WHHA + Ionic DeZign Studios expands RVA office

With the new year arriving we have BIG news.....We are getting BIGGER!

Eugene has been working with the landlord in Richmond at our current office location on Church Rd to extend our office footprint so we can accommodate additional design and production staff. The expanded office will allow for an additional eight design members plus give office space for general administration and an executive office for Eugene no that he will be spending more time in RVA assisting the growth of the firm.

The new space will allow for the creation of an open office plan in the production area much like we already have in Virginia Beach. The principle and founder of Ionic DeZign Studios, Eugene says, "The new renovations will promote the interaction of the design team during the collaboration of a project development. We have been successful with this concept in Virginia Beach and feel it will likewise be so in Richmond."

While WHHA previously focused primarily on church and other religious centered projects. With the merging of the two firms, Eugene indicated, "We are beginning to focus on introducing our current VB portfolio of offices, retail, restaurants and financial institutions. In order to do so, the interior renovations will depict our design skills and creativity for these markets. We have excelled in using technology to help promote our designs and present our concepts. The plan for the renovated conference rooms, materials library and reception will continue that theme. We look forward to sharing the new space with our clients and consultants."

WHHA + Ionic DeZign Studios hopes to have an open house in the fall to share in the new renovations and celebration of the first year of combined firms. The new space will reflect the vitality and creativity that has embodied the firm over the many years in business. It is expected to be unique in nature and surely a one of a kind statement. Eugene will likely create some of the architectural features himself. "Expect to see some fun ideas presented in the custom light fixtures, conference tables and reception desk just like we have done in VB. It has become a little bit of a 'brand expectation' that our clients see one of a kind chandlers or some type of lighting made by us for their spaces. We will continue to share those ideas within our own walls."

Those interested in joining our team add becoming associates of a fast growing and rewarding design practice, please reach out and contact us with your resume at info@WHHAdezigns.com. We would love to chat with you after the adventure we are planning.

Be on the look out for an invite this fall for RVA but until then feel free to join us at our Open House Event in VB on the 18th of February. We look forward to seeing everyone and sharing in our continued growth.

Eugene Thompson

Founder + President

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc.

"Where art and architecture come together."

www.ionicdezigns.com

www.WHHAdezigns.com

NERVE 2015 - Nashville

Be Legendary! For my first experience at a global EO function, this was LEGENDARY! The amount of learning and note taking I did over the few days we stayed in Nashville was massive. About 50 pages of written notes filled my iPad. I tried to capture all that I could. Numerous speakers filled my head with self-motivation and focus on being a better leader and business man. They provided I site how to grow your business to points that are beyond your expectations. They encouraged you to share your knowledge with your own team/staff and allow them to better their abilities.

Each day was filled with speakers during the day and networking opportunities each evening. From keynote speakers to breakout sessions and even celebrity country singers, Nashville was filled with more than I could imagine. To make a choice of which breakout speaker I intended on hearing was probably the toughest decision. None we bad....all were awesome. I emerged with an enormous amount of learning.....including a pile of books to add to my reading list! I can't wait to get through them all.

I connected with several individuals including the great Jack Daly. What a huge motivator! Not only did I hear him speak but got the opportunity to run with him Thursday morning and chat a bit. There were about a dozen of us. I feel I am going to be adding an Ironman to my bucket list. What an amazing way to start off my first Global EO experience!

 

Day one was filled with multiple speakers (9 in total) brain was about to explode and I filled my iPad with notes. Here is my day one take-aways. There were many!

Verne Harnish: Locamotion of Species; "With enough pieces of ribbon I could conquer the planet", Napoleon; The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing; In the 21st century we are not confined to our four walls; Passion Purpose & Persistence.

John DiJulius: They don't put people in Disney, they put Disney in people; Day in the Life of a Customer; Making price irrelevant; SIGN: We do $10 haircuts....SIGN: We fix $10 haircuts!; Customer Bill of Rights...never & always.

Jack Daly: Systems and Processes; If you don't have an assistant you are one; Vision = Magnetic + Compelling; Keep people in Key spots; Hire slowly, Fire quickly; Always looking for the number 1 salesman.

Cameron Herold: The little engine that could, I think I can; Ride the roller coaster and scream, or wave and laugh.

Tim Corbin: people are like: Marshmallow-soft outside and inside, Jelly Bean-hard on outside and soft in the middle, Rock-hard on both because of experience; Life isn't fair, it rewards us on its own clock; Don't judge every season by the outcome of the last game; The first part of teaching is trust.

