Sarah Péreira

We recently chatted with our friend Alexander Loyer Hughes, AIA, an architect with a unique perspective. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺? Alex shared an interesting story. He's from Chile, a country where energy is scarce. Conserving energy is on everyone's mind! 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 In Chile and places like Germany, energy efficiency is part of life. Buildings are designed to save energy. It’s a necessity. But in the U.S.? Many old buildings leak heat like crazy. Ever cracked open a window because the boiler runs non-stop? It’s mind-boggling to those from energy-conscious countries. 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 With new regulations and a focus on sustainability, the lessons Alex learned in Chile are now critical. Modern technologies and techniques, like Passive House, are game changers. Retrofits to make old buildings energy-efficient? It's a whole new world and a fascinating challenge. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 Alex finds retrofitting old buildings to be incredibly motivating. It’s about fixing the past to build a sustainable future.

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What are the best ways to create color combinations for rooms that work well together? In this article, interior designers offer their top five color rules to always follow for every room in the home. #dmvhomes #interiordesign

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Following the 2008 recession, I embarked on a journey into the specialized field of designing for men. Originally branded as Bachelor by Dale, the endeavor aimed to carve out a unique niche amidst the industry noise. What started as a casual exploration gained significance over time as I delved deeper into the essence of designing for men. Through extensive research and numerous conversations, I began to view this project as an application of the principles outlined in "Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus" to the design context. Rather than perpetuating clichés of "bachelor pads," my practice evolved to explore the nuanced differences between male and female cognitive processes. At the heart of my work lies a commitment to refining how designers interact with their clients through thoughtful inquiry. It is evident that a one-size-fits-all approach disregards the actual distinctions between genders. My research reveals a the need for tailored methodologies that resonate with male sensibilities and thought patterns, fostering authentic and meaningful engagement in the design process. Explore my insights of this vision in this concise one-minute video. https://lnkd.in/eiRxpSHc

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‘Aye! Quick down to the rocks!’* oil and vanish on wood canvas panel. 21x23.2cm *Provenance private collection. Winter 2023-24. / an original HI digital image. #ideas #design #art #ideasdesignart #architecture “I sought their subjects in trees and waterfalls and dunes — looking down, at the bottom of the pictures. But when I raise my eyes, I see that their real subject was —had to be — the clouds. The skies have all the relief, the drama” along with the sea “that the land lacks, and are all the more visible … “ “The sky gives this country layers, depth. And because so little interferes with the view of the sky, and because the watery land reflects so much light back onto the clouds, the skies in Holland have an animation they lack in countries at similar latitudes, in the gray drizzle of England or Germany. Neither does Holland have the constant glare of the south. Here, the sky flashes: the instantly recognizable "Dutch light." “In Ruisdael, people may be staffage. But trees aren't, and neither are skies. Many of his pictures are nearly all cloud. In some, the skies take up three-fourths of the picture, and make the very word "landscape" ring false. These are pictures of the sky in which the land is often only incidental, and they reflect the pantheistic feeling that pervades his paintings: nature as a temple, and skies like the vault of a cathedral.” “As light streams through stained glass, it tumbles through Ruisdael's clouds. Far below, the doings of man including me, the man looking at them are never reduced to pettiness or inconsequence.” Quote / The Upside-Down World - Meetings with the Dutch Masters. Benjamin Moser. Liveright Pub Corp. NY NY Div. W W Norton & Co London 2023.

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Charles Eames once said, "Design is a plan for arranging elements in such a way as best to accomplish a particular purpose." This resonates deeply with how we approach projects at KBK Interior Design. Our process, tailored to fit your vision, is meticulous and collaborative—from initial consultation to the magical moment of project completion. Every step is an essential part of the journey: understanding your goals, developing a master plan, and managing the project to fruition. 🛠️💡🏠 We're here to carefully guide you through each facet of the design process, ensuring that the end result not only meets but exceeds your expectations. Visit kbkinteriordesign.com to learn more and to begin your project today. Let’s create something beautiful together. #InteriorDesign #CustomDesign #NJBusiness #NJHome #NJInteriorDesigner #HomeDecor #InteriorDesigner #HomeDecor

