Recently, we worked with Angela Rodriguez of Space as Art on a great project in Venice and another fun project in Sarasota (more pictures of our wall finishes to follow soon!) One of the things that impressed us as wall finish aficionados was her fearless use of different textures and colors on walls. She graciously agreed to tell us a little more about her design philosophy and shared some great pictures that show what she is talking about. Read on for a great interview! -- Norine the mbwife
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| Angela Rodriguez, Principal Designer Space as Art |
Molto Bene: Tell us a little about Space as Art.
Angela: I started Space as Art in 2009 after several years of working for large architecture and interior design firms. I wanted to start a smaller interior design studio of my own, full of creative energy and devoted to the mission of creating space as a three-dimensional, multi-sensory art form. Over the past few years with a lot of passion and hard work the studio has really grown- we're working on a mix of hospitality, commercial, and luxury residential projects now and loving what we do.
Molto Bene: What is your approach to walls in your projects? Talk us through how you integrate wall finishes, colors, coverings into your design.
Angela: I address a space holistically so walls are always part of the overall design from the beginning, not an afterthought. Their color, texture, and form are an integral part of the design as a whole so in that way the approach is always the same while their design varies.
Molto Bene: What are the elements you look for in a wall finish for one of your projects?
Angela: Color, texture, pattern, the play of light . . .they are all considerations depending on the effect I am looking to achieve. I love how a wall finish can turn a flat vertical plane into either a main feature, an accent or a subtle backdrop. In general, I'm not into faux finishes where the wall is painted to resemble some other material it's not. I do love a sophisticated plaster texture and artistic blends of color. Finding the right artisans to work with is of course key.
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| A wall finish Angela commissioned from Molto Bene. (obviously the room was not complete yet!). Photo MB. |
Molto Bene: We notice that your clients have a lot of trust in your vision for a space. Any tips or stories you want to share on how you get a client on board with elements they can't envision out of the gate?
Angela: Thank you. I think there are two different factors at work here- earning the client's trust in my vision and the ability to communicate that vision. There is a lot that goes into both, and both are important in getting clients "on board" as you put it. One of the tools in my repertoire I love to use and that clients really enjoy is the artistic rendering. We use different techniques depending on the project- either traditional hand drawings, digital composites, or full on 3D digital models- and they are a huge help in helping clients visualize the end result. Even clients who are relatively good at visualizing find them really helpful. I think our renderings probably contribute to building that level of trust too, but beyond that they create excitement, which is even better!
To see more of Space as Art, check out her website!
ANGELA RODRIGUEZ, ASID, LEED A.P.
PRINCIPAL INTERIOR DESIGNER
SPACE AS ART
7361 International Place
Suite 402
Sarasota, FL 34240
tel: 941.388.8202
Space as Art, a Professional Limited Liability Company Florida Interior Design Lic. #IB26001159
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