THE FORECAST & REVIEW OF LIFE, INSPIRED BY DESIGN
JANUARY 2025 - 01/04
WHAT’S THE STORY?
HERE’S TO A NEW YEAR AND FRESH PERSPECTIVE LET’S TALK ABOUT STORY BUILDING THE EMERY - PROJECT STORY
GET INSPIRED BY VINTAGE CHARM, PATTERN, LAYERING, & UNIQUE FUNK
DESIGN TECHNIQUES THAT PACK A PUNCH DESIGNING FOR THE SENSES
FOUNDER’SWELCOME
NEW
hello and happy year!
It is a privilege to be welcoming in a new year and looking back at the year passed, remembering the highs and lows, the challenges and the victories. I have spoken to many team members at Vida this last month, reflecting together on what we have learned from 2024. We all have different perspectives of course, but a common thread is "we are stronger together".
Over the last year, we have seen the economy waffle and wain, projects go on hold and opportunities dwindle. We have all been in the struggle together, working alongside our clients, trying to find ways to economize and complete
work with efficiency. Although there have been fewer "new starts". we have had a multitude of projects come to completion. This has pushed the Vida team to focus on the beauty of the process, the execution, and the follow through. As a collective team, we have worked with our fellow consultants to support the vision from start to finish, honing our skills in construction administration and turn-key procurement services We want to continue to be a team that can imagine something fantastic, creating a vision for the future and also be consistent in our ability to finish well, seeing the art in the tasks required to effectively execute
As I look ahead to 2025, I am incredibly proud of my team, proud of the way we leaned into our values of courage and collaboration to support our clients and our teammates in a challenging environment. This is not the time to put those values and learnings aside, but to use them as a foundation for the year ahead. We are pushing
ahead with confidence - the kind of confidence that is borne out of the hard things. We have learned that when we have each other's backs, we can face challenges with a renewed strength, and for that learning alone, I am incredibly grateful for 2024 and all it brought
With full hearts, we look ahead, excited to build lasting bonds in 2025, forever grateful for the opportunities to take this journey together
With Gratitude,
LET’STALK ABOUT Story Building
At Vida, we are storybuilders.
A great Looking design is one thing A design with dialed details, immaculate textures and a flowing spaceplan is another But what really gives life to a design is the story it tells.
We engage with our communities We inspire each other every day We create places with soul and weave special authentic moments into each step of our creation Each and every place has a special story and vision that drives its design, places where memories will be made What is its story? How is the story a reflection of the community it’s for?
Story can speak to history, embrace community interests and feature them, push sustainability & pro-social lifestyles, or reflect a unique artistic interest. An effective project story can also act as a project’s North star when the winds of design might blow a project off-course.
As a designer and a mom, I am passionate about creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also foster a sense of belonging that resonates with all who experience them. My personal experiences drive me to design with a focus on lasting and enduring qualities, ensuring that the spaces we create today will stand the test of time and become cherished environments for future generations. I want to build a bright future for my children, and that vision is at the heart of every project I undertake. By crafting spaces that tell a story and create meaningful connections, we drive the future stories we will tell.
How do we continue to inspire each other? How do we express these unique stories? What special places will you draw your inspiration from to craft these stories? How do we continue to come back to our visions and values throughout the course of a design?
The story we tell matters In order for a design to tell its story, it must first be built; & we are experts in this craft
We are story builders. What Story should we build together?
SHEENA BRITTINGHAM Managing Partner, Director of Design
INSPIRED BY history
ALTA STAR HARBOR
OLD IS THE NEW...
WHAT’S HOT?
WHAT USED TO BE!
A LOT OF LAYERED PATTERNS, FURNITURE THAT HAS THE TOUCH OF HAND, & MOSAICS WITH THE FEEL THAT THEY’RE *FROM ANOTHER TIME*,
LOGE GLACIER
WAYFARER
WAYFARER
ORLO
ALISHA HANCOCK Managing Partner
layering THE ART OF
PATTERN CALLED
YOUR COOL GRANDMA IS HERE AND SHE IS NOT LEAVING THE BUILDING
QUIRKY PATTERNS AND EYE CATCHING COLORS BRING LIFE AND INTEREST TO A CHARMING COLLECTED INTERIOR
MODERA WOODSTOCK
ORLO
ALTA ARLO
THINK FUNKY
CURATING UNEXPECTED
WEST
ALTA ARLO
BERNICE
The Emery has been selected as the merit winner for the MFE Awards in the Amenity category.
merit /mĕr′ĭt/ noun Superior quality or worth; excellence.
