IMAGINATIVE MINDS WANTED!

 

IONIC is a rapidly-growing Virginia Beach-based architecture and interiors firm. We pride ourselves in giving employees the opportunity to take their careers in the direction of their dreams. We’re looking for creative people with initiative to work in our one of our offices (Virginia Beach or Richmond). We work on a variety of project types including retail spaces, restaurants, hospitality facilities, corporate offices, mixed-use and commercial buildings, financial institutions, municipality projects and religious architecture.

We are looking for applicants to fill the role of Junior Architect/Designer. This position will help with new construction and renovation projects.  Junior Architect/Designers responding must be capable of working on multiple projects in various phases simultaneously. Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD for production of construction documents. 3D Max or other rendering software skills are helpful. Must work well with others for team collaboration. Please send your current resume and references to info@ionicdezigns.com

 

Welcome to the Team

We welcome Michael Peterson to our family at IONIC. Michael comes to us from The University of Virginia with his B.S. in Architecture and minors in Architectural History as well as Global Sustainability. A well rounded designer with skills in all the typical computer modeling and digital construction documentation. Michael also provides a wealth of information and collaboration in the lighting industry having worked alongside our friends at Lighting Virginia every summer while in school.

a world traveler and accomplished photographer, Michael will help out our office including the office in Richmond in the near future. We welcome Michael to our group of designers.

We have attached a few images from his work in work for your review.

Eugene Thompson, AIA
Founder + President
www.ionicdezigns.com
www.WHHAdezigns.com

Entrepreneur of the Week

It was pretty exciting to be named the Entreprenuer of the Week by HR Business Weekly. First of all just to be asked was a great honor amongst so many other individuals in Hampton Roads. Cheryl Tan gave me a call the day before asking if I would be interested in telling a little of my story......OF COURSE!

Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to share my story and the success of our team at Ionic DeZign Studios.

Here is the link to the broadcast.

http://bit.ly/hrbwep8

Have a great day my friends.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

President + Founder

www.ionicdezigns.com

Where Art and Architecture Come Together

Mental Toughness

I just finished one of the best inspiring leadership growth books I have read in a long time. Now I seem to read little these days but certainly have been trying to do better so I can grow......any every way. The book is Executive Toughness by Dr. Jason Selk. I was fortunate enough to hear him speak a few months ago at a local lecture. Inspired by his words of encouragement regarding mental toughness, I went home and bought his book.

Again I'm less than a wonderful reader.....more than finding time. But I found myself engulfed in the book and its principles presented by the writer. Why? Well because I want to achieve more, to succeed at higher levels and feel more complete as a person, husband, father and business leader. There were basic principles and exercises provided that were accompanied by examples of others. These helpful tools allowed me to jot down my own priorities and to begin my check list of principles I wanted to improve upon.

For nearly two months I have been pretty consistent on maintaining my schedule that I set up to check off my "tasks" of the day. This are things that I want to accomplish professionally and personally. Now I don't always check off every box.....as a matter of fact I have yet to check off every box for a single day. Far from it. 

My list consists of two columns of ten. The first ten are typically always done when I first wake up and completed up until I leave for the office. The second half or second column begins when I leave the front door and wraps up when I return home. I he my own set of lists for the work at the office. These are things that I want to focus on to make be better. If I cannot make myself better how do I plan on helping others. I do really well consistently on my morning routine......not so much on the end of the day things.

Each day I see where I succeeded and where I need improvement.....no failures! Just improvement! I will keep on working it until I'm consistent at accomplishing 100%. And then I will probably reset my goals......that's the way it works. We always need improvement.

Enjoy your day my friends (TIBs) and I look forward to our talks.

Have a blessed day.

Be watching for our upcoming news soon at IONIC. We are making some exciting waves in Hampton Roads and beyond. Stay tuned for more.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

President + Founder

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc

www.ionicdezigns.com

"To the future.....and beyond!"

