Office Decoration

A manager of a medical group was seeking some advice on re-decorating one dental clinic without spending a fortune. The areas she was thinking included the waiting area, hallway, and individual patient “cubicles”. 
Without seeing the actual space and the surrounding areas, I could only give some general ideas as guidelines. My suggestion was using images of the nature. And not buying from big box store to avoid getting something too common.
Framed botanical prints are versatile to fit the size of room/wall. A group of the prints work for a bigger area, and a single print is great for individual “cubicles” and have a theme.
Moonlight Fern – Set of 6 Z Gallerie
Liz Williams Interiors
Other ideas for art can be abstract, still life drawings, floral, music, dance,…  Besides framed or canvas art,  wall decals are inexpensive and give impacts.
Jane Malinina
GChome
My last idea was to group small frames with photos or postcards. This is inexpensive and can be impressive. You can be creative with the composition. IKEA has this collage frame that already did the thinking for you.
IKEA Vaxbo
I am happy to report the office manager took my advice and had a satisfactory result!

[Ask Michelle] Do I Need a Licensed Architect for My Remodeling Project?

In the State of California, not all building projects need to be designed by a licensed architect. According to the chart posted on California Architects Board‘s website, unlicensed persons may design the following:
  • Single-family dwelling of woodframe construction not more than two stories and basement in height.
  • Multiple dwellings containing not more than four dwelling units of woodframe construction not more than two stories and basement in height. No more than four dwelling units per lot.
  • Garages or other structures appurtenant to single-family dwelling, or woodframe construction not more than two stories and basement in height.
  • Agricultural and ranch buildings of woodframe construction, unless the building official having jurisdiction deems that an undue risk to the public health, safety, or welfare is involved.
  • Nonstructural or nonseismic storefronts, interior alterations or additions, fixtures, cabinetwork, furniture, or other appliances or equipment, including nonstructural or nonseismic work necessary to provide for their installation.
If structural design is necessary, the designer (licensed architect or not) will work with an engineer. 
Additional reading:
Consumer’s Guide to Hiring an Architect – California Architects Board

How I Became a LEED Green Associate

As of February 26, 2017, I am a LEED Green Associate.
In September 2016, I came across a Community Green Scholars grant on Facebook. After some consideration, I created an account on USGBC website and managed to submit my application before the November 1, 2016 deadline. Early in November 2016, I was awarded the grant. I was on my way to take the LEED Green Associate exam. the condition was to register for the exam by November 15, 2016, and take the exam before March 1, 2017.
The grant I received included an essential document to read and access to the Eudcation@USGBC. On Christmas Day 2016, I scheduled the exam as close to the deadline as I could.
In January, I attended a webinar held by GBES that helped me understand the exam better. I also bought the book “LEED Green Associate Exam Preparation Guide, LEED v4 Edition” which included online access to flashcards and quizzes.
The day of the exam, I got to the testing center early and review some key points for 20 minutes. During the exam, I read each question throughly. I review my answers 3 times until the time was up. Overall, the exam was straight forward.
I currently don’t have any plan to take the LEED AP exam. My focus now is maintaining the LEED Green Associate credential.

Happy Valentine’s Day

valentine

What Do I Do For A Living?

I posted a short online survey asking people what I do for a living. I only got 4 (heart-warming) responses:
Maker of fine tea bags, interior designer and space planner, freelance autoCAD or technical drawings for other designers
Designer
Drafting design
Beautiful interior/deco design
I wasn’t too surprised how few people responded. I am glad to see “design” appeared in every answer. (A friend wrote ‘guardian angel’ on my Facebook. That was so sweet! But I can’t do it for a living.)
I had been struggling with explaining my job. “Designer” sounds very vague. I have not perfected my “elevator speech”. After all these years, my name has been going around as this “good CAD drafter”. I am uncomfortable being defined to by the tools I use. I am not just a CAD technician/operator. I am a professional designer skilled and experienced in the art of drafting. CAD programs are tools I use to enhance my presentation and documentation.
My blog article back in 2012 ‘MICHELLE CHIANG’ is A Brand still describes how I feel about what I do. My job titles depend on what I want to “sell”. It’s time to rework my business mission statement and “menu”. It is more about what I want to do, rather than what I can do.