai3, Inc.

1 Fish, 2 Fish, 3 Fish, GIANT FISH - Dragonfly

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 16:39:00 +0000

Nestled in the suburbs of Miami, Dragonfly is an authentic Japanese Izakaya and Fish Market concept. Hiro Leung, our friend and client introduced in a previous blog post, initially approached ai3 with a dynamic vision for his restaurant to exude "artful flavor." Steeped in deep heritage, the authentic nuances of Japanese fishing culture inspired our design. From the bustling market stalls of the Tsukiji Fish Market to the traditional tools, clothing, and boats, we cultivated our design out of the intricate details of life on the coast of the Pacific Ocean.

Suspended in the central focal point of the restaurant hangs a giant fish head composed of hundreds of steel hooks. From a mere discussion, to a sketch, to reality, the process and collaboration between ai3 and artists, Stephen Evans and Mark Wentz, brought a distinct "artful flavor" to Dragonfly's design.

Initial sketch of Fish Head

A small scale, 3-dimensional model from Mark and Stephen

Hey little fishy!

The fish head arrived in two parts in order to travel from

Atlanta to Doral, Florida.

Hundreds of whimsical-looking fish hooks were cut from sheet steel and distressed to give a patina of rustic warmth.

Artist Mark Wentz climbs onto his "Fish Head Jungle Gym" in order to weld the two parts of the fish head together on site.

How many guys does it take to hang a giant, steel fish?

Very impressed that the scissor lift fit PERFECTLY within the fish...

Finally, after a few hours, the fish head was installed and every hook was thoughtfully hung. Now, all that is left is to hang a light fixture in the middle of the fish to create a chandelier effect.

Other ai3 creations of "Arftful Flavor," soon to be introduced to the Dragonfly space:

Chef Doug Turbush of Atlanta's 2016 Most Anticipated Restaurant - Drift

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 19:41:00 +0000

The days of January are passing quickly and the speed of construction is reaching a whirlwind pace to complete Chef Doug's newest restaurant. February will be here soon and this much-anticipated restaurant will be one of the first of 2016 to please diners of Atlanta and Chef's loyal Guests of East Cobb.

Chef Doug Turbush of Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar
What about the East Cobb neighborhood is special to you?
The people in this community are simply awesome. They helped make all of this possible and have shown so much support for what we are trying to do here. Plus, this is where I raised my family, so it means a lot to us.

Do you have a favorite part of the design process, and if so, what was it? I like the Vision Session, where we get the entire team to express what we really want to get across. Watching that materialize into a restaurant is a unique process and fascinating.

What advice would you share with someone who wants to build a restaurant from ground up? Spend the time and do the homework in the beginning on exactly what and where you want it. Once it's on paper, it's yours forever, good and bad. It's difficult to fix at that point.

If you could offer your teenage-self one piece of advice, what would it be?
You are so much cooler in your 30's and 40's, so don't sweat this phase. Go study cooking in Europe while you're young, 'cause it's too late now and weird for everybody.

What is your favorite kitchen tool/gadget?
Currently, the Garganelli Board makes my favorite pasta and gnocchi.

Are there any aspects of the menu inspired by your family?
Sure, my wife and mother-in-law are both great cooks. We cook a very simple grilled whole fish on the weekend at home, Thai style. I think you will see that pop up.

Dragonfly Fish Market & Kitchen (Doral): Hiro's Story

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 18:41:00 +0000

ai3's team is in the trenches, battling through construction administration on the Dragonfly restaurant in Doral (close to Miami). If you went to U of F, then you may have had a special date night in the original Dragonfly in Gainesville, Florida. While we wait for the dream to take shape, Jillian Rooker and Kellen Minor wanted to introduce you to one of our most creative clients, Hiro, as he builds his empire. Don't worry, we are doing everything we can to get a Dragonfly Atlanta!

