Join renowned Atlantan architects, TaC Studios for a virtual tour via Instagram Live of their studio space. Cara Cummins and Jose Tavel will show you around their space and discuss projects they have been working on in 2020.

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A post shared by TaCstudios (@tacstudios) on Sep 28, 2020 at 10:33am PDT

About TaC Studios:
Cara Cummins and Jose Tavel, are the Architects and Partners of TaC studios. The TaC studios portfolio includes design of all scales, projects such as the original Octane Coffee on the westside of Atlanta, homes, townhomes, adaptive reuse urban center projects like Brickworks in West Midtown, the expansion project for Dad’s Garage performance center, the womxn’s club The Lola, Chattahoochee Hills Charter School, and many others. Their home and studio in the Old 4th Ward, is a LEED silver certified residence, is a living example of their work and philosophy. Each project is crafted by the pair to meet the desires of their clients’ vision. Thoughtful attention is applied with use of materials, the site’s location, and the experience of the people who will enjoy the completed project.

www.tacstudios.com

Design is critical to Atlanta’s sustainable economy and future prosperity. For Portman Architects, the primary purpose of the design is to put the needs of humans first.

Join Portman Architects on a virtual point-of-view tour of our newest additions to Atlanta’s skyline: CODA and Anthem Technology Center. Together, these two buildings represent Portman’s commitment to smart design thinking in order to create spaces that enrich the human experience and facilitate collaboration.

Explore Coda as it redefines the work experience by blurring it with everyday activities. The design of this new office tower delivers a multitude of different environments, from collaborative working spaces to more private study rooms; from active game zones to relaxing lounge areas. The 625,000 SF tower features six stacked, three-storied atriums. These spaces are all connected through the world’s tallest continuous spiral staircase, which rises from level 5 to level 20, providing views vertically and horizontally of the city’s horizon. These atriums act as a vertical public “piazza” that are designed to spark interaction and are visually connected to the large public, open spaces at ground floor where people gather, meet, and eat just outside of the 26,000 SF food hall.

On the north wing of the CODA building, an additional 3-story atrium with an expansive view onto the entry park of the Scheller School of Business is used for large presentations and events. Meanwhile, the green roof on the top of the southern wing offers yoga, pop-up soccer, and other social events with an amazing 180-degree view of Atlanta. CODA was designed to stimulate innovation and create an environment where collaboration isn’t always structured, but a natural consequence of the spaces people inhabit.

Similarly, the Anthem Technology Center addresses the design challenge of collaborative space by providing large open floor plans and expansive outdoor terraces that overlook the city and support health and wellness. The functions along these terraces vary from fitness centers, grab n’ go coffee spots, and a catering/prep kitchen to support corporate events. These shared spaces promote an innovative workspace and building-use synergies, attracting leading talent from surrounding communities and showcasing unique features such as the city’s first kinetic wall.

This 21-story, state-of-the-art, build-to-suit office tower offers 353,000 SF of flexible office space and is the hub for approximately 3,000 multidisciplinary IT professionals in the consumer healthcare industry. The entrance and lobby space of the building is intended to be a continuation of the streetscape, yet distinguishes itself with warmer materials, furniture, lighting, and sculptural elements, like the custom monumental stair that gives public access to the innovation department located on the mezzanine level.

The facade of the Anthem Technology Center is made up of floor-to-ceiling glass windows and Tridimensional matte silver metal panels. The windows allow a large amount of natural light to permeate the office environment, while the metal panels filter light to create an undulating resonance of reflections and shadows. Functionally, some panels are perforated to allow more air circulation as well as a shade screen during the day. The building’s urban location gives its employees easy access to the North Avenue Marta Station, bus routes, and a variety of other transit options.

Since their conception, these two innovative projects have generated thousands of jobs and opportunities in Atlanta. Design thinking can help address critical issues within the city, and can stimulate economic growth, improve the built environment, and create new goods and services. Simultaneously, the efficiency of local architecture and development projects has been optimized to further enhance people’s lives.

