Sleepmaxxinga wellness trend to optimize the quantity and quality of your sleepis a perfectly good excuse to makeover your bedroom. Knowing how to create the perfect sleep environment will have an outsize effect on your general wellbeing as well. The bedroom should be a personal sanctuary, a place where one can truly unwind and recharge, says interior designer Stephanie Martin. Every decor choice you make, whether its the lighting, the window treatments, or the bed itself, impacts how well you rest throughout the night.The idea of sleep hygieneadjusting your behaviors and environment for more Zsis not novel. In fact, it was coined by an Italian physiologist in the 1860s and was revived in the 1970s. Experts, including clinical psychologist and clinical sleep specialist Michael Breus, Ph.D., evaluate the surroundings to optimize your inner clock. I think of four of the five senses and how each one has an effect on sleep, says the author of The Power of When.Translating this into your bedroom design is easy, as long as you focus on texture, temperature, and the overall feel of the space. Here are eight ways to upgrade your bedroom for the best nights sleepand make it look good in the process.Spring for blackout curtainsMelatonin, the sleep hormone, is called the Vampire Hormone, since it only comes out in darkness, says Breus. So whatever a person can do to make their bedroom dark will help with sleep. Replace any flimsy window treatments with elegant heavy drapes to help you rest easy.For undisturbed slumber, Davina Ogilvie, founder of Wovn Home, recommends blackout-lined drapery in lieu of a blind or any other window treatment. Gaps between the edges of a blind and window opening are inevitable, and this is where light can seep through, she explains. With full length drapery on the other hand, fabric covers the entire window and more, making it incredibly effective for light blocking. Floor-to-ceiling drapery will work best for light blocking, and creates a sense of heightened coziness akin to a luxury hotel room.Martin also likes a combination of gauzy sheer underdrapes to filter sunlight and maintain privacy, paired with blackout overdrapes that ensure complete darkness when it's time to sleep.This layering of fabric not only adds a tactile richness to the space but also enhances its acoustic properties, creating a cocoon-like atmosphere that feels both quiet and cozy, she says.Pottery Barn Velvet Twill Blackout CurtainWest Elm European Flax Linen Blackout CurtainKick electronics out of the roomA television and a tangle of cords by your bed arent doing your decoror your sleepany good. Studies have shown that viewing electronics before bed, whether its watching TV or checking email, has a detrimental effect on sleep. Research in the journal Sleep Science, explains that the disruption comes from the blue light suppresses melatonin, heightened emotions as a result of content that can leave you anxious or depressed, and plain scrolling on social media, for instance, instead of actually sleeping. Keep these devices out of the bedroom, replacing them with attractive objets and an old-school alarm clock.Schoolhouse Farbe Alarm ClockArne Jacobsen City Hall Analog Tabletop ClockLayer the lightingLighting has the power to influence our mood and sleep patterns. To create the ultimate sleep environment, Martin emphasizes the importance of layering light. Think of it as orchestrating a symphony for your senses, " she notes. We start with overhead fixtures that provide a warm, inviting glow, complemented by bedside lamps and reading lights that can be adjusted for different activities, all on separate switches and dimmers. This flexibility allows you to establish a bright, energizing space in the morning that gradually transitions to a soft, soothing glow in the evening, setting the perfect mood for restful slumber.

