We are proud to be a part of this incredible project that will add to the revitalization of downtown Great Falls.

Phase 1 cleanup is complete, and Phase 2 is fully under way. In Phase 2, this historical property will get an all-new roof, new roof structure at fire damaged areas, new windows, restored masonry, and terracotta and will be, once again, weathertight.

Phase 3 will complete the storefront glass/door system on ground floor, sidewalks, and 6 floors of outpatient healthcare including 2 new elevators. The total project construction is valued at $27M.

As the holidays approach many people start to think of what they are thankful for. As a chance to get to know all the Architects and Designers in the office a little better, I thought I would ask everyone what Architectural Feature they are most thankful for and why!

Ryan, Principal Architect: Pergolas

“I am thankful for the pergola as a design element. It is transitionary in nature and provides a delicate juxtaposition to the solid mass of the main structure it is placed against. It is using biophilia as the human-built version of the tree canopy that allows the wind, sunlight, and the rain to pass, yet still providing a sense of protection from each.”

Tyson, Principal Architect: Storefront Windows

“The best design element is the window. This allows the opportunity for magnificent views to provide that link to nature or the environment while protecting from the elements. Windows can be operable to provide temperature control, natural lighting, or personal access between space. Windows can elevate the character of the face. To inform viewers of what is happening in the space or a reflective affect to tie into its surrounds.”

Craig, Sr. Production Coordinator: Vestibules

“Vestibules, also known as Arctic Entries, are smaller enclosed spaces that connect the outer door of a building to the core building space and reduce temperature fluctuations. They are very common in places with colder winters, as they serve as a heat barrier. Here in Montana our winters average 15 degrees Fahrenheit as the high, but we can easily see -30 degrees Fahrenheit as our low. Vestibules are lifesavers in the winter as they protect everyone inside of the building from the blast of frigid air every time the front door opens.”

Alyssa, Production Designer: Four-Season Porch

“ A favorite feature of mine would have to be the four- season porch. Whether it is fond memories sitting around a table with friends and family on a cool summer evening or lounging in a sun-streaked spot on the sofa sipping coffee, while autumn winds wisp away the remaining leaves clinging to their trees. The porch is a go to for guest entertainment and solidarity time to relaxing. As someone who spends most of my free time outdoors, the melding of the indoor comforts and outdoor atmosphere is just grand in my opinion.”

Julianne, Interior Designer: Interior Courtyards

Courtyards themselves have been a large part of residential architecture for centuries. They have been
utilized and uniquely interpreted by a wide span of cultures. Today interior courtyards are more
commonly seen in Europe and Asia but have become increasingly popular in modern residential design. I
love the idea of having your own personal oasis within your home, allowing you to bring in natural
features to the space.

This month we are saying goodbye to one of our team members, Sydney Ridings- Interior Designer, as she is embarking on a new journey across the country. We thought we would ask Sydney a few questions looking back on her time with Nelson Architects and share them with you.

I began my interior design career at Nelson Architects in 2017. During this time, I have had opportunities to work on many design projects including: educational, retail, corporate, and medical settings. I have enjoyed my job and have had fun too. I am thankful that I was able to start my career as a designer at Nelson Architects because I was able to work with good people and this makes design fun.

What was your favorite project to work on? Why?

The Great Falls College MSU Dental Clinic has been one of my favorite projects because I worked collaboratively with the client to ensure their design needs were met. A priority for their staff was storage and organization and it was rewarding to design solutions for them.

What creates the biggest tensions or challenges in your work?

A big challenge of late has been the availability of products due to the pandemic. Some manufacturers have shut down or decreased production which has drastically extended lead time for product availability. In order to meet tight construction deadlines some finishes needed to be changed and resourced and this has been challenging.

How do you create a flawless interior? Design and detail wise?

A flawless interior is created by ensuring close collaboration and communication with owners and construction teams. For example with the Great Falls College MSU Dental Clinic our team met with our client extensively to better understand their vision. This collaboration allowed me to design specific and unique solutions for the project.

How has your idea of the design world evolved since you began working?