Our chat with Hiro Leung
What is the story behind Dragonfly?
We graduated from the University of Florida some time ago (no time... uu hmmmm) with a P.H.D. - Poor, Hungry and Determined- (not the real Ph D., but the hard knock one). Our venture began with the opening of a small sushi joint with not more than ten tables in 1999. My business partner (Song Kim) and I decided to do this until we found "real jobs" like our friends who were going into the corporate world. As the years passed, we absolutely fell in love with what we do.

What were you going to do with your life?
Growing up, I knew I wanted to be in business. I also knew that I never wanted to have a job. I couldn't stand the thought of going to work and doing something, for the rest of my life, that wasn't fun. I was determined to create a life that would allow my passions of creativity, eating, and drinking to intersect. Yes, we have tough days, but to be able to express that on a blank canvas when we open a new restaurant is amazing- and to watching it grow is an absolutely awesome feeling!

Why did you name it Dragonfly?
Sixteen years ago, when we were in search of a name, we wanted a name that represented Asia and symbolized grace, beauty, and enlightenment. We knew the answer was in nature, and the dragonfly spoke to us. The dragonfly is a symbol that represents the grace and beauty of Asia, but for us it goes even further. With eyes that are much larger than its body, the dragonfly reminds us to keep our vision huge but our bodies nimble.

What is it about an authentic fish market that inspired you to include this retail component in Dragonfly Doral?
Japanese culture is all about creating true meaningful connections. When you look at the restaurant landscape in the U.S., it's all the same. We want to be seen as the misfits; the ones that people ask, "Why?" We are driven to push the boundaries of Japanese cuisine beyond Sushi. When we landed on the Doral location, we knew that Seafood was a huge part of the Hispanic culture there, and using the Tsukiji Fish Market as inspiration was a no brainer!

Amongst your travels internationally and nationally, what is your favorite Japanese restaurant?
I have two favorites. One is a hole in the wall in Okinawa Japan. My grandparents used to take me there when I was a child, but it's not there anymore (the owners have passed away). The food was great, but the time spent with my grandparents going to that restaurant was one of my most fulfilling memories.
The second is Kyoto Japan (I know I'm cheating, but the whole area deserves to be mentioned!). The service, food culture and humility found in many of the restaurants there is simply breathtaking. I think there are more Michelin star restaurants in Kyoto than in Paris.

Is there a place in Japan that you find truly inspiring? If so, what is it and why?
Again, I'm blown away by the attention to detail, service, and food that exists in Kyoto. It inspires everything we do.

Hands down, what is going to be the BEST item on the menu at Dragonfly Fish Market & Kitchen (Doral) that everyone must order?
haha... It's going to be a completely new menu and design. We'll feature fresh seafood prepared with the love and inspiration of traditional Japanese comfort food. From our grab-and-go hot and cold dishes to the Dragonfly Izakaya experience, everything will be unique.
If you're reading this... you'll have to come and see!

Smyrna's new tavern

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 18:45:00 +0000

Shared interests and witty debates, from history and through progress, communities develop. Coming together and taken in from scattered places or sources, community centers are created by the people who inhabit them. Only they can designate it, but the casual and familiar, warmth and openness are at its foundation.

We are so excited to announce Smyrna's newest neighborhood tavern, from the guys with Whitehall Tavern. Here's a sneak peek at what is coming soon!

Neocon 2015 Chicago furniture show

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 19:45:00 +0000

Neocon 2015, Chicago, IL
Jillian Rooker

A few of us ladies in the studio set off to the big city of Chicago to see what Neocon was all about this year - and what an experience it was. Neocon is a large furniture trade show focusing on the corporate design market. We dabble in corporate design, so this was an important show for us to attend to see what new innovative options are out there.
We arrived on the Sunday before the show so we could have some time to explore the city. Of course, at the top of our list was to dine at the awesome eateries Chicago has to offer as well as take a tour through Millennium Park. Our first stop was at Purple Pig, a restaurant known for its delicious small plates and laid back atmosphere. It was sweltering outside, but our champagne cocktails hit the spot. We definitely recommend this little restaurant- the food was amazing!

