Designer Sketch: Susannah Devine
“Hidden pockets and key passages have always intrigued me,” says Susannah Devine. Though her projects lean more toward a modern fashion, Devine’s imagination is often triggered by mechanical artisans of the 17th and 18th centuries. This unexpected passion is one of many that creates her refreshing appearance.
The Houston interior designer is half of RD Architecture, a firm that specializes in LEED-certified jobs. Though Devine has a passion for all things green, her objective is to split the misconception that designing and building green has a certain appearance. “Material selection is a variable, but green design is based more on the way you construct than what you build,” she states.
profile: RD Architecture LLC | Locate a interior designer or builder
RD Architecture, LLC
Save
What is the most fascinating thing you are working on now?
I love the diversity of styles. Our remodels utilize the existing style of the home and unite it with the distinctive person style of the homeowner. Not one of our jobs can be described accurately with a single word. The terms “contemporary” and “traditional” alone are very obsolete.
What is a fresh way you are using a fresh color or substance now?
I’d like to start using more dual-functioning materials, such as cork. A cork wall covering kids’ playrooms, music rooms or home offices provides some benefits. It functions as a tack wall for artwork or work in advance. In addition, it’s regarded as a renewable source.
RD Architecture, LLC
Save
The most significant thing on your desk is …
Oh, that’s easy! My earbuds. Music is a link to the soul — and of course my work mode. The type of songs I listen to depends on what I am working on — classical, rock-and-roll, country, rap and everything in between.
My ideal client is … A homeowner that knows and appreciates the elements and principles of design. One who challenges us to push those boundaries and functions with us collaboratively to create that particular haven they call home.
Where on earth do you wish to go next? I’m working on a project with a local artist to record the neighborhood around our office. A number of the amazing 1940s houses have fallen into disrepair, and a number are marked for demolition. These older houses have more character and presence than many new houses. It is tragic that many will not survive. I am hoping that our locality has a renaissance and we can get involved in the restoration of some of those architectural treasures.
RD Architecture, LLC
Save
Do you still draw, or is everything on the computer now?
We use CAD for the practice of producing and documenting a design. To exemplify volume and mass, Google SketchUp is a great tool. RD uses that with great success to help clients understand the human scale and points of view within a design. However, I favor quick hand sketches in perspective to identify the three-dimensional aspects of details for cabinetry and custom furniture. I also do color studies of exterior and interior elevations. Ink renderings and photography are also private hobbies of mine.
Which famous architects could you love a chance to utilize?
Frank Lloyd Wright comes to mind first. His style is beautiful and timeless, but it’s his approach to design and his philosophy of natural architecture that’s most in line with my own views. He exploded the “box” of traditional idas. Instead, he confessed the way the home responds to the environment along with the spirit and psychological well-being of its occupants.
Above: One of Davis’ fireplace designs for a client, installed just recently.
RD Architecture, LLC
Save
What inspires your designs?
Each client brings her or his own nature and eyesight once we start a job, and we draw for inspiration. We’re the firm you hire to realizeyour particular style. Designing this manner requires an open minded, out-of-the-box, problem-solving style to discover the right solution for each design problem.
Favourite traditional furniture bit?
Midcentury furniture designers had the right idea about the stability of form and function. I love Saarinen’s Womb Chair.
Who is one of your favourite artists?
There is a local Houston artist who has recently come to be a popular. Justin Garcia’s art actually moves me. His paintings have a silent strength, a soothing voice with something real to say.
Where’s your go-to location for inspiration?
— and I am not just saying that. You men are the very first place we go along with the very first place we recommend for clients to go to gather images for inspiration. Your site is extremely user friendly. Please don’t ever make it complex. Simple is sometimes better and more effective. And that goes for design as well.
More designer sketches:
Jean Dufrense | Danielle Wallinger | Lea Hein | Noel Cross