Helping Mind

I have always loved solving spatial problems. When I was very young I came up with the redesigned for my family's home kitchen and eating area in what seemed like 30 seconds. I might have been 12 yet to me it was such an obvious solution.

The redesign proved perfect for the space and my family. Though out the years I've always had this yearning to either do interiors or architecture but the schools either were uninspiring or I found the actual study of architecture to be more then I was willing to flex for. Friends call to do their interior color palette, tell them where to hang things or if it will 'go' within their space. But I've always wanted to do more. 

So when a good friend asked for help to remodel/renovate/tear apart her home I was immediately sucked into the task. Thinking about new spaces for her, her husband and 6 month old son. Endless sketching floorplan ideas. I love this phase of a design project. The early time when you can dream.

I know her pretty well but it's always interesting to hear what people have to say about the space they are in and the new space they envision. The old space seems to contribute to their lack of well being which it definitely can when you are feeling cramped and overwhelmed by a new baby. While the new space should liberate them from the yoke of not having enough space.

Many Americans believe that it is a birth right to have a lot of space. I'm certainly one of them. But we forget to recycle stuff we no longer need or want. We are always ready to acquire but forget to discard. 

This is going to be a big remodel so there will be a lot of interesting thoughts, interactions, and ideas flying around. She will hire someone to draft up the final floor plans. I'm going to position myself as an idea person creating sketches and possible 3D renderings in Second Life. I never liked the drafting stage. Never good with the details but love the big picture.

Since my friend and her husband are fortunately not the Mac Mansion type I'm reading Susanka's Not So Big House series and thumbing through lots of Dwell issues. We're in the NW so we try to be thoughtful design freaks with a touch of green power when we can afford it. 

This Tuesday we meet for our first design meetings. 

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December 09, 2006
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