Our tour through the city led us to Millennium Park with our first stop at the Pritzker Pavilion designed by Frank Gehry. Apparently they offer free concerts in this thing, too? Nice!

Of course we had to take the obligatory Bean picture, but we also discovered some beautiful bronze cast sculptures along the way.

That night with the wonderful people from OFS Brands and Interface Carpet, we tried the restaurant Oak + Char. We met with the owner who gave us an informative tour of the space, the story behind the design and his family's background in the restaurant industry. Naturally, we ate it up! (oh, and the food, too :)! Not to mention that all of us were super brave and tried bone marrow for the first time. Whoever said we weren't explorative eaters! (p.s. NOT a fan!)

(Heather's reaction moments after consuming bone marrow for the first time.)

The next morning we set out with lanyards in hand to attend the first day at Neocon. There were a zillion people there as well as a zillion cool furniture pieces, lighting, and textiles to look at. Talk about a lot of visual stimulation. One of our favorite showrooms we visited that day was HBF.

They beautifully curated their furniture and it felt so approachable and sophisticated- clean and contemporary. Nancy Suitt, one of our wonderful sales reps from Main Solutions, took us on an informative tour of all her lines. After HBF, we scurried through Davis, which had fantastic contemporary furniture options for our restaurants and hotel projects.

Upon wrapping up our first day at the show, we were surprised to find out that it was pouring rain outside and waiting for an UBER or a cab back to our hotel would have taken hours. We decided to throw our inhibitions to the wind, roll up our pants, and dredge through the streets of Chicago barefoot and happy - an experience we will never forget!

That evening we all dined at Nico Osteria, a delicious Italian restaurant which not only impressed with some of the best Italian cuisine we've ever had, but also with their unique design aesthetic- such a fun restaurant! Beautiful design detailing- always a treat to get inspired from other talent out there!

(Prosciutto, beets, herbs, and goat cheese- yes, all of these ingredients are wonderful together!)

Our second and final day at Neocon, we visited a ton of showrooms including Coalesse, Knoll, and Jasper Group. Knoll had an awesome felt cushion wall and banquette that we all agreed was super unique - maybe a restaurant application is in this product's future? Heather was floored by the suede tabletop!!! And we were all taken aback by Knoll's new textile line.

(Jasper Group's zoom book shelf- love the fun use of bent plywood.)

No doubt there were some common themes among showroom designs, but the one that stood out the most to us was definitely Haworth. The 1970s were in full effect. Some of us who had never experienced that decade (sorry, Lucy) definitely got to feel what it was like on that showroom floor!

That night we decided to go big (not go home!) and really explore the Chicago restaurant scene. After taking the most death defying UBER ride of our lives, we made it to Girl and the Goat all in one piece. This restaurant is one our clients always benchmark. The atmosphere was buzzing, and we decided to try the goat empanadas along with some signature cocktails. The open kitchen was inviting- we now see what all that fuss is about!

Next on our list was Publican. Again, another restaurant we've always heard about and that our clients love. This restaurant was very unique in its layout. The whole restaurant is comprised of large communal tables that look like they have been hand crafted by a community of talented Amish woodworkers. The signature lighting, a series of warm and glowy globe lights define the entire space, and there is standing room in the middle of everything for those people like us who just want to try a drink. Our cocktails were delicious.

Next up, Momotaro! So cool. Avroko did a wonderful job capturing the Japanese detailing in this space. We believe it's all in the details! Our studio is currently working on a Japanese Izakaya inspired restaurant near Miami, FL and we wanted to experience what a Chicago Japanese restaurant was all about- Very Impressive!

We ordered tons of sushi, nigiri, apps, and naturally, we ended with a chocolatey dessert. The staff was really informative, which is SO important for first timers to the restaurant. All around fantastic experience!

