The last five months have been really exciting for my design company Julia Santos Solomon, Inc. I have been working as a colorist and designer for  Maverick West, a rural clinic which is relocating to a large facility. It’s been great to be involved with the project from it’s inception, and to have an input on creating an overall look, and feeling of the practice. It’s that wonderful process of visualizing something in your mind, and bringing it to fruition…. of course within a budget and in a timely fashion. I’ve been lucky to work with some talented local professionals, architect Curry Rinzler, contractor Peter Kaufman, cabinet designer Louie Turchoie, and flooring specialists at Saugeties Carpet. The dedication to the project by the administrative staff at Maverick Family Health has been remarkable. Everyone has been hardworking and cooperative.

The exterior of the building was unremarkable, but I’ve spruced it up with colors that work with the location it’s set in, and that resonate with the community. The back of the building has a beautiful graffiti mural created by Onteora High School students. I’m very proud of the principals who have agreed to preserve the mural, and to make it accessible to the public in the warm weather months.

I’m now involved in the interior design. I want to create different environments within the interior. I want the waiting room to be a place that enhances healing before you ever see a doctor. The reception area to be refreshing, and a pleasant environment to work in. The nurse’s station which is very busy has soft neutral colors that allows them to do their busy work without visual pressures. The exam rooms are my favorite! I’m using ocean colors to immerse those inside with tranquility. The exam rooms glow when you are inside them. The glowing quality is enhanced by sun tubes which bring in massive amounts of natural light into the rooms ( a brilliant stroke by our architect Curry Rinzler ). I could spend all day in one of those rooms, they are very soothing… just the feeling I was looking for.

Rendering the floor tile designs has been the most obsessive work I’ve ever done. I used 11 colors, and created 11 motifs based on 3 x 3 squares. The public will be gently directed with diagonal motifs throughout the entire floor plan, to the check-in and check out areas, up ramps, and down hallways to the exam rooms. I’ve achieved this with color and pattern.

Here’s a photo of the floor rendering:

The entire color story comes from a stunning photo taken by amateur photographer Randall Rissman. Color is the most powerful tool in my arsenal of artistic tools. Color has been used as for healing  for many years, and as a way to create environments that foster specific moods. I am fascinated by these qualities, and have spent a great deal of time studying the therapeutic and psychological aspects of color.

Everything is being installed right now. I can’t wait till it’s completed, and will post pictures!