The 2015 ASID Crystal Award Winners
These designers have achieved excellence in commercial and residential design
The 2015 ASID Crystal Award winners are recognized for their excellence in design for commercial and residential properties.
COMCAST WHOLESALE
Michele Ponicsan, Renee Riviere, and Jessica Margolis
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
Harder-working Space-Real estate is at a premium and we are all constantly looking to do more with less. This space was designed to embody that principle. Required demonstration areas were paramount; however their large expanse had to be expertly balanced with a dense staff program in the finite amount of available space on the floor.
How did you resolve it?
Demonstration, event, and collaboration comingle in a single space. Opening the operable glass partition, the area doubles while integrating the kitchen for catering. Agile stations permit desired staff count and workflow while creating the opportunity for multiple collaborative spaces which afford a landscape of neighborhoods vs. a high-density environment.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
Team. The client’s passion for an environment to engage employees was paramount. Their unwavering focus on elevating the employee experience, in turn elevating collaboration and innovation, was inspirational. The client, design, and construction team was seamlessly integrated, providing a relaxed, united vision, emerging as a signature space that exceeded expectations.
HOLLAND & HART LLP, BOISE IDAHO
Gillian Hallock Johnson, Lynsey Grace, and Lily Van Buskirk
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
The “turnkey” approach was the biggest challenge on the project. Because the project was conceived by a developer, they wanted to have their own architect produce the construction documentation. Our challenge was to establish the highest level of expectation related to the quality of design, craftsmanship, and detail.
How did you resolve it?
We resolved the challenge by embracing the developer’s team as collaborators in order to generate excitement and cultivate their investment in the final design. Multiple site visits, 3-D modeling, and positive negotiation raised the level of collaboration with the developer team and became critical to the drive for quality solutions.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
Our favorite aspect of the project was the visionary leadership shown by our client. We were delighted that this attorney, who had been residing in extremely traditional space, wanted the new space to be transformational and life-giving to the firm. Through osmosis the space has also been life-giving to Boise.
WEST BUILDING AT THE BROADMOOR
David Fritz and Cindy Johnson, ASID
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
The most challenging aspect of the project in regards to the interiors was the scale of the project. From the very detailed public spaces to the renovation of existing guest rooms, including the building expansion to accommodate the new bath configurations as well as the third– floor addition onto the building with new guest rooms and suites.
How did you resolve it?
Intense planning and anticipation of site conditions, many conference calls, and weekly on–site construction meetings providing swift solutions to field questions.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
Our favorite aspect of the project was seeing the transformation of a 40-year-old structure renovated with a complete aesthetic overhaul to meet the owners’ expectations, and how truly awesome it looks.
HERITAGE PROJECT, SAINT JOSEPH HOSPITAL – SCL HEALTH
H+L Architecture and Davis Partnership Architects Joint Venture; Sara E. Parsons, ASID, Gallun Snow; H+L Architecture; ZGF Architects; and Nine dot Arts
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
Wayfinding for easy navigation through the building was our biggest design challenge. The former Saint Joseph Hospital was a maze of corridors through various additions so intuitive navigation for the first– time visitor and full–time staff member alike was a focus of the full design team.
How did you resolve it?
The team designed a strong “portal” with color, texture, light, or a combination to emphasize various destinations including the Resource Center, greeter desk, public elevators and Emergency Department entrances. Similarly the backlit art panels and the open stair were designed to emphasize key vertical navigation options.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
Designing a healing environment to create space that supports people at happy and sad times is a true honor. Creating this space included planning for physical comfort, spiritual reflection, and individual empowerment. We intend that each person visiting Saint Joseph Hospital feels like a welcome member of the healing process.
RALPH L. CARR COLORADO JUDICIAL CENTER
Curt Fentress, Bob Louden, Martin Eiss, Ann Marie Roy, Charles Cannon, and Jeremy Phillips
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
Being a highly visible project with high expectations meant that there was strong involvement by the client in almost every detailed design decision. This required the entire design and construction team to be ultra-diligent in working out details to create a seamless interface between design components.