We wrapped up our night after stuffing our faces and passed out at the hotel. Chicago is such a great city to explore delicious cuisine and innovative design. Our Neocon trip of 2015 was one to go down in the books!

ai3 in Milan: Salone del Mobile

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:42:00 +0000

By ai3 Interior Designer, Elisa Gangone:

If you want to see an immense amount of the latest furniture and lighting design, Milan is the place to go!

I attended Salone del Mobile last month, and they weren't kidding when they said it is the largest furniture show in the world. With 22 pavilions featuring the latest trends in furniture and lighting, there was a lot to be inspired by. We look forward to using some of these fantastic resources on our upcoming projects.
In the meantime, here are some of our favorites:

Swarovski Booth Design- Laser cut metal & crystals

Bolon Booth- woven synthetic flooring sculpted into a human face

Movie of Artemide spinning pendant lights

Latest LED technology showing shapes, color temperature

VIBIA light fixture Edge lit panels

Bocce installation of tree-like light fixture

Motion-Sensor Chandelier that replicates human movement beneath it

Wine Display by "elite,TO BE"

TON side chairs in an ombre finish

Diesel Booth- Wood Floor with ombre finish; Seating & lighting by Diesel

Ponte dei Mari- Exterior area of Exhibit Hall in Milan

Glass structure above Ponte dei Mari- Indoor/outdoor roof

Main Hall of Ponte die Mari

Design Goals: Connecting to the Outdoors

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 14:44:00 +0000

Often times it's necessary to get out from behind the computer screen and find inspiration from our own experiences.

A goal for one our of projects is to "Connect to the Outdoors" within each and every space. Our team tackled two initiatives in one afternoon, enjoying Linton Hopkins' new Cafe AND the lush greenery of Atlanta's Botanical Gardens.

Even though everything wasn't in its springtime bloom, nature's radiating, spiraling, curling, organic patterns were exquisite. We were in awe of the contrasting lines outlining details of stems, veins, and connections.

Plant Roots hanging from the roof of the greenhouse

I dare you not to smile :)

ai3 adventures into the Depths of Atlanta's Flatiron Building

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 14:22:00 +0000

Braving the endless, soggy weather in Atlanta, our studio ventured downtown yesterday for a tour of the historic Flatiron Building.

Dan, Jason & Amy have been working on the renovation project for months now, and we finally took a break together to get down to the site and view the many textures and stories ourselves.

Existing Lobby & Main Entry

Central Steel Stair, circa 1897

Typical Tenant Floor, Work in Progress

The Point Side

Cross Bracing Riveted Steel

Detail of Riveted Steel Structure

Original Steel Column

Original Herringbone Patterned Wood Plank and Stone Tile Flooring

Below Peachtree Street

Original Basement Vault

Original Safe Deposit Boxes inside Vault

Original Keys to the Safe Deposit Boxes

Found object in Basement- Gears

Found Piano in the Basement

Don't worry, no communal restrooms planned

Perspective & Self Forgiveness

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 18:40:00 +0000

Today I learned the post office is releasing a "Forever" stamp in honor of Maya Angelou. She died less than a year ago, and on April 4th, she would have been 87 years old.

I keep a note from my mother on my desktop. One of her favorite quotes from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is about self forgiveness, "When I was young I did the best I could. As I grew older, I learned more and I did better."
She also shared a collection of thoughts from one of Maya Angelou's interviews with Oprah, which I read when I need to gain perspective:

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life goes on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life.'"

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug or just a friendly pat on the back..."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

ECHO restaurant - One Year Later at The King and Prince, St. Simons Island

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 13:36:00 +0000

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to Micajah Sturdivant and MMI Hotel Group!

In the year since ECHO restaurant opened in The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island, GA, the design and experience seem to be accomplishing many of the goals our team set out to achieve.

