The Chronicles of Alliance Wellness' fabulous new office - Finale

Dr Viv and the staff of Alliance Wellness moved into the new office in late July.  Not everything was totally finished, but it was complete enough for them to able to provide the stellar patient care they are known for!

It's almost hard to believe that what is now this:

.....was once this:

The floors are cork in a bamboo pattern, the gem-like, custom counter top was fabricated by local company, Novustone, from concrete and recycled glass.

There are light-filtering panels atop the interior walls, featuring grasses pressed between layers of resin,  made by Lumicor, a local company.

Abundant storage for patient records was provided by local company, Organized Spaces.

But what really sets this medical office apart and infuses it with a spa-like, almost zen aura, lives in the details:

.... billowing, sheer, azure drapery panels and Roman Shade, which can be glimpsed in the photo, above, and at the top.....

......porcelain wall sconces in massage/acupuncture treatment rooms.....

......rectangular mirror-framed mirror and square sink in the bathroom....

 ......grass weave shades in the front offices..... 

.....bright, interesting fabric on the lumbar-supporting pillows....

....gorgeous designer wallpaper throughout.

It's a beautiful, warm, welcoming space that just begs to be lingered in, whether one is injured or just in need of a pampering massage!

Focus on Design 2010

The Northwest Society of Interior Designers' Puget Sound Chapter, the professional design organization of which I'm the current President, is kicking off Design Awareness Month this October by hosting Focus  on Design 2010!

Focus on Design 2010 will take place at the Seattle Design Center on October 1st & 2nd.  The event will provide the local and regional design community with opportunities for growth, networking and education.  The 2-day conference features 16 unique, fun, and informative seminars as well as hands-on training sessions.  Attendees will be exposed to one-of-a-kind local artisans, businesses & suppliers at the "Hidden Local Gems Showcase".  Friday evening will end with a cocktail party hosted by The Catherine Person Gallery.  Saturday offers additional seminars as well as exciting architectural tours byThe Seattle Architecture Foundation. The tours will be followed in the afternoon with champagne and sweets at SDC. Mark your calendar now, and subscribe for weekly updates via e-mail at waysandmeans@nwsid.net. You won’t want to miss this exciting event!  Find detailed information on seminars, speakers, sponsors and scheduling visit the NWSID website.  See you there!

Our partners include: Seattle Homes & Lifestyles magazine, AIA SeattleNKBA Puget Sound ChapterThe Seattle Design Center & The Seattle Architecture Foundation

The Northwest Society of Interior Designers, established in 1977, is a non-profit regional organization of interior designers dedicated to promoting excellence in design.

Neighborhood beat: Madrona

One of Seattle's lesser-known, ultimately walkable neighborhoods with a small town vibe hugs the westerly slope adjacent to Lake Washington, between Leschi and Denny Blaine.  (Many Seattleites who are not longtime residents might not know that Denny Blaine is the neighborhood just south of Madison Park/Washington Park....)  It's funky, stylish, artsy, and homey, all at the same time.

For food lovers, there are many delicious choices.  Some of my personal favorites are

St Cloud's

, where I've had only absolutely mouth-wateringly wonderful food.....

....the recently opened

June

- French wines and innovative ingredient pairings....

 .....the local institution,

Hi Spot Cafe

, elegant bistro

Dulces Latin Bistro ,

the newish

Bottlehouse Tasting Bar

and, of course, amazing cupcakes and espresso at

Verite Coffee and Cupcake Royale

!

For home furnishings and accessories, I love browsing - and buying! -  at

Decor on 34th ....

.....or the

Glassybaby

  store and hotshop.

One of my favorite jewelry designers,

Xenia Callahan

, combines vintage chains, stones and baubles in new and wonderful ways, and is featured at

Hitchcock

, a chic and charming boutique. 

And last, but certainly not least, of my faves is the kitschy, warm, welcoming canine wonderland of Fetch Doggie Daycare and Grooming.  My dog, Samantha, (you can catch a glimpse of her in the window, above) LOVES spending time at Fetch!  When I pick her up, not only is she beautifully groomed but she's happily exhausted from running, jumping, and playing - her favorite activities!   Below is a shot of the check-in area - how fun is

that

?.....

Madrona has something for just about anyone - check it out!

Neighborhood beat: Georgetown, etc: Cassis Catering launch and Grand Image Block Party

Mid July was a feast for the eyes as well as the appetite!   First the appetite part:

Our friend, John E Fike, (known to his friends and family as "Jef") satisfied a Francophile's dream by producing a bash at the way-cool

Georgetown Studios

to launch his new (old) enterprise: 

Cassis Catering

.

When he owned Cassis Bistro, we lived nearby and were fortunate to dine there at least once a month.  We were heartbroken when he closed and, now that he's restarting, so to speak, I'm delighted to announce that Charlie, Cassis' chef, is back, too!

We corralled a few good friends into attending (thank you!) and even our son donated his serving skills!  It was quite the luscious experience:  Coq au vin, Basil/Tomato/Sweet onion salade, specialty cocktails - oh la la!  My next catered event will be feature

Cassis Catering

, that's for sure!

The night before the Cassis launch,

Grand Image

organized a Block Party at their studio and all the neighboring businesses joined in: 

Urban Hardwoods

... 

3Form Light Art

,

Resolute Lighting

, among others..... 

There was fresh pizza, wine, beer, appetizers, gourmet hot dogs - alongside art and artful furniture & accessories!  And, best of all -  sun!

The Chronicles of Alliance Wellness' fabulous new office - Weeks 11 and 12

It's the next-to-last posting before the completion of

Alliance Chiropractic'

s new office at the

Ruby

condos on Eastlake!  The move will begin soon - was there ever such an aesthetically-pleasing chiropractic office? It's been an amazing and wonderful pleasure to be involved with this project from the beginning.  What a great and collaborative team:  the supremely appreciative, understanding, calm, wise client; visionary architect/project manager; super construction team.... I have been blessed to be a part of this and am so thankful!

Here's the latest photo of the Reception area..... the fabulous lighting fixtures and window treatments will be installed very soon.....

The view from Dr Viv's office, below........

Stay tuned for final photos soon - with furniture, lighting, and window treatments!  It just gets better and better.....

Posted on July 14, 2010 .

The Chronicles of Alliance Wellness' fabulous new office - Weeks 9 & 10

It's starting to resemble a bee hive at Alliance Wellness' new office at the Ruby condominiums on Eastlake!  Along with a new office, there's a new logo:

The cork flooring and carpet squares were installed last week....
 ....and the walls that haven't been wallpapered were primed..... and then painted.  The reception area is coming along nicely!  I'll be posting more frequently now that the changes are so dramatic ....