Designing on the fly!

While the general feel and much of the design was done before we lifted a tool on the Fox & Hounds Pub project there were some areas not yet defined. With the old pub still in operation and hording walls hiding certain areas we simply left the design blank for those elements until we got closer. Some ideas we had originally simply didn't work as well as we hoped once we could fully see the new areas and so it made some new ideas necessary. All of this has kept me busy at the design table as the job progressed.

I have particularly enjoyed working with Debbie & Jeff, owners of the Fox & Hound's Pub. They have a vision of what they desire for their business, but look to me to define it for them. Today we sat down in a meeting and talked of four key areas that will be done in the next few weeks. As we tossed out ideas I scribbled madly, trying to quickly put down a rough image, defining the vision. I loved the things they suggested, and they liked my interpretation of their ideas. Tonight I sat down and further defined them on paper. In the next days we will meet again, and work out the final details to everyone's satisfaction and then the construction will begin. It is a cool process!

The sketch below is the entrance to  the old section of the Pub with the new bar in the background. The new brick arch links to the brickwork in the entry, while a knarly grapevine twists around. It is designed for looks and function, with one branch holding up the order screen for the servers behind the bar. I've had to head scratch as I thought of just how it will be constructed, but now that I've drawn it I know exactly how I'll put it together to make sure we do not lose any of the magic of the design.

bar arch.png

This is being creative at it's most challenging and it is my favorite way to design!

-grampa dan

It is adding up!

We did a feature wall today betwen the two washrooms. Hanging in the sunken space will be a dimensional sign that celebrates a fictional brand of ale called 'Gilded Guppy'. I photoshopped it into this picture of the brickwork to see how it will look.

feature wall.png

As we cleaned up when we finished I looked towards the entrance and was struck by how well the many, many pieces we have worked on over the last weeks fit together in such a cool way. Temporary walls have come down opening up new vistas. The vision is finally coming to life! I especially love how the brickwork undulates gracefully through the entry and into the pub area, drawing the viewer's eyes through the scene. The heavy woodwork, combined with some very creative tile work will tie it all together beautifully!

bar area.png

The eye candy and colorful dimensional signage will be the icing on the cake! I can hardly wait!

-grampa dan

Letting out some magic.

Today was the perfect day to do the cement work for the first side of the outside entry. It was very much a team effort. Sarah mixed the many batches of concrete required. Becky and Hailey (a new hire) helped me carve the concrete and clean up the big mess afterwards. The brickwork instantly transformed the outside entry.

brickwork on entry 1.png

Up to this point the bulk of the magic we have created has been inside the building, away from the curious eyes of the patrons of the business. Now we are bringing it outdoors for all to see. The reaction was instant and very positive too. Now everyone is even more curious as to what we are doing inside.

brickwork on entry 2.png

I can hardly wait for the day we let everyone inside to enjoy it for the first time!

-grampa dan