Refresh: Part II

Hello friends.  I'm writing to you surrounded by Fig's newly refreshed brand thoughtfully created by Meagan Geer Designs.  I can't tell you how happy and lucky I am to have worked with Meagan and to have established a more concrete branding structure for Fig Studio- a structure we'll be using for years to come.  I've been fortunate enough to be able to continually invest in the studio and see it grow with every passing day.  Thank you for supporting me on this journey as Fig continues to evolve and adapt.

What I've loved best about starting Fig Studio is my ability to showcase and establish my personal style, experiment with color/texture/balance, and design all aspects of the business...right down to the notebooks I use.  I do, however, know my limits and my d.i.y. attempts at graphics and branding just weren't cutting it. Just like that moment you realized you needed to call me instead of taking on that kitchen remodel yourself.  I admired Meagan's sense of style and knew she would guide my brand to the place I was trying to take it over the past two years:  Clean, simple, meaningful, and indicative of where the name Fig originated.  In phase two of my work with Meagan, we are going to dive deeper into Fig's origins and carefully illustrate the meaning of the name.  You'll be surprised to learn it has nothing to do with fruit, and everything to do with design.  Until then, keep up with the studio here on Fig Notes, where I'll be sharing all of the going's on here in my NW Portland office.

Cheers,
Jenny

Refresh

Hello.  We're updating our site so we'd like you to refresh your browser so that you may view it in it's full glory.

You may see some places that need touched up from time to time over the next couple of days.  We're in the process of incorporating new branding so please be patient while we try our hands at website design.  We like to think of ourselves as a multi-disciplinary studio, but we admit our talents are better served outside of writing code.  Thank you for your patience.

Cheers,
Fig Studio

Portfolio: Fresh Updates

Hello Friends.  We've nipped and tucked our always in progress portfolio site for you.  Take a look.

Grant Park Kitchen

Recently completed Grant Park Kitchen in Portland, OR

Architect: Giulietti/Schouten Architects

Interior Designer: Fig Studio

Contractor: JDL Development

Custom Art Glass: Batho Studios

    Photo Credit: Josh Partee Architectural Photography

Herringbone laid Italian porcelain adds graphic punch to the galley floorplan

The custom glass backsplash exemplifies the client's affinity for bold focus and rich details

Anigre set on the horizontal gives texture to this storage-focused space

Designer + Architects

Fig Studio has a very special partnership with Giulietti/Schouten Architects, and I'm honored to have worked on several projects with the firm.  Not only do I get to work with my husband, but I'm surrounded by talent, experience, and a strictly positive working environment.  Looking on the bright side has been a regular theme over the past year, and I've found this to be especially true for all of my design friends. 

 GS Architects Crane Penthouse received an IIDA Citation Award at this year's design awards

Starting an interior design studio during one of the worst economic downturns in recent memory is crazy.  Let's face it.  I have days when I wonder if this was the right decision, whether I should stop living my dream and "get a real job" at a large firm again.  I have days when I'm so proud of my accomplishments I can't imagine doing anything else.  None of the success I've had in the past year would have been possible without my partnership with the firm, and I feel that our clients see the difference when they choose to work with us.

 Powder Room, Fig Studio Interior Design

Seamless communication, tip-of-the finger resources, and a fluid design synergy are all key elements to our successful partnership.  We see all elements of each project from napkin sketch to final installation.  We are able to easily coordinate finishes to structure, bold design choices with tiny details, and see the vision through to the last nail.  Stop in to our studio on NW Thurman Street, send me a message, or give me a call.  We'll talk through your project details and see how we can help.  No project is too small or too large, and consultations are always complimentary.

Pale Palette :: Powder Room

Once a laminate-laden and wallpaper covered child's bathroom, Fig Studio brought this small space to a new level of sophistication using a restrained palette and environmentally conscious materials.  Refinishing existing well-functioning cabinets and choosing a beautiful limestone remnant from a larger kitchen remodel helped extend the client's modest budget without sacrificing high-level style.  The pale color scheme gave an instant visual boost to the windowless space while the vertically striped cotton shower curtain helped extend the room's limited volume.  We're proud of the finish product on this project and it really goes to show you that a you can get first-class results on a petite budget.

Enjoy!
Fig Studio

Weekend Escape

 Photo by Fig : Our fire lookout adventure in the Oregon Outback

I can't seem to go anywhere without analyzing the space around me, the texture of materials I come in contact with, or the quality of balance in a room.  Good interior designers are always working, always learning, and always seeing what others overlook.  I'm allowing an escape this weekend: tucking my projects into the back of my mind until Tuesday morning when I greet them with a renewed vigor.  Some much needed outdoor adventure is planned, a couple of movies from my archive, and the start of a new running plan designed by Mr. Guggenheim. 

What does this holiday weekend have in store for you?  

When Summer acts like Spring and Fall

Portland's summer sun has been less than stellar this year, but I think it's fitting as Fig's never been busier and harder at work!  The cafe is currently in the bidding and permit process, the Rose kitchen remodel is in it's final phase, we have a new Alphabet District townhome remodel on the boards, and three master baths under construction.

Though I had the best of intentions with my new posting schedule, I'm going to have to give myself some breathing room and post when I'm able.  I'd love to call myself Wonder Woman, but alas, I'm only a designer.  Be sure to give us a shout if you have any posting requests!