How did you resolve it?
We used a combination of renderings, models, and full-scale mockups to describe the design to the client for their review and approval. The use of BIM [building information modeling] with the design team and the subcontractors facilitated accurate trade coordination in working out interface detailing throughout the design process.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
Working on such a high–profile project with lofty goals was a unique opportunity. There was incredible pride of ownership, from the client to the design team to the construction trades. The teamwork displayed on this project was unparalleled and resulted in an incredibly well-executed design.
INNOVEST PORTFOLIO SOLUTIONS
Carmen Schechinger; Lynn Coit, Allied ASID; and Sarah Zales
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
Designing on a tight budget does not typically allow for upgraded finishes and custom designs, especially artwork. Our design team had to incorporate art onto the existing architectural glass in order to achieve the desired look.
How did you resolve it?
Our client specifically requested that the conference room glass be obscured with a privacy film, which provided a canvas for colorful abstract art. The custom Lynnel art film incorporates the office color palette and ties the whole design together into one attractive (and a little daring) package.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
The first impression when someone enters the lobby. The question they get asked repeatedly is, “Did you move?” No, the design team successfully created a like–new space with clever finish applications throughout the lobby, including the star feature of the art film, which leaves a lasting impression.
SLATERPAULL | HORD COPLAN MACHT
ACADEMIC OFFICE BUILDING, UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, CO SPRINGS
Jennifer Cordes; Gwen Gilley; Travis Bostic; Michelle Horn, ASID; Christine Poppe; Joel Pehrson; Antonio Andrade; Kelsey Myron-Karels; Gary Reynolds, University of Colorado, Carolyn Fox, University of Colorado; Stan Rovira, University of Colorado; Ara Massey; Shen Milsom & Wilke; Nunn Construction; Cator, Ruma & Associates, Co. REI; and Terra Nova
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
The university’s ambitious goal to achieve 40% energy reduction over ASHRAE 90.1 turned out to be difficult to realize. The team analyzed ambitious strategies with the mechanical system, building envelope and daylighting strategies, and still struggled to meet this goal, as the small site makes renewable energy systems unrealistic.
How did you resolve it?
The design team utilized Sefaira for conceptual energy modeling, which allowed the team to make modifications and continuously verify the energy targets. A narrow building footprint of 60 feet wide from north to south allowed for optimum daylighting to all offices, a highly insulated envelope, and high–performance HVAC system.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
The most dramatic spaces created in the building include a fourth–floor roof deck and conference rooms on every floor oriented to maximize spectacular views to Pikes Peak. These are intended to provide a space for the building occupants to socialize and create community.
CLOUD CAMP LODGE
David Fritz; Cindy Johnson, ASID; and Courtney Cunningham
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
The most challenging aspect of the project in regards to the interiors was finding qualified American–made artisans who could craft the custom furnishings and lighting required.
How did you resolve it?
With current design trending in a more modern fashion, it forced the design team to travel to areas within the Rocky Mountains searching for unique craftsmen who worked with log furnishings, and custom hand–forged iron appropriate for a lodge environment.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
The project program. The design teams feels that never again in their careers will they be commissioned to create a lodge which rivals the great lodges of the National Parks where visitors from all over the world can come to Colorado to enjoy a true wilderness experience in the Rocky Mountains. We will all look back on the project with fond memories.
CAPITAL VALUE ADVISORS
Carmen Schechinger; Lynn Coit, Allied ASID; Tia Jenkins, Kieding Office Architects; and Trent Jensen, Kieding Office Architects
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
The primary challenge was to get the level of detailing within the client budget. We knew the main impact needed to be in the lobby/entertainment area, but we didn’t want the remainder of the office to look neglected.
How did you resolve it?