Quote of the Week

"Everything you can imagine is real." Pablo Picasso

Ionic Dezign Studios, Inc
www.ionicdezigns.com

Interior Design Developments

Often times the smaller projects or interior projects take more work.......sometimes LOTS MORE WORK! That can be understandable due to the touchy feely conditions of fabrics, furniture, wallcoverings, textures, colors, floorings, lighting and whatever else that can possibly interfere with the mindset of a client ....... On that particular day.

Yes, sometimes we change our minds daily. It's our human nature I guess to continually think about different options if we are truly thinking about different options and not simply stuck with, " I know what I want!" mentality. I'm good with that.....I want our clients to walk away pleased that they have explored multiple possibilities for their new space......even if it means going back to the first one we started with.

Unfortunately there are many clients who simply cannot SEE their space with standard drawings. And that is where we are able to clear the mental blocks by giving them clearer vision. It takes much effort many times but is worth it......3D Interior models. Here are a few examples of our work that reflect the simplistic and the complex when it comes to presenting interior concepts.

Dining Area at 100 Main

Bar Area at 100 Main

 

Sitting Area at Westminster Canterbury

Sitting Area at Westminster Canterbury

Center Living Space at Westminster Canterbury

 

Have a great day my friends and we look forward to working with you.

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

www.ionicdezigns.com

"Where art and architecture come together"

Branding Wisdom

Words and thoughts from Andy Reid.

1. Go big or go home

Invest and commit – the more you put in, the more you get out. Every decision you make influences the direction your company takes. No revolutionary ideas were born from taking it easy or playing it safe.

2. Get organised

Understanding exactly what you need to deliver will ensure success. Carefully map out your daily, weekly and monthly to-do lists – meticulous planning is essential. Sitting back and hoping to reach your targets or goals is not an option.

3. Empty diary, empty business

Never have empty space in your diary – it means you wait for things to happen, rather than making them happen. Time is everything, and the way you use it reflects your character and business.

4. It’s all about the follow through

If you have an idea, get on it immediately. Act on your game plan. This is particularly important in a target driven industry, but is sound advice for any business. Follow through is what sets dreamers apart from achievers.

5. People first

A successful business is the result of a passionate and fulfilled staff complement. Always look for motivated individuals that are keen to progress, and can stick to a plan. Nurturing staff is vital for continued excellence.

6. Sell the experience 

Showing people a product – and all the bells and whistles included – is easy. Getting them to buy into an experience is a lot more interesting. Creating an interactive experience gives customers more than just a product and nurtures loyalty. Everyone wants to be part of something. Recognising that will put you in a league of your own.

7. Always be on the hunt for what’s new and exciting

You may have an amazing business idea this year, but that idea needs to be relevant in five years. Stay abreast of new trends relevant to your product or start trends yourself. You’re only as good as your latest offering.

8. Give them what they want

Look for innovation from your customers – they’re the ones who are most critical and know what they want.

9. Network, network, network

Keep good company that will help boost your business. Surround yourself with intelligent people who can be a source of constant learning. Get involved with professional organisations to interact with like-minded individuals.

10. Views, tweets, likes – find your brand its match

If you don’t have an online presence you’ll get left behind. Use social media as a tool to stay relevant and connected. Share product experiences in different ways that suit your offering, and look for honest feedback. 

Ionic Dezign Studios

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

"Where art and architecture come together."

Sometimes it Takes Motivation Every Morning

Sometimes it happens to me.......again…and .....again

I just lay there. Still. Eyes closed. Mind racing, but body stagnant. The battle had begun…

Should I wake up and work out/send emails/write a new article/do anything mildly productive, or should I surrender to just one more hour of restless sleep.

On most days, this wouldn’t be a battle. I am better than that.

But even the mightiest success chasers need new sources of motivation every once in a while.

You see, most of us are indeed crazed to succeed, and rarely need any external pushes to get ahead. We are intrinsically motivated beasts 99.99% of the time, but one day (or week, or month…don’t judge) there will come a time where you everything will seem gloom, the important goals you’ve set for yourself become less noticeable than an extra 15 minutes of quasi-sleep, and the rollercoaster hits its lowest valleys.

