Inspiration

We're about to begin construction on a second-story addition in Palo Alto.  It feels great to get to this point, when the contractor has been selected and we have a permit in hand.  It signals the beginning of having our ideas come to life, but it's also a celebration of what we've accomplished to date: design charrettes, planning review, finish selections, details, construction documents, permit procurement... and those are just the major milestones.

Along the way we generate a ton of drawings.  Some are precise, drawn in CAD and printed on large sheets; others are quick (and for me, pretty chicken-scratchy) to focus on a small aspect. 

I like to think about the project as a whole, solidify the design concept, then work myself down gradually to the smaller details and make sure that the concept is infused throughout.  Windows are pretty early in that spectrum, since they are a direct response to the owner's needs, the room layout, sun orientation, views, and glazing sizes.  Windows also have many components, and they all need to be considered as part of the architectural language as a whole.  And there are multiple possible solutions.  Thus, the stream-of-consciousness chicken-scratching.  I thoroughly enjoy this process and do it as often as I can (although you are probably wondering why my sketching abilities don't seem to improve over time).

Eventually, many are ruled out and I'm left with a handful that I know I'd be happy with.  Then we generate the exterior elevations so that the owners can ultimately decide what resonates the most for them.  And onward to the next detail.  Onward!

I recently moved into a new house, and I just want to share some of the things that have been inspiring me. The first thing that caught my attention with this house is all of the amazing natural light. It's incredible how much natural light can invigorate a space. Not only do we have amazing windows, but many of them are placed at corners, which really emphasize the connection I feel with whatever is going on outside. This little reading corner has become my favorite place in the house. I just love sitting and enjoying the sun, a good book, and the beautiful roses right outside the window. 

I've also been making more of an effort to eat better. Eat good, feel good - right? Well it sure helps when you love the place you're cooking and eating in. This dinner is comprised of arugula, couscous, sautéed veggies, prosciutto, apricots, goat cheese, and sunflower seeds. For dessert, my roommate showed me how easy it is to make a fruit crumble with fresh raspberries from our garden. Just sprinkle with a mixture of flower, sugar, butter, and oats. Deliciousssss. 

view of Mt. Hood from Silver Star MountainLost Coast Hike in northern California

As a new member of the Ogawa Fisher team, I’m excited to be taking part in the blog-osphere.

I’m a native of Austin, Texas and a proud University of Texas Longhorn. I received my Bachelor of Architecture in 2012 and shortly after made the cross-country move up to Portland, OR. I’ve since been exploring the endless beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Traveling to places both near and far, experiencing new people, places, and landscapes has become a necessity for my soul. The changing seasons of the region allow for different explorations and activities during different times of the year. From snowboarding the snowy slopes of Mt Hood to biking and backpacking around the Columbia River Gorge, there is always more exploring to do.

My interest in architecture lies with how the built environment affects the people who interact with it. Particularly, with the power of design to improve lives and empower people and the communities they live in. So, I’m excited to be learning from Hiromi and Lynn, as each OFA project is a reflection of the clients' wants and dreams.

It seems a little strange to post about a love for wood on a day when we declare love for other humans, but maybe it's appropriate, given what we do every day.  At a job site in Berkeley, the carpenters are currently constucting a newel post out of douglas fir, and the grain was just gorgeous, my heart started beating a little faster when I saw this piece. 

I hope someone (or something!) is setting your heart a flutter today.

Happy Valentine's Day!