Thursday, November 20, 2014
Cooks & Soldiers - Night out with the ai3 team
We had the best time last night at the "Friends and Family" dinner for Cooks & Soldiers. The Castellucci Family's 4th restaurant will have its Grand Opening on Monday, November 24th. Those of us connected with the project got a taste of the menu, wine, and the experience of the new design. I snapped a few photographs. Additional settees and lounge chairs for the dining room are stuck in the Buffalo snow storm! Hopefully they will be here soon to complete the design.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Our Love of Halloween
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| Ethan as Patrick (no socks, same shoes- on the desk, glasses in mouth, looking at his iPhone....) |
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| Patrick trying to be a good sport. |
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| Rosie the Mechanic discusses design with Gordon's Fisherman |
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| Amanda's pretty confident with her Frida uni-brow |
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| Another reason not to mess with Elisa- Rockin' Rosie the Mechanic |
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| Too bad Kellen's beer garden project went on hold... He's The Brewmaster |
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| McLean's exquisite Witch Doctor costume |
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| Our awesome studio |
Thursday, October 23, 2014
ai3 working with team behind Flatiron Building's renovation in Atlanta
The Atlanta Business Chronicle announced yesterday that private equity firm Lucror Resources has purchased the Flatiron Building.
ai3's studio is extremely excited to be part of the team bringing this historic building back to life as a start-up hub for businesses. During our early investigations, we came across these archive photos of the building and learned some pretty cool facts.
Designed by architect Bradford Gilbert, the 11-story Flatiron building was completed in 1897 and is Atlanta's oldest standing skyscraper. So cool! (The Equitable Building that was demolished in 1971 was Atlanta's first skyscraper, built in 1892)
The Atlanta Flatiron predates the more famous New York City Flatiron Building by 5 years. While they share the same name, the Atlanta building adopted the popular Flatiron name in 1916. In 1976, the Flatiron Building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and while it has changed its name many times throughout the years, in 1980 the name was changed back to the Flatiron Building.
Nerdy Fact: TV and movie filming is now common place in Atlanta, but back in the day, the Flatiron was home to Matlock's law offices on the popular TV show, "Matlock." (Actor also known as Andy Griffith, Dave.)
When the project is complete, the redevelopment will promote entrepreneurship in downtown Atlanta by creating a collaborative and vibrant environment with workspaces, meeting rooms, and other unique amenities.
ai3's studio is extremely excited to be part of the team bringing this historic building back to life as a start-up hub for businesses. During our early investigations, we came across these archive photos of the building and learned some pretty cool facts.
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| Our Owner FINALLY removing the For Sale sign from the Flatiron Building! |
Designed by architect Bradford Gilbert, the 11-story Flatiron building was completed in 1897 and is Atlanta's oldest standing skyscraper. So cool! (The Equitable Building that was demolished in 1971 was Atlanta's first skyscraper, built in 1892)
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| Atlanta's Flatiron Building predates NYC's more famous, of the same name |
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| Architect Bradford Gilbert designed the "skeleton" steel structure to support the floor loads and the exterior wall assembly- Amazing accomplishment in 1897 |
The Atlanta Flatiron predates the more famous New York City Flatiron Building by 5 years. While they share the same name, the Atlanta building adopted the popular Flatiron name in 1916. In 1976, the Flatiron Building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and while it has changed its name many times throughout the years, in 1980 the name was changed back to the Flatiron Building.
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| Check out the advertisement for new tenants- January 1st 1898!! |
Nerdy Fact: TV and movie filming is now common place in Atlanta, but back in the day, the Flatiron was home to Matlock's law offices on the popular TV show, "Matlock." (Actor also known as Andy Griffith, Dave.)
When the project is complete, the redevelopment will promote entrepreneurship in downtown Atlanta by creating a collaborative and vibrant environment with workspaces, meeting rooms, and other unique amenities.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Design Inspiration and Dedication
ai3's studio finds design inspiration in many places and in many things.
When a Chef or Owner has a specific concept for their restaurant, we dig deep into the meaning and history of the concept, searching for something unique. We want the story to unfold through design, not through literal references, but in interesting ways that spark conversation.
One of our upcoming restaurants is inspired by the Basque Country. San Sebastian is filled with stunning, visual inspiration, but our research uncovered a tradition that goes back centuries. Basque cider making, in days gone by, occurred on pretty much every farmstead. Each had its own apple press and produced cider for the immediate consumption of family, friends and neighbors.
In each Cider House, there is a person in charge of opening the huge wooden barrels for diners. An orderly queue line follows beside the barrel, and diners catch the cider in a tumbler glass as it pours out in a thin jet.
To honor this tradition, the design team created a feature wall reminiscent of the cider barrels with aged wood and steel straps. Last night, our beloved and truly dedicated, Kellen Minor, worked late into the night staining wood with Dave Peter of Derucki Construction. Sometimes the budget doesn't afford your vision, so you pick up your paint brush to ensure your story can be told. Not ideal, but a dedicated team, nonetheless.