Tell a Story unique to the history of The King and Prince.
Showcase the only Beachfront Dining view in St. Simons
Offer a Destination for both Locals and Guests
Create a Southern Coastal Experience

In the "BEST OF" Awards from Elegant Island Living of St. Simons Island, ECHO was honored in (3) coveted categories, and most importantly, these were voted on by LOCALS and visitors.

Best New Thing about St. Simons Island - ECHO Restaurant
Best New Restaurant - ECHO
Best View from a Restaurant - King and Prince Beach & Gold Resort

I must confess, I am the most excited to be part of this renovation, as my grandparents, parents, uncle, great aunts & uncles, all have memories of dances and dinners at The King & Prince. One of my parents 1st dates was there. To think that my career has the ability to create memories for a whole new generation, is a powerful reminder of why I love what we do.
Thank you, Micajah, for believing in us.

See more photos of every nook & cranny on oyster.com:
http://www.oyster.com/saint-simons-island/hotels/the-king-and-prince-beach-and-golf-resort/photos/restaurants-and-bars/

Check out this "Before & After" profile on Hotel Chatter:
http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2015/2/18/1253/44589/hotels/Before_and_After%3A_St._Simon's_King_and_Prince_Resort_in_Georgia

Cooks & Soldiers - Night out with the ai3 team

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:32:00 +0000

We had the best time last night at the "Friends and Family" dinner for Cooks & Soldiers. The Castellucci Family's 4th restaurant will have its Grand Opening on Monday, November 24th. Those of us connected with the project got a taste of the menu, wine, and the experience of the new design. I snapped a few photographs. Additional settees and lounge chairs for the dining room are stuck in the Buffalo snow storm! Hopefully they will be here soon to complete the design.

Our Love of Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 14:38:00 +0000

We ALL Love Halloween. Here are today's highlights:

Ethan as Patrick (no socks, same shoes- on the desk, glasses in mouth, looking at his iPhone....)

Patrick trying to be a good sport.

Rosie the Mechanic discusses design with Gordon's Fisherman

Amanda's pretty confident with her Frida uni-brow

Another reason not to mess with Elisa- Rockin' Rosie the Mechanic

Too bad Kellen's beer garden project went on hold... He's The Brewmaster

McLean's exquisite Witch Doctor costume

Our awesome studio

ai3 working with team behind Flatiron Building's renovation in Atlanta

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 17:38:00 +0000

The Atlanta Business Chronicle announced yesterday that private equity firm Lucror Resources has purchased the Flatiron Building.
ai3's studio is extremely excited to be part of the team bringing this historic building back to life as a start-up hub for businesses. During our early investigations, we came across these archive photos of the building and learned some pretty cool facts.

Our Owner FINALLY removing the For Sale sign from the Flatiron Building!

Designed by architect Bradford Gilbert, the 11-story Flatiron building was completed in 1897 and is Atlanta's oldest standing skyscraper. So cool! (The Equitable Building that was demolished in 1971 was Atlanta's first skyscraper, built in 1892)

Atlanta's Flatiron Building predates NYC's more famous, of the same name

Architect Bradford Gilbert designed the "skeleton" steel structure to support the floor loads and the exterior wall assembly-
Amazing accomplishment in 1897

The Atlanta Flatiron predates the more famous New York City Flatiron Building by 5 years. While they share the same name, the Atlanta building adopted the popular Flatiron name in 1916. In 1976, the Flatiron Building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and while it has changed its name many times throughout the years, in 1980 the name was changed back to the Flatiron Building.

Check out the advertisement for new tenants- January 1st 1898!!

Nerdy Fact: TV and movie filming is now common place in Atlanta, but back in the day, the Flatiron was home to Matlock's law offices on the popular TV show, "Matlock." (Actor also known as Andy Griffith, Dave.)

When the project is complete, the redevelopment will promote entrepreneurship in downtown Atlanta by creating a collaborative and vibrant environment with workspaces, meeting rooms, and other unique amenities.

