Byrdhouse

MA Guide Book

Design is Human - May 6-11

I'm proud to announce the MA08: Design Is Human event in Atlanta May 6-11, 2008.

MA is the result of the vision and efforts of Bernard McCoy and Elayne DeLeo to unify the greater Atlanta design community through modern home tours and events throughout the city. I have been fortunate to have been involved on the branding-concept-strategy-design side of things. It’s been a team affair of armchairs, pc students and design friends.

Join us, explore some of those homes you've had your eye on during the Modern Atlanta Home Tour. Other highlight events include the wine tasting at Poliform SWITCH, the Belgium Design & Fashion Event for Darfur, and the Launch Party at Mason Murer Gallery.

Ticket prices vary. Many events are free. More information is available at the MA web site.

Atlanta 1690 AM

I've recently abandoned the crammed FM dial for Atlanta's 1690 AM. Eclectic, musically educational and broadcasted in the refreshing world of mono, WMLB streams a wonderful plethora of unknown, known, legendary and peculiar songs from digital to dusty. Most endearing are the stations top-of-the-hour id's, a random bird call.

Sorry WRAS and WREK, Im just tired of the college music scene. I have mp3 blogs for that now.

Thanks to Nate and Wade for converting me.

Organic Honey Macadamia Grainfest

Welcome Trader Joe's to Atlanta. I have two suggestions for you:
1. Widen your isles. I was nearly speared by a french-bread wielding lady making a hard left. If I'm going down that way, believe me, I will be taking out the closest end-cap of stacked something with me. That's a promise.
2. Increase the amount of macadamia nuts in the Organic Honey Macadamia Grainfest cereal. (Yeah, believe it. That's a real name you read as the post title.) My gawd, it's not just a grainfest after all, sheesh. I mean, the packaging photography doesn't lie. The EXACT same count of nuts in the bowl image can be found in the entire box, so technically it is correct. But when I go in thinking every spoonful will have a morsel of macadamia, and it doesn't, well step on a frog, you're gonna have a good ol' blog rant on your hands.

Other than these two minor issues, I very much enjoyed the 2.99-everything shopping experience of Trader Joe's. It's like the IKEA of organic groceries. The cereal was actually quite good despite its short comings in the nut arena.

Cops on Bikes

We made a music video for Thriller 2's "Cops on Bikes." See it here

Briefbox / Boomcase

Larry Luk at Epidemik Coalition helped me create this briefbox. He screen printed me's illustration of an eighties blaster on an old briefcase I likes to carry rounds. Photos by John.

Body Language

Bodies... the Exhibition is now in Atlanta through September at the Civic Center. From the skeleton to the respiratory system, the exhibition peels back layers of the human anatomy for a phenomenal look at our marvelous selves. Real cadavers are preserved through a polymer process that allows for a new way of seeing; quite incredible. If you are by chance squeamish during medical procedure shows on tv, you might want to sit this one out. Science people will be quite at home.

Put It Together

We at Lightroom recently had an idea about designing our new business cards so that they require the recipient's interaction to activate the card's information. The idea was that at first it appears blank, then, by holding to the light, the info that is printed on the interior of the card is revealed.

In order to achieve the desired effect, we duplexed 2 sheets of paper together into one. The card's information was printed in reverse on a piece of 70lb text. This was glued to a thicker cover stock paper so that the ink was sandwhiched in between the two. The combined sheets together created a paper thickness close to a 130 lb. cover; a nice heavy weight for a business card. As illustrated,

The logo on the exterior was printed only in a spot varnish. It gives a reflective sheen in direct light. The small instructional diagram was added for panache.

Take Home Gifts

A stack of jewelry boxes we designed as a take home gift for Mark Edge's website launch party.

Form.01

The image above is from the poster we worked on for Form.01, an event being held at Function in Decatur November 12th. Find more info here.