A FORWARD-LOOKING COMMUNITY ROOTED IN THE PAST, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, CONNECTED BY COMMUNITY:
PAST
ManynodsweremadetotheformerSherwinWilliamspaintfactorythroughuseof color,paint,artandmostofall,murals Inthebowlingalley,anoldSherwinWilliams logo was hidden in a collage style mural One lobby displays paint colors raining from the ceiling over sculptural umbrellas And the rooftop mural shows a train (referencingindustry)passingbyaribbonofcolor Allbuildingsinthedevelopment nod to the former factory through industrial materials like brick, metal & exposed architectural elements Classical elements including paneling, patterned tile, and factoryglasstransportresidents&visitorsbackintime
FUTURE
Tech-embedded amenities seamlessly integrating modern living Open and focused work zones as well as beautiful conference spaces make working from home easy Social gathering spaces with large kitchens and private dining are essentialamenitiestoaccompanyminimalfootprintlivingaswellasalargefitness centerandsoakingpoolsnurturethewell-beingofTheEmery’sresidents
COMMUNITY
Localartisdisplayedthroughouttheproject WeworkedwithartistTaylorBednarz to illustrate Emeryville landmarks to be displayed as part of a gallery wall A community run art gallery was also designed into the property to encourage neighborhoodengagement
Thedesignwasintentionaltomakesureamenityspaceswerefun,casualplacesfor residents to connect with their neighbors All four buildings share indoor and outdooramenitiesmakingiteasytocreatefriendshipsthroughoutthecommunity
Beautiful green spaces, parks, a dog agility course, & spacious rooftop lounges connecttheresidentstotheoutdoorswhileanewpedestrianbridgeoveradjacent traintracksgivesthemdirectwalkingaccesstoclose-byshopsanddining
GET VINTAGE
lighting & accessories
DANKE GALLERIE
VINTAGE LIGHTING COLLECTION
Italian chandelier, 1970s
Italian pendant, 1950s
Spanish sideboard, 1960s
Pierre Frey Fabrics
Pierre Frey Fabrics
GET VINTAGE
ARTERIORS
TERESA ANTIQUE GOLD BRASS FLUSH MOUNT
ROLL & HILL
RUE SALA SINGLE ARM SCONCE DEL PLAYA FOUR ARM PENDANT
LOSTINE RTO YAFFA SWING ARM SCONCE
THE FUTURE PERFECT PALM PENDANT LONG & PALM SCONCE lighting & accessories
1930s Art Deco Inspired
1970s California
1970s California inspired
1700s France
1700s France
20th century modernism inspired 1950s
1950s Italian inspired
COLOR TRENDS
SKYLINE
ORLO
BERNICE
BERNICE
1950s residential home
CHROMA
1960s residentialrenovation
1970s residential home
LOGE MISSOULA
1970s residential home
Pink is often associated with sweetness and compassion, evoking a sense of patience and kindness towards others.
Associated with strong emotions, energy and strength. Red can be motivating and encouraging, & powerfully energetic for some, but overwhelming for others.
Orange evokes feelings of encouragement, optimism, self-confidence, and enthusiasm. It is often associated with social environments.
The sunniest color of all, yellow improves memory retention & is associated with happiness, hope, creativity, and warmth.
Associated with health, wealth, and nature, green brings feelings of calm, freshness, quality, growth, and healing.
Blue influences a sense of peace, serenity, trust, & restoration. People often feel at ease around blue, as it evokes wisdom and sincerity.
The color of imagination, understanding, and luxury. Evoking feelings of ambition & wealth, violet can make people feel fancy; it can also open the minds to broader ideas
MAKE COLOR WORK forYou
the study of how color affects behavior, emotions, and perceptions
“An unexpected splash of color can sprinkle a touch of magic into any room! Whether it’s soft and dreamy or a daring burst of brightness, our playful use of color transforms spaces into enchanting escapes.”
