Blog 11- PSC

Kayla Towns

ID 3311.002

GAINES

29 November 2011

Blog 11- PSC

The field trip to PSC two weeks ago was an absolute whirlwind of knowledge full of exciting new things in the LEED field and an insight into what the inner workings of an architect firm are like. It was very interesting and also exciting to learn about PSC, knowing that someday one of us might be interning and possibly working for them.

As a start, PSC has 270 employees with multiple locations nationwide. Something that was highly recommended for students was taking the NCIDQ after graduating to stabilize credibility in the design field. It was also stated that every material has a story in sustainability and code to tell, referring to all LEED certified products. PSC is very big on the “cradle to cradle” movement, meaning that recyclable materials are broken down and reused and turned into the same material again (also known as the “birth to birth” movement). In the year 2000, PSC was officially up and running for business with one building. Years later, they built a second building just beside the first. To ensure limited monetary spending, PSC runs a yearly Lifecycle Cost Analysis. They used multiple “green” products, such as wall coverings, recycled carpet tiles and wind socks to earn them more LEED points. They also used epoxy paint on the walls, recycled paper ceiling tiles, and have the first “green” roof in Texas. Because of their many efforts, PSC was named the first LEED certified building in Lubbock. Their offices are highly engineered and thought out. The open floorplan is laid out for efficiency and convenience for all employees. Everything at PSC is about reverting “back to nature”. People go outside to relax and enjoy themselves, so their thought is, “Why can’t interior spaces be as pleasing as the outdoors?” Well, they can, and they are so right. If one can understand a client’s needs, they can be better met.

All in all, our visit to PSC was very enjoyable. Much was learned that can be taken away and applied in our future endeavors as interior design and architecture students. Hopefully in the Spring, we can all go back and check out that beautiful “green” roof they have. It has to be gorgeous up there. 

        

Blog 10- Jeff Seal Homes

Kayla Towns

ID 3311.002

GAINES

14 November 2011

Jeff Seal Homes

Last week we went on an amazing tour through a few of what are soon to be the most beautiful homes in Lubbock, Texas. And the question everyone is asking is “Who built these magnificent homes?” Well, the answer is simple, but Jeff Seal and his team are not.

Jeff Seal and his team work hard to approach each new building project with an open mind to the client’s desires and the possibility for change in the design. They are very flexible when it comes to adding or taking out features at the request of their clients. Jeff and his associates work very hard to bring architectural inspiration from different parts of the country and even the world to their home designs. Sometimes they even travel to find inspiration for their work. It is a lot of work to take a house from a floor plan to a finished, built product, but Jeff sees each project through from start to finish. Sometimes it is difficult having an architect and interior designer working under one roof, but Jeff and his designer, Abby do this seamlessly. The homes that they build vary in size, price, and style. They have built homes in multiple styles, such as Modern, Old English, and French. They have not only built here in Lubbock, but many places in Texas and all across the country. Their designs are seamless, beautiful and effortless, which is hard to pull off. Therefore, Jeff and Abby are obviously very talented. They use all types of architectural features, including:

1)      Grand staircases

2)      Domes

3)      Groin vaulting

4)      Barrel vaulting

5)      Arches

6)      Bay windows

The work they do together is absolutely astounding. Anyone that sees a Jeff Seal home will be in awe. I can only hope to be as successful and as talented as Jeff and Abby one day.

Blog 9: Leftwich Chapman

Kayla Towns

ID 3311.002

GAINES

7 November 2011

Blog 9: Leftwich Chapman

Last week, we had a very fun and interesting trip to a local flooring vendor here in town: Leftwich Chapman. I learned so much while we were there and am documenting my findings thus.

Leftwich Chapman is owned by two people, Larry Leftwich and Jo Chapman. They have been in business for 9 and a half years together and deal specifically with retail in custom homes, remodeling, small commercial businesses and insurance claims offices. They have the store split into 3 zones: hard-surface flooring, tile, and carpet. Hard-surface flooring makes up about 65% of their sales and carpet is the remainder with 35%.

Their flooring comes in multiple colors and finishes. My favorite was the Cross-Scraped American Cherry flooring. Beautiful! The Rustic look is one of my favorites and this floor took me back to a warm, cozy cabin up in the mountains that we visit every year. I’d buy that floor, no doubt about it. An Asian import, Bossa Wood, comes in a sheeted veneer. It is not quite as durable as a legitimate wood floor and will break down over time. Another interesting finish was the Leather flooring. It was absolutely beautiful and I couldn’t believe how many different textures there were. This material is meant for heavy residential and light commercial. Some other interesting floors we saw were the High-density Cork and Bamboo. The Cork is great for acoustics, tough and durable, and easy to maintain. Bamboo on the other hand is a little less convenient. Most people do not use Bamboo in their homes because will crack open without enough humidity (checking). However beautiful it may be, this area is not very feasible for Bamboo floors.

In conclusion, I learned a lot from Mr. Chapman on our field trip and will definitely be going back to use his services in the future when I am designing. With their kind service and wide variety of flooring, Leftwich Chapman is the perfect place to send my future clients to.  

Blog 8: Collins Tile and Stone

Kayla Towns

ID 3311.002

GAINES

3 November 2011

Blog 8: Collins Tile and Stone

This past Tuesday, we went as a class to Collins Tile and Stone to learn more about the different kinds of tile, stone and glass and their many applications. This was personally one of my favorite trips we’ve taken. I learned so much from our kind hosts and wanted to share my newly-gained knowledge.

Collins Tile and Stone has been in business since 1984. They sell many types of materials, such as Granite, Marble, Travertine Tile, Limestone, and Synthetic Granite. Granite is an igneous rock that is quarried in Brazil and brought to the states for sale. It is used in kitchen applications, is harder than steel, and has “movement” in it. It can come in a polished, matte, or leathered finish and varies in colors. It also has little flexural strength.

Marble is a metamorphic rock that has a veined texture and is much softer and more absorptive in nature than Granite. It comes from all parts of the world and is used in mainly bathroom applications.

Carrara Marble is a type of marble that is in high demand right now. It is a very popular style for kitchens and bathrooms. It comes in a honed finish for kitchens, but scratches easily.

Travertine Tile is a particular type of tile that is a seabed formation containing fossils and other such items found in the sea floor. It is very hard in nature and very dense. It is also considered sugary or granular.

A new synthetic material has become big recently by the name of Cambria. Cambria is found in North Dakota and is made primarily of natural Quartz. It simulates and creates even movement throughout the slab of stone to ensure equal distribution of color. It is not as scratch and heat resistant as Travertine, but it still does the job well.

Agglomerated Marbles are also sold at Collins Tile and Marble. They are used primarily for bathroom vanities and are a good cost-effective alternative to legitimate marble.

Finally, Corian Stone has become a huge player again here in the last few years. Corian has been used in healthcare and food service locations; however, it has bad cooking applications if one spends much time in the kitchen.

In conclusion, this field trip was very instructive and helped me learn a lot more about different kinds of marble and tile solutions for the home. Maybe someday I can come back and actually purchase one of those beautiful Granite slabs to put in my kitchen and bathroom. I would love that.