WHY?!? Because you CAN create the life you want, but only if you work your rear end off to create it.

WHY?!? Because you INSPIRE others through your work, words, and actions, so it’s your responsibility to be a good role model for those who look up to you.

WHY?!? Because certain jobs, people, and friends passed you over, and it’s on you to PROVE THEM WRONG.

WHY?!? Because your family, friends, and supporters WANT TO SEE YOU SUCCEED.

WHY?!? Because you are a LEADER, and because people DEPEND on you.

However, all that being said, I know some days are harder than others, and because there have been days (weeks, months…) that I’ve had this same problem, I want to give you some ways to get motivation EVERY morning.

Make it a habit, just like brushing your teeth and tying your shoelaces, to seek sources of motivation every single morning. Watch an inspirational Youtube video, listen to you favorite, potentially-Rocky-inspired song, or get a group of friends together for a daily, 5 minute “pep” conference call.

Meditate and think of all the things in life you are grateful for. Give yourself a start on a miracle morning.

Prepare my friends for a new beginning and news start in 2015.

Wishing you all much greater success this year than the last.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIAHR

Ionic DeZign Studios

www.ionicdezigns.com

Respect is a Two Way Street

I once coached rec league football, I did it for thirteen years. Flag football and tackle from ages 6 to 14. Most of that time was with boys ages 10-14, probably some of the toughest times young men have growing up. Both for them and for us around them. They are at that age they are trying to find themselves, trying to determine who they are....what they are......and torture many of us that have to interact with them.

Football is about discipline. Training and teaching an individual to do his part in an overall scheme. An overall scheme that has many other parts. Each individual does his part to the best of their ability and when everyone does this we have success. That is TEAM WORK.

It isn't always necessary for each player to know and understand everything that their teammate knows and understands. Just that they understand their role. A role that the coach has provided them to do. And when it is done well....their role in the team can quite possibly grow. But that takes discipline. Each piece of the team, regardless of the position or that player's experience, is important.

Now each young man that walked out on my practice field for the first time offered me up a challenge. They tested me. Did I know what I was doing? Or was I just a dad out there? How well did I play football? How well was I organized as a coach? Did I have a game plan? Was I a winning coach? Who was this COACH?

I believed that just because my title was coach.....that didn't mean that I had the respect automatically from these young men. I had to earn it. So therefore I had to work for it. Likewise, they had to earn my respect. Respect was expected by and from everyone. Over those first few weeks of practice at the beginning of each season we all quickly understood and appreciated each others role on the team. The older returning players on the team understood and knew my plan as a coach. They paved the way for the younger players as an example. The younger players proved their talent and skills to the others. Respect was born.

Discipline demands respect. Respect demands discipline.

This is what we found each year out on the football field. This is what we have often forgot in the work place. We have forgotten how to respect one another. We have forgotten how to appreciate each other's position on the team. I'm still coaching. Just as an employer now. Still working to earn what is expected. 

Everyone on our team is just as important as those players that were out on the football field. Oh it may not be as exciting as defending a touchdown or saving a tackle or even orchestrating a Hail Mary pass to the end zone as time expires to win the game.......but it is still important. Just as everyone on that football team expected each other to do their part for ultimate success, we in the business world expect the same of our teammates. Without that we cannot expect to succeed. Without respect of each other's talents or roles we cannot expect to achieve our goals.

Respect is a two way street and should be expected from everyone in a team environment. Respect has no boundaries. It has no restrictions, limitations or exemptions. It doesn't matter if you are young and inexperienced or old and years of practice. It doesn't matter if you have had years of education or how much you paid for that education. It just matters that you understand and appreciate what it offers. Whether you are in the battle trenches side by side, lined up on a hash mark in the middle of a field or sitting in a cubicle adjacent to each other......teamwork demands success.

In our field of architecture, we continually learn new things. There are always new products and materials that come out each year. Technology is ever changing and teams need to stay up on the latest to be successful. However, with the invention of all things new, we still harvest respect.