The Spirit of the Impala

A Pork Pickin'

A pork pit, constructed from concrete block and re-bar, is a thing of beauty. And its bounty, even more lovely still. This past Saturday we attended a favorite southern tradition, the backyard barbecue. A 140 pounds of pig takes the better part of a day to cook. The horseshoe clanks, keg pumps, and backyard chatter all ceased at the pig's spectacular unveiling, replaced with low primal pork chants. Slow-cooked, and coupled with baked beans and potato salad, barbecue taps solid grins all around. (Well, except for the vegans.) What a night. Well done Scott and Dave.

Fireworks in September

See it bigger!

I say fireworks year-round, people.

Home Improvement: Storefront

It's amazing what you learn by engaging in small home-improvement projects. We recently enclosed a back room in our home with commercial storefront. White laminated glass fills the door and the lower panel, allowing natural light to permeate the space while still maintaining an element of privacy. (Channelling architecture schooling, that previous sentence was essentially composed for me.)

The Install.

Storefront is generally sold at a single price, including materials, construction and installation. We opted for white laminate glass over its frosted cousin. White lam differs mainly in construction. It contains a white film sandwiched between two opposing panes of glass. Frosted glass is single-paned and finished on one side. The downside of the frosted version is that oils and smudges become very difficult to clean.

Here's a wider view of the surrounding space. Before and After.

This shows a view from inside looking out, showing how the white laminated glass obstructs view, but allows light in.

Concluding with what we learned:

1) You should always check pricing with multiple glass providers, no matter how small the job. We saved some 700 dollars by shopping around.
2) You should always seek the input and guidance of someone with building experience before embarking. (Thanks Bill!)
3) It takes 6 months to contemplate a building project, and only 2 days to execute.

Happy store-fronting!

BBQ in Atlanta

Barbecue. It's just part of our southern make-up down here in Atlanta, which also includes an ad-hoc concoction of cornbread, fried chicken and collard greens. Rinse with sweeter-than-sweet sweet tea, and you too will be channeling Paula Dean.

(Kevin now changes his speech so it is a bona-fide southern drawl.)

Here's a round-up of BBQ joints in Atlanta.

DADDY D"S
Cinder-blocked and sticky, and just a spit away from the Braves Stadium, this down-home shack has been smoking BBQ for OH SO many years here in Atlanta. It's not unusual at lunchtime to see city lawmakers, EMT workers and business men all hunched over styrofoam plates. The smokey ribs are dry rubbed and the sauce is sweet tomato-based goodness. I myself generally opt for the pulled pork plate with sides of baked beans and fried zucchini. Locals know this part of Memorial Drive as a tough spot, even downright scary at times. My suggestion: Unless you're familiar with the area, try another place first. And don't take a date here unless she can stand the occasional fly buzzing about.

FATT MATT'S RIB SHACK
Fatt Matt's has been around for several years and has a good line-up of live music acts. The wall's are practically a shrine to the blues. The quarter bird is heavenly, but I say give way to the ribs; they are gently blessed with a deliciously tangy sauce. Rum-baked beans, potato salad and coleslaw are a must. The pulled pork sandwich is good alt for those that can't handle sticky fingers. Ignore the lines leading out; it moves fast, and is well worth the wait.

ONE STAR RANCH
One Star has its share of pork dishes, but it's the beef barbecue that makes this a Buckhead destination. Think Flintstones-sized ribs on small plates with plenty of fixn's. And order a bucket of beer, perfect. The atmosphere is a little more refined than a shack, but still manages a home-town appeal. There are about a thousand dollar bills on the walls.

ROLLING BONES
In a renovated gas station on Edgewood is the Meier-white Rolling Bones, with drive-in. There's a special technique involved in the smoking evidently, generations old. I've been here many times, and my opinion is that the sauce just tastes too much like sweet & sour.