We resolved the challenge by working closely with the contractor and millworker to carefully select the appropriate upgrades. We had numerous conversations on creative ways to apply materials and paid close attention to carrying the “rustic modern” vibe throughout the space.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
The center millwork unit became complex, and everything was integrated together thoughtfully. We kept each component similar proportions, which leads you around the office. Repeated details, mixing finishes, custom light fixture surrounds, and barn door hardware make this workspace feel not like an office but more like a high-end lodge.
KIMBERLY TIMMONS INTERIORS, LLC.
TAYLOR MORRISON SKYESTONE SALES OFFICE
Kimberly Timmons-Beutner, ASID, IIDA, NCIDQ; JoLeigh Hennessy; and Kelly Gavlick
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
Working on temporary spaces such as the sales offices for residential communities creates a challenge in that the building is technically a home, or in some cases, located in a garage, and the interior space for sales needs to be created within that shell.
How did you resolve it?
Fitting functional, commercial-type spaces successfully into one level of a residential building footprint takes forethought to provide the appropriate adjacencies of spaces to one another. The flow through the sales office is important as it acts as a ‘guide’ for potential residents, providing them with the first impression of the community itself. These aspects were taken into careful consideration while we space–planned the office. We feel, even though the space is temporary, the layout flows well and gives a grand impression to the potential home buyers that tour the community.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
The overall design process and working with a client who truly trusted and encouraged our vision for the space was an incredible change in pace. We also enjoyed working with the successful combination of natural, raw materials in combination with the saturated hues of the color palette that tied with their marketing and branding materials.
CASTLE PINES RESIDENCE
LeAnn Ostheimer and Dan DeGrush
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
The clients wanted only clean lines and hard angles to match the contemporary feel of the architecture. Convincing them of the visual necessity for a circle somewhere in the design to avoid creating a space that felt harsh and uninviting was a challenge.
How did you resolve it?
While 90–degree angles and squares set the stage for the hardscape and architecture, the lone circle we placed in the west lawn wall adds a dramatic accent visible from above and below and brings a welcome sense of suppleness and accord to the design of the project.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
Working to create a modern destination in the wilderness, creating focal elements for each axis of the home: a sunken garden and patio, an art sculpture aligned with Pikes Peak, a fire pit retreat, a secluded patio nestled among the pine trees, and a stunning green roof garden.
ASHLEY CAMPBELL INTERIOR DESIGN
POOL HOUSE
Ashley Campbell, Associate ASID
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
Flooding proved to be the biggest challenge to the project. There was extensive water damage to the lower level.
How did you resolve it?
This issue was a huge budgetary and time constraint. We had to add a whole new sewer line from the pool house to the street, tearing up landscape in the process. Once this was repaired, we could then replace the ruined drywall, carpet, and furniture.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
The flexibility of this hardworking house is fantastic. Guests from out of town have their own space away from the family’s small children. Additionally, the seamless indoor/outdoor functionality make spring and summer entertaining easy. This was also a great place to utilize water-like colors and fun prints.
MILES RESIDENCE
Duet Design Group Team; Devon Elise Tobin, ASID
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
The former client’s home and vision for the new home varied significantly in color palette, furniture style, and overall architectural elements. The husband and wife had very different opinions on what the style of the new home was to be, therefore, creating a challenge in achieving both their design aesthetics.
How did you resolve it?
By incorporating existing furniture with upholstery and/or finish modifications, personalizing specific rooms to each of their tastes, and coming to a common design vision on communal areas such as the kitchen/family room/etc., we made the husband and wife feel comfortable and heard.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
Our favorite aspect of the project was the fantastic fixed finishes, which included gorgeous natural stone running along the interior walls, warm hardwood flooring through the main level, rich marbles and travertine in the bathrooms, and stunning light fixtures throughout.
STUDIO B ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS
LOT 5 RESIDENCE
Studio B Architecture + Interiors; Amanda Kurz, ASID
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
Our largest hurdle was how to encourage abundant natural light and offset the cool gray/blue tones from the northern light. We were challenged to provide warmth in the interiors within a steep, heavily wooded site through a three-story, north-facing home.
