architecture An AZD Associates Corporate Magazine
Special Features: AZD Architects Modern Masterpeices Making Effective Presentations Lights, Camera, Action AZD Associates 1
2 AZD Associates
architecture
About the Cover
Published by
AZD Associates, Inc Kevin Akey, Partner Frank Zychowski, Partner 35990 Woodward, Suite 100 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 Phone: 248.540.6009 Fax: 248.540.2622 E-mail: kevin@azdarch.com Web Site: www.azdarch.com
Dear Reader: hat an exciting time to be working in the architectural field with so broad an acceptance of trends and styles. An individual may be attracted to traditional or contemporary, to Art Deco or minimalism. The pleasure one takes in designing archiitecture is dependent upon more than categorizing the style, it depends upon the execution and good taste the architect and the client harmonize together.
W
This panoramic view of a striking AZD custom home depicts the architects use of geometric shapes and varied building materials producing a harmonious environment
Lights, Camera, Action Home Theater Design.
Water Water Everywhere Kohler Products
4 11
AZD Architects Modern Masterpeices
14
How To Make An Effective Presentation
19
AZD Designs
For Todays Business Traveler
We believe that good design should be comfortable and timeless. Travel with me through this issue as we discover how several designers achieve striking and beautiful affects with our projects. We shall persue the work over a time period spanning years of creativity and imagnation. Kevin Akey, Principal AZD Associates, Inc.
Vendor Sho wcase Show We wish to thank the ffollo ollo wing par ticipants ollowing participants for their contrib ution and suppor t. contribution support.
You Never Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression
Packing Tips
For years AZD have produced projects in various styles. The fascination and pleasure in this work is the challenge of creating beauty and visual pleasure in many style periods and expressions.
23
Architecture is published on behalf of AZD Associates by Summit Design Group. Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. For information or comments regarding this publication contact by mail: Editor, Summit Design Group, 1200 North Federal Highway, Ste 200, Boca Raton, Florida 33432. Tel: 561.995.8100 or E-Mail to info@summitmagazines.com.
American Fireplace & Barbeque Dist - Anthony Development Artistic Flooring - Brivar Construction - Brody Homes Budman's Remodeling - Choice Mortgage - Civil Concepts and Design Consumers Lumber - Curtiss Glass Company - DC Pools Eron J. Kleckner - Lou De Ciantis Builder, Inc. - Exclusive floor Coverings Ferlito Construction - G.A. Frisch, Inc - Kirby Construction Company La Fontaine Automotive - Living Spaces - Lopez Engineering Millenium - Lou De Ciantis Builder,Inc - Oak Electric Service Pella Window & Door Co. - Pete Traverso - Sherwood Studios Sky Financial Solutions - The Summit Company - Village Cabinet Shoppe Weathershield
AZD Associates 3
4 AZD Associates
F
orget long ticket lines, high priced popcorn, and noisy crowds – The latest home theatre designs and equipment brings the cinematic experience right to your home‌ On A Grand Scale. Today you can have almost any fantasy come to life in the comfort of your own home. Movie experiences are a great escape into another world. Now you can get there in the comfort of your own home. No shirt? No shoes? No problem. Having your own home theater means you can now enjoy all the things you go to the movies for, not to mention all the beer, popcorn and goodies you want. Imagine all this without a baby sitter.
