Tiernan Design

Wanted: Artisans

While listening to talk radio, as I do everyday (see my How Refrshing post below), I hear a lot of interesting things.  Today I heard about the impending shortage of real artisans; people who know how to work with their hands, make things, fix things, use their brain to build things.  This should have been obvious in my line of work.  I have seen quite a bit of poor craftsmanship.  I have seen great work, but the bad ones really stand out because it makes me think "What the hell (my favorite saying). I could have done better than that and I am not what you would call skilled labor."  Well, there is also a lot of talk about if we, and God willing we will, end up building more oil refineries and drilling for oil, we might not have enough skilled workers to actually build them.  This is a result of kids spending more time on computers and not enough time using their imaginations to build things and tinker.  Couple that with them not wanting to work in a trade job (which I think is crazy), but rather in management (even crazier) and white collar type settings.  So, there is this great website I heard Cliff from Cheers talking about today called NutsandBoltsFoundation.org.  This organization introduces kids to the wonders of tinkering, plus actually knowing how to use a ruler........what a concept.  Awaken your little carpenter, metalsmith or furniture maker.  See if there is a class near you and give your kids the satisfaction of actually making something with those wonderful hands God has blessed them with.   The hands above are R. Arthur Bradbury's from R. Arthur Bradbury Woodworker, Cabinetmaker, Craftsman.  I found his hands hard at work while looking for images of craftman hands for this post.

Plant of Merit

First, I would like to preface this post by saying I have been off work all week and I really don't get on the computer unless I am at work.  Yes, at work.  I do my posts while at work as well as all my other research I think about during my time at home.  I just don't get on the computer at home....too many other things I would like to be doing.  Right now I am watching Cold Mountain for 37th time.....Jude Law....my husband is at a Blues hockey game, my kids are asleep, I think.  Stella has just developed a fear of the dark, even though you could land a plane in her room with the night lights and white lighted Christmas tree and Frankie as learned to "ease" himself out of his crib.  Being the gentleman that he is, he always closes his bedroom door behind him after her escapes from his crib...wouldn't want those stuffed animals to escape with him.  So, I was thinking about a picture I took today.  I would like to add a plant to the "Plant of Merit" list you see at the Missouri Botanical Garden.  I have a Jade plant the we inherited from my Mother-in-Law that pretty much amazes me all the time.  I have been wanting to transplant it into a bigger pot, but I am afraid to mess with a good thing.  I pretty much don't do anything to this plant, except bring it outside in the Spring, water it if it hasn't rained in about a month and then bring it in in the Fall.  I should have given Jade plants to my sisters for Christmas.  Look at it.....it is flippin' blooming!  If you are looking for a great plant that has a unique look, I would go out and get a Jade plant.  What is also nice, it that you really don't see these anymore, so all the more reason to get one.  Well, at least I haven't noticed then around anywhere. 

The more things change the more they stay the same

Well, as you can see there has been quite a bit of time between my last post and this one.  There is a very good reason for that.  I am working on my future and will make an announcement when it is official, but until then, please keep stopping by.  Give me a few weeks and it should all be worked out.  Since my last post I snagged a few more projects.  I am going to be designing the interior of a high-end residence.  Some areas of interest include entry foyer and adjacent rooms, new kitchen, new master suite, bath and his and her closets, children's and guest bedrooms and a lower level upgrade.  Also, I am working on the interior design of the executive offices of a health system's headquarters.  Areas include, "mini boardroom", conference room, executive offices and doctor's lounge.  Oh, and I went on vacation with my family to Florida.  You don't really realize how much you need a vacation until you take one.  It was relaxing and tiring all at the same time......I have two kids under the age of three, just use your imagination; pack and play, stroller, two car seats, luggage for four and the all mighty and very necessary "bag of goodies" we had to have with us at all times. 

Daycare Design

I recently attended on open house for the official opening of the Human Resources Department I designed for Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL.  This was my first project for that hospital and it was such a success I was given another great opportunity to help them redesign the interior of their on-site daycare facility.  The playgrounds were recently updated and they are outstanding.  As always, as you upgrade one part of a building the older parts really stand out as needing a redo as well.  It so happens that I have been on a personal mission to find a new daycare option for my children and I have seen all kinds of facilities.  Memorial Medical Center's daycare is in really nice shape, it has good organization and a great foundation to work with.  This should be a nice diversion and a great project.  I have worked on a lot of pediatric spaces, but now that I am a mom, this will have a little more meaning as I will be thinking of my children, Stella and Frankie, while I design it. 

That's a Winner

I am proud to announce that Tiernan Design has been selected as the Interior Design Firm for the new replacement hospital for Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, IL.  Tiernan Design will be working closely with Pansing Nolan & Matlock Architects on this great endeavor.  The project is already underway and is expected to be completed by Summer of 2010.  This is a great opportunity for Tiernan Design and I can't wait to share progress with you.