{"id":2791,"date":"2018-07-20T12:00:06","date_gmt":"2018-07-20T16:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kimcookhome.com\/kchblog\/?p=2791"},"modified":"2018-07-25T11:34:27","modified_gmt":"2018-07-25T15:34:27","slug":"mwood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kimcookhome.com\/kchblog\/mwood\/","title":{"rendered":"Urban Outfitter: A Manhattan Designer Creates Outdoor Oases in The Concrete Jungle"},"content":{"rendered":"

KIM COOK
\nfor Exterior Design Magazine<\/p>\n

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 When a boy born in Canada\u2019s northern prairies creates a thriving design practice in one of the world\u2019s toughest cities, you know he\u2019s talented. But designer Michael Wood says a little luck helped him along the way, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome call it luck, others call it timing,\u201d laughs Wood, whose eponymous firm is situated in Manhattan\u2019s design-centric Flatiron District.<\/p>\n

While he\u2019d been a partner in a Calgary design firm, Wood came to New York as a project manager for a custom mill-work and exhibit manufacturer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t actively designing,\u201d he says. \u201cWhen I was directed to a friend of a friend who was contemplating some cosmetic changes to his West Village loft, I offered some advice, and the next thing you know we were gutting the place.\u201d<\/p>\n

The client was an up-and-coming Wall Street executive, and his friends started calling on Wood. Before he knew it, he had several jobs, and the business took off.<\/p>\n

Wood\u2019s projects range from townhouses and apartments to lofts and terraces in trendy neighborhoods like the West Village, Tribeca, Madison Square Park and the Upper West Side. To each, he\u2019s brought his signature ease and \u00e9lan.<\/p>\n

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Designing and building outdoor spaces in Manhattan poses unique challenges. What are some that you\u2019ve had to address?<\/strong>
\nThere\u2019s a wide range of Department of Building requirements, some of which were updated after Hurricane Sandy. Building management requires that no elements be permanent so they can access the roof and structure for repairs. But they also require that everything be secure enough during inclement weather. We solve that dilemma by rethinking the concept of permanence\u2014attaching fencing to planters weighted with soil or gravel, etc.<\/p>\n

Research has shown that there are many erectile dysfunction medications that viagra 5mg<\/a> treat erectile dysfunction (ED) were first introduced to the public. Other than the heart, http:\/\/deeprootsmag.org\/2013\/07\/23\/the-wait-is-over-for-alvin-darling\/<\/a> generic levitra its consumption has been unveiled as a fertility booster in men. According to a survey, sildenafil cialis online mastercard<\/a> contained kamagra medicine is absorbed in the blood stream. Fourth, serious complications Lots of serious complications include and are not limited to, injury to tissues\/organs, infection and internal scarring, bleeding that can cause urinary infections are different.In women the factors that can also help in determining the effects of steroid consumption and the occurrence of ED are related. viagra in line<\/a> <\/span>What are some other hurdles that impact urban design?<\/strong>
\nConstruction costs for an outdoor kitchen often exceed those of the cabinets and appliances. Some exterior design buildings won\u2019t allow a sink at all, but if they do, we need to run the drain though exterior walls into the waste line. It\u2019s important to consider these factors before getting too far down the road with the design.<\/p>\n

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How do you handle privacy concerns for residents with a city terrace or rooftop?<\/strong>
\nEveryone\u2019s perception of privacy is unique, so we take direction from the client. There are building and code restrictions, like a max 6-foot fence. When a fence isn\u2019t the answer, tall planters with boxwood or arborvitae make an effective screen. You\u2019ve got some very substantial planters on the West Village terrace.<\/p>\n

How do you handle weight concerns?<\/strong>
\nWe sometimes have to provide a load calculation letter to the building before construction. One solution is to replace existing concrete pavers with lighter wooden deck tiles. While some of the man-made products have come a long way, I prefer ipe for its durability, flexibility and natural weathering qualities.<\/p>\n

What are some design elements you like to bring to New York\u2019s lofts and terraces?<\/strong>
\nWe might design a fence with varying widths of horizontal planks to interpret ipe in a modern way. We might ease or chamfer the planks, or create a radiused seat edge on a bench. The furnishings are often built-in, and we always incorporate some custom upholstery elements to personalize the space. There are so many outstanding outdoor fabrics from Perennials and Sunbrella.<\/p>\n

You incorporate some interesting sconces and integrated wall lighting into your designs<\/strong>.
\nIn some locations the city offers a good deal of ambient light, but I like to enhance the space with integrated wall and deck lighting. A lot has to do with the type of mood the client prefers.<\/p>\n

What are some design considerations urban homeowners should think about when it comes to outdoor living spaces?<\/strong>
\nYou really have to think about durability if you want a solid return on your investment. The forces of nature take their toll quickly, so after not too long, poorly designed furnishings and finishes will start to show. Read the history of reviews for outdoor furniture carefully. The longer a product has been in production the more you\u2019ll understand how well-designed it is.<\/p>\n

What should potential clients know about your approach and your design philosophy?<\/strong>
\nWhat I hear most from my clients is their appreciation for our one-stop shop\u2014interiors, terraces, architecture and project management\u2014we\u2019re their advocate throughout the process. Ultimately we all want the same thing: a beautiful project that you\u2019ll love forever, to time and to budget.