home entertainment center. For first-time buyers, parting with large sums of money and entering a world of unfamiliar equipment and terminology can be unnerving. What you might consider looking for is a dealer who will guide you every step of the way. A well rounded dealer will offer guidance and knowledge on the finer points of equipment, its installation, operation and service. The proper product knowledge and assistance makes installing a home theater both easy and enjoyable. When searching out a home theater dealer or the best in home theater equipment you may want to refer to: CEPro at ce-pro.com, Sound and Vision magazine, Digital TV magazine or The Robb Report Home Entertainment magazine. t Images by Audio Command Systems
A true home theater requires much more than a big screen and a few strategically placed speakers. Duplicating that authentic movie experience also requires a careful blend of architecture, lighting, comfort and equipment. Whether you are deciding to build your own home theater or hiring a custom home theater installer, the decisions you make today can make or break your experience of enjoying a AZD Associates 5
6 AZD Associates
AZD Associates 7
8 AZD Associates
Architect Showcase
K
evin Akey and Frank Zychowski, the principals of AZD Associates, Inc. bring nearly 40 years of design and construction experience to all their residential and commercial projects. The partners established AZD Associates, Inc. in 1990 as a corporation committed to providing progressive, architectural design services focusing on custom residential and commercial projects. Kevin and Frank fulfill this commitment by leading a dedicated staff of architects and designers from their Birmingham, Michigan office. The firm has produced new and renovation projects throughout Michigan, as well as several other states and Canada. AZD Associates, Inc. has established a distinct niche by combining creativity and technical expertise resulting in the ability to satisfy client’s needs. AZD Associates, Inc. projects have been featured in numerous local and national publications such as “Luxury Home”, ‘“Better Homes and Gardens” and “Hour” magazines as well as being presented on HGTV .While the elements of each individual project may vary , AZD Associates, Inc. insists upon innovative, quality design and detailing throughout all their creations. By being receptive to clients and responding to their needs and desires, the firm dynamically integrates each project to its environment as the creative process evolves into reality .
Pictured above: A seductive, serpentine glass facade engulfs a contemporary sculpture as it greets guests near the entry of this Walnut Lake home. Pictured across: Classic forms, proportions and materials highlight this traditional Bloomfield Hills residence. The inviting “wrap around” porch is accented by a gently arched ceiling over the main entry, standing seam metal roofing and stone column bases. Pictured below: Night time is the right time to play or entertain at poolside on this Bloomfield Township house. This home was focused around an existing backyard pool which was preserved while demolishing the previous house which occupied this site. All rooms and views are foocused on the pool.
AZD Associates 9
10 AZD Associates
AZD Associates 11
Plumbing, the question becomes how to access that water. Design industries have thrived on channeling water most efficiently. And beautifully through the fixture of a house. The primary two methods through which stunning beauty can be achieved are sinks and showers. Considering how to bring the essential elements out of the woodwork is the basis for making a house a home. Faucets Water turns on and water turns off. One knob is for hot and the other cold. Faucets can be as straight forward as you like, but the industry is such that faucets need not be as basic as one might think. Many of the larger plumbing hardware companies offer an enormous array of faucet designs. Certain models are more appropriate for kitchen sinks just as others may be best suited for bathrooms, showers and tubs. Most are far more elegant in design than those found in a laundry room. Materials for faucet units can vary as well, depending on the style sought to best complement a room. Chrome, white or almond enamel, polished brass, and any array of other colors can ideally suit the sink environment. Sinks Variety in sinks is as distinct as the faucets that fill them. The utility room, bathrooms, and kitchen all demand unique designs to best accommodate their purposes. Kitchens - Dual chamber sinks best serve the kitchen and utility rooms. Separate water containers allow users to use one side for washing and the other for rinsing. One long-neck faucet or a snake-extension can reach to all 12 AZD Associates
areas of such sinks, thereby simplifying any work to be done. In the kitchen, cast iron assemblies combine heartiness with elegance for utilitarian attractiveness. For smaller kitchens, dual chambers in-corner installations extending out along perpendicular counter space. Corner models allow otherwise wasted space to be more readily utilized. When a great deal of cooking is involved, triple bowl designs can save both time and energy of the cook. Using one chamber for used pots and pans, a central chamber for disposal, and the third for washing food, the
kitchen can remain tidy throughout the most involved meal preparations. A consideration to make while looking into both large and small sinks is how well the unit contains water. Self-rimming sinks keep messes to a minimum, eliminating the frustrations that come with casings that angle outward. It is better to overestimate the amount of water you expect to use that way, no surprises will leave you with difficult water spots surrounding your sink. Bathrooms ask for smaller sinks. When trying to establish a historical