 Hearst Castle - Indoor Pool - Photo by Fig

I did manage a short trip to San Francisco to visit the SFDC to catch up on the latest in furnishings as well as a jaunt over to Hearst Castle in San Simeon.  Though a bit gaudy for my taste, I will admit that it's quite an incredible place. Julia Morgan  is a hero in my book. 

Until next time,
Jenny @ Fig

Cafe en Route

 via

We're hard at work getting permit drawings ready for a new Pearl District cafe.  Posts will commence once we're finished, so thanks for sticking with us while we take a fully caffeinated break. We're exited to be a part of this project and are confident this will be a great new asset to the NoLo neighborhood!

-Fig Studio

Dust is Good

 credit unknown - borrowed from FitSugar

Fig Notes will be under construction for the next few days, so don't be alarmed if you see that posts are set to private.  We're excited to have a new, cleaner aesthetic thanks to Ellie Moore and Rainy Day Templates.  She's created a semi-custom format for us to play with.  Hope you like it!


Happy Weekend
Jenny @ Fig

Fig Studio on Raenovate

A special thanks to Rachel at Raenovate for featuring our little labor of love: the Adkinson chair restoration.  We've really enjoyed these beauties over the last couple of months and look forward to more great vintage finds!  You can see more about our process here and here.

Work for the Rested

Mexico was beyond amazing, but it seems reality at my desk, in my inbox, and on jobsites already has my mind far far away from white sand beaches and frosty margaritas.  Posting will be light to none this week due to exciting project progress with several great clients.   I see there was a blip last week with our color post- I will get that fixed soon for you all!

Tomorrow is extra special as I get to spend some time with Lisa Warninger (the talent behind Urban Weeds and some seriously beautiful fashion photography).  Some good marketing headshots are finally in order and I am happy to have Lisa on board for this project.  I'm stopping by Canoe, my favorite pdx retail establishment, to pickup some last minute styling props.  Wish me luck!

Thanks, and have a great week!

xoxo,
Jenny @ Fig Studio

Structure

Without structure, there'd be no interior design. While Fig Notes has mostly relevant content, we're looking to add a bit more discipline into the mix.  Starting Monday, we're going to try a weekly schedule on for size:

Musee D'Orsay image taken on our last trip to Paris

Monday You're My Inspiration: a collection of imagery used to express ideas related to Fig Studio's current, past, and fictional designs.

Tuesday Hunt and Gather: hand selected home and lifestyle products to consider for your space

Wednesday Glimpse and Gander: Imagery of finished spaces from around the world and why we like them

Thursday Illuminate: Your weekly dose of color consultation

Friday Fresh Cut:  It's back!  The short-lived Sunday poesy post is back and better than ever.  Go ahead and smell it!

Of course, we are going to sneak in a few extras here and there.  After all, we're not going to deny our creative spirit some freedom!  Don't forget to check us out on Twitter, and get your dose of behind the scenes action.  I promise, sometimes it's exciting.

Have a rejuvenating weekend! Ya'll come back now, ya hear?

Cheers,
Fig Studio

Thank you for being a friend

You know the game has changed when potential clients ask "are you on Facebook?" before they ask to see your portfolio or website.   Fig Studio is now fully live and ready for fans.

Taken at the Picasso museum in Antibes, France

Earlier today it dawned on us that this little blog is over a year old now!  Thanks for sticking with us as we continue to seek new ways to present our work and inspiration to our readers.  We have some new formatting coming your way in the next couple of months and starting next week, we'll introduce a new rhythm of daily posts.  We are continually inspired by our creative colleagues, friends, and clients who encourage us to keep reaching for new avenues and ideas.  Stay tuned for change!


Cheers!
Fig Studio

It's like Christmas

I'm happy to finally have new business cards replace my old, tiny, barely legible cards I've had since the inception of Fig Studio.  My brand new cards are easy to read and boldly printed with my favorite color: Navy.  Thank you to my friends at B&B Print Source, you are fantastic!

If that isn't enough, Studio Olivine provided me with some uber hip letterpressed correspondence cards!  I feel so upper East Side with these.   

Both B&B and Studio Olivine are local pdx print/press companies.  Instead of trolling the internet for your next project, stop by your neighborhood print shop and see what they can do to help you out!

Tile Hauler

I am constantly on the hunt for a clever tote bag to carry the never ending barrage of samples I take to client meetings.  Currently coveting: this Thomas Paul Matryoska tote. 

sorry, only tiny images available for viewing!

We're Moving!

Fig Studio is relocating to new office space!  Excitement is brewing as graph paper is packed and new Prismacolors are sharpened.  Giulietti/Schouten Architects invited Fig Studio to join their team, and with that comes new desk space in their NW Portland office.

G/S Architects is an established Portland firm with a diverse portfolio and accolades to match.  Their work's been featured in Sunset, Oregon Home, and Luxe.  (They have a cover story in OH this month!)  I'm excited to be a part of their design team and expand my client-base while maintaining my own business.  Check out figstudiopdx for new contact information and location.  See you next week!

Vote for us!

Hi Friends! One of my personal projects is a finalist in a competition over at 100 Layer Cake, a fabulous wedding inspiration site! Please take a moment to vote for the hard cider project... just leave a comment and you are done! The other projects are fun to see as well!

Thanks! Jenny