MEGAN REAY Managing Partner
TAKE A CHANCE
DEFINE
Timeless”
“THE TRUE TEST OF TIMELESSNESS IN ARCHITECTURE IS WHETHER IT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE AND DELIGHT FUTURE GENERATIONS.”
– DANIEL LIBESKIND
“GOOD BUILDINGS COME FROM GOOD PEOPLE, AND ALL PROBLEMS ARE SOLVED BY GOOD DESIGN.”
– JOHN LAUTNER
“THE BEST BUILDINGS ARE NOT JUST OBJECTS, BUT ARE PART OF A LARGER SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT.”
– WILLIAM MCDONOUGH
“TIMELESS ARCHITECTURE IS A REFLECTION OF THE SOCIETY THAT CREATES IT.”
– KENGO KUMA
“ARCHITECTURE IS THE TRIUMPH OF HUMAN IMAGINATION OVER MATERIALS, METHODS, AND MEN, TO PUT MAN INTO POSSESSION OF HIS OWN EARTH.”
– FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT
“ARCHITECTURE SHOULD BE GROUNDED IN THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE, AND SHOULD SERVE AS A BACKDROP FOR THEIR LIVES.”
– DAVID CHIPPERFIELD
DESIGNINGWITHDIMENSION
HIGHLIGHTING DYNAMIC FORMS WITH SUBSTANCE AND MOVEMENT CAN DRAW THE EYE IN THINK OF MATERIAL APPLICATION AND DESIGN ELEMENTS AS SOLIDS, NEGATIVE SPACE, AND FORMS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER, INTERACT WITH OPEN SPACE, AND TAKE UP SPACE
lettingform SPEAK
VASARA
WEST
THINK OF DISTINCT THRESHOLDS AS DESIGN FORMS WITHIN THE SPACE, RATHER THAN FLAT BARRIERS BETWEEN SPACES WHAT IS THE EXPERIENCE OF TRAVELING THROUGH THEM? IS THERE RHYTHM? NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE SPACE? HOW CAN WE SEAPARATE ZONES IN A LARGER ROOM WITH THRESHOLDS?
distinct THRESHOLDS
BOTHELL
QUIN
THE BRADY 38 NORTH GIVINGINTENTIONTOTHEJOURNEY
momentsfor ANICHE
WHEN SPACE PLANNING AND DESIGNING, THINK ABOUT HOW WALL SPACE CAN BE UTILIZED FOR NESTED FOCAL POINTS THESE MOMENTS ADD DIMENSION AND CHARACTER TO A WALL AND HELP VERTICAL SURFACES FEEL LESS FLAT
ORLO CLARO
THE GABE
RIVA
RUBY
“I LOVE WHEN IT BRINGS IN A VINTAGE SPACE-AGE FEELING AND MOMENTS OF UNEXPECTED QUIRKINESS I LIKE THAT CHROME CAN PAIR WELL WITH AN OTHERWISE MINIMAL PALETTE AND LEAN EITHER IN THE DIRECTION OF EDGINESS OR REFINEMENT DEPENDING ON ITS APPLICATION I AM MOST DRAWN TO CHROME WHEN IT IS USED SPARINGLY AND IN CONTRAST WITH OTHER SOFTER SHAPES OR MORE TEXTURAL ELEMENTS SO THAT THINGS DON'T LEAN TOO COLD”
SIERRA CUTRONO
Project Manager
THE BRADY
VASARA
THISIS YOURCUE to look up
CEILINGSWITHINTEREST
THINK OF CEILING DESIGN AS AN INTEGRATED PART OF THE WHOLE ROOM HOW CAN THE CEILING BE AN INTENTIONAL DESIGN ELEMENT, NOT AN AFTERTHOUGHT HOW CAN IT BE SEAMLESS, CAPTIVATING, AND ACHIEVABLE?
IS THE CEILING ELEMENT THE FOCAL POINT OF THE ROOM? A TEXTURAL ACCENT WITH CHARMING DETAIL? A PLAYFUL VARIETY OF SHAPES? A FLAIR OF LIGHTING CREATING RHYTHM AND INTEREST? A DYNAMIC ART PIECE?