feel within a modern home, upright stand-alone units can be the perfect fit. Pedestal lavatories come in a wide range of styles-the perfect match simply requires browsing a few specialty company catalogs. Countertop lavatories are currently more common. Set into bathroom shelving and counters, these also come in an array of styles, any number of which can serve the purpose of those who seek to dress up their bathrooms or follow up on custom visions. Bathroom fixtures of china offer a classic elegance, though ceramic covered cast iron styles give lasting durability. Showers Different materials provide effective molds for shower or shower/tub combinations. Acrylics can be vacuum formed from solid sheets to create seamless one-piece units. Acrylic surfaces are strong and resilient, and the smooth contours enabled by the single-piece molds make for gentle bathing experiences. Gel-coated fiber-glass utilizes a fiberglass base covered by sprayed-on gel coating. Extra reinforcing can be used in higher stress areas. Features to seek include favored curves in the mold design, adequate shelving to meet the needs of an individual, couple, family, or guests, and beautiful tiles or back wall portions of the entire unit to help make every shower an aesthetically enjoyable experience. Options that dress up a shower can include anything that comes to the mind of the homeowner. Some possibilities include dome lights; mood lighting creates instant ambiance in a shower. Changing the bulb or filtering
lens can provide a color of choice for any occasion. Another consideration is the hand-held shower head. Adjustable spray nozzles can transform a shower from the massage of a pulse spray, to the gentle cascade of a fine mist When trying to establish a historical feel within a modern home, upright stand-alone units can be the perfect fit. Pedestal lavatories come in a wide range of styles, the perfect match simply requires browsing a few specialty company websites. Countertop lavatories are currently more common. Set into bathroom shelving and counters, these
also come in an array of styles, any number of which can serve the purposes of those who seek to dress up their bathrooms. Grab bars along the side of a unit along with textured floors aid bathers in maintaining balance and a slip free environment
framework can be most attractive though it can warp over time, depending on the quality of material used. The glass within the frame is another consideration. Thickness of the tempered glass affects clarity of vision as well as durability of the structure. The following glass options can be found at shower specialists: Clear, Glue, Chip, Obscure, Rain, Reed, Smooth, and Rough. Tubs One problem with baths has been the tendency for water to cool during the course of the experience. Throughout the history of the bath, the only way
to maintain temperature was to add boiling or near-boiling water to the tub while bathing, or keep the faucet running to balance the ratio of lost heat with incoming water. Technology has changed all that for bath-lovers. In-line heaters come part and parcel with certain whirlpool units and bathtubs. Shower Frames Warming re-circulating water keeps The most visible feature of the water temperature steady, allowing shower is the door. Frameless or framed, in silver, gold, or another color, bathers to self-determine when the bath should end, rather than forcing them careful thought should be given to the out of the tub when the water lowers to most efficient and flattering design. room temperature. The tub industry has Extruding lines are common on embraced technological developments unpolished aluminum frames. Flush
whole heartedly. Whirlpools, jets, and improved lumbar supports are only some of the basics to look for in new tubs. E s s e n t i al s Taking the time to dress up essential elements means the difference between an impersonal house and a well-loved home. The difference is in the details. Look at fixtures and installations in houses and hotels alike to establish favored preferences. Then, by browsing online or visiting homemaking studios, it becomes easy to custom design dreams. o
For More Information Aqua Glass www.idbooth.com/ aquaglass_showers_tubs.htm Clarion www.cfmcorp.com Eljer Plumbingware www.eljer.com Kohler Plumbing www.kohlerco.com
AZD Associates 13
14 AZD Associates
AZD Associates 15
16 AZD Associates
Architect Showcase PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: Planning l Review Preliminary Site Selections l Project Master Planning l Site and Land Use Analysis/Planning l Rezoning/Feasibility Studies l l l
Programming/Budgetary Studies Municipality Code and Ordinance Review Cost Segregation Analysis
Architecture l Conceptual/Schematic Design l Design Development l Construction Documents and Specifications l City/State Ordinance and Code Reviews l Value Engineering l Coordination of Contractor Bidding/Negotiations l Site/Construction Administration l Coordination of Engineering Consultants l Historic Restoration/Adaptive Reuse Analysis
Pictured above: The light stone base, horizontal banding and linear soffit/fascia design contrast dynamically with the classic brick selection. The pool and terrace landscaping properly accent this exciting residence. Pictured across: A steel and glass canopy protect the walk and guests as they approach the main entry to this Clinton Township home. Natural light floods the beautiful, custom wood and glass front door Pictured below: Classically proportioned stone pillars provide the framework for this very formal entrance arcade. Stone quoins serve to further accentuate the large, palladium style windows.