Ron Friedman: Intelligent risk taking; Mistakes are the tuition you pay for success; Exercise makes you smarter.

Biz Dev Done Right: Right Target, Right Message, Right Answers to objections, Right Door Opener, Right execution; 1st 10% improvement, 2nd 10% price change.

Andy Bailey: 7000 thoughts in one day, only ONE task account mp,I shed at a time; You get what you're focused on.

Tommy Spaulding: His story was amazing.....can't wait to read the book after listening to him for just a few minutes.

And the the day was over and off we went to dinner. Right there in the hotel at the Country Music Hall of Fame with entertainment by John Rich who had spoke to us earlier in the day too.

 

All in all it was a fantastic event with lots to learn from. A great time getting to know my fellow members and many of their wives better as well as a lot of others from around the country.

 

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

Ionic DeZign Studios

 

www.ionicdezigns.com

www.WHHAdezigns.com

 

The Entrepreneurial Marathon

The Entrepreneurial Marathon

by Eugene Thompson

Planning, commitment, perseverance and endurance are just a few words that often are used to describe individuals that run a marathon. Those adjectives are also often used to portray entrepreneurial leaders that successfully run a corporation. I don't believe there is any question of the similarities in both endeavors. Being a successful business leader is about engaging your journey like a marathon, not a sprint. If you’ve actually run a marathon, you know the high at the starting line and the low of mile 20 when you just can’t take one more step.

The real question we should ask ourselves is, “Do marathon runners make better leaders?”

I didn’t consider myself a runner when I started in 2013 at 47 years old. Runners are  naturals who stride through the miles with the greatest of ease and speed. It was something that was vital for me to learn. How many people think the same thing of successful leaders? …that it must be natural and easy for them? Maybe for some, but not for most of us. Anything less than a marathon might be accomplished by sheer determination. However for consistent success, proper training is required. 

Here are some similarities that I have found along my personal journey.

COMMITMENT

What level of commitment has been given to this new endeavor? For myself, I announced on social media of my intentions of running a marathon in January of 2014. This was in response to my mother passing away from the ill effects brought on by diabetes. My father passed away from the same twenty-five years earlier. I too have diabetes.

How about your determination to succeed in your business? For myself, I resigned from my job with no other options but to push ahead and force myself to succeed. My family expected me to provide for them. Sheer desire and will power were the determining factors for success.

Failure wasn’t an option.

GAME PLAN

Less than 1% of the country's population will run and complete a full marathon. Similarly about that many entrepreneurs achieve businesses with revenue over $1M. In the case of a marathon, not many can just decide to run a marathon without training. It takes countless hours of training short and long distances to finally achieve that 26.2 mile reward. A strategic plan is created outlining the number of miles each week with increasing goals as the imminent date approaches. Food plans and diets are an important factor in maintaining your energy and fuel. Other foods like greasy burgers or alcohol might need to be eliminated from your diet. 

Likewise with a business you cannot expect to open the office doors and have the “they will come” attitude. Probably not the best business plan. An idea requires a well thought out plan and proper preparation. Maybe smaller steps are required at first with modest increases as the business develops and grows. Don't think about making more revenue as your only objective. Hiring employees, developing marketing strategies, customer service and accounting procedures should be carefully considered for the business to grow successfully.

Consider all the requirements necessary to succeed.

STARTING LINE

On the day of your first marathon the excitement is high. There are thousands of individuals packed into the corral awaiting the start. Feeling insignificant for the moment and very much alone. Butterflies in your stomach exist but you tell yourself you got this, after all you have trained and prepared for this day. A few friendly strangers share words of encouragement on your new adventure. Waiting for the start of the race is the most difficult part.

Beginning a business venture can feel like the start of a race. Exciting but lonely. Scary and not necessarily secure in oneself. Sure a few people congratulate you and share encouraging words but honestly when times get tough they will not be there to help you. You'll need to run it on your own. At the start everything takes so long until you can actually RUN. Waiting for your opportunity to do what you have prepared for.

And then you hear the bullhorn……it's time to begin!

ENDURANCE

The race begins and the first thing you do……start off way too fast. Your training and game plan reminds you of the intended pace, however the excitement of the moment and the adrenaline has you nearly sprinting during the first few miles. Slow down and stick to your agenda. This is an endurance race not a sprint. Consistency will be required if you intend on making it to the finish line. By mile 5 or 6 you begin to pass those that started too fast as well. At mile 12 or 13, the half way point, you see others struggling. You wonder if they will finish. You wonder if you will finish. 