The design projects I worked on in school were hypothetical and we did not have precise schedules, budgets, or tight lead times. Working at Nelson Architects, I quickly learned how these elements affect the success of a project. At first, I thought budget constrictions would limit my creativity, but that was not the case!

How have your aesthetic choices changed since you began your career?

My personal aesthetic choices have not changed only solidified. I prefer clean, white, cozy spaces with accent colors to add vibrancy and personality to a space. I follow design trends but, my personal style has remained the same.

What is something you wish more designers would do? Is there an obligation the design community is not honoring, in your opinion?

It would be beneficial to have more opportunity for interior designers to meet and develop camaraderie. This time together would allow designers to learn from each other by sharing product information and inspiration and our love of design.

What will you miss most about your time with the firm?

What I will miss most about working with the Nelson team is the friendships I have developed. I feel blessed to have met some amazing people and will cherish these friendships.

What is next for your future?

My husband and I are moving to his hometown Nashville, Tennessee. Moving to this large city will be a drastic change for me, but I am looking forward to exploring the interior design opportunities available there. I am also excited about exploring all the fun opportunities that Nashville offers.

How can clients keep in touch with your next moves?

I will keep in touch with my clients via Instagram and YouTube. In my free time I will continue to vlog and share my adventures. You can fine me on Instagram @sydneyjridings or on YouTube by searching for Sydney Ridings.

Good Luck on your new adventure Sydney!

by Makayla Murphy, Nelson Architects Student Intern

As my time in the School of Architecture at Montana State University comes to an end, I look back on my time as a student. I have learned a lot, not just about the career that I will be pursuing after I graduate in December, but the skills I acquired to make it through the architecture program. Many of these skills I learned a lot later in my college career but hope that new incoming students can learn them sooner than I did.

6. Remember to Eat, Sleep, and Move Around

The culture in architecture school can sometimes be unhealthy. You spend long nights working on projects. Your professors assign you a mountain of homework that is due the next time you meet. It is so easy to get caught up on getting your work done that you forget to perform the necessary survival skills needed to stay physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. This is one the most important words of advice that I can give: remember that you need to eat, sleep, and get out of your desk chair.

It is so easy to say, “Let me just finish this first, and then I’ll sleep/eat” These activities may seem like they take up too much of your precious time. In reality, they are so essential in getting an assignment done. Food fuels your body and keeps your brain ready to focus on your work. Sleep allows your brain to rest and allows it to recuperate from its long day of work. Even two or three hours of sleep during a night that you believe should be an all-nighter will allow you to produce better quality work and be ready to present it in the morning.

Finally, you need to take breaks! Get out of your chair and go do an activity. Cook a nice dinner, take a walk, go exercise. Having a minimum of thirty minutes of activity a day will allow your body to get some needed physical activity. When you get back to the task at hand, you will find yourself more productive and possibly will see a new angle on your project.

7. How to Choose the Right Professor

Depending on your school, you may have limited options for selecting specific professors. One of the few times you get a choice in professor is for the studio style classes. Here you get four or five choices. During the first year or two, it this doesn’t matter as much, especially because you are not familiar with who most of the professors are. When you get to know a little more about your design style and get into the upper years of college, professor choice is a lot more critical.

I would suggest that you choose professors based on their specialties. When I began selecting my studio professors, I mainly looked at who valued hand drafting versus who valued drawings done on the computer. The first year or two are perfect for professors who value hand drafting. Hand drafting allows you to get a feel for line weights and how to get your thoughts from your head onto paper. It is when you get into the last couple years of school, where you want to start transitioning from paper to digital. At this point it will be very beneficial to have a professor that values and understands the computer programs you will be using. A professor who has these qualities will be easier to work with and will set you up for a more successful project.

8. Time Management

Managing your time in architecture school is difficult. Sometimes it seems like there is not enough hours in the day or week to complete all the homework that needs to get done.

During the last couple weeks before a studio project is due, time management is critical to ensure that your project is as complete and presentable. This is the time when every student is scrambling to make their finishing touches on the design that has taken up most of their life over the class period and create boards that showcase their work. During this time a day-by-day schedule can assist you in managing your time and completing your project by the due date as well as ensure that you are remembering all your other classes.

