Visiting Franck & Lohsen Architects

{The prettiest work island.. designed by Franck and Lohsen and built by CarrMichael Construction}

Walking into the studio from a very typical office building-type- hall was incredible.  We opened the door to this:

{The foyer}

…And were greeted by architect Michael Franck, whom I hit it off with instantly.  (After already having exchanged emails and hearing so much about him from my amazingly fun client, I figured he’d be special, but he – and the entire team really- are the type of people who put you instantly at ease.  They all have a grace about them that make you so comfortable in between bouts of laughing.)  I didn’t want to leave!

There was dark gray gorgeous mill work everywhere… and BOOKS!!!!  Architectural books are EVERYWHERE in the studio and I honestly just found myself wishing I could hang out there.  Their collection is incredible and the shelving was all lit perfectly:

Here’s a view from inside the studio toward the entrance door:

There is a gradual progression of the gray paint lightening in each of the spaces until you reach the studio which is open and bright and in the lightest gray.

The conference room is large yet intimate and their oval saarinen is perfection:

It had me wishing I had an oval table.  (Ok, I’ll be honest, their studio had me wishing I had a lot of other things too! 😉 😉  I noticed that Michael Franck pulled out the extra chairs away from the table when everyone sat down (and we had one less person than expected) so that with the oval table, everyone sort of naturally positioned themselves and we fit perfectly.

Here’s a view from the entrance into the studio:

My first thought was how “alive” their fig trees were.  (!!!)  I’m sort of a serial plant killer.  They were potted with moss on top of the soil which was beautiful and I think could help me as an indicator of how dry the soil is. (Ie if the moss is dying, my tree’s about to follow 😉

I didn’t want to be too creepy so I refrained from taking a photo of everyone as they worked at their desks but their studio was soooooo  gorgeous and functional-looking!  (It was set up with multiple desks (each with their own light fixture hanging above!)

To give you an idea of the beautiful work they do, here are a couple of photos taken by Gordon Beall:

How breath-taking is this view of the Potomac (below)??!!!

I’m beyond excited to be working on this very special project with such a talented and fun group of people!

On that note…  I spoke with someone else in the business on Friday and he also mentioned “fun” as being a key part of a successful project.  When my client first contacted me, she said that she wanted the process to be “fun” and I’ve been thinking a lot about that.  It’s so important that you enjoy what you’re doing and that it makes you and those around you happy.  Making a homeful of decisions can be a daunting task and a serious roller coaster ride so enjoying the ride is key.  I love the idea of a “fun” approach to the process vs. just a “special” one which is where I’ve mostly focused on things until now… It reminds me to exhale a little and that’s a good thing.

***UPDATE*** Thanks so much to Lori who wrote in with more background on the photos featured:   “The Franck & Lohsen project you featured is actually a collaboration with the architect Bruce Hayes, interior designer Darryl Carter, and general contractor Len Nurmi.”  I’m crazy about Darryl Carter’s work!!!! 🙂