ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers - (Page 32)

KATHLEEN BEALL, ASID, CID, BEALL DESIGN GROUP, INC. usages, proportions and even the status in the community at the time of construction,” adds Rhonda Hull, Allied Member ASID, of Rhonda Hull Interiors in Hickory, N.C. In addition to the in-depth field work, the designer has to determine the client’s commitment to the process and help educate them on the challenges they will face along the way. Today’s Technology in Yesterday’s Buildings Every historic property offers its own unique challenges but common threads exist that can help prepare those who are yet to face this project type. One of the biggest challenges is navigating through the code requirements and statutes of limitaThis 1911 Heritage award-winning brick building houses ofﬁces for Beall Design Group. Original features include green-stained pine wood ﬂoors, working heatilator ﬁreplace, and brick and plaster walls. The design concept was to enhance the building and work with the age of it, not to make it look like new. Faux painting on the plaster shows off the texture of the aged hand plaster, and gives the ofﬁce a warm, almost residential feel. “You have to examine how to use existing materials and enhance them versus tearing them out or covering them up. Those who don’t do the upfront work can lose sense of both the budget and the historical character of the building.” —BJ Miller, ASID being positioned as mixed use properties in urban areas. As such, multiple fire ratings and building codes need to be addressed. “These infrastructures had no thought given to ADA, elevators, two means of egress, etc.,” describes Miller. “All of these considerations are expensive propositions when deciding to purchase a building.” Working with local historical societies to research the owner’s and building’s history, as well as finding out the statute of limitations and the client program, are all part of this process. Field work is essential, and sitting in an ofﬁce at a computer will not prepare designers for the surprises that are sure to arise if the proper site work is not completed. “There is so much field work to be done,” describes Miller. “Every bump, build out and detail must be documented. You have to examine how to use existing materials and enhance them versus tearing them out or covering them up. Those who don’t do the upfront work can lose sense of both the budget and the historical character of the building.” Designers agree that attention to detail is essential. “There is a ton of research to be filed and organized when undertaking a historical project. Every little detail must be backed with some proof. Your design will be limited to the historical patterns or the design of the time. All questions have to be asked, from colors, textures, fibers, construction, product tion presented by the building inspector, the fire marshal and the national historic building register. “One building department does not always mesh with another, which is what makes it so difﬁcult,” explains Bordeaux. “Sometimes hiring a code specialist can be extremely valuable and help you present your case.” Designers find the balancing act between the code discrepancies to be a negotiation process—one in which you can’t take no for an answer. It is important to develop a relationship with these officials and work through possible scenarios that will achieve the proper balance between addressing the codes and maintaining the historical integrity of the building. 32 ASID ICON | THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers

ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers Contents President’s Message Good to Know Innovations Breathing Life into a Building Designs for Senior Living On the Move Thinking Green Aging in Style Industry Inside ASID Grassroots ASID National Industry Partner Focus Showroom Advertisers Resource Guide Annual Articles Index

ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers

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