Lots of things can happen while you work through a task. A drawing may get ruined. A model will take longer to cut and glue. Computers can act up – and crash, typically during finals week. When things like this happen, the extra buffer time you scheduled will allow you to regroup and finish your project on time.

9. Learn Revit!!!

Revit is a building information modelling (BIM) software. It is used by architects, designers, engineers, and contractors. In fact, Revit is increasingly becoming one of the main modeling programs used by architecture firms.

Learning how to use Revit early on in school will not only allow you to design your project digitally but will be a valuable skill to add on your resume when you are looking for a summer internship or job after college.

For most schools, students are mainly given a crash course on the basics of Revit. You learn how to draw walls and stairs, place windows and doors, and model a roof. My personal introduction to Revit was only about two weeks long. Over the past couple of years, architecture programs have changed to allow students more time to get acquainted with the computer software. With that being said, I would highly suggest spending more than class time to get familiar with Revit or take an extra Revit class if your school offers it.

10. Get an Internship

One of the most helpful things I ever did in school was gaining experience in the actual field as an architectural intern. Unfortunately, I waited until my fourth year of school to get one and wish I would have gotten one sooner. The environment and functions of an architectural firm is completely different from school. You are dealing with real clients, real projects, building codes, and budgets. In the office you work in teams and need to coordinate with each other.

Getting an internship will allow you to experience what it is like to work in the architecture field. It also allows you to see what parts of school you need to focus on more to prepare you for after graduation. The sooner you experience this, the sooner you can see if this is the right field for you. In my case, I found that I was more confident in my choice of career after working at a firm.

by Makayla Murphy, Nelson Architects Student Intern

In honor of the start of the 2021-2022 school year, we thought we could share some insights for those of you who have taken the challenge to pursue a degree in architecture. As a current student entering my final semester in the architecture program at Montana State University, I thought it was only fitting to provide some things I wished I would have known a lot sooner in my college career. I hope that this two-part series will give both current and future students some tips and tricks to improve their experience in the architecture program and to save money.

1. Do Not Immediately Buy All the Supplies on the School Supplies List

I know this advice goes against everything that was instilled in us through our K-12 experience. We are so used to receiving our school supply list, going to the stores during the “Back to School” sales, and checking off boxes as you put items in the cart. This is what many of my peers and I did after receiving the school supply list. Five and a half years later, I can tell you that I have not used a large portion of the items I bought from the “required” supplies list.

Why is this, you may ask? Each professor has a different preference on which tools work best for each of the tasks they assign. A list is compiled from each professor and the college distributes a general list in hopes of preparing you for day one. However, as you go through school you will find you have your own preference for the tools you use to draft, draw, and model. At the start of each class your professors should inform you of what materials are actually required for their class.

With that being said, here is a list of the materials that are a must for any student going into the architecture program

• Trace, Grid, and (Letter and Tabloid) Printing Paper
• Quality Erasers, Drafting Pencils, Pens, and Markers
• A Pencil Sharpener
• Drafting dots and masking tape
• At least one X-acto knife with extra blade
• A cutting mat and straight edge- preferably a T-square
• Tacky Glue and T-pins
• Architecture and Engineering Scales
• A laptop/desktop equipped with enough storage space to house the various computer programs you will use. good laptop/desktop

Check out these links for more in-depth information on selecting the best computer for school:

architizer.com
laptopstudy.com

These supplies will get you started for drafting, drawing, printing, and creating physical and digital models. As you start to work on different projects you will begin to acquire more specific materials.

2. ​When and How to Get Textbooks

Here are some tricks that you can use to save money and avoid purchasing books that you won’t even use in class. PS. I have a lot of these.

Before classes start you will be able to look, either online or at the bookstore, to see what books are required for your classes. I would highly suggest that you do not buy any books until you are handed the class syllabus.

