April Uhlir Design

Office Entry

auhlir — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:03:46 +0000

Design of sculpture and corporate logo for Equity International in Chicago. The 36 foot structure of sculpted wood and etched glass was designed, engineered, built and installed on a wall in the main entry area of Equity’s corporate headquarters, so that it is the first thing seen upon entrance into the office. The art piece is intended to make a statement that reflects the culture of the company. The logo was cast in bronze and mounted to the face of the wall. My responsibilites as a designer were extended to include project management activities, such as supervising the engineer, builder, woodworker, glassmaker, finisher and signmaker thoughout the construction process.

The textured, sculpted, bronzed wood elements were designed and engineered to ‘float’ over panels of etched glass, which also appear to float away from the wall. The etched glass panels absorb light, adding illumination to an otherwise dark hallway which welcomes and leads the visitor into the reception area.

Restaurant Brand

auhlir — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 08:42:55 +0000

Create varying themed concepts and logos for restaurant identity. Manage visual operations resulting in increased patronage and ease of overall operations. As the primary designer working alongside teams of chefs, developers and financial principles, I perform discovery to assess cuisine and theme, collaborating on everything from choice of name to architectural considerations.

Design and consult on graphics, color, lighting, signage, audio, fixtures, materials, finishes and an assortment of marketing collateral prior to opening date to maximize the potential for revenue generation throughout the lifespan of the stores. Perform ongoing maintenance by updating design styles as it applies to interior architecture and ambiance to keep venues current and profit oriented, keeping up with marketplace trends. Develop marketing and promotional material for advertising. Devise systems for streamlining menu production to increase chef productivity. Facilitate patron gift card program and companion catering business by creating marketing campaigns. Extend promotions to the internet with websites and social media.

Store Design

auhlir — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:39:10 +0000

Interior design for retail store housed in historic Printers Row neighborhood in Chicago. Design involved restoration and remodel, space plan, woodwork, lighting, window displays and signage. Entire space was restored from the original hardwood floors up to the tin ceiling, then remodeled and outfitted with custom woodwork and cabinetry. Design plan was duplicated into a second sister store in Chicago’s Little Italy.

Lighting was designed to advertise the store in the evening. All signs were painted to maintain historic style. The welcoming ambiance in the space accommodates wine-tastings and events. Shelving was designed to dynamically convey an extensive selection by literally filling the entire expanse of the wall. Wooden shipping crates are a simple, convenient and inviting method of display. A hand carved cigar store statue graces the window display.

Loft Remodel

auhlir — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:41:30 +0000

Interior design for remodel in historic loft space. Originally built in 1896, this Mergenthaler Building residence features exposed brick, cedar beams and cast iron fixtures. The design nearly doubled the living space by adding private rooms, separated by sliding translucent glass doors.

Indigenous limestone was used for the central eight-foot kitchen island stone hearth and window sills, with reclaimed timber was used for the mantel and incorporated throughout the entire space, for the mantel, as shelving in closets and across the expanse of the wall in the open-plan kitchen. Accessories were chosen to complement the loft style architecture, exposed brick, cedar beams and cast iron fixtures. The 16-foot ceiling in the main living area features a Crescendo Suspension Chandelier and can be viewed from window of the upstairs bedroom which was the main room added on in the remodel. Custom designed stained glass bannister railings on the stairs match the railing on the second level.