SHEILA MILANI DESIGNS A PORTFOLIO
“If you do follow your bliss you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. I say, follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.” - JOSEPH CAMPBELL
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GRADUATE WORK
1 OFFICE OF THE FUTURE COMMERCIAL DESIGN / INSTRUCTOR SERENA ZANELLO
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OFFICE OF THE FUTURE The Workplace of the Future 2.0 design competition asked the design community to imagine what our work lives will look like in the next 10-15 years. How does technology play a role to reimagine the current office setting? How can it further the efficiency and functionality of the workers in the workplace? The project is imagined here through a boutique graphic design company located in San Francisco specializing in book design. The office utilizes key technological advances in enabling its designers to work creatively and collaboratively. CONCEPT STATEMENT:
Imagine standing in the pages of your favorite book. The words no longer tell a story. They are all simply graphic elements – fragmented typography, lines and negative space that now paint the walls and create the space around you.
The first impression of the company is displayed through a bold graphic. The glass partition wall in the lobby, an installation by a local artist, shows fragmented typography. The company logo ‘Press’ is created from found metal type from a local printing press in the Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco.
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The fabric on the window seat cushions, located in the library, are custom made from the same metal type used to create the logo and are screen printed with red ink on white fabric. The area is comprised of a wall of books with seating and a collaborative area with a chalkboard wall. The custom flooring is created from recycled carpet tiles. Red is a repeating element throughout the space.
Custom furniture inspired by typography is designed from the letter ‘A’. As it joins together, it creates a continuous workspace. The repetitive element unifies the space overall.
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DIGITAL TOUCH SCREEN PARTITION WALL The heads-down workspace area incorporates a digital touch screen glass partition wall where designers can share their work with other team members. Designers can display their work onto the wall by clicking and dragging the graphic to the right of their individual screens. Once the graphic is on the wall, designers can organize graphics by touching and dragging as well as writing with dry erase markers to further the collaborative experience.
2 MODERN MANOR RESIDENTIAL DESIGN / INSTRUCTOR ERNEST MARIOTTO
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MODERN MANOR Located in Old Palo Alto, this 5 bedroom, 4-and-a-half bath home is a product of its environment. The city of Palo Alto is home to the highly educated and wealthy— a combination in today’s market which demands high style with an edgy sensibility. The homeowners are avid art collectors, often frequenting gallery openings, and display their collection prominently throughout the home. Their design sensibility can be seen in the textiles that push patterns to a bold and graphic display. CONCEPT STATEMENT:
With history standing tall in the architecture and modernity filling the interiors in layers of texture, molding and avant garde art, this home displays the juxtaposition of the past to the present with contrasting elements throughout.
TEXTILE DESIGN Used on prominent pieces of furniture and flooring throughout the home, the custom designed textiles inspired by the films of Alfred Hitchcock give a bold and graphic feel. The textiles shown above from The Birds, Psycho, and Spellbound gives each piece of furniture a story.
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The first impression of the home is told by the graphic black and white marble herringbone flooring. Large glass doors framed in off-black steel give an unexpected feel to an otherwise traditional foyer. The walls are covered with a grid of tone-on-tone molding. The charcoal color gives the entry some richness and plays off the more ominous textile theme throughout the home. The wood flooring throughout the home plays off the entry pattern but in a smaller-scaled herringbone, creating repetition and cohesively connecting the different rooms. The exterior architecture is of a classic English manor with the use of Italian stucco and slate stone cladding all in a dark charcoal. The bright green shrubbery and oak trees are a stark contrast to the darkness of the exterior.
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The reading nook, eat-in kitchen and living room, shown above, showcase the layers of texture and color. The reading nook loveseat is covered in The Birds fabric, which allows for high contrast against the darkness of the walls and flooring around it. The living room sofa splattered with the Psycho textile again provides that contrast with the pieces surrounding it.
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Streamlining traditional elements, the sitting room off the entry incorporates arched windows, tray ceiling and prominently placed tone-on-tone molding on the walls.
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3 PROJECTION AND LIGHT INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO / INSTRUCTOR STEPHANIE SMITH-HAENEL
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PROJECTION AND LIGHT A new boutique hotel located in downtown Oakland will primarily serve business guests, as well as some tourists. The total square feet of the 8-story building is 112,500 and is West facing. Located at the intersection of two of the most significant streets in Oakland—Telegraph and Broadway, this area is home to a bustling art community. CONCEPT STATEMENT:
Having a close proximity to the old great theaters of yesterday, the interior design for this hotel is inspired by projection and light while incorporating art from local creators. Dimension is a key element shown in the wall details throughout the hotel.
The spacial design and shape of the exterior is developed from 3-dimensional cubes. While not visually seen on the inside of the hotel, the cubes are merely a tool to further the idea of dimension and help to organize the space.
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Elements of video and projection fill the interior spaces. A different artist is highlighted each month on a motionactivated interactive graphic wall located behind the reception desk in the lobby, shown above.