After receiving the list of required books for your classes, I would suggest asking an upperclassman about the classes and the required books. Upperclassmen have taken these classes before (most often by the same professors) and should be able to tell you where to find a cheaper version of the textbook or will even sell you their own.

The internet can be so helpful for today’s education. A large portion of higher education books have free online pdf’s or digital purchasing options. I would highly suggest using a digital copy for certain classes because it is a lot easier to hit “ctrl f” to find something than flipping through 300 pages of a physical book.

3. ​Freshman Year is Going to be Very Different Than You Imagined It Would be

Imagine, you have decided that you want to be an architect and have been accepted into the college your choice. The whole summer was spent thinking about all the cool buildings you were going to design in school and how amazing it is going to be. You have all these ideas of what you could do and what buildings you would apply them to. The first day of classes and you walk into the studio space and are handed your first project description. You are so excited to find out what your project is, but as you are reading, you realize that you will not be designing a building.

Instead, you’ll have to philosophically define “design” or construct the essence of creativity; as that’s as much information as your given. Congratulations, you have just experienced what every student who has ever walked into the freshman studio the first day has felt.

What is barely mentioned during orientation or college tours is what to expect freshman year of any design program. Understand that you will not get to design a building right off the bat.
Buildings will start to form in the second year of the program, but for the first two semesters of your college career, you will be taken through many difficult projects.

These projects are meant to challenge your thinking, learn how to abstract the literal, find ways around rules, and to question everything you thought architecture was.

I am not going to lie, these two semesters were very difficult. It was designed to be this way. You don’t know what you are doing, the TA’s barely know what’s actually happening, and at points, the professors are even lost. (I know this because my roommate was a TA for first year studio). My best advice is to embrace the wackiness of the class. Explore what you are interested in. Try that idea that your brain is telling you is not logical. Make mistakes, embrace them, and learn from them. Freshman year of architecture school is a time for you to learn the fun of exploring and creating a unique presentation that showcases your findings.

4. ​Don’t be Afraid to Talk to Upperclassmen

As a freshman and sophomore in college the thought of asking an upperclassman for advice or help seemed daunting. Now as a master’s student, I wish that younger students would come ask questions.

Why would I say this, especially when it looks like we are extremely busy on our own projects? Those who are in the years above you have been where you are at. We have tips and tricks that we learned to get through the classes that you are currently taking. If you ask a question, we are usually willing to share them. These questions can include “What studio professor would you suggest I take next semester?” “How do I get an internship?” “Will you look at my project and give me advice on how to make it better?” and “I have a quick question on how to work this computer program.” Most of the time we are happy to take a break from our project and help you with your project or answer any questions that you have.

5. Don’t Take Critiques Personally

Criticism can be hard to take. Especially when the project that you have been working on all semester is at the center of a critique. It is so easy to forget that a critic is focusing solely on your project and negative criticism may even feel like a personal attack.

What you need to remember is that critiques are a large part of design curriculum. Everything that is said during either an in-class pin-up or final project critique is meant to challenge you, push your project forward, and further your knowledge. During a critique, especially the final critique, criticism should be taken with a grain of salt.

These criticisms are to be used to improve your project before putting it into your portfolio or taken as advice to remember for future projects.

Written by Julianne McGregor, Interior Designer

Why should Nelson Architects be your top choice for Healthcare Design? The answer is simple. As a firm we have touched on every component of Healthcare Design. Nelson Architects prides itself on being specialists in healthcare design and renovation, working closely with our clients during occupied construction to ensure uninterrupted services. We design USP 797 and USP 800 (clean room guidelines) certified pharmacies, initial Rapid Medical Exam (RME) pods for emergency centers, and master plans to identify the best strategies, timelines, and budgets for each project.

Our Architects and Interior Designers are skilled in creating efficient renovation designs that fit existing footprints ranging in all sizes. We designed the Benefis Emergency Department- a multi-phased remodel and addition completed while allowing the facility to remain fully functional throughout the construction and available to patients and staff 24/7. Likewise, we are in the final stages of completing the Montana State University Dental Clinic. Our process included working within a mock educational clinic to submerse ourselves into the facility- studying real life scenarios. We have even completed a seemingly tiny Healthcare project- remodeling a failed water feature at a local medical center. For Nelson Architects no project is too small.