So many times there are those that get caught up in the beginning of a business and do not focus on their business plan. To run a business for a few years is not your goal, it is a long term investment and it will take endurance to achieve success. 50% of businesses never make it past the fifth year. Only 25% will see their fifteenth anniversary. 

Endurance is the ultimate driving factor in completing the entrepreneurial marathon.

PERSEVERANCE

It was never explained how difficult it would be when you “hit the wall”. That invisible barrier somewhere after mile 18 hits hard. Knees are hurting, legs aching, stomach empty and by now your soaked in sweat. Inside your mind you ask yourself why you ever wanted to run a marathon. Your self confidence wavers as doubt begins to grab a foothold inside your head. 

Every business has it’s own struggles and every leader needs to respond to the hurdles it faces. There will be some, possibly even many, over the course of the business life. That wall presents itself as a slowed economy, difficult clients, competitors, finding responsible employees and more overwhelming problems. The only way to navigate through is to remember your initial motivation and dreams, grit your teeth and push through the pain. 

Defy the doubt!

THE FINISH LINE

A successful leader takes responsiblity for action and reaction, decision and indecision. Likewise for every success and every failure. The same holds true for a marathon runner. Failing to develop proper plans in the beginning can guarantee failure before the starting gun fires. The inability to maintain your endurance or persevere through the difficult times can cause you to collapse before gaining sight of the finish line. The successful leader knows how to run the race and balance all aspects of the challenges of a marathon. They understand the skills which are required to position themselves with just enough reserves to sprint that last half mile and cross the finish line victoriously!

These are the remarkable parallels between the qualities required to be a marathon runner and that of a successful leader in any organization. Victory is now yours.…..now try repeating that over and over. Have a FUN RUN!

After completing six marathons Eugene’s first year, he signed up for fourteen full marathons for 2015. All in the hopes of encouraging more awareness about diabetes for those suffering. Follow his exploits on Facebook. RunEugeneRun

http://insidebiz.com/news/entrepreneurs-entrepreneurial-marathon
 

16 Year Anniversary

It is pretty amazing when you go back and look at the path you have traveled. The perspective is so much different while you are on that journey. While on a hike, or as I have been doing a lot lately, running a marathon, your eyes are usually focused on each foot step. Sure, from time to time you raise your head up and take a peek around and gaze upon the sights. However, more often each of us are paying attention to our feet so we don't trip or fall.

In comparison, last year I ran the RimRock Marathon in Grand Junction, Colorado. I was out of my league in many ways. Racers, altitude, hill climbing and being a novice marathoner. However the surroundings proved to be the most beautiful......before the race. Yep, I could see the mountains (I did say mountains) in the horizon that early morning. I was about to run up, over, and back down again. After about mile .5 I didn't see much. My head was focused on surviving this crazy run. Focused on getting past mile points that was required or the race officials would scoop me up off the track.

Yes I finished. And yes several times I was able to pick my head up and look at the canyon below. I felt a little like Chevy Chase in National Lampoons Vacation looking over the Grand Canyon. " yep, nice......lets go." I wasn't able to appreciate where and what I had accomplished up to that point. 

Head back down......keep running.

It wasn't until after the race when we took the drive retracing the race course. We actually ran on the roadway that spiraled through the canyon. WOW, I was amazed at the scenery. I missed a lot! WOW, this hill is crazy steep....in the car.......how did I do that? We stopped the car for time to time at various points to go out and look over various areas and admire the surrounding nature. It was beautiful.

I say all that because after 16 years of IONIC, I have, more often than not, had my head down and kept pushing forward. There was always something that required my nose to be on the grindstone. A new project. A new client. Most often they were all good things. Good things that I always enjoyed working through. I just didn't raise my head to look around and see the journey as much as I probably should have.

So now we have reached a milestone of sixteen years. I finally raise my head and look around and see the many blessings that we have experienced. We have made so many wonderful relationships during the course that I would be hard pressed to count every one of them. There are many! I remember them all.....and all of them are important and special.

I want to thank each and everyone of our friends that have made it possible to achieve so much. Our clients have given us the opportunity to create and provide for our families. Our consultants have made it possible to piece together wonderfully successful projects.....over 1000 of them! Our vendors have supplied us with inspiration and tools to implement beauty, sustainability and quality into our designs. Most importantly our family of employees have made all this possible by their unending perserverence to seek perfection in their work and giving IONIC a name that others can trust.

Thank you again my friends. We are engaged in many new wonderful projects and look forward to sharing them with you. Be watching for some exciting news that we hope to share in the very very near future......like maybe next week!

