Multi-Family Commercial Design
J. Banks Design
These designs are the property of J. Banks Design and the work of Lisa Whitley. Images and drawings are shown here with permission.
With a youthful industrial-meets-luxury design and high-end amenities, this apartment complex was designed to be the top of the market in Evans, Georgia. The site includes a clubroom, lobby/workspace, leasing office, gym, yoga studio, full pool with outdoor activities, pool pavilion with outdoor kitchen, model unit, and dog spa.
My role began in the planning phase where I finalized a full CD set and documented construction selections. I assisted with value engineering where necessary and contributed to furniture pricing and selections. I was especially instrumental in artwork and accessory selections and placement. Finally, I oversaw installation and turnover to the client.
Custom Bookcase
While translating the lead designer’s vision, I was entrusted with drafting and detailing plans and specifications for a custom bookcase design. This was created to be a display case for objet d’art with built-in lighting, decorative sconces, and a herringbone white oak backdrop in a custom-stained finish. The design began as a closely cropped reference photo, and it was my job to extrapolate a final design including the final layout and alcove placement.
Unlike other aspects of this project, this was not a pre-fabricated piece, nor was it built by a specialist millwork manufacturer. Instead, it was built on-site with only the plans and details that we provided. I am gratified to say that the final result was built almost exactly as drawn without requiring any clarification or follow-up information.
Because each alcove was a different unique shape, it was necessary to detail measurements on every aspect of the design. I was also responsible for ensuring that the accessories we selected would comfortably sit within the frame and that the integrated lighting would show them to the best possible angle. The result was an installation, which elevated the space, created a focal point, and provided clear spatial delineation.
Custom Banquette Design
In addition to the bookcase designs, built-in banquettes were designed and constructed to delineate the lounge from the remote work area of the lobby. These seats included built-in outlets, custom cushions, and laptop tables to create a comfortable workspace that was seamlessly integrated into the overall design and feel of the room.
The design for these pieces were developed from reference photos, and my drawings were used for the fabrication of the seat base and the custom cushions. The back cushions were designed to be suspended from a back bar to create a casual, industrial appearance (shown below before installation).
Custom Banquette Design
Another custom detail in this project was the dual-leasing desk. This was designed to reflect high-end hotel receptionist desks with a clean raised facade and a lowered, concealed workspace. This particular design began life as a quick napkin sketch, and my job was to detail exactly how that could be constructed keeping in mind the weight of the natural marble waterfall front and slab worksurface.
The waterfall front was designed to be hollow, with mitered edges and corners to give the appearance of a thick slab. Ensuring adequate leg clearances, storage, file drawers, and the correct support for the heavy marble work surface was key.
The final result, with its natural marble slab surface, custom-stained white oak interior facade, drawers, and desk supports was once again constructed without the need for clarifying details or engineering changes.