It’s a pretty safe guess that more often than not, we simply don’t address the exterior living environment because it seems more challenging than our interior space. Most of us have grown up in a home environment (although I have met a few individuals that might be suspect of that experience…) so we have a general idea of how to use interior space effectively. But, until somewhat recently, exterior space has been relegated to: large expanses of lawn, a few shrubs, perhaps a vegetable garden and maybe a designated “patio space” (ie 8’x10’ concrete slab) usually sporting a decent size grill, large round table with center-placed operable umbrella, and a few large pots for annual flowers. Although this is a perfectly suitable option, I believe with a few additional considerations, the outdoor living space can be an inspirational addition to your environment.

It’s no secret that increasing useable exterior living space adds value of your home, it also offers options for everyday living or entertaining, and can help a smaller interior “live larger”. Personally, I choose to live “smaller interior space – larger exterior space” for two main reasons: (a) I now reside in a part of the country where I can be outside 11.5 months out of the year and (b) I’m also our household “cleaning lady”. Determining how you would like to live outside is based on a number of factors, beginning with usable space, usually followed by budget; with few exceptions, you can pretty much expand, or duplicate, any interior function to the exterior, it’s just a matter of scale and flexibility.

As a discussion point, I am including an example from architect Massimo Iosa Ghini, that exemplifies destination, shelter, dining, relaxation, and garden – all in one structure. The solution can be modified to address multiple aesthetic choices – inclusive of planting materials. The plantings chosen can range from succulents for low-water use, to herbs and vegetables such as beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, melons etc for those who wish to grow their own food.

Another element to consider when working in flexible space is furniture. Dror Benshetrit has blended a perfect, small scale solution of functional art with The Pick chair.

For those who have the luxury of space, Marcel Wanders has mastered another dramatic furniture expression with his bon bon gold chair; with proper lighting, this art piece could be a focal point in the garden at night.

Clearly, both The Pick and bon bon gold would be just as appropriate within the interior environment as well as the exterior, making these pieces even more valuable to the furniture portion of the budget. But furniture isn’t the only consideration for Double-Time elements. 10×10 Design Consultants very smartly addressed texture, lighting, acoustics and perimeter space with the application of back-lit floating panels. This application is obviously appropriate for interior space, and could be interpreted in exterior space as a “stone wall” in the garden environment, exemplified by the “pergola” extending from the face of the space.

So when developing your exterior space, just consider the same elements you would for your interior space; create your wish list, set your budget, combine functional elements where possible, make your master-plan, and enjoy the process of developing your outdoor environment.

it’s a big subject; the choices are practically unlimited, so where do you start???

When beginning your project, it’s important to remember that “good color application” is a concept that is culturally learned and accepted….and, this doesn’t always mean geography.

Perhaps in your childhood home all the walls were white; I have no idea what color the walls were in my parents home because my mother covered just about every square inch with a family photo or some other piece of “artwork” (note: living with neutral – practically bare – walls at this point in my life). Regardless, your initial “learned” sense of applied color is probably from your home environment – for some of us, this may have been a tragic beginning, for others, one of harmony and balance (reflect on your luck – and share your wisdom!).

In all fairness to our parents, color selection can be over-whelming, and if you are not predisposed to applying color to product, whether it be a wall or an automobile, choosing the “right colors” can send just about anyone into a sea of frustration. The bottom line here: there are no bad colors, just bad applications of color (except for mauve – there is no excuse for this depressing, pointless color).

The old adage “mother Nature knows best” can be applied to many situations, and most certainly, color. It is consistently impressive how the natural palette inherently balances purpose and place, albeit camouflage or standout singularity, the right combination is appropriated to the right condition. As masters of our universe, we choose our setting; whether man-made or “natural”, the intensity and distribution of color can be manipulated to create a sense of excitement, calm, pointed impact, subtle gesture or just about anything in between.

To demonstrate two extremes, I will include one photo of a natural setting and show how the color palette from this setting achieves two very different outcomes. The photo on the left is taken in Ireland, outside of Dublin; the color palette very diverse, equally subtle, and rich in texture. The photo on the right exemplifies the neutrality of the mountain range, while highlighting the orange and green tones in the breadbasket and water glass; the large granite rock in the mountain range is mimicked in the table setting by the flatware. Both environments reflect how the application, balance, and distribution of color can instill a sense of repose.

“Serenity not now”???? Believe it or not, the same palette can be enhanced, intensified and redistributed to create an entirely new experience. In the street corridor below (Temple Bar, for those who might recognize this area) the undertones of color are significantly amplified, yet still balanced in distribution so that energy, not chaos, is created; the environment feels exciting, alive, and if you have ever been there, definitely energetic.

So…..from one natural setting, two entirely different experiences can result; your mood, or perhaps your childhood, will probably determine your preference.

Repurposing seemingly unusable materials….

check out what a few smart designers in Vancouver BC built with their find of 6,000 books…. Read the fully story as published in Interior Design Magazine The Fashion Olympics

this may inspire a trip to the used book store!

GDEA Design ExcellEnce Award
RGM Advisors

AIA Chicago – Special Recognition
Metropolitan Capital Bank

Solutia Ultron DOC Award
Comcast Spotlight

ASID Illinois  – Design Excellence
Metropolitan Capital Bank

ASID Illinois  – Design Excellence
Comcast Spotlight

PUBLICATIONS

Contract Magazine
June 2007 “Staying Cool” – Orbitz

Crains Chicago Business
March 20, 2006 – Re: Staubach Midwest

AIA Illinois Focus
June 2005 – Comcast Spotlight

RGM Advisors | Austin, TX
33,422sf | full service interior design – Investment firm

Polsinelli, Shugart, LLC | St. Louis, MO
81,000sf | full service interior design – law firm

Springbox | Austin, TX
7,000sf | full service interior design – interactive marketing

T.Y. Lin International | Chicago, IL
19.899sf | full service interior design – civil engineering

Bovis-Lend Lease Retail & Communities | Chicago, IL
3,500sf | full service interior design – LEED Certified (pending)

Confidential Financial Institution | Chicago Suburbs
160,000sf | interior design as consultant to Architect

True Partners | Chicago, NY, LA, Tampa
2,500sf each | prototype branding and design concept development and implementation for start-up consulting firm

Orbitz | Chicago, IL
141,000sf | design concept and development

Staubach Midwest | Chicago, IL
14,844sf | full service interior design

32,500sf & 7,600sf | full service interior design

University of Chicago Law School | Chicago, IL
104,000sf | full service interior design – Library Tower

University of Chicago Law School | Chicago, Il
24,000sf | full service interior design – Classrooms

Metropolitan Capital Bank | Chicago, IL
7,500sf | full service interior design

Pharmacia | Cincinnati, Dallas, Orange County
20,000sf each | full service interior design – Sales Office

Bank of America | Chicago, IL
200,000sf | full service interior design – check processing facility and offices

Northwestern Mutual Financial | Chicago, IL
15,000sf | full service interior design – regional office

Bank of America | Chicago, IL
200,000sf | full service interior design – check processing facility and offices

With 14 years experience in one of the largest markets in the country, Lance has lead the design and management of interior environments for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to young start-ups.  His project opportunities have allowed him to create experiential design through various vehicles whether interior environments, custom furniture pieces that explore context and process, thereby enhancing the user experience. He will be the client liaison for the entirety of your project, and will be responsible for coordinating all consultants and the contractor.

Lance received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Texas; he is a Registered Interior Designer in the State of Texas and is also a LEED® Accredited Professional. He returned to his native Texas after working in Chicago for 12 years.