Until then.....keep your head up and enjoy the run!

Eugene Thompson

President + Founder

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc.

www.ionicdezigns.com

"creating places and spaces that enrich the lives of those who use them."

Raleigh News - Wendy's New Bern

Wendy's announcement in New Bern.

http://raleighpublicrecord.org/news/2015/04/13/development-beat-18/

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA
President + Founder
Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc.
www.ionicdezigns.com

Quote of the Week

"Everything you can imagine is real." Pablo Picasso

Ionic Dezign Studios, Inc
www.ionicdezigns.com

My Secret Formula?

Sometimes the most difficult part of anything we ever do is starting. Honestly I'd rather just sit my butt right here and not do anything......but that would get boring really quick. Although I may hate the idea of beginning something (regardless of whether I've done it once, a few times, a gazzillion times or never at all) I always feel some much better once I've completed that task. It just takes me getting started.

I try to motivate myself....pump myself up......yes, like Hans and whatever that other guy's name is. It is important to be encouraged and it isn't always practical to have someone else there to tell you. Take steps to become self sufficient in your own motivation. Write it down, put it on your calendar, send yourself a message.....whatever helps just do it!

 

So this morning I needed to go for a 10 mile run to get geared up for the marathon in a few weeks. (truthfully I needed to run more but haven't been up to running in the cold) So I needed to run 10 miles, felt like running only 5......started to make excuses while I'm running that I would do more later.....you know that aint gonna happen. So I ended up doing a Forest Gump and ran a half marathon distance (13 miles) before work......felt great!

 

Just do it my friends.....you will be self motivated!

 

D. Eugene Thompson

www.ionicdezigns.com

Ionic DeZign Studios

Work Emails On The Weekend

Some have the thought that you should never look at your email on your time off or over the weekends. It is your time and not work time. Personal down time is necessary. Yep, I have read these before and certainly respect peoples desire to their own time. Family time is family time and work time is work time......got it......except when you are the boss! At least for me as a boss.

I cannot help myself. I stay connected all the time. That is just what I do. I want to be responsive to my clients that reach out to us. I want to be aware of any issues the others in the office are having. I just want to feel the pulse of the work all time......for fear that it might slow or even stop......Economic Cardiac Arrest!

For me it gives me peace of mind. I can see where others may certainly need that downtime. If there is a problem, then I would to know what I need to do first thing Monday morning to fix it. Or even better, I love getting an email that says I have just been awarded another project......that makes my day no matter how small the projects are.

Just like this weekend. My Wendy's client emailed me Sunday morning. TWICE! The first email told me that another location had been approved for renovation and to submit my paperwork. Great news! And then the second email.......another had been approved as well......even better news!

Some may certainly not give much credit to those small projects but we feel we have been blessed this year by all the work. All those small projects have certainly added up. They have given us the opportunity to add more wonderful staff to the family. They have allowed us to expand and renovate the office. They have given us some comfort and security that we will continue to be busy.  Sure it may not be museums or schools or other high profile buildings that architects dream of. But right now they are a dream come true.

My goal as the principal of the firm is to never have to go back to that dreadful time a few years ago where everything fell apart and we struggled so much. Never. Never. So, if that means I keep answering the emails over my weekends or evenings.....then so be it. I will do it whether times are good or bad. I owe that to my staff to make sure we all have work.

So my friends.....test me and send me a new project over the weekend......I will be sure to answer you right away. Cause that's what I do.

Success and happiness are not a place but a direction.......and I am on that highway.

IONIC DEZIGN STUDIOS

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

www.ionicdezigns.com

Mayhem Architecture

Last week I ran my first "mud run". Mud & Music Mayhem. If you don't know what this is, just throw in a blender a 6 mile run through the hillside, a series of mud puddles and about 30 different play ground contraptions. Turn it on high and mayhem is what comes out. The whole problem with this idea for me is the last time I visited a playground I was just a young kid......not a kid anymore. The problem with mud puddles up to your waist is that I never really liked getting messy as a kid. I never ate cotton candy....it was a sticky mess....I know, I know. And finally the problem with 6 miles right now is I am just building back up to that distance. Throw them all together and you could have a catastrophe or maybe something really special. It all depends on how you approach it.

So how does that relate to architecture? I think we can make a lot of comparisons. We could certainly make the analogy between this mud run and all it obstacles versus a very difficult and challenging project. Maybe even the comparison with going through architecture school, graduating, finding work, years of internship and ultimately crossing the finish line by obtaining the sacred licensure.