Interior Design l Design and Detailing l Color and Material Selections l Fixture and Furniture Selections l Custom Fixture Design l Three Dimensional Computer Models l Presentation/Marketing Packages
AZD Associates 17
18 AZD Associates
How To Make An Effective Presentation Get straight to the point, rather than taking your listeners through verbal back-alleys and detours. By Summit Design Group
W
ould you risk driving through an unfamiliar area without consulting a map? Likely not. Even the most stubborn motorist, who refuses to ask for directions when he is hopelessly lost, will start out his journey by determining the answers to two vital questions: (1) “Where am I going?” and (2) “What is the best way to get there?” Yet if we take that same prepared motorist and put him in front of an audience (whether it is made up of one person or a hundred), what happens? In many cases, he takes his audience through a maze of back alleys and detours. They have no idea what he is getting at and has no idea why they are lost! AZD Associates 19
Time is money, and in the business world you have to get to the point and get there fast. Therefore, it is imperative that when preparing to make a presentation, you need to determine (1) where you are going, conversationally speaking, and (2) how you will get there quickly and efficiently. Wher heree Ar Aree You Going? Many people start out a presentation without knowing how to answer the basic question, “What am I trying to say?” If you haven’t clearly defined your objective, don’t expect your listeners to define it for you. To define your objective, get a pencil and paper and write it down–in just one sentence. If you can’t do that, then you may need to give some thought to what you
change the way that you conceptualize your presentation: instead of beginning, middle, and end, construct it according to this formula: tell your audience what you are going to tell them; tell them; tell them what you told them. Notice that you state your objective first, right in the introduction. Don’t make your listeners have to guess ‘where you’re going with this.’ Another important aspect of figuring out the best route is determining whom you are taking along–in other words, identifying your audience. Many people never stop to consider this. The result? They end up creating the perfect speech - perfect, that is, for a completely different audience. Therefore, before formulating your presentation, you need to do a personality profile. Whether
Then work on your supporting arguments, all of which should be tailored to your specific audience. Usually it is only after you have done this that you are ready to come up with an effective introduction - a lead, or “hook” as it is commonly called. A hook is a statement or opening that is designed to capture attention. You see hooks all the time: newspaper headlines, advertisement banners, and TV commercials. Whether it is a question or a statement, dramatic or humorous, the hook is your opportunity to get connected. Get To The Point states, “Since audiences can be quite mullike, a presenter needs a verbal equivalent of the two-by-four. You want not merely to capture your listener’s attention but to really engage their minds.” There are many types of hooks. Humor is often an effective hook,
You must see your objective clearly. Once it is defined, state it– right in the introduction of your presentation. are trying to accomplish. You must see your objective clearly.Once it is defined, state it– right in the introduction of your presentation. The natural tendency is to do just the opposite, to state your objective as the conclusion at the end of your presentation. But this is like taking a family on a road trip without telling them where they’re going. Surprises may work fine with the kids, but an audience of adults usually will not want to play games. They want to know where you’re taking them. So tell them, right up front. “You’d be surprised how many presenters never really tell their audience what they want from them,” says the book Get To The Point—How to Say What You Mean and Get What You Want (Bantam Books). Instead, this book recommends, “formulate your message so that you make it absolutely clear what it is you want to do.” To help you do this,
20 AZD Associates
youare going to address an individual or a large group, you need to find out as many facts about that person or audience as you can–likes, dislikes, hobbies, interests, objectives, goals, and so forth. Then use those facts to give your presentation the personal touch. Get To The Point says, “The more often you can make references to concrete aspects of your listeners’ lives–names, places, events, situations - the more you create in them a feeling that you’re not just a speaker, you’re a community member on some level. [This connection] diminishes the barrier of separateness that naturally exists between strangers, so you are heard more clearly.” Ho w Will You Get T her e? How here? As already discussed, you will only get there if you have clearly defined where you are going. Therefore, if at all possible, write your conclusion first.
