manifesto

POD DESIGN+MEDIA LLC is a New York & Texas based multi-disciplinary design studio which pursues both conceptual projects and built work with a particular interest in exploring relationships between functional performance and architecture. This methodology allows the architecture to be a vehicle for incorporating a highly articulated relationship between use and lifestyle. The commitment to the integration of new technologies and materials is mirrored in the infrastructure of our office. Both in the development of projects and in the production of documents, performance based architecture inform and facilitate our work. The office, headed by Brooks Atwood and Clay Odom, has a broad range of experience in architecture & design, interiors, graphics and identity, furniture, film and fashion. The office is run in a collaborative environment which enables us to work in an efficient and effective manor for superior results for clients with a commitment to excellence in design and its procurement. We have developed a strong set of relationships with expert consultants and specialists in various fields of fabrication and construction to enable us to consider a varied range of specialized projects. Since 2003, POD DESIGN+MEDIA LLC has developed a client list including Imaginary Forces, BMW, Luca Luca, Michael Joo and the League for the Hard of Hearing. The approach POD uses to design customized solutions to architectural and furniture projects for private clients is now being brought forward into a series of thoughtfully designed furniture pieces that are being offered to the public through a select group of boutiques. The POD approach to construction and fabrication is firmly rooted in the love of nature, function, detail and materiality found in classic modern furniture design. In addition we are bringing this modern tradition together with contemporary, digitally driven methods of design and fabrication that are used to allow the possibility for small customizations to occur for each person who purchases one of our products. Our goal with this line of furniture is to provide the best of custom fit and contemporary design to the public. Thank you for your interest in POD DESIGN and in adding a piece of natural modernity into your life.

approach

We start each project by understanding the basic goals of the client. As each project is distinct we feel that this beginning is crucial to a projects ultimate success. This is followed with an intensive survey of the all of the existing conditions of the specific site in consort with the desires outlined by the client. This survey includes not only specific site information such as codes, site layout, and any restrictions, but also includes research into the current accepted building practices for that particular structure and building type as well as specific information about our clients and their personal tastes and style (types of music they listen to, how often they entertain or cook, etc). From this beginning we are able to establish design parameters that follow the original requests of the client but also allow for multiple variations and potentials within the basic idea. In this way our clients often are able to see their vision become even more than they ever imagined. In fact, that is the ultimate goal of each project; to give the client more than they ever thought was possible in terms of look, feel and function. Our approach begins with generating books of inspiration images and three-dimensional models. We compile and use inspiration images that are targeted at the initial ideas raised by the client while also bringing to light certain potentials of material, construction or concept for example. The digital study models created simultaneously with the development of inspiration and concept aid in both locating the specific elements of design while also beginning concepts about material, space, and lighting that are at the heart of good design. By using the computer we are able to produce many different variations and changes quickly. These techniques allow us not only to test ideas in three dimensions but also to provide the client with a more adaptable vision of each aspect of the design. The versions allow us to pick and choose aspects of the design with the client as well as to fulfill certain requirements set forth by code, design goals and other factors. We desire to provide the client with clear images of different design aspects that are directly connected both to the original concepts and to the final construction outcome. Because the client is involved from day 1, we are able to maintain a direct link with their vision and our interpretation. We have found this approach very successful both from a design standpoint and from a client's point of view. In this case the use of the computer will allow the transfer of information with fabricators that will inevitably provide cost savings and more importantly a better constructed product. In addition to the basic design approach we are consistently reviewing the entire project simultaneously. This overall approach allows the design to come together fully without the problem of having to retrofit solutions. We find our services to better fit the client when we are involved in virtually every aspect of the design. From light fixtures and furniture to orientations and textures, we feel that every detail is crucial in creating a dynamic and functional project that reflects the dreams of each individual client. In conclusion we use the most advanced technologies and the most basic aspects of learning the customer's dreams and desires as the basis for the creation of projects that surpass all of our expectations.