All great references but I think I will choose to compare the challenges of starting, running and operating a business, specifically an architecture firm with this crazy mud run. 

The Starting Line: There is so much excitement and energy at the beginning that it is hard to contain oneself. As matter of fact, those of us experienced in races realize that you probably should pace yourself just a bit so you don't burn out too soon. Many a times I (in my turtle pace) have been passed in the beginning only to eventually catch up to those rabbits walking along side the roadway further ahead. Businesses can be the same way. It is great to be excited but pacing yourself or maybe PLANNING for all of the race is a wise game plan.

The First Obstacles: You come upon the first hurdle...and you knew there were going to be some...and you take it on. That is great, a perfect attitude. Except, you may have never taken on an obstacle like this before. It might be a bit of a struggle. You might even get a few cuts and bruises. Just depends on the task. If you have prepared yourself mentally for these challenges then you are way ahead of the game. So many go into business thinking that we will never hit any walls only to find out business is not always a bed of roses.

More Obstacles: What?! There are more? Yep. At least in a race they tell you there will be a certain number of obstacles. In life and business there isn't such an outline. You don't know when or where they will occur. You don't know what or how difficult they will be. But you just need to keep on. So many hit these walls and give up. The true test is how well have you have prepared yourself. In architecture we are trained to become problem solvers. Thus puts our skills to a true test by figuring out a solution to this business obstacle as well. Problem is....architecture schools don't really teach you business skills. And as many of us that would like to think we are good designers.....that doesn't always automatically make us good businessmen. Payroll, marketing, new work, new hires, leasing space, buying software, managing growth....on and on. 

The first obstacles are struggles and afterwards we usually prepare ourselves better. My first contract proposals were only a page long. Now they start at four pages and they always accompany the AIA agreement. I learned.....maybe the hardway. However there will be other unknown and unexpected obstacles that we will find. Attack them with the same aggressiveness. In the mud run, initially I was cautiously tip toeing into the muddy waters. Towards the end of the run...I just jumped in...no hesitation! Even the next day walking around a shopping center with my wife I saw a rain puddle in the parking lot......I had the urge to go roll around in it. I had become a master of the mayhem!

The Push: There is a push at the end of a run to conquer strong. Now this may compare to the end of a project, a fiscal year or maybe even the end of a wonderful career. We all want to finish strong. Everyone will be there at the finish line watching. The race photographers will be there to snap your picture. I always try to pick it up at the end and hold my head up high even if I have been completely drained during a race. It is like a pro football player going out on top rather than having to change teams over and over trying to hang on longer than he should. However, at the end of a mud run, they often stack those darn obstacles back to back. Mine had this vicious rock hill to climb only to be followed by swimming across a small lake. I had no breath left in me. Drained. No that wasn't the end. The finally was a series of mud hills that you had to climb while someone had a firehose spraying you....and then climb through a tube half full of muddy water....and then under a barbwire maze through more muddy water. And yes, near the finish line so everyone was watching. I did manage to gather enough energy for a slight trot across the line.

So I say sometimes Architecture is Mayhem. Remember the charettes in school? Maybe a few still in the real world. Deadlines are still required. Our clients still want their product. And we still want perfection. Do all of this and accomplish everyone's goals.....and oh yeah....make a profit. Art and Architecture. Our slogan says our work is where they come together. And when they do actually come together, the reward is received and waiting for us at the finish line.

Run, my friends. Run and have fun!

www.ionicdezigns.com

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

Ionic DeZign Studios

IONIC & WENDY'S....this is why we are so busy.

Restaurant remodel programs are all the rage these days, particularly in a fast food business that is busy trying to play keep-up with McDonald's. Just about every major fast food chain is in the midst of a reimage program, but perhaps the most interesting of these is coming from Columbus, Ohio-based Wendy's.

The world's third-largest QSR burger chain is instituting a costly remodel program—its top option has a price tag as much as $700,000, which is high for a chain that has average sales of about $1.4 million. That cost appears to be scaring off at least some operators. Brokers have told us that some Wendy's franchisees have been putting their stores on the market to avoid that remodel.

Still, the remodels could well be worth the price.

According to Wendy's, the $700,000 remodel option produces a sales lift of at least 25 percent, considerably higher than the 15 percent sales lift Burger King's remodeled units get, though at a much higher cost. Still, for the typical Wendy's, that equates into $350,000 in additional revenue every year, which makes for a relatively quick return on investment for restaurants that remodel their stores.

It also could provide a significant boost for Wendy's overall, particularly if the company is able to meet its remodel timeline.