SMOKEY BONES
Ah, the suburbs. There's good barbecue here for sure. Rather than being dedicated to a geographic region or roots, Smokey Bones instead offers you a sampling of them all. The post-modern approach to producing barbecue may not be for purists, but it is a fun experience all the same. The central focus is clearly the televisions. Where Johnny Rockets has a jukebox at every table, Smokey Bones has a sound remote that flips through every channel that's on. Look a different direction, change the sound. It's uncanny. Bottomline: Good for a silent date in Roswell, and go for the St. Louis style ribs.

Are you a BBQ aficionado?

Goodbye Grady Homes

Grady Homes, a well-known public housing project in inner-city Atlanta will soon be flattened. These sort of low income developments are considered governmental failures by the new urbanist camp (and many others). They will cite examples they've memorized from the pages of Jane Jacobs's bible, why sustainability is not only about embracing green building techniques. And maybe they're right.

Still, I must say walking the area last week, I liked it despite its shortcomings. Plentiful green spaces, old trees, community centers; the elements of failing modernism elicited a sweet romanticism. Granted, the place was desolate.

I'm thinking its mixed-use replacement should be named after a bar drink like "The Manhattan" or at least something refreshing like "Grady Springs."

Reminder for Thursday

Hey remember last week at that pub. How I told you we had an art thing coming up. It was one of your classic blank stares you gave. A most considering pause, caped by one serious, "I really need a haircut." Well it's Thursday May 5th at the RIALTO downtown Atlanta. We'd love to see you there.

As fate would have it, we're also going to be at Sage in Decatur that afternoon unveiling the Decatur Arts Festival design.

Sustainable Sound

Our most recent field trip was across town to the West End's Northyards. Wade from EAI gave us a short tour of an empty space adjacent to their own office space. The concrete surfaces made for an incredible natural sustain. Have a look and listen.

Creative Types Need Apply

[poster announcement for The Lightroom Fellowship]

We at Lightroom are looking for a summer intern (we'd prefer to call you a collaborator). Take a moment and cruise on over to our site for more information and the official application.

Calatrava Unveils Symphony Design

Tonight Santiago Calatrava reveals his design for the Atlanta Symphony Center. Most think that the big swooping thing over the top of the building is a water slide. It is most definitely not.

I'm anxious to see the design's impact upon Atlanta's image, where much mediocre architecture has sprung up over the last decade. It's a refreshing change that we designers all secretly hope catches on. Seriously, we just added a photo of Phillip Johnson to the modernist shrine we pray to.

All kidding aside, architecture driven by market and "public" architecture are two entirely different leagues, and they will likely continue to part ways. Still, we look to a brighter tomorrow. 2011 actually, when they say it will be complete.

Le Garage

Our friend Mary Stanley is hosting an artist by the name of  Kenson Thompson at the Garage Projects beginning January 27th. Garage Projects is located in the Castleberry Hill District next door to Slice and has been home  to some exciting exhibits in the past. The reception is this Friday, along with citywide ATLart[05] openings.  Get the info/directions and come celebrate with us.

Castleberry Hill is like the next Chelsea, or so they've been saying.

The Cycle Theory

[Dre from The Cycle Theory]

We at Lightroom have been working on a new short film called "The Cycle Theory." It's a delightful tale of a man that has perfected a method for guaranteeing constant female companionship. Check out The Cycle Theory trailer.

An Afternoon in Decatur

We took photos of some typefaces from Decatur landmark buildings and businesses. Then we knit them like a quilt. The result we entrered into the Decatur Arts Festival poster competition. Have a look.

UPDATE: Check out the One Letter Pool on Flickr

 

We Need Toothpicks

[Click image for Movie Clip]

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The Oz

[Oz Pizza, Decatur]

For Sale

One gorgeous four bedroom home located in Atlanta's Lake Claire neighborhood. The house is designed by architect Carlos Tardio, and is currently owned by musician Shawn Mullins. It's one of Atlanta's finer modern gems if you ask me. You should get it. I'll wave to you everyday on my way to the studio.

