Happy Holidays from all of us at Ionic DeZign Studios!
Our team had a blast at our annual holiday party! Here is to another year of wonderful DeZigns!
Inside IONIC
Architectural Archives: Three Iconic IONIC Projects
Welcome to a new series here at Iconic DeZign Studios called “Architectural Archives,” where we take an appreciative and nostalgic look back at iconic Ionic projects from the archive. This month, we are highlighting three Hampton Roads projects that continue to inspire and captivate, and have taken a defining role in our firm’s design history.
Knuckleheads Roadhouse Cafe Transformation
Let’s rewind to the epic journey of converting a bakery outlet into Knuckleheads Roadhouse Cafe! Located near Southside Harley Davidson, Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, this project was a creative marvel.
One of the challenges we faced was crafting a biker-style spot with family appeal. We were able to create ample dining spaces, and outdoor decks wrapped around the building.
We also put the IONIC touch on it by designing exposed structural elements, spiral ductwork, and metal fixtures to utilize the space’s character.
Stainless steel checker plating and metal mesh adorned the bars, combining style with a rugged vibe. Suspended drywall “clouds” added depth and artistry to the bar zones.
Copper roofing, metal panels, and wooden flooring shaped the interior, while bike-themed art bridged lunch and nightlife.
Jodi’s Popcorn
Now, step back with us to the time when Jody’s Popcorn transformed into a lively haven at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Waves of color swept through the store, courtesy of IONIC’s creative designs, capturing the vibrant beach atmosphere.
A rolling blue ceiling guided visitors through this popcorn wonderland, splitting it into two distinct spaces. On one side, suspended kernels defied gravity in a massive popcorn box, while on the other, a life-sized surfer rode crashing waves off the wall.
The store’s walls showcased intricate graphics, depicting the charm of Virginia Beach’s Tidewater Area. It was more than shopping; it was a stroll through the best of the beach city. Bright sculptures, dazzling hues, and captivating images turned every corner into an adventure. Jody’s Popcorn offered not just treats, but an immersive experience of beach excitement and boardwalk charm.
Let’s cherish the memories of those sun-soaked days when each kernel popped with joy and every wave crashed with delight.
McDonald’s Corporate Office
Of course, we can’t forget the project that started it all – the remarkable makeover of McDonald’s corporate office. From this initial endeavor, Eugene laid the foundation for what our studio represents today.
While the McDonald’s corporate office no longer graces the Dominion Tower Building, its enduring influence courses through our veins. The reception desk’s metamorphosis into an ordering counter, the playful conference rooms, and our artful dance with natural light all pay homage to the timeless charm of McDonald’s.
And let’s not forget “The Big Mac” Manager’s office – a testament to sophistication and innovation. As we breathe new life into spaces, we carry forward the legacy of McDonald’s, etching its story into the heart of our deZigns.
We hope you enjoyed this look back at iconic IONIC designs. Stay tuned to continue exploring the work that has defined who we are and helped shape our community.
Renovation Project Tips
IONIC’s Eugene Thompson shares some tips to consider for your next renovation project:
IONIC Featured in Construction Magazine
We’re proud to share with a recent feature story about IONIC in Virginia Construction Elite magazine. It is a great honor to be a part of a construction journal such as this one, not only once, but twice! Reach out to us to snag a copy!
Click here to read the article (PDF format).
IONIC Consultant of the Quarter
The IONIC Team recognizes the Timmons Group as our Consultant of the Quarter for Q4 2022! Each quarter we identify a consulting partner who is the “best to work with” as voted by our DeZigners. The award is presented to a company that repeatedly goes above and beyond in supporting the IONIC team and servicing to our mutual clients.
Congratulations to the Timmons Group! Pictured above is Timmons Group Sr. Project Manager Chris Aebel and April Vertrees of IONIC.
Meet Aidan Brown, IONIC Intern
When Aidan Brown joined the IONIC team at the start of the summer, we knew she was in for a unique internship experience! Our culture and approach to clients and the work is unique, but Aidan hit the ground running and fits right in. We recently asked her a few questions about her experience at IONIC and as a budding architect.
What is your favorite thing about IONIC?
My favorite thing is the variety. I feel like nobody that works here is tied to a specific role or function. Everyone makes the construction documents. Everyone picks materials. Everyone talks to the clients. It feels like a holistic approach that nurtures an employee’s full breadth of the discipline. Likewise, anyone office can help me with any questions I might have. It’s such a healthy working environment.
Why did you decide to pursue architecture?
For whatever reason I thought my love of the visual arts and my decent skills at math would make me the perfect architect. Turns out I was wrong. The struggle to get my projects up to the level of my peers was embarrassing, but it molded and taught me the true beauty of architecture as an artistic discipline. It’s not about how something looks physically. It’s about the collaborative spirit that a project manifests and how a piece of art transforms into a vessel to serve a community.
What’s one thing you think should be in every project design?
I feel like there must always be an understanding of space in the third dimension. Sure, the structure might be correct, and the square footage assessment is correct, but how do these elements play into how someone lives and breathes in that space. How would someone feel when they open the door and walk into that room? How do they feel when they approach the building or when they drive into the parking lot? Understanding an individual’s experience is the most important factor in any design. Either that or having an accessible portal to another dimension.
What’s the hardest thing about architectural design?
Learning how to trust your feelings and intuition. It’s something that I struggle with daily. I always assume that my design sensibilities are wrong or stupid, so being able to trust the little voice that tells you that something looks right or wrong is integral.
IONIC Visits a Church Construction Site
IONIC’s Eugene Thompson visits the construction site at one of our church projects and shares a few thoughts on construction challenges and how IONIC supports our clients.