The company plans to have 75 company-owned units remodeled by the end of the year. And it wants half of its corporate restaurant stock remodeled by 2015.

It's also hanging $10 million in incentives in front of franchisees to entice them to remodel their stores next year. In so doing, Wendy's joins rivals McDonald's and Burger King in employing a carrot approach to increase the number of restaurants that get remodeled. As McDonald's has proven with its remodeling program, and then Burger King, carrots work far better than the far more common "stick" approach at getting franchisees to remodel. And given the apparent sales lift these remodels can generate, those incentives produce good returns for the franchisors.

Creativity Wins!

Time published a new poll on how Americans viewed creativity—with remarkable results. The good news is that a huge majority of people believe creativity is very important. Nearly 2/3s believe creativity is more important to their workplace careers than they knew in school.  The bad news is that most Americans don’t know how to practice creativity. They value creativity but don’t understand it.

So we need both a lot of social time engaging with trusted friends and colleagues working on challenging new ideas AND alone-time to integrate those thoughts and connect the dots to generate new stuff.  It’s not “either-or.”

The five creative competencies of Stowe Boyd's new book Creative Intelligence: Knowledge Mining, Framing, Playing, Making and Pivoting: are skills that can build both creative capacity and creative confidence. This is true for business organizations as well as individuals. 

www.ionicdezigns.com

"Where art and architecture come together."

Ionic DeZign Studios Hits Growth Spurt

It all started thirteen and a half years ago. Out of the front living room and dining room of the Thompson household and then into it's office near town center in Virginia Beach. Slowly and steadily (minus the economic speed bump of 2009) IONIC has been progressively getting a little bit bigger and doing a bit more and more. Where once we were limited to focus on a select area of work within a certain distance within Virginia's borders, we now have projects in Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. There are only a few in those distant states so I don't want to sound like we are bigger than we are but that is still a beginning.

One project at a time we have continued to serve our clients by being attentive to their needs and listening to their concerns. We have focused our practice around serving others by helping accomplish their goals while having a little fun along the way. But most of you already knew that about us if you have worked with us before.

What you may not know is about how we are growing. Initially we planned to incorporate some new finishes and fixtures to our front office space. After all we had been there for almost nine years. Even though it served our needs, we felt a need to project more of the style of work we do within our own surroundings. It quickly became evident that we needed others things for our growth. To handle all the work we needed more people, to handle all the people we needed more desks and chairs, to handle all the furniture, computers etc......yep you got it....we needed more space.

After shifting and compressing and everything else possible it was simple.....we needed to grow. Our quaint little conference area no longer handled the bigger meetings we were no having. It didn't even handle our own staff. Storage for files was a premium. Our library of products, catalogs and finish samples was bursting at its seams. Fortunately we had a plan to solve all this. Actually for an architect....we had many plans. Just which one to choose?

Proudly, with the assistance of our landlord, Suburban Asset Management and their leasing agent CB Richard Ellis, we have that plan. Our new expanded office space will allow us to stay in the same location but stretch out in the areas where we need the most growth...THE DESIGN STUDIO. Nearly doubling the size of our current office footprint, the space will allow for a few new private offices, lots of storage, lots of working space for samples and catalogs, a new contemporary conference room, break room and of course space enough to comfortably accommodate all the design staff giving us ample room to accommodate a staff of nearly 20.

We are just beginning, and as we have preached to our clients it doesn't have to break the bank to accomplish great design. We hope the renovations will not only reflect some of the character of our work to our clients, but also provide for the needs of a very hard working group of architects, interior designers and engineers that collaborate here. Our goal is that before the end of the year our office will be ready to celebrate it's new diggs.......no pictures until then....just wait a see.

Thanks to all those that have helped us grow.

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc.

www.ionicdezigns.com

IONIC: A small firm with BIG IDEAS!

we dont use these anymore

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc.
Small firm, big ideas.

IONIC will work closely with you to understand your building requirements, and understand the importance of working together with you while using our knowledge, skill and network of experts to develop ideas that provide the best value for your investment. Working closely with the client, construction and design teams, we design effective, sustainable solutions for your building and space requirements. Our design leadership and coordination with the other members of the project team from inception to completion help ensure the successful delivery of your project. We can help you with new construction, tenant improvements / remodels and improvements of your facility.

We consider it our mission to lead the design process in the pursuit of excellence. We focus on three core areas of excellence to provide the greatest value for our clients. 

1. Efficient - We use the latest technologies and techniques to deliver our services faster, better and more affordably. Most all of our construction projects are created using the BIM process, Building Information Modeling. All of the documents are created using three dimensional design which creates much more accuracy and less opportunities for conflicts in the field.

