Tealstone Condominiums Renovations

Ideas are like little architectural moments: an open lobby, using pavers instead of concrete, or a feature wall. A concept is when all these ideas come together to express how people will interact with a design, providing direction and a groundwork for new ideas to form. When sketching this project, we asked ourselves what we want people to look at and what possibilities could come from expanding the existing lobby to make space for community amenities that allow opportunities for connection. By expanding the lobby, we can create a dynamic space that fosters interaction and engagement. The open lobby becomes a central hub, inviting and inclusive, where community members can gather and connect. Using pavers instead of concrete adds texture and warmth, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and creating a more welcoming environment. A feature wall can serve as a focal point, drawing attention and providing a unique identity to the space. As we refine our concept, we ensure that every idea contributes to the overall vision, allowing us to create a cohesive and meaningful design that enhances community interaction and connection.

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Once a concept was 80% there, we had to ask ourselves if plans were the most effective way to communicate our ideas to the client. Who are we presenting to? Not architects. Not the city. Not people in the design and construction world. We decided the best approach was to sketch in perspective, overlaying the existing building with our renovation ideas. We experience the world through perspective, not section cuts or plan views. So we sketched. A lot. Through mass sketching, bad ideas can be weeded out and gems can be harvested.

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After presenting to the client and receiving positive feedback, our next step in the design process was to refine our work and make it more real. We brushed over the next level of detail, refining our plan diagrams to ensure dimensions worked out and turning our sketch perspectives into renders. We intentionally left a level of development out to keep a sense of imagination alive in our minds and the client's.

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