CONSTRUCTION: Metal Inlays
As designers, we are trained to consider and analyze every detail, understanding how each element enhances and completes our designs. During construction, details may need to adapt to site conditions, but as long as they support the overall design concept, they will be successful.
We take pride in showcasing our successful details, one of which is our custom brass inlay at The Dean. An inlay is placed in a poured floor, such as terrazzo or concrete. These types of floors require control joints to mitigate cracking and allow for movement during contraction and expansion. We like to use control joints as a design feature. The joints can be left as saw cuts that are filled or unfilled, or you can use a metal or plastic inlay. Aesthetically, we prefer metal inlays, matching them with the project's standard metal finish.
Other than control joints, these floor types are also great for making custom graphic designs. For example, the image below features the name of the building, 'The Dean,' crafted in brass and laid into the floor. While this approach is commonly used for commercial and hospitality spaces, we believe it could also work beautifully in residential settings.
ART: Installation
Marie Fisher Interior Design commissioned artist Liz Robb to create a large woven piece for our entry. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
Art is the secret ingredient in any interior design project. It's the magic that can jazz up a room or bring in a wave of tranquility, depending on the feeling you're after.
Typically, our art installations involve elegant framing, skillfully hung by our trusted team to ensure they are perfectly straight and snug on the wall.
However, there are times when we need to get creative, whether it's working around budget limits or creating something to fit the design concept.
One such installation was for an art piece by Liz Robb. We commissioned her to create a large woven piece for our entry and then the installation was expertly coordinated by the Marie Fisher Design team. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
CONSTRUCTION: Tile Layout
By the time that construction begins, our design team knows every detail. During this phase, inevitably, questions and problems will arise. Our job and goal as the designers is to ensure that the design intent remains intact and that the drawings are interpreted correctly by the construction team. We are there to answer questions in great detail and solve problems with solutions that are in keeping with the original design.
Our team, collectively, has over thirty years of experience in design and construction. However, every project has its unique challenges, yet we view these challenges not as problems but as design opportunities.
We will be chronicling these construction challenges and solutions on our blog, so come back to see how we transform and construct spaces.
By the time construction begins, our design team knows every detail inside out. During this phase, questions and challenges inevitably arise. Our mission as designers is to ensure the design intent remains intact and that the construction team interprets the drawings correctly. We're here to answer questions thoroughly and provide solutions that align with the original design vision.
With over thirty years of experience in design and construction, our team is well-equipped to tackle any challenge. We see these challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for creative design.
We'll be chronicling these construction adventures and solutions on our blog, so be sure to check back and see how we transform and build amazing spaces.
Even though the tile design was labeled as "random," we wanted to ensure the installer understood our vision.
Marie created a standard layout to eliminate any doubts about our desired outcome.
Field dimensions don’t always match what’s shown in the interior drawings.
So, we created a new tile layout to fit the as-built dimensions, making it even more detailed for our installers this time.
BEFORE AND AFTER: Metropolitan
The Metropolitan Apartments amenities in San Mateo were in dire need of a facelift. The dark stone, wood, and floors were oppressive to the residents, so we aimed to provide something bright and refreshing. In the clubroom, we started with a clean, white backdrop featuring an epoxy floor and Benjamin Moore’s Decorator White walls. We then added a custom acoustic green ceiling, bright accent furniture, and a warm oak wood wall to punctuate the space with vibrant, welcoming elements.
For the conference room, we removed all the dark, visually heavy built-in casework and started with a fresh white backdrop. We replaced the dark elements with green shelving and incorporated bright accent furniture to create a lighter, more vibrant space.
NORTH BEACH LIBRARY
"The exterior is assertive without being flamboyant; the reading room, in its own modest way, is one of the best interior spaces you'll find in a local civic building." - John King
The North Beach Library was highly anticipated by the community for good reason! You can read more about the library in John King's article "How new North Beach library rewrites architectural rule book". Marie Fisher Interior Design is proud to have been part of such an outstanding design team with Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects.