Design. So how does it work?
So how does design really work? What is the process that allows us to take ideas and dreams and make them a reality? Read on, and we will show you how the magic is made!
One little spark.....
It all starts with an idea, a spark of inspiration you might say. In this example the client wanted to replicate the feel of the library at the Frick Museum in New York City. The client provided us with photographs of things he liked, and we also traveled with the client to New York City to view and study the details of the room in person, so we could better understand the ideas and concepts our client had for the new library.
Developing concepts and ideas.....
This is where the fun begins, trying to come up with ideas and new designs and see how the client likes them. Sometimes we hit the nail on the head, and sometimes we miss. Sometimes it just takes a little or a whole lot of refinement, but in the end everything begins to fall into place and we begin to take the concepts and ideas and prepare to turn them into conceptual drawings and working plans.
Custom or catalog?
Every job has a budget and one of the things we have to determine is whether we will create something from scratch, or whether we use materials from other suppliers. Unlike practically every other ornament company in America, we are unique in that we both manufacture and purchase materials. Some of our custom work can only be done in house, but in many cases materials exist that we can integrate into our designs which will save the client both time and money. Also each material has different applications and finishes. Plaster is usually painted for example, while compo can be both painted or stained. In the end all the materials chosen will be integrated flawlessly into the design creating that totally unified and seamless look.
Drawings? What do we need those for?
Much of what we design we fabricate in-house, and sometimes we have it fabricated for us. Regardless, each project must have a set of plans to work from. Many clients don't understand the time it takes to create working drawings and plans from which to build from. Every drawing is a picture which must convey to the fabricators and installers what it will be, what it must look like and how it all fits together. Leaving out a component could leave us with a big headache! We use both our hand drafting and our computer-aided design skills to create a set of working plans for each and every project.
Fabrication. Where the fun really begins!
Making ornament is so much fun! We love to pick up our tools, don our aprons and start creating really cool stuff for our clients. We spend hours, days, weeks and even months fabricating and manufacturing each piece that will be used in each design. Some parts are big and some parts are small, but we strive to make every part to the best of our ability. Making plaster is one of our favorite things to do. We love getting our hands into the wet plaster. We often sculpt our designs in clay and make moulds of the models to cast parts from. Sometimes we use wood, epoxy or urethane and occasionally other materials such as concrete or sign board. In the end it's just fun to make really cool things.
Installation and Finishing. Be patient we are almost done!
The two most exciting days for a client are usually the day we begin installation and the day we are finished and pack up to leave. This is usually a time of great excitement for our clients. Each job begins with laying out the design, and preparing the room and materials for installation. Sometimes it takes many trips to the miter box to get that piece of moulding cut so it fits just right. Eventually all the parts and pieces are installed and turned over to our finishers who have previously met with our clients to create the finishes that will give the room it's finishing touch. Depending on what the job requirements are, in addition to our installers, we use plasterers, carpenters, painters, decorative artist and guilders to complete each installation. Be patient, because when it is done....WOW!
One last thing....
So there you have it, the basics of how we, at Ashworth Design design, fabricate and install a beautiful room. It's not easy and it takes a great deal of effort and time, but it is always worth the wait. Great design is usually an evolution of ideas, more ideas, research, time and a little bit of pixie dust thrown in. The result however, is a room, ceiling, or project that brings lots of oohs and aahs to those seeing it for the first time.
Ashworth Design ©2017 Specializing in Ornamental Plaster, Composition Ornament, 409.273.9395
Houston/Atlanta Themed Interior Design, Fabrication and Installation.
Houston/Atlanta Themed Interior Design, Fabrication and Installation.