2. Knowledgeable - Research and an extensive network of industry experts provide us with expertise that allows us to lead the design process and make informed recommendations for alternate solutions enabling our clients to make effective decisions that enhance the value of the project. This along with a wealth of experience allows to create exactly what is needed, from jurisdictional approvals to construction related techniques.

3. Sustainable - Understanding building systems, construction processes, material properties, and planning principles necessary to integrate your project into its site context and within the project budget are as important to us as they are to you. We take great pride in developing site appropriate designs that connect well within the urban fabric because we understand that a well integrated project enhances the value of our clients investment.


Contact us to see how we can help you!

Ionic Dezign Studios
D. Eugene Thompson, AIA
President + Founder

www.ionicdezigns.com

Shore Christian Academy

Just a quick update on some of the newest renderings for the school on the eastern shore.

More IP Rating information

A friend my recent post and chart regarding IP Ratings and sent along some more information to share. Thanks Clint for your contribution.

http://www.2mcctv.com/blog/2011_10_11-ip-rating-chart/

It is Time for Your Home's Interiors

The IONIC Process
Building Dream Homes by Design
Architecture Interiors & Furnishings

Award-winning IONIC DEZIGN STUDIOS offers complete interior design and furnishings services to our valued clients as a compliment to our integrated design process. Timeless design, creative vision and an extensive resources network culminate in personal statements of distinction for you. After all that time and effort has been put into the architecture and interior planning, wouldn't it be a waste not to plan for the furnishings as well?

Interiors
IONIC is unmatched in providing comprehensive interior selection and finish services during the design and construction of your home. As an integrated part of our architectural services, our team of designers will work with you on the selections of appliances, lighting fixtures, mirrors, wall finishes, tile patterns and floor coverings... just to name a few! These are often incorporated into the interior three dimensional model. There may be other ways to accurately represent the design so that you can clearly see the design intent we are proposing.

We offer an in-house design center and an extensive network of resources to provide complete interior services to reflect your individual statement. Our team of architects, builders, project managers and interior designers work together to instill the "WOW” factor into each project. You can imagine the amount of coordination that is required for all of this work. We catalog everything and review it all so you don't have to do all the running around. Our reward is the satisfaction of our client's pleasant surprise when they walk into their newly finished home.

Furnishings
Team IONIC is available to assist in the procurement of fine furnishings and accessories, custom upholsteries and draperies for your new custom home. It is always a pleasure for us to assist in the final step of the creation of your family's new sanctuary. This isn't an easy process but we have found after all the time spent together developing the architecture of your home, we typically know much more about your likes and dislikes. As always, we pledge our highest commitment to serve your best interests during this intimate process.

The IONIC goal as your furnishings designer is to streamline and greatly facilitate the overwhelming task of furnishing your new home.

Our furnishings designer begins working with you from the preliminary stage of architectural design, cataloging existing furnishings and determining the optimum furniture layout for your new home. The team will present fabric and furniture options, as well as window treatment solutions for your consideration.

Refinement of selections and timely order processing is managed for you during construction to insure timely delivery and installation concurrent with construction completion. After all we wouldn't want you to have to sit on the floor you first week in your new home.


D. Eugene Thompson, AIA
President
Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc.

www.ionicdezigns.com

What's Next? Design & Cost of Your New Home

The IONIC Process
Building Dream Homes by Design
Architecture -Design and Cost

Upon acceptance of the Pre-Construction Agreement, Team IONIC will begin the process of design. Over a period of approximately 6 months, our architects and designers will schedule periodic design meetings with you to review the plan in progress and receive additional feedback. Long distance communication is not a problem; electronic files and overnight mailings work great. With today's technology we are able to hold Internet meetings and communicate digitally without delay. We have worked with consultants in England and France on past projects and met with great success.

In addition to visiting with our architects, you will also be meeting with our interior designers at intervals to determine selections and finishes for costing purposes. IONIC will prepare periodic cost updates during the design process if desired.

Construction Documents

As design development continues and is completed, IONIC will prepare final Construction Drawings, Specifications and Selections for Final Cost Analysis. These Construction Documents are very comprehensive, engineered and detailed while representing our collective collaboration to prepare your dream home. These documents also represent our commitment to you for a successful construction experience. They will be attached as exhibits to the construction contract along with proposals for the contract price by qualified general contractors or by our CA management division. We will be ready for a quick construction start without delays of re-design due to cost overruns.