Design Inspiration and Dedication

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 20:18:00 +0000

ai3's studio finds design inspiration in many places and in many things.

When a Chef or Owner has a specific concept for their restaurant, we dig deep into the meaning and history of the concept, searching for something unique. We want the story to unfold through design, not through literal references, but in interesting ways that spark conversation.

One of our upcoming restaurants is inspired by the Basque Country. San Sebastian is filled with stunning, visual inspiration, but our research uncovered a tradition that goes back centuries. Basque cider making, in days gone by, occurred on pretty much every farmstead. Each had its own apple press and produced cider for the immediate consumption of family, friends and neighbors.

In each Cider House, there is a person in charge of opening the huge wooden barrels for diners. An orderly queue line follows beside the barrel, and diners catch the cider in a tumbler glass as it pours out in a thin jet.

To honor this tradition, the design team created a feature wall reminiscent of the cider barrels with aged wood and steel straps. Last night, our beloved and truly dedicated, Kellen Minor, worked late into the night staining wood with Dave Peter of Derucki Construction. Sometimes the budget doesn't afford your vision, so you pick up your paint brush to ensure your story can be told. Not ideal, but a dedicated team, nonetheless.

PROCESS: Kellen and Dave working on the wood wall

Inspiration: Basque Cider House barrels

First Layer of Cider Barrel-Inspired Wall

ai3 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 19:05:00 +0000

Leave it to my partners to want bone-chilling ice poured down each other's shirts.

Over 3 million people around the globe have contributed 100 million dollars to the ALS Association, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within 2 to 5 years of diagnosis.

Dan Maas challenged Patrick Johnson in the fundraiser for ALS "Ice Bucket Challenge."
I did NOT mind helping out with the buckets, by the way...
This. Was. Awesome.

There is no cure and only one drug approved by the FDA that modestly extends survival. This incredible fundraising campaign will provide funds for cutting-edge research as well as care and support to people living with ALS.

If you'd like to take the challenge or learn more:
http://www.alsa.org/fight-als/ice-bucket-challenge.html

Congratulations to ai3's new Principals!

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 18:27:00 +0000

It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since we founded ai3. There are amazing clients that helped us get here, but there are also many leaders within ai3 that have contributed to our tremendous success.

Last week we announced 3 new Principals to ai3: Dave Heimbuch, Ann-Marie Lima, and Amy Price. These 3 will help us mentor the studio and shape the next chapter of ai3. If you don't know them, let me share a few things...

Dave Heimbuch

Principal, ai3

Best Partner Holiday Gift: ai3 deck of playing cards. Dave was the Ace.

Ann-Marie Lima

Principal, ai3

Amy Price

Principal, ai3

Amy hosting ai3's Chili Cook-Off

And, Amy WINNING ai3's Chili Cook-Off

Amy: "I never thought in college that one day I'd commission a velvet painting of 'The Dude.'"

Cheese Ball Eating Contest- Dave won. Kerry said her mouth was too small. Right.

This was my favorite Partner Holiday Card. ai3 Mug Shots.

The truck is finally put to rest. Jason gets Ann-Marie a sports car.

New Order was playing on the stereo. Dave used to wear his hair like this in high school.

Surprise! Poster of Ann-Marie's ripped back in her wedding dress. Whoa.

40th birthday- "Manuary Mustache" in final phases of being shaved off

80's era hair do's from Dave and Ann-Marie

And their better-halves, also part of our ai3 family...

Jason and Ann-Marie

Dave, Zoe, and Vanessa.... oh, and Patrick in the back

Amy and Brent

Ryder Price (left) with Quint Johnson

Baby girl Price should be born any minute now....

Thank you Dave, Ann-Marie and Amy!