Feliz Navidad

Our consumerism is never more apparent than each holiday season when we're hit with a frenzy of advertising dollars. Have you noticed the new Target commercial running this holiday season? It's one of those 30-second spots that is split into two mini-commercials (this is thought to better imprint a brand into a viewer's memory). Target has taken it one step further by creating one of the two 15-second spots entirely in Spanish. Is this unprecedented? Perhaps for a major network it is. Maybe not, depending on the region of the country you're living in. Here in Atlanta though all we see is car and gadget commercials between episodes of America's Top Model. They're always in English despite the large population of hispanics living here. Maybe advertisers have finally figured out that they've been excluding a huge consumer market for all too long. Be on the lookout for bulls-eyed dreidels.

Head-On Collision

[Edgewood Collision after plane collision]

In mid-October, a small plane crashed into Edgewood Collision down the road from us.

Fiery Fall

[my favorite tree in Candler Park]

From Gas Stations to Restaurants

[Taqueria del Sol in Decatur]

I Am A Very Stylish Girl

[choker by Sasparilla, find it at Luxe]

I had the opportunity to shoot some wonderfully styled vintage designer clothing for Sasparilla, a Miami- based clothing trader. The vintage trunk show that featured the pieces was held at Luxe, a deliciously fine shopping locale in Atlanta's Miami Circle. Darling, you simply must go.

A Bright New Lightroom

Ladies and gentlmen, designers and rockstars, we humbly present to you, the fabulous new face of Lightroom.

Go see the new digs.

Little. Different.

The kitchen countertop is lined with a stunning collection of cupcakes from some of Atlanta's most well regarded bakeries. The tastes range. Black Bottom. Red Velvet. Devil's Foodcake. Tres Leches. Coca-Cola. My stomach groans a Homer Simpson battle cry. We are in cupcake heaven. One-by-one each gracious goodness is devoured in a four step process. Follow along with us: Remove half the wrapper. Bite. Remember the eighties. Repeat... One baker's dozen later, doze off. This is one of the many wonderful benefits of having a wife who is a food writer.

Still Image II

There's a great show happening right now at the Millennium in Midtown featuring the work of Caomin Xie. The collection of paintings are like video stills with interlaced lines- a very cool technique. The show is curated by Mary Stanley and is open through October 1st, 4-6pm.

Interactive Honors

Communication Art's Interactive Annual 10 is out. John says he knows like half the people in it this year. You my fine reader know at least one. Imagination Brewery has a spot in the self-promotion arena.

Custom End Table

[ designed by Soorikian ]

Quick Stop

[ Grady Homes, Atlanta ]

Your Friends and Neighbors

It all began with a fence. Witness Exhibit 1: the fence. A clear message with a nasty underbelly of hostility: This is the border, neighbors, and we are mean. The fence was installed over a weekend.

Aside from, "Your car is parked on our property, please move it," they have never spoken to us. I had assumed it was because they're never there. The owners of the property (which is commercially zoned btw) live in Tampa. They have undoubtedly had a bad run on leasing, as we ourselves have seen a series of company tenants drizzle through the house.

From the image above and the broader view that is Exhibit 2, you can get a sense of the agony it is to park two cars in the garage.

We have attempted positive neighborly relations. I mean, we have stared down students hanging there after high school during its times of vacancy. But every time they are in town, which has seemed a lot lately, all we get is the cold, border-patrol shoulder.

Exhibits for Closer Inspection

So today we saw that they are throwing in the towel, they put up the for-sale sign out front. Since Aaron is now parking his car on the public street out front, he thought what better spot to be than in front of our friendly neighbors' place?

A 1995 Ford Escort centerpiece, with failing paint job, is soo classy. Aaron thinks it's going to help them sell the house faster. We'll see.

Chihuly in the Garden

We saw the Chihuly exhibit last night at the botanical gardens- a must for any Atlantan looking for a Tuesday night to-do this summer. For those not familiar with this artist, he is most famous for his blown glass sculpture. In this exhibit, the glass forms take inspiration from the organic plant life found in the botanical garden. In spots it integrates almost naturally.