We are committed to produce the best and most efficient Healthcare Facilities. Our strong relationship with the Benefis Health System has allowed Nelson Architects to leave our mark within the medical field of Montana. This relationship has strengthened our abilities in Master Planning, Facility Branding, and understanding the long-term image that works along side these Wellness Programs.

Our work extends to the following projects listed and displayed on our website. Check out these links to see some of our Health Care Projects.

Benefis Eastview Memory Care, Great Falls, Montana
Benefis Health System, Emergency Department And Trauma Center Remodel And Addition, Great Falls, Montana
Benefis Health System, Pharmacy Relocation, Great Falls, Montana
Benefis Health System, Endoscopy Center Relocation, Great Falls, Montana
Benefis Health System, Laboratory Renovation, Great Falls, Montanta
Benefis Spectrum Medical Relocation & Remodel, Great Falls, Montana
Benefis Health System, Respiratory Therapy Rennovation, Great Falls, Montana
Benefis Health System, Urgent Care Facility, Great Falls, Montana
Great Falls Specialty Clinic, New Construction, Great Falls, Montana
Central Montana Medical Center Remodel And Renovation, Lewistown, Montana
Front Range Assisted Living, Fairfield, Montana
St. Peter’s O.R. And Catheterization Lab Remodel, Helena, Montana

In March 2021, Nelson Architects added Julianne McGregor, Interior Designer, to our team.

She graduated in 2019 from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design. She has spent the last few years working in the field of residential design as an Interior Designer in Minot, North Dakota. Her experience allowed her to space plan, architecturally design, and even assist in the final components of construction on a series of homes that fit the unique needs of each family.

We sat down with Julianne asked her to share her insights on the creative process, the unexpected importance of influences, and some sound advice about the field of Interior Design.

NA: What is one thing that can be both a challenge and benefit of working in interiors?
JM: I think that because of our scope of work leaning more towards the finished product, we are tasked with bringing hundreds of ideas to the table- creating back up plans for back up plans. It is challenging to see your favorite idea wiped out, but the benefit is forcing your mind to create better- more effective ideas.

NA: Where do you first start when beginning a new interior design project?
JM: Inspiration boards. Some clients have an idea of what they want but are not able to communicate the ideas with all the design vernacular I would use. Creating an Inspiration Board allows me to create the visuals that a client will understand and will ensure that we are on the same page. Knowing what your client is looking for in a space and being able to present those ideas as they translate to the project is what builds great client-designer relationships.

NA: Who in the industry do you particularly admire? Why?
JM: I think the people I admire the most are the educators. They spent years watching years watching us grow as designers- putting up with the crazy ideas we had a first-year students and giving us the ‘constructive’ criticism that we needed to develop or skills. They spend year after year looking at thousands of iterations of the same project and still take pleasure in advising budding new designers. I have no idea how they do it- but I am very grateful for their guidance.

NA: Where do you often find inspiration if you feel stuck?
JM: If I am feeling stuck on something, I will usually ask my husband for his opinion, while his background in no way relates to the field of design, his typically funny responses or ridiculous ideas will help spark a new thought process. Most of the design work we do is for the everyday person so who better to ask than someone who would be looking at a project through the ideas of a client rather than through the eyes of a designer.

NA: What projects are you working on or have recently completed?
JM: I have recently been working on some repair design for the Great Falls Public Library. While a restoration does not allow as much creative freedom as an addition or renovation- I am delighted to be working on a project that has a huge impact on the community. It has granted me the ability to personally connect with Great Falls as my new home.

NA: What is your dream project?
JM: I think my dream project would be Commercial or Local Corporate. Much of our lives are spent in an office so having the ability to design a workplace that really focuses on the needs and wellbeing of the employees, would incorporate unique intentions from client to client.

NA: What is some advice you can share with others about interior design?
JM: I would say my advice for clients is to be patient and understanding. At any given time, we have multiple projects on our plate- each with their own timelines and eager clients. We are very methodical with our scheduling and workloads, but from the outside looking in, it is hard to see all the work that we do.

