How might we marry modern architecture with kitsch?

ROLE
Lead environmental designer

DELIVERABLES

• Design & Content

• Construction documents

• Art direction for built photography

During my time with Ayers Saint Gross, the firm won an exciting RFP to reimagine two travel plazas off of the Interstate 95 in Maryland. The team sought to marry modern architecture with the touristy kitsch typically associated with fast food slinging rest stops. What resulted was the Maryland House and the Chesapeake House, two elegant structures drawing inspiration from the culture and estuary of the state of Maryland.

Our broader design team was comprised of architects, planners, interior designers, project managers, fabricators and more. Together we worked to identify areas within the buildings where signage would be most visible for way-finding purposes and graphic accents would have the most impact. We selected materials like glass and wood veneer to complement the other materials used in the space in parallel with the interiors team. Phases of construction were clearly defined to lower the risk of damage after installation. Upon completion of construction, I provided art direction for photography in collaboration with Tom Holdsworth.