In Atlanta, design can help improve the attractiveness and efficiency of the city and its urban systems in order to attract more top businesses and talent. Smart design is a business’ comparative advantage in the market, and Portman Architects leverages design thinking as a force for economic growth and positive societal change. As people and practitioners learn more about the many benefits of employing design thinking in other fields, we seek to promote those benefits in order to stimulate further investment in our great global city.

What does it take to transform a house into a home? How does one seamlessly marry unique and eclectic with cozy and warm? House Beautiful invites you for an exclusive look at the personal home of designer Mark Williams and his husband Steve Summers. Join House Beautiful Market Director, Carisha Swanson, and Mark Williams for a tour of the midcentury ‘California Style’ ranch home – uncommon to Nashville – that caught his eye, and a designer discussion on the transformative power of renovation with vision.

Sponsored by House Beautiful, Atlanta Design Festival, Kolo Collection, Paul +, and Showroom 58

The redevelopment of Atlanta’s West End Mall is an exceptional opportunity to leverage the community’s historical and cultural significance and engage local talent, businesses and institutions. Located in a federal opportunity zone, the mixed-use development will support the entire district with funds from the City and other partners to support local businesses, incorporate affordable housing and attract investors who value social impact, all while giving residents and stakeholders a voice in the process. How can we use the power of design to propel West End towards this next chapter of prosperity? Join Gensler and Elevator City Partners’ Ryan Gravel and Donray Von as they discuss how the master plan will elevate the West End and answer your questions about the project.

Alex Delotch Davis, founder of Gallerie 88, moderates a discussion with designer Bradley Bowers and interior designer Michel Smith Boyd about pushing the boundaries of design and bringing the client along for the ride.

About Bradley Bowers
Traditional boundaries and linear planes hardly contain the imagination of Bradley Bowers, the creative force and founder of the eponymous studio. After earning honors and advanced degrees from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Industrial and Furniture design, Bradley founded the Bradley L. Bowers brand in Miami’s Design District. While still a student, Bradley worked as a designer for international brands, such as Procter & Gamble, Ralph Lauren, Adriana Hoyos and Gulfstream Aerospace. It was through these diverse enterprises that Bradley refined his affinity for well-made and functional works of the highest quality.

About Michel Boyd
SMITHBOYD Interiors was established in 2006. The interior design firm was the vision of founder/creative director Michel Smith Boyd and has evolved from a one-man operation to a boutique firm of eight, specializing in luxury residential and commercial projects nationwide.

The firm is synonymous with creating aspirational residences and brand strengthening atmospheres for commercial projects alike. “The depth of our knowledge as a team, combined with our goal to stay attuned with our ever-evolving industry, allows us to execute signature design experiences” said Boyd. We take pride in each of our projects ultimately becoming a unique product of client vision, architecture, and region all guided by Michel and the team at SMITHBOYD Interiors.

The firm’s work has been featured on the pages of Atlanta Home & Lifestyles, LA Weekly, Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Elle Décor, Architectural Digest, and Vogue. He has participated and designed spaces in Atlanta Symphony Associates’ Decorators’ Show House, Southern Style Now Designer Show House in New Orleans, and the Christopher Kennedy Compound Show House in Palm Springs, CA. In 2017 Michel was an on-going contributor for HGTV’s House Hunters, and in 2018 starred in Bravo’s hit design series, Buying It Blind. The award-winning designer currently has licensed collections with Verde Home and Left Bank Art. Michel’s paintings can be sourced globally at retailers including Z Gallerie and Neiman Marcus.

ABOUT GALLERIE 88
Gallerie 88 is a digital media company founded by Alex Delotch Davis to share the stories of black luxury fashion designers, fine artists, and designers. Each week Gallerie 88 issues The Digest, a curated newsletter featuring artists to watch and highlights of the best in black art and design culture from around the globe. Sign up at www.gallerie-88.com or follow @Gallerie88.

Does achieving the ideal acoustic environment have to mean sacrificing form for function? This is a common concern among designers and architects new to acoustic design. However, the palette of choices is far more diverse than a collection of foam panels in three different colours.