I have always COACHED to our office that just because you went to college for four or five or even more years that you know everything. Just because you have worked in an office for umpteen years and write specifications and draw details for all these products doesn't mean you know everything. Doesn't mean you know more than the guy who installs tile for a living....or the guy that puts together metal panels....or hangs drywall. Because they do that specific thing most everyday and have done it most every way. I bet they know more........RESPECT THE POSITION.

RESPECT requires DISCIPLINE 

DISCIPLINE encourages TEAMWORK

TEAMWORK rewards with SUCCESS

TEAM IONIC

"Creating places and space that enrich the lives of those who use them."

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

www.ionicdezigns.com

Expanding Market

IONIC has been busy on their growth over this past year with new employees to support projects we had coming in. Project growth in our office has increased nearly 40% this year from 2012 and last year was a record breaker for IONIC. 2013 will shatter that record. 

We were very selective in our selections of new staff understanding that we would need those individuals that could easily handle our current work load in RETAIL, RESTAURANT and CORPORATE clientele. However, the emphasis was to expand into markets that we have currently less presence in. If you know IONIC you understand that we have chosen to diversify across the spectrum of design services for a broad market. In short, we do a little bit of everything.

There are pros and cons to this approach. PROS: We are able to have a nice portfolio of varying accomplished works in just about every market. It keeps us fresh and focused on innovative ideas rather than regurgitating the same old thoughts. CONS: We cannot say that we have done two dozen libraries. Some clients want to see the full embodiment of work relating to THEIR particular project type.

Time will allow us to overcome the negatives. Right now we have only three library projects in our portfolio however over the next ten years we might have accumulated over a dozen. Likewise on other areas within the design industry. We will focus on our strengths which our clients are looking for: COMMUNICATION, DESIGN INTEGRITY, TIMELINESS and the ATTENTION TO DETAIL.

So what markets are we looking to expand into? Glad you asked! And we hope you can help us accomplish this.

MULTI FAMILY projects have been one of the markets that we have been working in for a considerable time. We have one active project currently on the design boards for the first phase of over 195 dwelling units. We also are waiting on several other apartment building projects that we have proposed renovations and upgrades to gain financial and corporate approvals. Two other apartments are seeking our concepts for upgrades to their clubhouse and other adminities including adding additional units. We would love to do more within this market including: MIXED USE, ASSISTED LIVING and CLUBHOUSES.

RESIDENTIAL is an odd market to focus on right now since our portfolio doesn't often highlight our past work in these areas. We are working on changing that. Additions to our staff now give us a stronger presence in this market and involvement in programs such as the PARADE OF HOMES and HOME A RAMA. Several of our past projects have won awards. HISTORIC RENOVATION has been an on going aspect of our work in Gloucester with preservation of an old home originally built in the late 1700s. 

MEDICAL field is an ever growing market and it continues to redefine itself. With limited design resources in Hampton Roads, IONIC hopes to make an impact within the MEDICAL OFFICE landscape and the smaller specialized private practices. We don't expect to be invited into the big hospitals just yet but certainly a possibility in the future. Individual portfolios within IONIC has a strong background in these fields. We are currently waiting approvals on a large development of individual medical office spaces.

EDUCATION has much promise with so many school districts looking to upgrade older buildings or expand due to their population growth. IONIC doesn't look to be a contender with some of the firms that focus on exclusively. However we feel we have much to offer when it comes to reuse and revitizing out dated buildings for HIGHER EDUCATION. We are currently at 75% construction documents on a small private Christian school on the eastern shore. We have a fond desire to direct our attentions to LIBRARY developments as well.

As always we are still working hard on the corporate resumes, retail centers, religious and hospitality projects that we can assist developers, contractors and real estate agents in all the new and renovated development work that may need. Please give us a call to talk or take a stroll through our website. We would love the opportunity to sit down and talk with you and share our ideas.

Seeking to make our relationship a foundation of development.

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc

www.ionicdezigns.com