For the past 6 months, Angela and I have
been immersed in co-creating an Art Hotel out of the infamous
Windsor Hotel in Asheville NC. David Madera; owner, is sharing his
vision of an urban landmark with Madaras Design by allowing us to
participate in the spatial reincarnation process. We are grateful
for the opportunity to contribute to the concept and structure of
his architectural canvas. Click
here to view our current project.
In the mean time, the Miles Building will begin its next phase. We
will begin replacing the copper finished awning panels with a
antique brass finish. Our radius corners and end caps will take the
existing 'air-frame' trussed awning to its another level of design.
The awning above Union (of a different design) will be ready to
install as well.
Update
1.17.08
A lot has transpired since last update;
The Mile's Building is moving forward. Check out the following
video. Started a new project as well; the Asheville Hotel...we always
wanted to do a boutique hotel. We're working on bringing the old
(seedy) Windsor Hotel into it's new incarnation.
Update
8.21.07
Partial Install Phase 1
Update 5.29
These past few months have flown by,
literally. I've been flying back and forth to Asheville working on
designs for the historic
Miles
building located in the center of downtown Asheville. The
engineered drawings are stamped and the permit process is underway
to create a cohesive facelift of the first floor exterior. Through
the years many of the existing storefronts have gone unchanged. With
the cleaning of the architectural tile and brick details of
yesteryear, the detailed surfaces are calling out to be accented by
upgraded retail spaces and custom copper awnings unlike anyone has
seen. Asheville will gain another landmark thanks to Mary Ann and
Steven West who are determined to compliment the grandeur of the
structure and design conscious nature of Asheville; its businesses,
tourists and residents. I am grateful for the opportunity to
embellish a jewel of architecture with another Madaras adornment.
Update 3.07
Spring has sprung. A
menagerie of birds, ducks, wild turkey and an assortment of four leggeds
have made it clear to us that its a new season; one of growth and
renewal. Our back yard is swamped with March down-pours and thawed
snows, chirping frogs have broke through the winter freeze.
Things are looking up. The University of Michigan approved a grant
for the surgical waiting area installation I proposed. You can view
a rough drawing of the project here. Stainless
steel planters will support copper vines and polished concrete slabs
for counters. LED lighting will highlight the leaves and wash the
counter surface below. I will describe the installation's function
in more detail later.
My proposal to Motts
Children's Hospital to modify IV poles the kids use was
approved; I will be replacing the existing wheels with ones
that light up when they are rolled. The kids will love
them...the staff will too.
New
friends were made via Asheville. Mary Ann and Steven West; new
owners of the historical Miles building downtown. The three of us
are eager to get started on my next project. I will be sculpting the
miles building exterior bottom floor; it will become a new landmark
to Asheville's city center. You can view some of the details
here.
Shhh...the design is a secret.
Angela, my bride, is faring well through her chemo treatments, She
is ready to get into her gardens with spring nudging her forward
through another beautiful day.
Update 1.07
Madaras Design Ltd.
recently relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan, from Asheville, North
Carolina. It has taken some time for us to acclimate to the changes and
our new surroundings; thus the delay updating our website. We are happy
with where we are now living; within a diverse creative region filled
with potential. Although the move was somewhat abrupt, we feel that it
was the right choice. We are grateful to those who have contacted us to
wish us well. We are often asked, by those who have become aware of our
transition, "why?". With this in mind, we created the
current update page to help answer some of the questions.
My wife, Angela, who is
from Michigan, has
Lupus and complications thereof, which the University of Michigan
Medical Center is able to address. With family nearby and respected
physicians at her side, our move came naturally. We are thankful for the
medical care she is receiving and the healing environment Ann Arbor
provides.
It has always been an
interest of ours to have a constructive relationship with the medical
community. Angela has been active as a patient advocate, fund-raiser and
research volunteer throughout her illness and has a
website
to assist those who are interested. I am drawn to utilizing my skills to
enhance and build upon the correlation between art and healing in the
form of spatial and utilitarian design. As a patient, caretaker,
activist, designer, we feel we have a lot to contribute.
I am also using this
page as an opportunity to solicit prospective clients. If your needs
require nothing less than someone whom you can trust, who is also
efficient, skilled and quality-conscious, consider my over 25 years
experience in management, building and design work. In economically
challenged times, it pays to have a product which stands out, that is
functional and surpasses the test of time. My designs do just that. If
you are in need of fresh design concepts, spatial planning, CADD and/or
other expertise, allow me the opportunity to introduce myself. And
please feel free to contact any of my clients.