How did you resolve it?
Thoughtful finish selections and lighting design, as well as architectural planning, were required to secure ample natural light from both sides into the interior spaces while staying within the limited design review guidelines.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
Our great and willing clients encouraged a design dialogue, gave us liberties, and hired us to be designers in the best sense of the profession.
TARAB/KRAFT
Erin Van Galder and Teresa Myers
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
The clients wanted a space for wine storage without taking away from the square footage of the unfinished storage/utility room.
How did you resolve it?
We were able to design a wine storage rack which included two hidden doors for wine storage. The doors open up to the unfinished storage/utility room.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
The clients have a lot of guests who visit and wanted the spaces to be transitional for their needs and their guests when they visit. This resulted in a multifunctional room as a craft room, office space, and bedroom, accommodating the needs of all users. The clients were overwhelmed by the finished result as they can now use this space for more than one purpose.
MCLAIN FLATS
Becky Garrett, ASID; Sarah Broughton, AIA;and Delvon Nemechek, AIA
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
The team reorganized the space to take advantage of the original geometries and unique character of the existing structure and had to accept and work within the original exposed structure. Instead of rerouting certain elements, they bore the constrained opportunities presented to them and accepted the total transparency of the remodel.
How did you resolve it?
The team created symmetry in the space plan, responding to existing architecture. We worked with existing structure to design new partitions, lighting, and final finishes.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
Alongside the client, our team recognized the architectural uniqueness of this modern relic. Instead of demolishing part of Aspen’s architectural history, we are proud of the dedication shown in sharing our passion of preserving architectural legacy and modernizing the home into the 21st century.
MODERN RUSTIC RANCH KITCHEN
Jennifer A. Jelinek, ASID; Jason McConathy, New Mountain Design Kitchen and Bath; Brad Smith, Terra Firma; and Carl Rohde, Architect
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
The architectural layout in the kitchen made for some unique angles in which to design, making space–planning the biggest challenge to overcome. Doors and large accordion windows contribute to lack of space for storage. With many needed zones, including prep, cooking, cleanup, entertaining, and eating, square footage disappeared rapidly.
How did you resolve it?
Spice cabinets were hidden within the range wall. Drawer appliances were tucked in the island. By borrowing space from the pantry, we nestled the entertainment bar nearest to the great room and concealed it with pocket doors. The island was enlarged by a reclaimed slab to provide a convenient eating area.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
Lighting is inherently tricky but designing solutions for the two–story ceilings and window-filled walls was enjoyable. The client was open to interesting fixtures and layered solutions, incorporating uplights highlighting architectural trusses, wall sconces to provide task lighting near the window-facing sink, and a dramatic chandelier above the island.
ASHLEY CAMPBELL INTERIOR DESIGN
SERENE SANCTUARY
Jodi Cook, NCIDQ
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
Creating the ideal plan was the greatest challenge of this project. The existing architectural features, including a window in the would-be shower and a large tub, needed to be reworked to open up space and create more privacy for the homeowners.
How did you resolve it?
We removed the tub deck and replaced it with a freestanding tub with the window above to gain more space for a shower. The once empty hallway was converted to usable space, with millwork as linen storage below and coffee bar above. A barn door covered unsightly drywall and divided the space from the bedroom.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
My favorite part of this redesign was the weathered wood ceiling. Using steel wool and vinegar to “pickle” normal planks, my contractor and I achieved the look of reclaimed wood without the waste. This feature added a lot of warmth and character to the room, both rustic and refined.
HARRISON BROWNE INTERIOR DESIGN
HALEAKALA WINE ROOM
Debra Browne, ASID; Kristin Hall; John Baker, Architect; and Nicholas Lough, Ridge Runner Construction
What was the most difficult challenge of this project?
The glass floor specification process.
How did you resolve it?
We consulted and decided that covering the original floor joists would solve the problem of calculation for spanning the space with glass.
What was your favorite aspect of this project?
Styling the scene below the glass floor was our favorite element.