MODERA RALEIGH
VASARA
BROMWELL
GET moody
furniture spotlight
furniture spotlight
DESIGNING FOR THE SENSES
BY THOUGHTFULLY INCORPORATING ELEMENTS THAT APPEAL TO EACH SENSE, HARMONIOUS & ENGAGING INTERIORS COME TO LIFE.
CONTRAST CONTRAST. CONTRAST
THE BEATING HEART OF CAPTURING VISUAL INTEREST LIES IN THE CONTRAST OF DESIGN ELEMENTS. A VARIETY OF TEXTURES AND FORMS, THE OVERLAY OF SMOOTH SURFACES WITH ROUGH SURFACES, DENSE TEXTURES NEXT TO LARGE BOLD FORMS, AND THE BALANCE OF COLOR TONES DRAWS THE EYE IN
CONSIDER THE USE OF COLORS AND TONES THAT EVOKE SPECIFIC EMOTIONS AND MOODS
LAYERED LIGHTING (AMBIENT, TASK, AND ACCENT) ENHANCES THE ATMOSPHERE AND HIGHLIGHTS SPECIFIC DESIGN FEATURES
SMELL
THE SENSE OF SMELL MAY SEEM LESS DIRECTLY INFLUENTIAL TO AN INTERIOR SPACE BUT THINK AGAIN! NATURAL MATERIALS THAT GIVE OFF NATURAL SCENTS CAN MAKE A CHARMING IMPACT ON THE PERCEPTION OF SPACE AND THE INTERACTION OF USERS WITH THE MATERIALS APPLIED
FINISHES LIKE NATURAL CEDAR WOOD, WOOL, CORK, LEATHER, AND LINEN, AND ACCESSORIES LIKE BOOKS, DRIED FLORALS, ESSENTIAL OILS, AND PLANTS WILL LAYER A TIMELESS NATURAL AROMA ATOP THE DESIGN AND FILL THE SPACE
THINK ABOUT HOW THE SENSE OF SMELL CAN PULL AND GUIDE THE NATURAL PROGRESSION THROUGH A SPACE
TAILORING THE DESIGN TO CAPTURE OR RELEASE SOUND ALLOWS FOR A VARIETY OF USE AND VARYING DEGRESS OF INHERENT LIFE
INTEGRATING MATERIALS LIKE CARPETS, CURTAINS, ACOUSTIC PANELS, FABRICS, AND UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE REDUCES NOISE FOR A FOCUSED AND QUIET ENVIRONMENT.
HARD SURFACES, WHEN APPLIED THOUGHTFULLY CAN ALLOW FOR A LEVEL OF LIFE AND ACTIVITY BUZZING THROUGH PUBLIC SPACES THAT REQUIRE THE REMINDER OF OUR COMMUNITIES INTERACTING WITH THE SPACE AND WITH EACH OTHER
CONSIDER INCORPORATING SOUNDSCAPES OR NATURAL ELEMENTS, LIKE INDOOR WATER FEATURES, THAT PROVIDE SOOTHING BACKGROUND SOUNDS
TOUCH
THE SENSE OF TOUCH IS AN INNATELY POWERFUL TOOL TO CREATE A DYNAMIC SENSE OF ENGAGEMENT WITHIN A SPACE
TEXTURAL EMPHASIS THROUGH VARIED MATERIALS, LIKE LEATHER, WOOL, AND WOOD, AND TACTILE FORMS INVITES INTERACTION AND CONNECTS US TO ONE OF OUR MOST INTERACTIVE SENSES OF LIFE
TASTE
EVOKING A SENSE OF TASTE THROUGH MATERIALITY ADDS AN UNEXPECTED LAYER OF DESIGN FLAVOR TO OUR BUILT ENVIRONMENT.
THINK ABOUT TEXTURE, COLOR TONE, AND CONTRAST TO CRAFT A COLLECTION OF FINISHES THAT ARE REMINISCIENT OF A RECOGNIZABLE FLAVOR, LIKE SALTY, SOUR, SWEET, OR UMAMI.