Evolved from a sketch of 3D cubes, a wall located in the restaurant incorporates dimension and light to create a highly textural architectural feature.
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The flooring in the restaurant and bar area is a graphic black and white mosaic tile. The banquette is covered in complimentary fabric with a smaller scale pattern to balance the bold flooring.
The wood throughout the hotel showcases strong vertical lines which are even further elongated by the light pouring out from the inset wall details.
4 MACY’S SHOE STORE RETAIL DESIGN / INSTRUCTOR STEPHANIE SMITH-HAENEL
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MACY’S SHOE STORE The assignment was to create the women’s shoe department for Macy’s and to make it identifiable with the Macy’s brand experience. The selling environment was to be contained within 1,250 sq ft plus 750 more for stock. The target audience for Macy’s is the millennial generation, who spend 18 hours per day consuming media. 66% embrace brands on social media. The challenge was creating a space that spoke to the millennial sensibility. CONCEPT STATEMENT:
The inspiration for the Macy’s Women’s Shoe department is discovery. The space, designed for the audience to explore, will reveal innovations in technology in how its customers use the space and access information through explorative media. The Macy’s logo, a star, influenced the ubiquitous themes of light and space that present themselves throughout the space.
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STORAGE ROOM 750 SQ FT
SHOE STORE 1250 SQ FT
The exterior is not a closed off area—it is open to the rest of the Macy’s department store. The facade is created using smooth concrete with gaps between them, which is a repeating element throughout the store. This speaks to the discovery theme.
The mirrors have LED lights that pour out from between the panels. Some mirrors are functional drawers for additional storage and one panel acts as a touch screen price scanner.
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The large case enclosed in glass showcases the collection of high-end shoes. The case is surrounded in the gold tile that also falls around the perimeter of the store. The tile, from Ann Sacks, has a small star detail at the center of it.
The logo for the store is a play on the Macy’s star logo. Shown below, it has been sliced up and is backlit repeating the idea of discovery, also shown in the thin shelf that is inset in the mirror wall. The star on the shopping bags is laser cut to show a sliver of what’s inside.
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PROFESSIONAL WORK
5 NETAPP GEAR STORE
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NETAPP GEAR STORE Located in Sunnyvale, NetApp—a company that specializes in data storage—was looking to convert an odd-shaped IT room into their company store. The NetApp gear, as they call it, are primarily T-shirts, notebooks, mugs, pens, all branded with the NetApp logo and was being sold online, at the time. Due to the high volume being sold, they were looking to create an on-campus experience for their employees, customers and partners. CONCEPT STATEMENT:
The idea for the interior design was inspired by a brand illustration of a leaf and a water drop. It was the first image NetApp placed on their product, which seemed appropriate. From the water drop the idea of geometry (technology, sacred geometry of the elements, molecules) was pulled and from the leaf, materiality.
The first site visit revealed a cluttered IT room with cubicles. The full area, located inside a NetApp building, being around 800 square feet visually appeared much smaller because of the large clunky office furniture.
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Geometry
Technology
Nature
Materiality
Through geometry the NetApp logo was deconstructed to design the shelving. Geometry was also the inspiration for the custom flooring incorporating hexagons into the wood planks. The materiality comes through in the gorgeous walnut millwork throughout the space. In the final floor plan, a dressing room and storage room were added towards the back of the space. The storage room is accessible from the outside of the space for deliveries and employee entrance.
A chalkboard feature wall showcases multiple seasonal T-shirts on display. The chalkboard paint background allows for customization.
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With the area being very long and fairly shallow at 12 feet deep, the design solution was to take advantage of the longest wall creating a large shelving unit with movable shelves. Black chalkboard paint covers the wall behind the unit so the client can further brand the space and also have the flexibility to change out the visuals from time to time for future branding.
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CUSTOM FLOOR DESIGN The flooring area was an opportunity to add an unexpected wow factor. Hexagons were designed to run into the wood planks. To keep cost down, a product was selected not only for its durability but also for its templated hexagons which allowed for further customization with the finish of each individual hexagon.
THE BUILD-OUT The drop ceiling remained, though the standard 2x4 tiles were replaced with 2x2 tegular tiles for a more streamlined look. The door to the room was replaced with a 10-foot-wide sliding glass door in order to take advantage of daylighting as well as to create a larger, more inviting opening to the space. The full build-out of the store was completed in three months.
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The finished space is neutral with pops of the NetApp corporate blue on one post and behind the checkout area. With the products having so much color and depth, it was important to create a neutral space. Twelve storage drawers below the shelving allows for the one person working in the store to restock without having the leave the store floor which was an evident problem found in the case studies at the start of the project.
A small area of display shelves are comprised of simple metal frames and walnut boxes. The shadows created from each element is a subtle reference to the geometric inspiration.
The circulation of the space is open with many different ways to move about the store. The checkout area is tucked beside the wall of the dressing room with the storage room located in the rear of the store.
