As the rise of Eastern European development and tourism emerges, previously little-known cultures take on a fresh approach to modernization. RSM Design has the privilege of working with Laguarda.Low Architects and Mane TCI on the latest retail center being built in Albania’s capital city, Tirana. Named Tirana East Gate based on its location in the eastern part of the city, the designs and architecture were inspired by the vibrantly colored buildings that make the city drastically unique to eastern counterparts. The project’s signage and specialty graphics fearlessly use color combined with layers of translucency that capture the feeling of a brilliant culture on the rise. RSM Design met an interesting challenge to choose, coordinate and design for European prefabricated interior sign systems. Based on a selected interior sign family, RSM achieved harmony between the juxtaposition of custom designs and standardized forms. We are excited to see this vivid project come to life!
What do you get when RSM Design and Vans meet up? Some seriously stylin’ shoes is what. It’s a known fact in the design industry that shoes to a designer is like cream to coffee. RSM Design collaborated with Vans to create a one-of-a-kind pair of shoes. Eames’ black on charcoal small dot fabric was paired with Vans “Authentic” shoe and topped off with snazzy yellow trim. Needless to say they turned out pretty sweet. Cheers to Vans and our lovely contact Allison for such great teamwork!
We were wondering about the whole LEED certification process as it relates to Airstreams…we didn’t quite find that chapter as we were studying for the test. Well, Harry just completed his eco-friendly restoration and conversion of his 1966 Airstream Globetrotter….finally! The RSM studio gathered for afternoon munchies (thanks, DJ, for the awesome homemade ceviche) to check out their reflections in the polished aluminum skin and hang out in the Eames inspired interior. Rather then expanding the footprint of his “Red Barn” house, Harry took the more retro approach for his new Silver Bullet library nestled in the backyard.
When completed in early 2010, the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be the world’s largest indoor theme park. RSM Design is proud to be a part of the Aldar Properties’ team in this exciting development. Our passionate group of Ferrari enthusiasts in San Clemente is wrapping up the designs for the theme park’s identity signs, entry sequence, exterior wayfinding program, and structured car park. In addition to the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi signage, the studio is also developing a wayfinding program for the “Race Day” signs to be implemented for November’s inaugural F1 Grand Prix.
Our most recent RSMU meeting covered the latest and greatest in Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. A member of our team attended the ADA Workshop put on by SEGD and then briefed the rest of the crew on the newest updates and changes in ADA compliance. While the task of clearly understanding ADA compliance requirements and local code enforcement can be daunting, the workshop provided an excellent rundown of updates, changes and processes within the ADA. Topics covered were Environmental Graphic Design firm competencies, the very useful ADA Checklist, what’s new with Title 24 in California, ADA Sign Package Guidelines and SEDG Americans with Disabilities Act Certification. What handy and beneficial information for current and future projects!
As designers we continually remain students of the world around us. There are always new ideas, cultures, places, styles, methods and forms of inspiration to be soaked in and cultivated. So when it comes to learning, the more the better.
In order to nourish our passion for growing as designers, RSM Design has introduced a new program titled RSM University as a part of our team schedule. RSMU is designed to be a series of ‘learning lunches’ with the overall goal of Learn + Teach + Practice = Growth. We believe that the best way to learn something is to teach it yourself, with the target objective of broadening our perspectives on creativity and the arts, polishing our skill sets and refining efficiency both in imaginative output and production. If you find yourself feeling hungry for inspiration, come on by and fill up at our next meeting.
Congratulations to RSM Design Principal Harry Mark on the recent publication of his architectural and archaeological drawings featured in the museum-quality book, “Aphrodisias: City and Sculpture in Roman Asia” by renowned historian R.R.R. Smith and photographer Ahmet Ertug. This opulent volume features drawings and photographs of a multitude of buildings, sculptures and artifacts from the site.
Harry has dedicated the past 15 summers as a senior architect in remote Turkey, directing and teaching a team of graduate architecture students in drawing and reconstructing at the ancient archaeological excavation of Aphrodisias. The site, dated to the early Roman Empire, plays a key role in the study of Greek and Roman interaction and transition through the ages. It is best known for its shrine to the goddess Aphrodite and also its marble sculptors who are believed to have worked abroad on other reputable commissions.
To purchase a copy, please visit www.ahmetertug.com
As an environmental graphic design firm, Redmond Schwartz Mark feels a strong responsibility to know and implement the highest awareness of eco-friendly practices in our work and lives. The first member of our team became a LEED Accredited Professional just this week after passing the LEED for New Construction test. We look forward to adding more members from our team to the list in the near future (keep studying guys!) Redmond Schwartz Mark is excited to be leading environmental design in innovation and support of green practices and LEED endeavors in our current and future projects.
Martin and Harry went on an archaeological search looking for the origins of ancient branding and environmental graphics at the Great Pyramids (on the back of camels no less) and then at Stonehenge. OK, OK, truth be told…..they took a few days off to do a bit of site seeing while in Egypt recently. On their return trip from Abu Dhabi (to present the concept identity designs for Ferrari World) the two did a bit of marketing and interviewed for a new exciting project in Cairo – will get back to you on that project. Then, they took advantage of a lengthy layover in London to search again for the origins of mystical environmental graphics at Stonehenge. There are advantages to layovers at Heathrow after all! So, you must be wondering…..did they find the origins of environmental graphics?
Fireworks, bands, and local wineries were part of the gala event and festivities at the grand re-opening of the Promenade Temecula renovation and expansion project. Forest City Enterprises, the RSM Design team, and numerous other consultants and local officials joined in the celebration. The studio at RSM Design was proud to see the new branding and logo design, interior way finding signage, exterior monumentation and specialty original hand painted murals implemented throughout the project. Congratulations to Forest City on another successful community retail center!
Huge crowds gather for the opening!
Forest City's Brian Jones speaks to the crowd
Interior pedestrian directional
Having too much fun!