There’s a variety of materials, colours, shapes and textures available to choose from on the market today, and the options are expanding every day. Once you understand the fundamentals of sound control and learn about the tools and options available, you will gain more confidence and creative freedom to achieve the acoustic performance goals of a space without sacrificing your aesthetic vision.

COVID-19 is changing how we live—and what we want from the spaces we live in. Since the beginning of the pandemic, our homes have been serving as makeshift workplaces, schools, gyms, and pubs. And many of us are spending more time in them than ever before. The experience of lockdown will, no doubt, have a lasting effect on us all. And many will be rethinking the kind of life we want to live post-pandemic, along with the role our homes play.

Join Architect Jordache Avery, and Interior Design Annysa LaMantia as they discuss the top 5 ways their clients are using design to combat COVID.

Presented by Jamestown, the Atlanta Design Festival, and Flux Projects.

Installation Opens Sept 15 at Ponce City Market.

What if your trash becomes your ballot? And the size of a filled trash bag shows the citizens preference? We think that it is very important to involve citizens while developing ideas. Politics, urban planning or a simple choice of color. Are we actually aware of these decisions, the impact it can have and the influence we can have as citizens on these decisions? On what level are we involved in political topics or in local development plans? If you take a citizen on your journey of making choices while developing, this could lead to more involvement and later on, this could lead to more satisfaction and shared happiness. These days many changes are made in public spaces that we are not aware off. A daily referendum for the citizen. “Dont Waste Your Vote” is a tool to involve the citizen with decisions you are making. A way to ask the public their opinion in a playful and socially engaged way. Confronted with making a decision while throwing away their trash.

Ponce City Market will host a temporary installment of “Don’t Waste Your Vote” voting bins this fall, created by Dutch designers Daan Wubben from Studio Daan Wubben and Bouke Bruins of Boyscout Designer, a Netherlands-based firm specializing in interactive installations and design-interventions to create a more playful public space. The project is presented by Jamestown, the Atlanta Design Festival, and Flux Projects.

A conversation with Gensler, Room & Board and Cambria on how the future office will be “open section” — providing multi-level settings where our views, movements, and ideas are not constrained by windows and walls — and is better for our health, well-being and the environment.

Moderated by:

Dean Horowitz
CEO & President, commARCH (Commercial Architecture Magazine)

Dean has spent his career connecting with audiences through contemporary media/communication practices, research, data, events, audience development, and big, profitable ideas. He is experienced with start-ups and Fortune 100 brands. He has been recognized in FOLIO, Publishing Executive, MeetingNet, and within diverse industries such as building & construction, beauty, agriculture, woodworking, consumer enthusiast brands, and home furnishings. Awards include Lifetime Membership/Recognition from NAHB, FOLIO’s TOP 40, Reed Elsevier’s Innovation Award, Habitat for Humanity and others. He has given talks at events such as International Builders Show, BIMS, Connectiv, CRMA, AM&P, High Point Market, and HFA.

Panelists:

Erin Greer
NCIDQ, LEED AP BD+C, Co-Director, Work Studio | Senior Associate

Erin Greer is a Senior Associate and Co-Director for Work Studio in the Gensler Atlanta office. An interior designer with over fourteen years of experience, Erin also leads the Tech Practice Area for Gensler’s Southeast region where she oversees the design of creative spaces that support the future of work for the sector’s top companies and talent.

Her passion for creating great working experiences for her team and clients guides her Point of View. An experienced project director with a focus on design and background in design and construction management, Erin has overseen a wide range of major projects locally & globally for clients including Pinewood Atlanta Studios, NCR, Fitzco / Momentum / Weber Shandwick, Inspire Brands, Kimberly-Clark, 22squared, Jamestown, Cox Automotive, CSE, Atlanta Tech Village, The Gathering Spot and Erwin Penland.

Elise Nicpon
Outside Sales Manager, Room & Board Business Interiors

Elise Nicpon is Outside Sales Manager for Room & Board Business Interiors (BI). She brings more than 20 years of retail and direct sales experience to this position. Nicpon has been with Room & Board for 12 years, most recently as Retail Market Manager where she excelled at leading and inspiring focused sales teams.