From the earliest design stages to the final construction Team IONIC will provide first rate services in every way. We want you to thoroughly enjoying the building process of your house all the way until the time you walk thru its doors and it becomes your home. This is what sets us apart from other competitors.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA
President
Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc.

www.ionicdezigns.com

So you want to build your own home?

The IONIC Process
Building Dream Homes by Design
How To Get Started?

We begin the design process by sitting down with you to discuss your lifestyle and how you will live in your new home. For instance, do you do a lot of entertaining? Do you enjoy theater sitting for movie watching? Are the outdoor living spaces a high priority? How many bedrooms? Are you big into cooking? Exercise? All of these things help us to formulate a home....which is far more than just a house.

Once we understand what your needs are, we will begin the preliminary design process. First, IONIC will create a preliminary floor plan and site plan for your consideration and feedback. This first step represents a large portion of the creative design time to create a customized, thoughtful and functioning plan that may require as much as 8-10 weeks. We also begin the three dimensional massing of the home during this period to insure everything fits aesthetically on the outside as well. Once the preliminary plans are tweaked, based on your comments and feedback, IONIC will move on to CAD drawings and design development.

As drawings proceed, IONIC will then begin meeting with you to discuss preliminary selections and finishes for your home. Our interiors designer will prepare a comprehensive package for your review, inclusive of all selections such as hardware, plumbing, tile, appliances and lighting. We will include color photos of all selections to best convey the essence of our design direction, including vignettes of individual rooms with selections juxtaposed to help you visualize final results.

An important aspect of construction documents are the specifications, which detail the written word of the "sticks and bricks" methods of construction. A complete set of specifications, inclusive of all selections, will be prepared and presented with each design revision. These specifications are progressing to completeness as each of the design phases develop further with more detail. A significant amount of design time is dedicated to selection specificity prior to construction. Only larger scope areas of improvement, such as landscaping or audio/visual, may be reflected as allowances. Even so, our company will lead the conversation with consultants and contractors with supervised management during construction.

Together with the plans and selections and specifications, if requested, IONIC will also prepare an estimate of cost. This cost estimates will be a well studied estimate, based first on preliminary plans and specifications, and updated with each presentation of revised drawings and selections. Unless there are major changes to the overall scope of the project, we can expect that the preliminary cost that we provide at the beginning of design will be very consistent with the final cost at the completion of construction documents. This would only change if the scope changes or selection of materials and finishes become different in quality or quantity.

The entire creative process requires anywhere from 6 to 8 months, depending on how extensive the level of customization and the scope of project. Yes, that is right. It takes a long time to do a fine project. We want to be as thorough as possible because this is YOUR DREAM, and we want to do it right.

Our customers choose IONIC not only for the high level of detail and quality that is evident in our work, but also for our unique process of creating a custom home that truly sets us apart from other architects.

Where Art and Architecture Come Together
D. Eugene Thompson, AIA
Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc.

www.ionicdezigns.com

 

http://www.ionicdezigns.com/homeArama.html

Fire Station Designs

IONIC is involved in preparation of some conceptual designs for a Fire and Rescue Station in North Carolina. The structure will contain offices, meeting rooms, bunk rooms, kitchen and of course the engine bay area with gear storage and maintenance all within the facility. This is early on within the design process but a good start on our work as the go to regional Public Safety Architect.

It is all important to generate timeless and sound architecture when working with firehouses, police stations and other municipal buildings. Critical in the life of a building is the application of proper solid materials for use in these high use areas. Equally important is the necessity to keep maintenance low. Now throw in the idea of creating the same project as a sustainable entity. The value and integrity of the work at IONIC establishes the efficiency of the structure while placing the resources where they matter the most. This is an important component of our practice serving our clients that use our buildings and serve our communities.

 

 

 

 

 

www.ionicdezigns.com

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

Wendy's - Independence Blvd

IONIC just finished the pre-construction meeting at the Wendy's on Independence Blvd in Virginia Beach. I know there are a few of them so for all you fans out there it is the one near Haygood Shopping.  Construction should begin on February 4th and last for six weeks. Another week for the managment and training and they will be back up and running. Quality Builders trong> out of Raleigh North Carolina
will be the general contractor on the project.  They have significant experience doing these additions and renovations for Wendy's.



This model will be the New Ultra Modern Tier Two style. The design has become so popular with their customers that more and more people are staying around longer meaning that they need more seats. So this one will have a 10 foot addition to the front to help accomphish a larger dining and seating area.

Look for our construction sign out front soon.

www.ionicdezigns.com