I would say my advice for other designers would be- don’t give up on that great idea- budgets may get cut or deadlines may change- but hold on tight to the unique characteristics that make each project fun. It may need to be slightly changed to better fit the project but where there is a will there is a way!

Written by: Julianne McGregor, Interior Designer

As Covid-19 quickly became a global obstacle, solutions to many healthcare design challenges were based on the need for immediate changes. Collectively the Healthcare industry worked overtime to fight the viral pandemic- with limited resources and the upheaval of traditional hospital and clinic performances. As we start to heal from this past year, we can begin to change the way we design within the Healthcare Industry to create a better future for us all.

Adaptable Spaces = Flexible Solutions

“In the coming years, “adaptability” will be an even more prominent keyword for healthcare design. The current crisis has made clear that certain healthcare environments may not be fully equipped to face unique and urgent challenges, knowing that the state of safety and healthcare needs in our society can change within a matter of days.” (Frumkin, 2020) As we develop improved designs both in reshaping current facilities as well as new construction- it will be imperative to consider the versatile design of spaces utilizing elements such as mobile workstations, adaptable multipurpose rooms and reinvented layouts that allow for temporary modification.

Adaptability should be a key feature in any design process regardless of a global pandemic. As we work with our clients a leading intention is focusing on the lifetime of a project. When we put forth our plans it is important to design a facility that will see an assortment of changes over 10, 15, 20 years- creating spaces that not only allow our clients to grow with time but also make changes that will not require a complete construction shutdown.

Cut Ties with Common Areas

While hospitals and clinics want to preserve the accommodations to patients and their loved ones- one goal for the future is to limit unnecessary time spent within close approximation to strangers. Trends for the future of health care are showing an increase of self-check-in and singular rooming. Areas for staff will be reconsidered- replacing large and centralized spaces with smaller and equally spread locations to decrease large groupings of staff during personal downtimes.

As we continue to change the “conventional” design of Healthcare Facilities- it has become apparent what areas need revisions. As an example, a pivotal feature in one of our current healthcare projects, is introducing an independent entrance and exit. This component tracks the flow of people moving in a more linear direction- one way in and one way out. Although the space needed to create this system is larger than “space saving” design of the past, eliminating cross traffic is becoming a new standard in the healthcare industry.

The Future of Digital Healthcare

As we have increased in efficiency of our digital presence the likelihood of virtual appointments continues. Routine check-ups and non-emergency consultations allows providers and patients to work together without increasing risk of face-to-face exposure. This trend is also being put forth within self-check-in areas utilizing contact free digital technology.

TeleMed is a large component of future Healthcare facilities. Even some of our smaller projects, such as a simple clinic are taking advantage of these digital advantages. To build off, in correlation with our design of separate entrances and exits- a unique feature we have incorporated into some of our plans is isolated entrances for “Non-Infectious Patients” and “Infectious Patients.” The Infectious Patient entry will utilize Audio Visual Remote Security to greet, check-in, and create a more secured entrance into the healthcare facility.

We at Nelson Architects have transitioned our Design process to include post pandemic solutions to our work. As we meet with clients, we ensure that our designs moving forwards will adhere to the new social norms that surround the Healthcare Industry. Contact us to see how implementing pre and master planning can set a project up for long term success.

Written by: Julianne McGregor, Interior Designer

As we celebrate Independence Day let’s take a moment to appreciate 5 buildings whose architecture helped shape the brick and mortar of America.

#1 Virginia State Capitol- Richmond, VA

As an architectural declaration of independence from Great Britain- Thomas Jefferson along with French Architect Charles-Louis Clérisseau designed the State Capitol of Virginia. “As a founding father of the United States, Thomas Jefferson was passionate about America’s independence from Britain. He was no fan of the king of England and, by extension, no fan of the Georgian architecture that bore the kings’ name.” The neoclassical design has been a great influence of American governmental buildings for two centuries.

