Design Goals: Connecting to the Outdoors

Often times it's necessary to get out from behind the computer screen and find inspiration from our own experiences.

A goal for one our of projects is to "Connect to the Outdoors" within each and every space. Our team tackled two initiatives in one afternoon, enjoying Linton Hopkins' new Cafe AND the lush greenery of Atlanta's Botanical Gardens. 

Even though everything wasn't in its springtime bloom, nature's radiating, spiraling, curling, organic patterns were exquisite.  We were in awe of the contrasting lines outlining details of stems, veins, and connections.

Plant Roots hanging from the roof of the greenhouse

 I dare you not to smile :)

ai3 adventures into the Depths of Atlanta's Flatiron Building

Braving the endless, soggy weather in Atlanta, our studio ventured downtown yesterday for a tour of the historic Flatiron Building. 

Dan, Jason & Amy have been working on the renovation project for months now, and we finally took a break together to get down to the site and view the many textures and stories ourselves.

Existing Lobby & Main Entry

Central Steel Stair, circa 1897

Typical Tenant Floor, Work in Progress

The Point Side

Cross Bracing Riveted Steel

Detail of Riveted Steel Structure

Original Steel Column

Original Herringbone Patterned Wood Plank and Stone Tile Flooring

Below Peachtree Street

Original Basement Vault

Original Safe Deposit Boxes inside Vault

Original Keys to the Safe Deposit Boxes

Found object in Basement- Gears

Found Piano in the Basement

Don't worry, no communal restrooms planned

Perspective & Self Forgiveness

Today I learned the post office is releasing a "Forever" stamp in honor of Maya Angelou. She died less than a year ago, and on April 4th, she would have been 87 years old.

I keep a note from my mother on my desktop. One of her favorite quotes from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is about self forgiveness, "When I was young I did the best I could. As I grew older, I learned more and I did better." 
She also shared a collection of thoughts from one of Maya Angelou's interviews with Oprah, which I read when I need to gain perspective:

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life goes on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life.'"

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."


"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug or just a friendly pat on the back..."


"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."