The Strataz Office
#1 in a series
For several years as I transitioned to Phoenix from Des Moines, I worked from my Phoenix home, remotely around town and while traveling. With our 4702 home remodel finished, I have a wonderful desk space in our front room but it is not the final solution. As much as I’ve enjoyed working where I want, a great space at home and being nimble, it is time to find and/or create a space dedicated for my architectural work away from home. It is time to define the WHY and solve my desire to have a dedicated architecture work space.
WHY am I doing this project?
This is a great question and must always be the first question in any project. The following early thoughts point me towards the answer and why I’m looking for an office outside my home.
- First and foremost, the term “office” is misleading and not very accurate. I want a creative space that feels more like a studio. A studio environment can be more conducive for creative thinking, reading, writing, building, drawing, receive clients and most importantly feeling inspired.
- I’m looking to practice and empower “craft” with the space. Whether I assist with the crafting or it is all outsourced is yet to be determined. Also, the crafting can be small or big – both can be powerful.
- The space needs to encourage collaboration. This might mean I share a space with someone, am adjacent to something awesome or extend invitations to others so they can join me. I’m not sure yet.
- I’m eager to do my first AZ project after relocating to Phoenix. I have the time, energy, drive and experience to begin impacting the built environment in AZ.
FOUNDATION
Following the Strataz Stratiform Process, I’m currently building a foundation for the project. I’m clarifying my “Why”, determining how much I want to spend and when I want this to happen. I’m also considering the pros and cons of moving into a pre-built shared work space, buying a property myself, finding someone that has space I can use/rent and finding someone that wants to buy or build a space where I could join them. All are valid ideas and taking time to investigate.
As I’m getting to know local realtor and historian Roger Brevoort, I’ve learned a lot of about different areas of Phoenix, current initiatives or projects and possible future projects. He has been very valuable with his assistance. After Rogers introduction, I’m also getting to know Mike Abbott with Fulcrum Built. Mike does wonderful construction work and has his own wood shop where he produces furniture and cabinetry. I’ve learned Mike is looking for new office space so maybe we can find something together.
Next Steps
I’m continuing through the foundation phase. Pushing and waiting for the right opportunity to present itself. I’ll continue to focus on finding the right path. Working parallel to finding the right space, I’ve already begun finalizing my desk for the new space. I bought a 1.5″ steel frame from Room and Board and Fulcrum Built is building a top for it. Below is a pic of us determining how we wanted the edge detail, using a cut off piece of walnut. My table top will be two layers of baltic birch plywood. I love the edge of baltic birch because you see the alternating light and dark layers that make up the plywood. I look forward to getting the finished desk in about 2 weeks.
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