The Design/Build industry has always been one of my favorite industries. I have many friends and family who work in this industry. Thus, it occurred to me that I would like to write some articles about this very talented group of people. It’s my hope that you will enjoy the read!
The fruits of the labor intensive work of very talented and educated builders, craftsmen, architects, interior designers and all the trades that bring the small cottage, the large, expansive executive homes, the three bedroom two bath family home and the condo units, all result in providing a home for our families.
I have had the opportunity to work in this industry as an administrative and marketing person. It is here that I was privileged to work with some of the finest men and women in this “blue collar” industry.
The following project was constructed by my son, Marc Shaw’s company Pro356 LLC of Oakton, VA in a beautiful, expansive executive home located in McLean, VA. Please read through the entire article as there are some rather interesting facts about coffered ceilings!
Pro356 LLC
Another fabulous custom project created by Pro356 LLC
THE COFFERED CEILING
This fabulous, eye-catching coffered ceiling was created for an executive style home in McLean, Virginia that was built by Joy Design & Build which is based in McLean, VA.
At the onset of construction the homeowner engaged the services of the interior designers Ceila Welch and Vincent Baylor of Ceila Welch Interiors (CWI) to create many custom areas of his home.
Marc Shaw was already onsite, since the foundation was dug, as the (then) Project Manager for Joy Design & Build. Ceila felt the ceiling would require an experienced, knowledgeable craftsman to work with the architectural shop drawings in creating and installing such an extensive, engineered structure. She consulted with Marc (now owner of Pro356) who assured her that he, personally, would build and install the coffered ceiling.
Extensive hours of creating each specific piece of the ceiling structure, when laid out prior to installation, resembled a huge jigsaw puzzle! Vincent Baylor of CWI often worked with Marc during construction of the coffered ceiling and many other areas in this beautiful, large executive style home.
As the results confirm, Marc Shaw does possess the talent of a custom craftsman with many years of building large custom executive homes. Talent he earned from many years of custom design of homes and custom furniture.
Marc Shaw, Craftsman/Owner of Pro356 LLC
703/776-0924
Located in Oakton, VA
Please visit Marc’s website for views of many more projects Pro356 has created. Thank you.
Custom Features & Furnishings/Home Services/Consulting/Cabinetry
Pro356 LLC
As you notice, this coffered ceiling is not painted white, but rather darker color with the stained beams adding a piece of architectural art to this beautiful room and enhancing the natural light. Finished with simple, but beautiful pendant lights.
When considering a coffered ceiling, you want your ceiling height to be 9 to 10 feet or higher. Otherwise, the ceiling could make your room feel smaller, as if the beams are too close to the top of your head!
If your ceilings are lower, there are many other architectural options to bring some eye-appealing character to your room. Simply ask Marc Shaw of Pro356.
Coffered ceilings are built of a series of rectangular, square, or octagonal grids in three-dimension, recessed panels. The word coffer actually means indentation. The decorative 3D grid is deeply set into the design.
Originally, coffered ceilings were created to reduce the volume and weight of stone ceilings in ancient Rome.
The coffered ceiling creates a sense of dimensionality in a space as well as absorb sounds, while helping to separate and divide areas and improve acoustics in your home theatre or music room. On the practical side they cover up structural elements often found in ceilings, such as pipes or beams that cannot be removed.
When you choose to finish your room with the striking coffered ceiling there are actually many styles to choose from, depending on the finish selections you make and how the choices compliment the rest of the home or office.
IN GRATITUDE
If you can dream it, we can make it happen!
A craftsman has many opportunities to work with talented professional interior designers. They are one of the keys in bringing the homeowner’s vision to reality. It is the craftsman’s job to build that vision working in concert with the designers concepts. Respecting one another’s specific talents is what brings the vision to fruition. Marc has been fortunate to work with many gifted interior designers throughout his career.
This beautiful executive home is one example of the level of respect and collaboration between the craftsman and the great interior design team, as well as the builder, architects and all the great tradesmen that work tirelessly to give the homeowners an amazing house to call home..
It is with gratitude that Pro356 wishes to thank Ceila Welch, owner of Ceilia Welch Interiors and Vincent Baylor now owner of his own design studio Interiors by Baylor Atelier. Please visit their websites to view their talents.
Ceila Welch of Ceila Welch Interiors
Vincent Baylor of Interiors by Baylor Atelier
