McCloud Reflections

AUTOSTRADA 516

Over the past several years I have been working on residential remodel projects as Studio 516, tangent to my day jobs with architecture firms. I decided to focus on my company and offering design consultation services. I consult with other designers, architects and contractors for a team approach that is collaborative and interactive.

My educational and professional background has been heavily integrated with architecture and construction. This gives me a unique perspective to integrate the interiors and the building, contributing to a cohesive design.

In residential projects, I consider my work to be design and visualization services. I have found most homeowners have an idea of what they what, either a general feeling of the resulting space or very specific direction. Collaborating directly with homeowners and tailoring a project to meet their vision is the core of why I enjoy interior design.

In each project type, I see my role as a facilitator of the client’s ideas, my goal is to listen intently and pull together the elements that will best achieve the end result. My past architectural experience and construction background also allows me to play a role in the project to completion with an understanding of budgets and schedules.

In the creative process I still use the old fashion pencil and sketch to brainstorm ideas and visualize. AutoCAD and REVIT are essential tools for documentation but tangible materials, textures and renderings can often convey the character of the space.

Design Collaboration

I have worked at small and medium sized architecture and design-build firms, enjoying the opportunity to collaborate with architects, consultants, clients and contractors. Being part of the team throughout the construction process has allowed me to keep a focus on the value of interior architecture and the importance of integration at every level of design.
Interior architectural design is a form of art, but creative ideas are of greatest value when executed fully to produce a space that balances both the visual and the functional.

THE PATH UP VALLEY

For several years I worked closely with Leong Architects in the St. Helena office. During this time there were two architects on most projects and I was able to play a large role on the team due to the large scale of the projects.

In addition to interior and architectural design, product and material selection and specification I was also responsible for project management and contracts. This added another level of understanding about the reality of design and construction.

Two of the large scale residences were design-build over a three year period. The design team was very collaborative and I worked intensely with the architects, clients, general contractors and subcontractors from bidding though construction.

The Leong’s uncompromising commitment to excellence in design and detail has set the bar for all of my work.

Leong Architects has offices in St. Helena and New York with body of work which includes a wide range of architectural endeavors from Hollywood to Korea. See more of their work at www.leongarch.com

INFINITY OVER THE VALLEY

This beautiful pool house is surrounded with Nana Wall system doors and windows which allowed it to open completely to the expansive views.

The rough natural stone floor flows from pool side through the pool house and into the outdoor kitchen. Walnut cabinetry and cedar ceiling added refined natural elements to the interior.

see more on the architect's web site http://www.leongarch.com/

HOME AMIDST THE OAKS

This was a summer home renovation transformation. The home held many memories and maintaining the original feel was important to the owner. Architecturally it shifted with modern materials while remaining the recognizable family home.

Window and door header heights were raised to give the interiors a modern clean feeling and take advantage of the surrounding oak knoll views.

Dark oak parquet floor replicated the original pattern. Plaster walls and minimal trim made it contemporary Napa Valley, softened with texture and warm color tones. Limestone was used inside and out to accentuate the indoor-outdoor continuity.

See more of this house on the architects site www.leongarch.com

TILE TRIFECTA-1

This series of three bathrooms is an example of how to achieve a consistent design aesthetic throughout the house while allowing each room to be unique.

Limestone is prevalent through the home and landscape. Each bathroom uses limestone in varying amounts and patterns.

This guest bath started with the son’s selection of with this shower head. The streamline fixture and the tall shower space is accentuated with the narrow tile pattern installed vertically. The glass tiles dispersed randomly through the limestone pattern to replicate rain showers sparkles with the natural light cast by the skylight above. The tile pattern was a custom blend to coordinate with the limestone floor & countertop.