The work gets even better as the sun dips and the lights come on, but mind this warning: it is a crowded affair.

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Atlanta Has A Film Festival

And it's happening right now, folks. Maybe you should roll off your sofa and go catch a few flicks. Your skin could use the sunlight. A few projects I'm involved with are making headway this year. Ghostrunner on First is screening Friday, June 17th at 5:30, along with several other shorts. (remember that one?)

Moved, created a few weeks ago as part of the 48 hour film project, is screening with the "Best of" on Saturday, June 18th at 2:30pm. (Peek behind the scenes.)

Both are great. The full lineup for the week is on the official site.

Breaking The Rules

[Candler Park Pool]

Dinner at Nine

[Jon's Kitchen]

Image shot for architect Lynn Cain who designed an addition to a craftsman-style bungalow in College Park. I so want a kitchen island I can store wine in.

All in 48 Hours

This weekend the 48 Hour Film Project returns to Atlanta. The challenge is simple: Make a short film in the time allotted to you. That's writing, shooting, AND editing, all in one weekend folks. You draw the genre from a hat, and are given a character, a prop and a line of dialogue, all which must find their way into the film.

UPDATE:
The screenings for Atlanta are being held at Madstone Theaters May 23-5.

Soft Launch

Dear friends,

We are preparing to launch a new website for a furniture designer in the next few weeks, just in time for ICFF. Aside from getting an early bird vantage point, you my fine professional are being called to duty. Give us some insightful feedback. We have been working diligently on its development, but know it will only be a successful site with your help. Just click on the image above.

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Feeding The Wildlife

The tunnels underneath Zoo Atlanta are much like the legendary ones that exist behind the scenes at Disney World. Visitors don't know they're there. We recently had the opportunity to venture into those very areas where only a few without uniform have gone. And we got to feed the elephants. See the clip (QT,1.5M). When I asked if we could ride them, the trainer stared very seriously back at me for several moments refusing to dignify such an asinine comment. She turned and continued the tour, "Over here is where they go each evening after the zoo closes..."

Pitcher of a Plant

[Atlanta Botanical Gardens]

Hey, you should take a trip to the botanical gardens. We're all doing it.

Spring is Here... Sniffle

[Dogwood Festival, Piedmont Park]

What better way to celebrate spring's newly blossomed dogwood tree than to hand out free samples of Alavert? This is what clever advertising boards call guerilla marketing.

Kitchen

How about that for a clever title?

Hush Hush

[Brighthouse, Atlanta]

Been quiet around these parts lately, I know. I got a new camera. Boy, I just love it.

Remember, a fancy pants camera doesn't really make you a better photographer. You've got to have a funky looking camera bag and several large lenses to be truly pro. Wearing sunglasses indoors can alone make you talented.

Hey, I read that somewhere.

From the Top Ropes

Sometimes people ask me what it's like to teach a class of creative students. I usually tilt my head, tighten my eyelids and, in a reflective tone, begin with, "When you're teaching, you feel at once like an evangelist and a pro wrestler..."

And that's the reality. If you're class isn't terrified, you aren't doing your job. They should tremble with the thought that they too could fall victim to a maneuver their favorite teacher has developed in his garage. You mostly point and yell when you teach.

When I say this to people, they get excited. See, everyone thinks this seemingly super-human power is what they really want from life. I think empowerment actually comes with the satisfaction of sharing stuff you know about with others. It's what I love about teaching. That, and mopping up the pools of grey matter soup.

This quarter's teaching experience has confirmed this one fleeting thought: It is best to always be in flux between the role of student and teacher. There is an overwhelming sense of continuity when you do. If you don't have a mentor, get one. If you don't have any students, adopt some. You'll feel like the Rock, I promise.

I then tiptoe through a touching conclusion, "In the end, the very end, all that's left is a better tomorrow, one that you can take pride in helping shape..."

Generally I then get punched in the arm.

*No students were hurt during the lecture pictured above.