DOES THIS RECOGNIZABLE FLAVOR RELATE BACK TO THE REGION, THE COMMUNITY, OR IS IT AN INSPIRING MEANS TO MIX UP YOUR APPROACH TO MATERIAL SELECTION?
TAKE A LOOK AT THESE SALTY DESIGN PALETTES
LARGE MOMENTS OF COLOR BLOCKING, NATURAL TEXTURE, AND ORGANIC FORMS GIVE THE EYE A MOMENT TO REST
WHEN THOUGHTFUL SOPHISTICATED FORMS COME TOGETHER WITH THAT TOUCH OF CRAFTED CHARM, SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL HAPPENS. IT’S THAT WELCOMING CHARACTER THAT ALL OF US KNOW, THAT FAMILIARITY THAT BREATHES UNDENIABLE LIFE INTO OUR SPACES.
STELLA BIGWOOD
Interior Designer 3
THE RITZ
LANTANA
QUIN
VESPR
THE POWER OF onebigmove
DESIGN PRINCIPLES aquickrefresher
BALANCE
1
“Balance is essential in both life and design. When considering the impact of different types of balance, think about the interaction of elements and how they support each other. Scale, Rhythm, Emphasis, Symmetry, and Contrast play into the overall balance of a design “
MELISSA STANTON
Associate Principal
RHYTHM
2
“Visual representation of rhythm through patterns, textures, and repeating shapes can become the beating drum of a space, carrying a sense of familiarity through each step and a mechanism for repetition ”
KRISTINE WILLIAMS
AP Procurement
EMPHASIS
3
“Thoughtful design understands the hierarchy of focal points Emphasis leverages this hierarchy to naturally guide the eyes to focal points Primary and secondary focal points should be the starting point for any space, while all other design decisions support these focal points without overshadowing them.”
ALISHA OLVERA Associate Principal
HARMONY
4
“Harmony is that quality of cohesive design that resonates with each of us. When every element in a space engages with one another and engages all the senses, it creates a dynamic unity, a sense of awe, a sense of life.”
REBECCA SHARP Associate Principal
SCALE
5
“Varying scales allow multiple elements to shine and support each other Think about the scale of an element in regards to its shape, dimension, similarity or contrast to other nearby elements, its proximity to light and interaction with shadow. oversized and undersized elements can become an intentional focal point.”
KEN MORGAN Associate Principal
RYE CHARLOTTE
ORLO
inspired bymarketing renderings
WHILE PRODUCING POST-DESIGN EDITORIAL MARKETING RENDERINGS FOR CLIENTS, OUR TEAM HAS LEARNED VALUABLE TECHNIQUES TO GIVE OUR RENDERINGS AN EDGE OF REALISM THESE TECHNIQUES CAN BE USED DURING DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AS WELL.
REFLECTIVITY & TEXTURAL EMPHASIS
NATURAL LIGHT CASTING & SHADOWING WE ARE PICKY ABOUT OUR PLANTS & FFE, INCLUDING DRAPERY, FLORALS, & ART WE STAGE ACCESSORIES IN DYNAMIC POSITIONS TO ADD REALISM
SUSTAINABILITYCOMMITTEE PARTNERINGFORTHEFUTURE
Sustainability is a journey we’re committed to sharing with our clients. From responsibly sourced materials to waste-conscious choices, we’re committed to being transparent about the steps we take to create designs that are as kind to the environment as they are beautiful. Working together, we strive to bring our clients’ visions to life in a way that respects our world.
At Vida Design, we provide our team with the knowledge and tools to lead in sustainable development. Our team participates in expert-led discussions, special guest talks, and tours of sustainable architectural and interior design projects. Let’s collaborate to create properties that prioritize both the environment and the well-being of residents.
MEET THE TEAM
VIDA DESIGN CONSISTS OF A TALENTED GROUP OF DESIGNERS AND ADMINISTRATION PROFESSIONALS WITH DIVERSE STRENGTHS AND BACKGROUNDS OUR CORE VALUES INCLUDE COMPASSION, CONNECTION, COURAGE ACCOUNTABILITY AND OPTIMISM AS PART OF VIDA S CULTURE WE STRIVE TO CONNECT AND COLLABORATE IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF SUPPORT AND INCLUSION
a thoughtful production by