#2 Trinity Church- Boston, MA

Following the Civil War, America was ready to establish a new and more permanent architectural environment, that was distinctive from the colonial designs common in the “Old World.” The architect- Henry Hobson Richardson- wanted to create a unique structure distinctly American. He integrated personal ideas with traditional Romanesque design to create Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Trinity Church became home to bold towers and arches, an innovative open format layout, and beautiful murals and stained-glass windows that would go on to influence Louis H. Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright.

#3 Wainwright Building- St. Louis, MO

While the Wainwright Building wasn’t the very first skyscraper ever built- it was the first to embrace the same square footage at the top as on the ground level- rather than the wedding cake tier shape that was used in previous architecture. Designed by Louis H. Sullivan- the Wainwright Building became the aesthetic influence for skyscrapers of the future.

#4 Robie House- Chicago, IL

It is impossible to talk about American Architecture without mentioning Frank Lloyd Wright. Frank Llyod Wright’s Residential Architecture is distinctly American- as it was created to compliment the landscape of the Midwest. Wright’s radical approach to design incorporated a low and long shape that would blend in with the prairies, and continuous windows to bring the outside into the home. His architecture also offered a more informal lifestyle that has influenced Residential design to this day.

#5 Highland Park Ford Plant- Highland Park, MI

The introduction of the Model T automobile brought into light the need for large manufacturing space to run on of the world’s largest and earliest assembly lines. The need for a vast amount of space meant a revolutionary approach to seemingly boring warehouse architecture. Henry Ford hired Albert Khan for the job- who in turn designed a space that was three times larger than any vehicle plant of the day- allowing for larger windows bringing fresh air and daylight to the workers. While the Highland Park Ford Plant was quickly outgrown it became the template for the manufacturing industry.

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Why not both?

When you think of design what is the first thing that comes to mind? For many people the answer is most likely a material- whether it’s a beautiful hardwood flooring, a paint color that makes a room feel warm, or a tile that brings a space from ordinary to intriguing. But materials can seem overwhelming- there are endless options to choose from and how do you know what is the best fit for a project? That is where designers come in. I believe that form follows function and some questions I like to ask myself are “how will the client be using this space?” and “how can the material selection compliment the environment it is in?” In many cases the function of the material is rather straight forward. However, there are unique situations where the solution need for a space is not as obvious.

Aesthetically speaking an open area seems like a much more inspiring place to spend your time in when compared to a closed off or maze-like space. However, the need for acoustic and visual privacy arises very quickly. So how do you provide a solution for two conflicting needs: Visually Accessible and Acoustically Private?

When I was introduced to 3Form and what they offer I was very intrigued by the products because it was completely different from all the materials I had been exposed to at that point. Walking over to the window I held up a sample up to the bustling street outside and the hectic avenue seemingly vanished. The lightweight resin sample acted like frosted glass, additionally it was a unique statement piece that provided privacy without diminishing the natural light in the room. Here was an option that was both acoustically and visually dividing but did not isolate the space. 3Form’s newest collection Horizon incorporates rich woven patterns and transitional colors. “Tonal shades inspired by changing light at dawn, dusk, and stormy skies come to life in three woven textiles captured in translucent [panels]. With saturated color toward the bottom of each panel, Horizon’s color beautifully softens as it rises creating a sense of movement in the design.” We received four samples from this new collection and were tasked with creating a concept material board for each.

Each palette was built around 3Form’s Horizon Collection samples. We came up with a general color scheme, picked out the basic materials, such as the paint and flooring, then finished up with complementary fabrics, tiles, and unique wall finishes. Once every sample was on the board, the individual items got picked up- put down- moved- swapped- brought back and finally laid out perfectly. The materials complemented the 3Form samples while also showing just how versatile 3form’s Horizon Collection can be.

We wanted each Horizon materials board to make a statement and to inspire others to fall in love with what design can be. With 200+ interlayer patterned choices, 250+ colors ways, and a plethora of tactile finishes- 3Form really offers many solutions to design conflicts. You can create an intricate show piece for a space or add in a subtle hint of color, the possibilities are endless. 3-form.com/horizon