IIDA Fusion 2011

The Northland Chapter of IIDA – International Interior Design Association – hosted its 11th annual Fusion+Fashion Event at The Varsity Theater on November 4th, 2011, featuring yet another creative explosion of runway fashion. The action-packed benefit proudly supported the local Minneapolis charity, People Serving People. Local designers squared up in a Project Runway style fashion show creating garments out of non-traditional materials.

Mohagen/Hansen was one of many firms to participate in the event. Two dresses were created, showing both an elaborate couture gown and a simplified ready‐to‐wear dress. The dresses are made of meticulously folded iridescent wallpaper, generously donated by Carnegie, called 'Pizazz'. The light beautifully played off of this material, giving the garments just that ‐ 'Pizazz' – which was carefully considered when designing these pieces. The dresses were developed by Mohagen/Hansen interior designers Sue Welk Kimal, Catherine Sweetman, Lindsey Miller, Nancy Binger and Lyn Berglund. Sue Welk Kimal and Nancy Binger modeled their creations during the runway show.

Welcome to the Team: Nathan Potratz

Mohagen/Hansen continues to grow with the addition of Nathan Potratz.  Nathan comes to our office after spending 4 years working in Oregon at architecture firm specializing in Healthcare Design.  Before that, Nathan graduated from Iowa State University with a 5 year Bachelor of Architecture Degree.  He brings a energetic attitude, diverse skill set, and a great work-ethic to our team! 

We asked Nathan a few questions, get to know him more below:

What is the last book you read? The Most Important Year in a Man's Life
What is your favorite activity when you are not at work? Going out for Thai food with my wife Polly.
Who inspire you? Steve Winnett (one of my supervisors when I was an intern)
What do you love most about your being an architect? Problem Solving: When you come up with a solution/design/layout that fits all the constraints, it's such a rewarding feeling of accomplishment.

Making Progress...

Construction of the Allina: J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice House in Brooklyn Park, is well underway and progressing on schedule. The exterior envelope is taking shape and should be completed in the next couple of weeks – well before the snow flies! With the work that has been completed, we are able to see how the building massing is fitting very well with the context of the surrounding area. Great weather and quality craftsmanship have allowed the work to progress in an efficient manner. Best news of the day – the Owner is very pleased with how things are coming together. We are all enjoying watching this important project take shape!

To see more about this project, check out this earlier blog post about the ground breaking.  J.A. Wedum Residentail Hospice Groundbreaking

Fast Turnaround / 3D Modeling

In general, when clients need a quick turnaround for presentation graphics or renderings, the level of detail usually goes down.  Time is essential for creating realistic looking renderings, and when things need to be done quickly, the final products usually have a more "sketchy" feel.  This type of look is often appropriate since the project is usually in the early phases of design and neither the design team or the client wants the design to look as though it's "set in stone".  On certain occasions however, a more realistic rendering is desired on a tight timeline.  We are happy to say that we now have the capability of bridging the gap between fast turnaround and highly detailed renderings. A good example of this can be shown from the images below which are from a recent project that had to be designed, modeled, and rendered in under 3 days.  The project was started on a Monday afternoon, and in the hands of the client by Wednesday morning (including time for a couple slight revisions). 

Step One 1: (Develop a solid design, using accurate dimensions)

Step 2: (Create a model with surrounding context)

Step 3: (Add final details and render)

We were able to meet our clients deadline and they were extremly happy with the image.  Down the road they may choose to add more details (such as additional signage), but at this point this was exactly what they were hoping for.  

Summer MH Employee Party

Last Friday many of the MH employees and their families were able to get together and enjoy a beautiful day at Centennial Lakes in Edina.  We played croquet, lawn bowling and eventually headed over to Pinstripes for some food and bowling.  Everyone who was able to attend had a wonderful time.  Thank you to Mark and Todd for not only coming out and partaking in the activities, but also for providing the time and money for these enjoyable events.  In all, 28 people made it out for the Croquet/Lawn Bowling and 35 people attended Dinner/Bowling portion.

Mark and Todd discussing a complex situation

Group Photo

Prairie View Care Center

On the western edge of Woonsocket, SD (population 634) sits Prairie View Care Center (PVCC).  The enitire western edge of the property is adjacent to an expansive crop field...quite appropriate considering that many of the residents there have very close ties to farming.  The buidling is due for an upgrade and much needed expansion, and with the help of Dave Link from SourceGroup, we have helped guide them to the most appropriate and cost effective design solution.  Earlier this week the PVCC Board approved the team to move forward with the documentation and construction of Phase 1.  This project will include the following:

• New Resident Rooms to Create Single Occupancies
• Full Utilization of Bed Licenses

• Direct Access to Outpatient Pharmacy and Physical Therapy

• Renovation of Existing Rooms

• Additional Common Areas for Resident Interaction

• Improved Kitchen and Meal Prep Area

• Additional Staff Support Spaces

• Increased Parking Availability and Drop-off Area

• Implement Regulatory Compliance Upgrades

Site Plan (Darker Roof Indicates Additions)

South Addition

View of Existing Building and Main Addition

For more information about this project contact:
Steve Oliver, AIA
soliver@mohagenhansen.com
952-426-7413