SHEILA MILANI DESIGNS A PORTFOLIO
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PROFESSIONAL WORK
1 NETAPP GEAR STORE
MOOD BOARD IMAGES PULLED FROM DESIGNSPERATION.NET
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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
2 ESSENTIAL OILS RETAIL STORE
MOOD BOARD IMAGES PULLED FROM DESIGNSPERATION.NET
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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
3 CHANNING STREET HOME
MOOD BOARD IMAGES PULLED FROM DESIGNSPERATION.NET
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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