Norman Design Group

Do I really need an Architect?

Phil Norman — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:53:07 +0000

Do I need an Architect?
Article by Joseph Spierer
www.calarchitect.com

If we take a look at the letter of California law, anyone is legally allowed to design a single family residence or, if they so desire, to pick up a pen and paper and design up to a four unit apartment on their own. Of course, no one in their right mind would do such a thing: designing buildings is a complex process that requires training and experience.

Architects have been licensed by the state to practice architecture. They have gone through a five-year University program, practiced during a 3-year working internship, and passed the ten tests necessary for licensing. That’s over 40 hours of testing! Creating an elegant piece of architecture involves quite a bit of complexity. A licensed architect has a wealth of knowledge that one simply cannot find elsewhere.

But knowing that an architect is qualified for a job does not necessarily mean that you need one. Adding a third bedroom or a second story will, of course, require the work of an architect. However, converting a basement into a game room or changing that third bedroom into a home office will most likely not. A skilled, licensed contractor will be able to convert these types of spaces without the need to even have measured drawings. If, on the other hand, you want to transition that ugly commode into a master bath worth of royalty or if you want to upgrade your outdated kitchen to a chef’s arena that would make Gordon Ramsey jealous, deep consideration should be given to hiring architect.

Although hiring an architect may seemingly add to the overall cost of your project, a skilled architect will likely be able to find cost savings in places you might never have thought. Of course, if you spend $30,000 to remodel your bathroom only to discover that the flow of the room doesn’t work or that the ceiling height is just a little too low to comply with the building code, you will wish that you had spent the extra cash.

Not every project requires the expertise of an architect. Repairs, simple room conversions and material upgrades are prime examples of these cases. If there is a level of complexity where you just can’t get what you want by pointing and describing, it might be time to call on your favorite architectural design professional. All of us see construction around us all of the time, but real architecture is a much less common and more highly appreciated occurrence.

Architect

Interior Design team

Norman Design Group

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A Modern Twist on Traditional

Phil Norman — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:05:00 +0000

I’m back with another “What Inspires Me”, this week’s post is Quadrille Fabrics. There are also many coordinating fabrics in this collection ranging from very modern to transitional. The fabric line offers some wonderful graphic prints on various weights of fine linen. Depending on your tolerance or love for color and prints, I would use this on headboards, chairs, drapery or just a simple pillow for a pop of texture and color.

Another little know secret is ANY of their fabrics can be done on Sunbrella outdoor ground cloth giving me a huge palette to select from.

Quadrille’s gorgeous prints are mainly seen upholstered on fabulous furniture or wallpapered in beautiful homes {you may recognize some of their gorgeous prints from Home Magazines}, but I’ve found use of their prints for many different uses in the home. For a dramatic focal point, I’d use their wallpapers for backdrops. For a burst of color, I’d turn their fabrics into custom runners.

They embrace gorgeous bursts of color in their fabric. They also know how to rock graphic patterns. Quadrille’s designs exude those kind of happy colors and patterns.

I appreciate you reading this blog post and please don’t be shy to contact me with any questions or comments Phil@normandesigngroup.com

Finishing Touches

Phil Norman — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:00:24 +0000

When clients are decorating their homes with me, I am a real stickler for the quality of finishes. What they show you is the depth and sophistication of the way reproductions should be finished. They stay away from the high polish, glitzy gold and one dimensional process. I require, hand rubbed, old world gold and sophisticated finishing techniques when I will create a piece like this for my client.

I have finishers right here in Los Angeles that can do this incredible process.When I go to approve a client’s finish at their shop, I end up spending an extra hour looking and discussing finishes with Raul. I guess I just get lost in the process and I am just amazed at how these guys know how to do this fantastic work in today’s fast-paced world.

I appreciate you reading this blog post and please don’t be shy to contact me with any questions or comments Phil@normandesigngroup.com

Make your Walls more Dimensional

Phil Norman — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:53:58 +0000

In my product spotlight today is one of my favorite wall treatment companies. They are on the cutting edge for creating product that our design team loves to design with. We work with skilled artisans and craftsman to create the design world’s most beautiful and sought-after wallcoverings. Clients ranging from Manhattan Beach interior design to Palos Verdes Estates Interior design all value the outstanding wallcovering experience they receive from Phillip Jeffries Ltd.

Now in its third decade, Phillip Jeffries Ltd. has emerged as the industry leader in hand crafted wallcoverings. A manufacturer and importer of unique and fine quality textured wallcoverings. Today, Phillip Jeffries Ltd. stocks more than 900 natural wallcoverings including Japanese Paper Weaves, Gold Leaf, Grasscloth, Hemps, Silks, Linens, Granite, and Raffia as well as many unique hand crafted specialties.

