Emily BlahaInterior design portfolio

2013-2015

table of contents:

Custom Furniture Projects Spa Pedicure Area Manicure Bar and Pedicure Bench Dual Purpose Mani Pedi Chairs Interior Design Development and Drawings Reception Retail Area Franchisee Construction Documents

Residential Open Concept Design

salon and spaPEDICURE FURNITUREServices Performed: • Furniture Layout and Installation Diagrams• Platform Construction Drawing• Furniture Material Selections• Lighting Inspirations

For this project, the client chose to build their own platform on site. In addition to a furniture layout and plumbing and electrical elevation, I made a platform layout for their contractors to follow on site. By coordinating with the client’s contractor, design team, and the manufacturing shop at Michele Pelafas Inc., the client’s installation went smoothly and their pedicure area achieved the desired look of luxurious tranquility.

PEDICURE PLATFORM TOP VIEW

nail salonPEDICURE FURNITUREAND MANICURE BARServices Performed: • FF&E Selections• Custom Manicure Bar Anthropometric Analysis, Functional• Analysis, and Design• Furniture Material Selections

On this project, I had the pleasure of working with a client who was taking the plunge into the beauty industry by getting her license and opening a nail salon at the same time. The client wanted a manicure bar instead of a traditional manicure table for her salon. By analyzing the function of the nail table, I was able to design a custom manicure bar that was comfortable for both the clients and technicians. While designing the bar, careful consideration of anthropometrics and ergonomics were crucial to calculate the optimal width for each station and depth of the bar top. In addition to the custom manicure bar, I worked with the client to design a timeless custom pedicure bench.

Services Performed: • Furniture Concept and Design Development• Furniture Anthropometric and Functional Analysis• Furniture Layout and Installation Drawings• Furniture Material Selections

nail salondual purposecustom furniture

Starting with the client’s own inspiration image and one of Michele Pelafas Inc.’s standard chairs, the client and I were able to achieve the mutual goal of creating dual purpose chairs that could be used for manicures and pedicures, while also giving guests a sense of privacy. The design of the dual purpose chair and its configuration in the space evolved over several months. Throughout the process, the client, her contractor, and I communicated though phone calls, emails, and labeled SketchUp models. Being able to communicate visually, through SketchUp, was a huge asset in the process. In order to ensure this highly customized order was completed successfully, I took personal responsibility following the order through each step of the production and test fitting process.

Services Performed: • Material and Finish Selections• Custom Millwork Design and Drawings• Construction Document Drawings

reception/ retail design development

This project was truly a collaborative process. Beginning with the preliminary concept done by the Director of Design, I selected material and finish options for the client to choose from. The samples were grouped together to create three separate aesthetics, all falling into the “modern, organic, sophisticated” look requested by the client. With the preliminary concept rendering in hand, I created the custom millwork drawings for the client’s approval. This included drawings of the reception desk, retail display unit, and recessed storage. Once the millwork drawings were approved, I made the Schematic Plan, Wall Finish Plan, Electrical Plan, Reflected Ceiling Plan, Elevations, and Cabinet Detail Plans for the client’s build out. I collaborated with the Director of Design and design engineer to create specific sections showing how to create the built-in retail displays. The spa has now been open for several months and is receiving glowing reviews for their services and interior design.

Schematic PlanPartial View

Services Performed: \• Preliminary Floor Plan• Reflected Ceiling Plan• Schematic Plan • Floor Finish Plan • Reception Elevations• Wall Finish Plan• Custom Millwork & Restroom Elevations• Electrical Plan• Plumbing Plan

new franchisee construction documents

One of my main design objectives at Michele Pelafas Inc. is the creation of floor plans and construction documents for each new franchisee. The franchise has very specific design details and standards, such as custom built-in retail displays, that must be incorporated and upheld in every location. The process starts with the receipt of the landlord’s drawing of the potential space. From there, the preliminary layout is sent to the client within two days, and the construction documents are completed within a week of layout approval.

Services Performed: \• Preliminary Consultation• Concept Development• Material and Finish Selections• Furniture and Fixture Selections

residential open concept design

I recently had the pleasure of helping a family very near and dear to my heart update their Tuscan themed, open concept living and dining area to go with their new custom kitchen. In the initial consultation, we went over the existing colors and furniture that would be staying, and built color scheme possibilities from there. The winning combination was centered around a Benjamin Moore color called Fusion. Originally, the homeowners were hesitant of the name, but after seeing the other finishes and the complete concept, they took the plunge! The Fusion becomes a neutral backdrop in the dining area for the regal purples, pops of rust, and plays off of warm creams. Rich textures, industrial iron accents, hints of sparkle, rough stone, and warm wood tones balance the space. The mixture of materials and round and rectangular shapes creates an inviting oasis for the whole family.