San Diego Design Quality Evaluation

Posted on: September 16th, 2010 | 3 Comments

Today is Thursday, September 16, 2010 and thanks to everyone who tuned in to watch our LIVE broadcast this morning. For those of you who could not join us LIVE, click on the player below to watch the entire episode.

Today’s “Ask An Architect” question came from Anne who lives in San Diego, California. She needed our help to recommend which of two loft style rental units she should move into.

The building is called the “Broadway Lofts Building” and is located in the Gas Lamp District in downtown San Diego. The Units she is considering are either “Unit G” or “Unit H”. The building used to be a bank building and was built in 1909. It is now being converted into rental units.

Anne was hoping for some advice from us how she could arrange her furniture groupings in these loft spaces. She would really like to have a bedroom area, a living and dining space as well as a place to work from home.

We would be interested to hear which unit you think she should choose and why! Leave a comment on the blog and let’s have a discussion!

Make sure to join us on Saturday at 11am Mountain/ 10am Pacific/ 1pm Eastern for our next LIVE workshop where we will be looking at a real project in Toronto, submitted by Mike, who needs our help to come up with a plan for his infill renovation project. Check the site tomorrow for all the details and so that you can get working on your design schemes for this project!

  • Mid America Mom

    *** Matthew/John*** Thinking back a few days on the redesign on Tuesday I think we should spam doing the Toronto redesign on Friday (maybe submitting by x time on Friday eve would be good for those not in our timezones), and then joining in on Saturday for discussion would be great! As it is now the site encourages us to come for the Sat. LIVE session only.

    Nice week of the studio so far. Just wish I did not have so many browser issues (all our end)! I look forward to taking part in another redesign project time permitting.

    Mid America Mom

  • Mid America Mom

    About today. Anne I wish you the best and thanks for letting us help you decide on your slow home.

    As an apartment therapy devotee? ( http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/) todays session on the loft captured the interest of my inner designer! As promised I did more thinking and research related to the segment today.

    The loft choices in the Broadway building in San Diego are a great reuse of an old building. As a rental these can be challenging as furniture has to do a bit more. It has to define or improve a room.

    The pictures of the kitchen were great. We can see the appliance finishes and the layout. A single wall kitchen is the least functional of kitchen designs. If you are (or not) a cook, adding a freestanding island can improve the function and design of this kitchen. Loft G allows you to do this. And by picking this lower cost rental you will save enough money to pay for furniture pieces that would help to make it SLOW.

    Stainless is HOT in kitchens. Luckily it helps to provide a nice range of materials and price for islands that would work.

    You can go with a traditional wood piece with a variety of countertop choices. You also have a great opportunity to play up the steel with an island made of it. Since John suggested seating at the island you may want to stick with a single lower shelf, or no shelf design. Look for something a bit long for spatial continuity. The wall looks to be 11/12 feet. Ideally you want enough space to pass on each end and seating. A 4 or 5 foot piece would work well. A 5 foot I think would look better and allow up to 3 diners.

    With a quick internet search I found that a kitchen work table may fit the bill. At this site you can purchase a 60” by 24/30” one shelf steel work table for under $500 USD. I do not know this vendor but here you go – http://www.kitchensource.com/kitchen-islands/d/work-tables/1/atts/32/sort/4/s/2/n/2/

    Other pieces may be able to act like an island. Desks, tables, breakfast sets, sideboards come to mind but issue may be in the depth or height. Keep in mind when looking at these pieces that kitchen counters are normally about 36 inches or so off the floor and 24 deep.

    Love to see after pictures once you are settled! Good luck in your new space.

    Mid America Mom

  • Anne

    Hi Mid America Mom,

    Thank you so much for all of the great information. The suggestions for the kitchen are really helpful.

    I also want to give a special thanks to Matthew and John. I have been a “lurker” on slow home for several months and I was a little hesitant to send in my question. Your review of the two units made my choice crystal clear and the live chat was fun.

    Good luck with the new format. I think its great!