With a passion for finding creative design solutions, Nicpon is dedicated to aligning solutions for clients and making the entire experience easy from initial contact through delivery. She believes residential and commercial spaces can be made better through the craftsmanship, beautiful materials and design of the Room & Board assortment.

Summer Kath
EVP Design, Cambria

Traveling the globe to source inspiration for Cambria’s continuous pipeline of new design innovations, Summer Kath is the creative force behind all new design launches at Cambria. With over 200 designs and growing, Summer is responsible for translating trade professionals and consumers’ existing and unmet wants and needs into product development, combining her trend-spotting, keen eye with the art and science behind quartz.

As EVP of Design, Summer most recently spearheaded a collaboration with world-renowned design, build and architectural firm, Gensler, on the launch of 14 new designs called “The Coordinates Collection,” as well as Cambria’s most significant launch to date in January 2020 with the introduction of twenty new designs tied to the brand’s 20th anniversary, created using proprietary technology with tones and movements never before accomplished. Summer also led the launch of Cambria’s first-to-market innovation – Cambria Matte™, a breakthrough surface finish with a low-sheen akin to honed marble.

With multiple design launches per year, Summer responds to demand in the marketplace by staying at the forefront of what’s new and next by offering designs that are unlike anything else in the surface industry and pushing the R&D team to the max. In addition, Summer strategically grows operations across North America and oversees the elite design sales channel at Cambria. Summer orchestrates white-glove celebrity and corporate alliance partnerships, from rockers and ball players like Steven Tyler and Dwayne Wade, to like-minded brands like Kohler and Sub-Zero Wolf Cove and high-end hotel and restaurant alliances such as The Baccarat Hotel in NYC and David Fhima’s new restaurant in Minneapolis.

Broad St cuts through the heart of Downtown Atlanta. From the Broad Street Boardwalk, restaurants along North Broad St to the historic buildings on South Broad St, the street has tremendous potential to become a vibrant public space through design, activation and built improvements. How do we design for public life in Downtown? Come hear from Atlanta City Studio, Central Atlanta Progress and Newport about future goals and ideas for Broad Street.

Bette Maloy, Atlanta City Studio:
Bette Maloy is an Urban Planner and Designer at the Atlanta City Studio. As a designer, Bette works to support Studio’s mission of creating an exceptional public realm for all Atlantans. Prior to joining the Studio in 2018, Bette completed her degree in Landscape Architecture at West Virginia University and worked as a designer for both private companies and nonprofit organizations in Atlanta. In her spare time, Bette enjoys biking around the city and walking in nature.

Wesley Brown, Central Atlanta Progress:
Wesley Brown is the Director of Planning and Capital Projects at Central Atlanta Progress – Downtown Atlanta’s Community Improvement District. In this role, Wesley guides the delivery of Downtown Atlanta’s public infrastructure projects from plan to implementation. Prior to his current position, Wesley worked for HDR, Inc., Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and Alta Planning and Design (formerly known as Greenways, Inc.). Wesley received a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from North Carolina State University and a Masters of Science in Urban Design from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He co-authored an essay published in Retrofitting Sprawl: Addressing Seventy Years of Failed Urban Form, and is an avid college football fan.

April Stammel, Newport:
April Stammel is Senior Vice President at Newport RE and is responsible for marketing, community engagement and event activation. Prior to joining NEWPORT, she held a range of leadership positions in business development, marketing, creative strategy and event management for start-ups, non-profits and social enterprise organizations. April received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Vanderbilt University.

Square Feet Studio has long been committed to #Atlanta’s growth through very personal work with local businesses and residents.

This short video provides a look into a few of their recent contributions to the Morningside, Summerhill, Reynoldstown, and Inman Park neighborhoods of Atlanta. Follow along as these designers and their clients speak to the importance of creating meaningful design through thoughtful inquiry and critical engagement with the local community for both business and living.