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DO COMPUTERS REALLY CREATE "BETTER" DESIGNS??? Well, maybe. As a young intern with DMJM Architects we reluctantly first dabbled in the then-new AutoCAD tools for our 23-story office tower project (Alii Place in Honolulu, Hawaii) -- But 90%+ was still hand drafted on mylar! That's when computers were primarily for word processing, not creativity. We still made blueprints of plans, not large Xerox prints. The Internet had barely just been invented, but was uncommon. No mobile phones or email, just facsimile transmissions (over land-lines). And there were no PDFs. But for every "great" building designed the past 30+ years exclusively via CADD (and related 3-D software programs), I'll show you a hundred throughout prior history that are more handsome, important, and still standing with reverence! Computers are just efficient and faster, yet don't necessarily create a "better" product (given there's so little time to gestate, reflect and improve upon the design). Most projects now seem more temporary, cheaper quality and largely disposable. Well, maybe... © DMJM (design) / Archipedia & Augie Salbosa (photo)

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Umber, a rich and earthy brown, brings warmth and sophistication to any space. It's a versatile color that can be both grounding and inviting, making it an excellent choice for a variety of commercial environments. We recommend incorporating umber in spaces where you want to create a sense of stability and comfort. For example, using umber tones in lobby areas can make guests feel welcomed and at ease as soon as they enter your building. In office spaces, umber accents can provide a cozy yet professional atmosphere, promoting productivity and a sense of calm. Pairing umber with natural materials like wood and stone enhances its organic feel, making it perfect for businesses that want to emphasize sustainability and a connection to nature. It works wonderfully with both modern and traditional designs, offering flexibility in how it's used. We often find ourselves doing a bit of both!

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Rem Koolhaas is one of my favorite architects, and his innovative approach to design profoundly inspires my own work in creating dynamic spaces. One of Koolhaas’s notable contributions is his ability to create spaces that foster interaction and engagement. His designs prioritize flexibility and adaptability, essential qualities in commercial interiors that must accommodate varying business needs and evolving consumer behaviors. This approach not only enhances the utility of spaces but also contributes to tenant satisfaction and retention, as businesses find these environments conducive to productivity and collaboration. Moreover, Koolhaas’s emphasis on transparency and openness in commercial interiors revolutionizes the traditional office concept. By integrating elements such as open floor plans, glass partitions, and communal areas, he fosters a sense of community and inclusivity. This paradigm shift moves away from isolated cubicles towards more collaborative and interactive spaces, aligning with modern work culture. In essence, Rem Koolhaas’s impact on commercial interiors extends beyond aesthetic appeal, influencing how spaces function and interact with their occupants. His visionary designs continue to inspire and set new benchmarks in the architectural realm, shaping the future of commercial interiors towards more dynamic and human-centric environments.

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The Evolution of Dining Spaces: What's Your Take? M. Nolan Gray recently explored the decline of dining rooms in an article published in The Atlantic, Why Dining Rooms Are Disappearing From American Homes. 🍽️ How do you feel about the traditional dining room? As homes and apartments evolve, the need for dedicated dining spaces is being reconsidered. Some argue that square footage is better utilized with functional areas like pantries or back kitchens, while others see the value in retaining a space for connection and community. 🍽️ We'd love to hear your perspective on the following: - Do you prioritize functionality or tradition in your home design? - Have you adapted your dining space to suit your lifestyle? - What role do you see dining rooms playing in the future of home design? Share your thoughts and let's continue the conversation! #DiningRooms #HomeDesign #FunctionalityVsTradition #EvolutionOfSpace #CommunityBuilding Article link >>https://lnkd.in/grcyHDFW

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Experiential designers, architects, builders, and makers - there is less than a week away to tour the Crunchyroll San Francisco HQ in person! Registration closes Sunday, so sign up ASAP. Just a couple weeks ago I was standing outside of San Jose’s convention center watching as a sea of cosplayers dressed up as One Piece characters gathered for a photo. The whole amphitheater was filled with people waiting for their photo opportunity while onlookers smiled and snuck photos. Fanime is one of the most unique celebrations and it just so happens it is hosted in the South Bay every year. While I was at the event, I recalled my experience working as a graphics designer on the Crunchyroll San Francisco HQ. As someone who is a fan of anime as well as a practitioner of design and workplace experience, it was sort of a dream project. Seeing the crowd of fans smiling and celebrating their favorite shows reminded me why we experiential design exists in the workplace. Companies have an incredible opportunity to create connections between people. Comfort and efficiency will always be a concern for every building typology, but a workplace can act as the home base for teams. Culture is not created by words and pictures on walls, but it can play a part in reflecting it. It’s the same as putting photos of people and places near to us in our own homes. It is an expression of the things we value - and design can be a part of helping realize that vision. If you want to have an opportunity to check out the amazing Crunchyroll HQ and see how their office celebrates their mission, now is your chance. Sign up with the link below. Photo: Crunchyroll HQ conference room with a custom graphic refencing One Piece. Fanime 2024 with a sea (ocean?) of fans gathering in One Piece cosplay. https://lnkd.in/gYsXSi-Y