When a Chef or Owner has a specific concept for their restaurant, we dig deep into the meaning and history of the concept, searching for something unique. We want the story to unfold through design, not through literal references, but in interesting ways that spark conversation.
One of our upcoming restaurants is inspired by the Basque Country. San Sebastian is filled with stunning, visual inspiration, but our research uncovered a tradition that goes back centuries. Basque cider making, in days gone by, occurred on pretty much every farmstead. Each had its own apple press and produced cider for the immediate consumption of family, friends and neighbors.
In each Cider House, there is a person in charge of opening the huge wooden barrels for diners. An orderly queue line follows beside the barrel, and diners catch the cider in a tumbler glass as it pours out in a thin jet.
To honor this tradition, the design team created a feature wall reminiscent of the cider barrels with aged wood and steel straps. Last night, our beloved and truly dedicated, Kellen Minor, worked late into the night staining wood with Dave Peter of Derucki Construction. Sometimes the budget doesn't afford your vision, so you pick up your paint brush to ensure your story can be told. Not ideal, but a dedicated team, nonetheless.
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| PROCESS: Kellen and Dave working on the wood wall |
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| Inspiration: Basque Cider House barrels |
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| First Layer of Cider Barrel-Inspired Wall |
Thursday, September 4, 2014
ai3 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Leave it to my partners to want bone-chilling ice poured down each other's shirts.
Over 3 million people around the globe have contributed 100 million dollars to the ALS Association, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within 2 to 5 years of diagnosis.
Dan Maas challenged Patrick Johnson in the fundraiser for ALS "Ice Bucket Challenge."
I did NOT mind helping out with the buckets, by the way...
This. Was. Awesome.
There is no cure and only one drug approved by the FDA that modestly extends survival. This incredible fundraising campaign will provide funds for cutting-edge research as well as care and support to people living with ALS.
If you'd like to take the challenge or learn more:
http://www.alsa.org/fight-als/ice-bucket-challenge.html
Over 3 million people around the globe have contributed 100 million dollars to the ALS Association, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within 2 to 5 years of diagnosis.
Dan Maas challenged Patrick Johnson in the fundraiser for ALS "Ice Bucket Challenge."
I did NOT mind helping out with the buckets, by the way...
This. Was. Awesome.
If you'd like to take the challenge or learn more:
http://www.alsa.org/fight-als/ice-bucket-challenge.html
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Congratulations to ai3's new Principals!
Last week we announced 3 new Principals to ai3: Dave Heimbuch, Ann-Marie Lima, and Amy Price. These 3 will help us mentor the studio and shape the next chapter of ai3. If you don't know them, let me share a few things...
Dave Heimbuch
Principal, ai3
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| Best Partner Holiday Gift: ai3 deck of playing cards. Dave was the Ace. |
Ann-Marie Lima
Principal, ai3
Amy Price
Principal, ai3
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| Amy hosting ai3's Chili Cook-Off |
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| And, Amy WINNING ai3's Chili Cook-Off |
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| Amy: "I never thought in college that one day I'd commission a velvet painting of 'The Dude.'" |
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| Cheese Ball Eating Contest- Dave won. Kerry said her mouth was too small. Right. |
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| This was my favorite Partner Holiday Card. ai3 Mug Shots. |
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| The truck is finally put to rest. Jason gets Ann-Marie a sports car. |
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| New Order was playing on the stereo. Dave used to wear his hair like this in high school. |
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| Surprise! Poster of Ann-Marie's ripped back in her wedding dress. Whoa. |
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| 40th birthday- "Manuary Mustache" in final phases of being shaved off |
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80's era hair do's from Dave and Ann-Marie 
And their better-halves, also part of our ai3 family...
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| Jason and Ann-Marie |
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| Dave, Zoe, and Vanessa.... oh, and Patrick in the back |
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| Amy and Brent |
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| Ryder Price (left) with Quint Johnson |
Baby girl Price should be born any minute now....
Thank you Dave, Ann-Marie and Amy!
Here's to the next 10 years of ai3!
Monday, April 21, 2014
ai3's site visit to The Luminary @ Krog Street Market
On Wednesday, the studio ducked out early for a visit to Krog Street Market and a check on construction progress of The Luminary. Used as a teaching experience, we discussed framing details and ceiling transitions. There's always much debate as to whether the space feels larger or smaller once the studs started shaping the space.
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| View from Dining Room to future patio overlooking Krog Street |
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| Future site of many, many shucked oysters at the Oyster Bar |
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| Discussing how the Kitchen Ceiling transitions from space to space and how it will be hung |
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| View from Dining area back to Oyster Bar and Main Bar- Beautiful natural light coming from the clerestory of warehouse |
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| Area for future stalls outside of the Main Bar are of The Luminary |
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| Future spot of delicious cocktails at the Main Bar |
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| Bar area looking back into the Dining room |
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