Here's to the next 10 years of ai3!

ai3's site visit to The Luminary @ Krog Street Market

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 18:31:00 +0000

On Wednesday, the studio ducked out early for a visit to Krog Street Market and a check on construction progress of The Luminary. Used as a teaching experience, we discussed framing details and ceiling transitions. There's always much debate as to whether the space feels larger or smaller once the studs started shaping the space.

View from Dining Room to future patio overlooking Krog Street

Future site of many, many shucked oysters at the Oyster Bar

Discussing how the Kitchen Ceiling transitions from space to space and how it will be hung

View from Dining area back to Oyster Bar and Main Bar- Beautiful natural light coming from the clerestory of warehouse

Area for future stalls outside of the Main Bar are of The Luminary

Future spot of delicious cocktails at the Main Bar

Bar area looking back into the Dining room

The Hipster Business

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 20:16:00 +0000

Recent observations by The New York Times, New York Times Style magazine and Skift, suggest that businesses are trying to cater to the "grunge-meets-geek-meets-grad-school" crowd.

These editorials discuss "Brooklynizing" and Brooklyn's influence on areas in industrial-chic neighborhoods across the world, including Canal-St. Martin, Paris.

I grabbed a few images of hotel designs influenced by this need to feel authentic. One of the first to perfect this industrial-vintage-repurposed style was the Ace Hotel. The Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn and the Hotel FABRIC in Paris are referenced in the below articles.

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/brooklyn-the-brand/
http://skift.com/2013/11/07/what-makes-hipster-hotels-work-from-brooklyn-to-paris/#9

Finding Design Inspiration, wherever we are

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 14:25:00 +0000

Walking on the beach this morning, I noticed the dark mineral deposits streaking through the sand. The soft waves kept coasting across the marble-like veins, and it brought a smile to my face. I knew this was our team's inspiration for the bar top at Common Quarter. That gorgeous stone top is one of the biggest design statements in their renovation and was inspired by Local Three's 4th partner, Chris Talley, who grew up on the beaches of St. Simon's Island.

The patterns of the mineral deposits had me thinking of the many sources of inspiration we have in design and especially patterning. Having been an Interior Designer for almost 20 years, I've heard many, many stories from sales reps of the exotic travels of textile designers and how their travels inspired their latest collection of patterns.

But here I am again on the Florida panhandle, enjoying the beach where we've always vacationed with my son, and I'm admiring all the subtle beach textures. Not particularly exotic, but it was worth snapping a few shots. You never know when it will inspire something new....

Stem Wine Bar & Common Quarter: Final touches before opening

noreply@blogger.com (Lucy) — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 13:37:00 +0000

We installed furniture yesterday in Chef Doug Turbush's new endeavor, Stem Wine Bar. Located next door to Seed Kitchen & Bar, the design concept is very different from Seed with it's rich, dark wood finishes and upholsteries. But with Seed's smashing success, we think the neighbors will embrace this cozy wine bar for a slightly different dining experience as well as it's before & after dinner appeal.

We're setting the LED lights tonight (the green @ the glass racks)

Once all the wine glasses are hung, the back-lighting will create a large chandelier for the space

Just down the road in the Woodlawn Shopping Center, the team of Chef Chris Hall, Ryan Turner, Chef Todd Mussman, and Chris Talley will be opening Common Quarter. We see from Talley's Facebook page that Tuesday, October 8th is the official date.
Inspired by the southern coast and the familiar drives we all take through the southern farm lands, the design has many unique touches.

Lobster cage inspired bar shelving

Installed shelving with shutter canopy over the bar

The new bar top is a Bianco Ondulare stone whose veining reminds us of the mineral deposits in the sand when the water recedes on the Georgia coast.

The private dining room is enclosed by board and batten ceiling and walls with an abstracted charcoal & white, gingham patterned curtain. The featured artwork above the banquette is a nautical chart of the St. Simon's Island and Tybee Island areas, where Co-Owner Chris Talley grew up.

PDR privacy curtain

Nautical Chart of St. Simon's Island and Tybee Island