|
Early in May Wells & Fox marked two significant milestones with a party at our new Chicago office. Heather and Bruce, along with their wonderful staff from both offices, celebrated the official opening of the new Chicago office and 15 wonderful years of collaboration.
After a long search for the right space, Heather and Bruce found it in the River North neighborhood near the EL and the Merchandise Mart. “It's quintessential Chicago, a traditional old factory building right in the center of the design district,” according to Bruce.
“All types of inspirational resources—antiques, art galleries, fixtures and architectural decor—are close by.”
The building features high ceilings, wooden beams and ceilings, and brick walls. “Heather and I worked closely with the building owner to retrofit the loft into a studio and office complex that is perfect for our style of collaborative design. It features huge windows, southern exposure with spectacular light, and amazing views from our 6th floor space. It makes coming to work even more fun. And I finally got the corner office!”
The party also celebrated the of Wells & Fox Architectural Interiors. Heather and Bruce hosted their loyal clients, art and design colleagues, friends, and neighbors in appreciation for their support and enduring relationships.
The best is yet to come!
Each year the New England Home Design Hall of Fame honors a select group of architects, interior designers, and landscape designers. According to the organization's website, the honor goes to “individuals who have had significant careers in residential design and whose work, influence, and community involvement puts them at the pinnacle of their profession.”
“I do what I do because I love the work, not for awards, but I admit it feels pretty darn good.”
Heather is one of the chosen few! At a gala awards ceremony last fall at the State Room in Boston, Heather was inducted into the prestigious institution—one of only two in the interior design category. “I'm honored to be recognized for my professional achievements and my contributions to the arts and the community,” Heather said of the honor.
Bruce has this quirky thing: he's mad about plaid. Why, you may ask? Here's Bruce on plaid:
“I'm not exactly obsessed with plaid (in spite of what you may have heard). But it resonates with me in a lot of ways. Plaid strikes me as capturing elements of both the urban experience and a country sensibility. And because I grew up in the country and have since become an urbanite, it makes that connection with me. And it seems very Chicago. Plaid is a grid, Chicago was built on a grid. It just works.
From a design viewpoint, I think of plaid as a 'connector fabric.' If you are designing an interior with a palette of a few (or several) colors, a plaid accent incorporating those colors can act as connective tissue, pulling the colors together and integrating them into the whole effect. Plus, plaid is just fun.”
Vibrant describes Heather in so many ways! Her personal vibrancy is evident in everything she does—her travels, her curiosity, her zeal for work and play. But when it comes to color, well, Heather is always on the lookout for the next hot hue;
“I have a thing about colors” she says. “I tend to take pictures of colorful buildings and brightly-colored outdoor ads and murals. I love artists who layer canvases with intense colors in new combinations. I love the way changing light transforms colors.
I'm always on the hunt for new ideas about color, especially when I travel. When Bruce and I went to last year I was stunned by the rich, saturated yarns, fabrics, and rugs we encountered. I love to bring those influences to our design work.”
|