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Architects often specify commercial structurally glazed curtainwall for tall residential applications and that takes much more planning and a very specialized installation team most residential window companies do not have. It is not just bigger fixed windows and the $/SF is going to be much higher than storefront. The system needs interior steel beam support to anchor to as you can see in these photos and the entire system needs to be detailed by a specialist façade or fenestration engineer. Waterproofing is extremely critical and differs from what most window companies are used to with residential windows. Much larger shim space is called out to accommodate stretch during deflection, expansion and contraction. Curtainwall systems vary widely in how they are hurricane approved, often with limited glass sizes and pressure caps and the much bigger frames at 4' wide create a very different feel from 5' wide. I help architects, builders, and owners select, specify, and detail luxury residential hurricane glazing systems without manufacturer or dealer biases. From just one hour to as many hours as you need a glazing expert for your project. I also give classes in all aspects of hurricane windows and doors on glass aesthetics and energy performance, manufacturer product overviews, detailed installation planning and best practices, and understanding hurricane product approvals. #construction #architecture #design #luxurymiamirealestate #caribbeanrealestate #miamirealestate #luxurydesign #luxuryarchitecture #windowsanddoors #architecturedesign #coastalhomes #builders #beachhomes #coastalliving #designers #luxuryhomes #architectureanddesign #contemporarydesign #architecturelovers

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Because sustainability and wellness are at the heart of everything we do!

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Sustainable Design Enhances Multifamily Living Check out this insightful article from Multi-Housing News that highlights how sustainable design strategies are enhancing #multifamily living spaces. The article explores some of the key ways developers and architects are making multifamily housing greener and more efficient. This includes implementing energy-saving features such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, and improved insulation to reduce utility costs and environmental impact. We understand the growing demand from residents for green living spaces that promote health and sustainability. By prioritizing sustainable design principles like these, we can create multifamily communities that are not only cost-effective to operate but also provide a more comfortable, environmentally conscious living experience. Ready to explore how sustainable design can enhance your next multifamily project? Let's talk and brainstorm ideas to make your vision a reality! https://lnkd.in/gB5r_fAJ #SustainableDesign #ArchitectureInnovation #BuildingDesign #InnovativeDesign 

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What They Don’t Teach In Design School With Guest Kate Lester Design schools tend to focus on the creative process in interior design, but fall short when it comes to teaching the business side of the industry. In this episode of Inside Design, our incredibly talented friend and colleague, Kate Lester, shares valuable insights to help you run a more successful design business! SPONSOR: Norwalk Furniture Listen to today’s episode here: https://spoti.fi/3I46Lve?? Watch today’s episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gwa7jsui Key Takeaways: 1. Get at least five years of real world experience before you even THINK of going out on your own. Make mistakes on someone else’s dime first. 2. If your scope of work is very fluid and your efficiency is at the mercy of others (i.e. contractors), billing hourly vs flat fee is the smarter way to go. 3. Above all, stay in your lane and remain true to yourself no matter what your creative peers are doing! #NorwalkFurniture, #InsideDesignPodcast, #KandracAndKole, #WomenPodcasters, #InteriorDesignBusiness, #MarketResearch, #BusinessTips, #KnowYourMarket, #KateLester,

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One of CannonDesign ambitions, The Big Rethink, is all about flipping the tables on conventions and embracing the unexpected. SRG + CannonDesign did exactly that when designing two parking garages for a renowned athletic company. These next-generation structures redefine the typical parking experience by prioritizing placemaking and creating substantial spaces for pedestrian and recreational use. By rethinking the design and purpose of buildings like parking structures, we can transform mundane moments into opportunities for inspiration and connection, fundamentally reshaping what it means to navigate our cities and communities. 🚗 Learn more in this piece by Aaron Pleskac. https://lnkd.in/gNKDX_G2

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