but only if it is used in good taste. There are visual hooks, such as charts or props, which can quickly engage an otherwise indifferent audience. Personal anecdotes can also be used as attention-grabbers. Whatever method you use, once you have hooked your audience; you can get to the point of your message. And by all means get there quickly! Of course how long your presentation takes depends upon a number of circumstances. In some cases, though, you can make your point in 30 seconds. These are often the most effective presentations of all. Why? Because, as communications expert Milo O. Frank puts it, 30 seconds “is the attention span of the human race.” Frank then uses an analogy. “Look around the room and concentrate on a lamp. You’ll find that your mind goes to something else within 30 seconds. If the lamp could move or talk, or go on and off by itself, it would recapture your attention for another
How To Make An Effective Presentation Con’t 30 seconds. But without move or change, it cannot hold you,” (How To Make Your Point In 30 Seconds-Or Less, Simon & Schuster). Even if your presentation must last considerably longer, you can use the 30-second principle to your advantage. In fact, Frank suggests thinking of the attention span of your audience as a quarter slot machine. “This machine must take in the first 25 cents before you can put in the second 25 cents. If you put in 50 cents or a dollar all at once, you’ll have wasted your money and maybe even jammed the machine. It can take in only 25 cents at a time. Your listener can take in only 30 seconds at a time.”
In summary, always remember that making a presentation is like going on a journey. You can’t just leave your trip up to chance. You’ve got to get out the map, figure out where you’re going, and make sure you know the quickest route to get there. In a word, this takes preparation. Don’t skimp on that! And don’t look for shortcuts, because a shortcut is usually the quickest way to get somewhere you weren’t going. So take the time to figure out where you you are going and whom you are taking along. Don’t take your listeners down conversational back alleys and detours. Get to the point
“The more often you can make references to concrete aspects of your listener’s lives—names, places, events, and situations—the more you create in them a feeling that you are ‘one of them.’ This subtle change in your status—you’re not just a speaker, you’re a community member on some level—diminishes the barrier of separateness that naturally exists between strangers, so you are heard more clearly.”
AZD Associates 21
22 AZD Associates
Packing Tips for Travelers Sometimes the toughest par usiness trip is partt of a bbusiness king yyour our ba gs pac packing bags
Travel Tips A MUST read for anyone traveling by air... Following these tips will help you reduce your wait time at the security checkpoint. Before the Airport Do NOT pack or bring prohibited items to the airport. Read the Permitted and Prohibited Items list – Place valuables such as jewelry, cash, laptop computers, and cash in carryon baggage only – Avoid wearing shoes, clothing, jewelry, and accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detector – Put all undeveloped film and cameras in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film – Declare firearms & ammunition to your airline and place it in your checked baggage – If you wish to lock your baggage, use a – TSA recognized lock – Please remember that all fireworks are prohibited on all aircraft. At the Airport Keep available your airline boarding pass and photo ID for each adult traveler until you exit the security checkpoint – Place the following items IN your carry-on baggage prior to entering the screening checkpoint: – mobile phones – keys – loose change – money clips
I
t may seem glamorous to travel like royalty with all those trunks, but any experienced traveler will tell you, the less you bring the better. This is especially true now, with all the new Airline luggage restrictions. Since September 11, 2001. Carrying Swiss army knives or wearing lace-up shoes to the airport (they make getting in and out of at the security gate a bit of a hassle), —that traveling light is the way to go. When members of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) tell you not to lock your luggage, and can now, without any undue suspicion, open your check-in bags to search for contraband, the time of checking in big bulky designer suitcases is over. “Traveling with just a carry-on and never having to worry about lost luggage seems the way to go. Most of us could stand to learn the art of turning a few clothing items into a week’s wardrobe and pare down on the toiletry supplies.”
HO W SAFE IS Y OUR L UGGA GE ? HOW YOUR LUGGA UGGAGE The TSA will be screening all checked baggage using several methods. Some of the screening equipment will be visible in the lobby while other equipment will be “behind the scenes.” Whether you see differences or not, please be assured that all checked bags will be screened. The TSA will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked, then TSA will simply open the bag and screen the bag. However, if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag, then locks may have to be broken. Therefore, TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bag unlocked. In the near future, TSA will provide seals at the airport for you to use to secure your luggage as an alternative to locking your bag.
AZD Associates 23
24 AZD Associates
AZD Associates 25
26 AZD Associates
A Partnership In Success .
..
AZD Associates 27
28 AZD Associates