The passion for wallcovering excellence continues to live on in their new products, which Norman Design Group loves to specify. Phillip Jeffries Ltd. vision is to provide one with an exceptional wallcovering experience – from design and purchase through installation.

I appreciate you reading this blog post and please don’t be shy to contact me with any questions or comments Phil@normandesigngroup.com

Incredible Wood Floors

Phil Norman — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:00:15 +0000

While teaming with Tomaro Architecture on a Spanish Colonial project in Manhattan Beach and resourcing wood floors, I was inspired by these beauties. What I love about some of these products are the finishes to make them look so old and time worn. Although new, they have the old world feel lots of us are looking for.

The cross cut version of these could be lots of fun on a wall as an accent. I am considering this idea for the floor of the Cantina Bar in the very lower level. Even for a Manhattan Beach Interior Design project, I still like the idea of some time-worn products, we just might lighten them up a bit.

This project is being demolished now and will be ready to move in Spring 2013.

I appreciate you reading this blog post and please don’t be shy to contact me with any questions or comments Phil@normandesigngroup.com

Door Inspiration

Phil Norman — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:00:25 +0000

While cruising through the streets of New York armed with my digital camera, I stopped to soak in the details of these great doors. Consistently on the look for inspiration, I am designing a home in Palos Verdes Estates and we happen to be discussing the front door design. So these elements are a timely detail to be captured.

After gathering numerous inspirations, I discuss the options with the clients. Scale, proportion and use of materials are all important in selecting the perfect front door.

In this particular custom home designed by Tomaro Architecture I want the door to be extra special as it is very prominent from the home and also in its position from the street. I can’t wait to get started on the design process.

I appreciate you reading this blog post and please don’t be shy to contact me with any questions or comments Phil@normandesigngroup.com

Hooked on Hardware

Phil Norman — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:30:49 +0000

When Norman Design Group completes a custom home, we typically end up specifying and selecting mostly everything. Over the last 5 years, I think our studio has become Hardware Aficionados.

Elif Karacay, ASID, Senior Designer at Norman Design Group, is incredibly talented and specifies most of our hardware. “Select interesting classic styles and lines. Most importantly, stay clear of trends or kitschy seashells, etc.”, are Elif’s words of wisdom. Norman Design Group believes that is worth the extra effort to research just the right piece for your project.

I have listed a few hooks that I like for various parts of the home.

These delightful little accents can be used in master closets for belts, purses, or in the usual suspected areas such as bathrooms, kid’s areas, and sometimes cabinet hardware.Hope you enjoy this little infusion of inspiration.

I appreciate you reading this blog post and please don’t be shy to contact me with any questions or comments Phil@normandesigngroup.com

A Little Side Action

Phil Norman — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:28:01 +0000

The perfect accent table will add flair to any space whether it’s small, large, or in between. A great side table never tires and can add a nice touch of interest with little investment. Here are a few of my favorites.

I love to float them in a room between two chairs snuggled up to a appropriately proportioned furniture such as a lounge chair. If the correct height, don’t be afraid to cluster them for a unique cocktail table look.

I appreciate you reading this blog post and please don’t be shy to contact me with any questions or comments Phil@normandesigngroup.com

Turning Points

Phil Norman — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:46:51 +0000

A great doorknob doesn’t just perform a simple task it distills the essence of a room, putting high style at your fingertips.

Here is a few that have inspired me. I strongly feel that these little details are extremely important in a home and add to the overall end result. So, choose wisely!

These could be used for kids bathrooms, or a fun entrance to a powder room. A whimsical feel that takes a less serious approach to the hardware.

I appreciate you reading this blog post and please don’t be shy to contact me with any questions or comments Phil@normandesigngroup.com

The Windsor House

Phil Norman — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:09:06 +0000

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting The Windsor House, sponsored

by Kravet and Veranda. I included a few of my favorite shots of the home depicting the subtle

color tones and cooler color palette.

The exterior of the home is so

classic and looks like it has been in the neighborhood for years. I

love the brickwork on the chimney stack and the mature trees that were salvaged on the lot.

I took this one for all my clients and others who are scared of doing a pattern in a smaller room. “Won’t it be too busy?” and the answer is NO!

remember that change in pattern, if done correctly, creates interest and

visual variety in the home.

See how great this chevron pattern looks in

the library.

All and all these pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy and take time to admire all the details, we as designers, try so hard to implement them in each

project.