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NetApp being the official data providers of the NFL allowed for some fun playbook graphics to be drawn on the T-shirt wall, shown above. The finished merchandised store is vibrant, yet elegant with the bold grain of the walnut fixtures and graphic flooring. The store displays the spirit of the NetApp culture. The store signage was designed to connect to the geometric inspiration of the store design.
“DURING SEVERAL PRESENTATIONS, SOME OF OUR STAKEHOLDERS ASKED FOR THE NAME OF THE ARCHITECTURAL FIRM, BECAUSE THEY WERE SO IMPRESSED.” ARTHUR KILINSKI, HEAD OF CREATIVE SERVICES, NETAPP
6 ESSENTIAL OILS RETAIL STORE
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ESSENTIAL OILS RETAIL STORE Essentique is a retail store located in a popular shopping area in Palo Alto. The designer was hired to do the interior design as well as fully branding the business’ logo and product packaging. The retail store will carry the owner’s own natural skin and hair care products. It will be a place where people can test essential oils, purchase their special blend and wait in a relaxing space while their order is being prepared. CONCEPT STATEMENT:
Create a modern version of a traditional Zen garden spatially through design and material use with elements of the Far East to create a warm and welcoming environment.
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The programming for the store includes the retail area, a storage room, office, washroom and a kitchenette. Additionally, the client wanted to create a rentable office and an extra washroom. The final materials, shown above, vary in texture. Dark oak flooring, custom walnut fixtures with quartz countertops throughout. The floor has a pebble tile detail running around the perimeter of the store with a copper transition between the tile and the oak flooring.
PRELIMINARY DESIGN A living wall falls behind the checkout area. The plant palette consists of button fern, lime spikemoss, and baby’s toes, just to name a few. With the ceiling being at 9 feet, the verticality of the garden helps to lengthen the wall. The first round of designs showcase a centelievered ceiling element wrapped in a diamond mosaic tile. The element helps to draw the visitor towards the back of the store.
Woodcut panels with a custom pattern were designed to add a Far East feel to the otherwise streamlined and modern interior.
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BRANDING The final Essentique logo shows two things coming together to create a whole. The process of creating these products is all about different natural ingredients coming together to create one experience. The business card utilizes the custom pattern designed for the woodcuts and will be laser cut so you’ll be able to see through them, just as you would in the finished woodcuts in the store.
“WHAT I LIKE ABOUT SHEILA IS THAT SHE LISTENS TO YOU AND THEN EXECUTES ALL YOUR SCATTERED THOUGHTS, IDEAS AND DREAMS INTO ONE COHERENT AND ARTISTIC PIECE.” MANDANA NAVI, OWNER
7 CHANNING STREET HOME
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CHANNING STREET HOME This newly built home in Palo Alto is a part-time residence for a family living abroad. The goal of the project was to fill every room with furnishings, housewares, and decorative elements, and complete it before the homeowners arrived in three-months time. The design process began right away and concepts were shared with the homeowners abroad. CONCEPT STATEMENT:
One element that was required was a piano and that quickly became the inspiration for the design of the whole home. Stark black and white contrast and areas of fun colorful stripes create a warm and striking home.
Bright art and mid-century modern pieces fill the home throughout. The clean lines of the dining set, designed by Norman Cherner, and a retro styled light pendant create a high style dining area.
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY YOUNG TRAN
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The family room has splashes of color and artwork with modern themes. The Barcelona sofa designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, acts as a connection from the dining room to the family room. The family often entertains large groups so it was important to not cut the room in half. Form and function go hand in hand in this open space.
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“OUR FAMILY IS EXTREMELY IMPRESSED BY SHEILA’S THOUGHTFULNESS. SHE NOT ONLY DESIGNED A BEAUTIFUL HOME BUT AN ULTRA FUNCTIONAL ONE.” HOMEOWNERS, CHANNING STREET
The pop of color in the Eames molded plastic chairs creates a fun color story for the breakfast nook. Custom window treatments and bench cushions complete the space.
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The cherry tree visible through the master bedroom window was the inspiration of the color palette. A soft lush area rug frames the bedroom and works well with the oatmeal, lavender and gray color palettes. A small seating area with a side table designed by Eero Saarinen creates a comfortable area to relax and read.
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The 9-year-old girl gets a mature space, sprinkled in soft pinks and mustards. The bed frame has a large drawer at the base which allows for more storage and places to tuck things away. A found letter ‘S’ from an antique shop and custom window treatments complete the space making it a cozy and feminine yet grown-up space in which to relax and play.
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Large accordion windows from the living room open up to the outdoor patio and beautifully landscaped backyard. The seating is ample with a highlight of two modern low black chairs made of durable plastic woven across a powder coated frame. A bold black and white chevron area rug connects back to the interior.
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CONTACT
www.sheilamilanidesigns.com e: hi@sheilamilanidesigns.com t: 415-999-0549
HI@SHEILAMILANIDESIGNS.COM