Based in Americas third-largest city, these Chicago interior designers and architects have widely varied styles: from bold and bursting with color to chic, minimal, and restrained. These talents from the AD PRO Directory are at the top of their game, attracting the Windy Citys most discerning clients and tackling everything from glamorous Gold Coast penthouses to modern farmhouse-style family retreats in Hinsdale. Whether youre contemplating a new build, a full renovation, or just a refresh, scroll on to discover 53 studios to hire for your next project in Chicago and beyond, and visit their Directory profiles for more images, information, and contact details to get in touch.On the listInterior DesignersJasmin Reese InteriorsIn a Jasmin Reese Interiors project in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, a primary bath features a custom walk-in shower with lilac marble, a brass English tub, and a custom vanity with an antique mirror.Michael Alan KaskelColor and pattern take a starring role in the lively spaces created by designer Jasmin Reese. Ceilings pop with eye-catching wallpaper, walls are drenched in color and accented with impactful art, and rooms are furnished with a well-edited selection of unique pieces. The designer isnt afraid to mix prints or periods, and as a result, her bold spaces feel collected and one-of-a-kind. Reese, who founded her eponymous firm over 10 years ago, brings a playful approach to interior design, as evidenced by the comic book that introduces potential clients to Jasmin Reese Interiors process.J'Miracle DesignsJ'Miracle Designs transformed a once bland Chicago dining room into a transitional modern look. The firm made a statement in the space by fully covering the confined space with patterned wall coverings, brass accessories, and multitextured chairs.Prestige Real Estate Images Inc.Touches of drama set the mood in the effortlessly luxurious spaces created by Jasmine Artis and her firm, J'Miracle Designs. Working in a wide range of styles, from Art Decoinspired to contemporary, the firm brings out the homeowners personality with statement lighting, metallic accents, and comfortable yet elegant furnishings. Artis draws on her corporate background to give clients a transparent and stress-free process, whether theyre collaborating on a single room refresh or a whole home redesign. The firm also works with homeowners to create stylish yet functional rental properties and helps commercial clients devise offices, hotels, and retail spaces that speak for their brand.Lauren Ashley AllanIn this stunning 1920s residence renovated by designer Lauren Ashley Allan, modernity meets soul, spirit, and character, crafting a space that honors artful living. Throughout, the home combines eclectic elements and luxurious comfort, offering a tactile blend of styles that feel both sophisticated and grounded.Sarah CrowleyAfter earning her stripes working with AD100 designers like Nate Berkus and Kelly Wearsler, Lauren Ashley Allan struck out on her own in 2020, launching her eponymous Hinsdale-based firm. Allen has an eye for timeless and luxurious materials, incorporating elements of marble, brass, and wood that will grow even more beautiful with age. The designer and her team juxtapose styles and periods within their elegant interiors, drawing inspiration from history and their clients lives. The firm offers full-service interior design to residential and commercial clients around the world, working on everything from historic renovations to boutique hotels to yacht design projects.Ash Street InteriorsAsh Street Interiors incorporated a Holly Hunt table and vintage iron furnishings in a bright and airy sunroom.Ash Street InteriorsFounded by Rosemary Wormley in 2015, Ash Street Interiors brings a fresh take on traditional style. The designer and her team specialize in livable luxury, combining elegance and comfort in their tailored, light-filled spaces made for modern families. Elevated materials and polished forms add to the timeless appeal of Wormleys interiors, which feature tranquil palettes with bespoke accents. The Northfield-based full-service firm works on residential projects, including whole-home refreshes, renovations, and new construction. Ash Street Interiors detail-oriented approach shines in their historical renovations, which preserve the original beauty of the architecture while updating the spaces for 21st-century living.Urban LarkUrban Lark incorporated European accents in this renovation, bringing modern flair to the historic bungalows kitchen.Federica GhidelliDesigner Kat Kuziel brings a curatorial eye to the spaces she creates with her firm Urban Lark, mixing carefully selected vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces and artwork. Whether shes devising a modern bedroom retreat or remodeling a cozy coachhouse, Kuziel prioritizes originality and sustainability in her designs and pushes clients to think outside the box to create homes that feel lived-in and personal. Urban Lark makes the design experience easy for clients, managing each part of the process, and the firm collaborates with homeowners on projects of all sizes, from full-home renovations to space planning.Sasha Adler DesignIn a Chicago home renovated by Sasha Adler Design, custom etageres and the islands brass legs add jewelry-like details to the space. An oak and glass archway frames the passage into the breakfast room.Douglas FriedmanSasha Adler brings a wealth of stylish experience to each project, drawing on her time in the fashion industry and the 14 years she worked as design director for Nate Berkus. Adler and her team specialize in historical restorations and new construction and work with clients around the globe. From modern retreats in Cabo San Lucas to artful Chicago apartments to luxe private planes, the designer enhances each space with a harmonious mix of vintage and modern furnishings, bespoke pieces, and one-of-a-kind details. Sasha Adler Design collaborates closely with clients to make sure each project fits with their lifestyles, goals, and budgets.Tiffany Brooks InteriorsFor the living room of the HGTV Smart Home 2023, Tiffany Brooks Interiors created a rich look with a dramatic green walls, vintage finds, and a mix of luxe textures.Robert Peterson, Rustic White InteriorsCeleb-favorite designer Tiffany Brooks creates homes that are truly personalized to the client, whether its a Chicago family or an NBA player. The AD100 designer, whose design for superstar Jimmy Butler graced ADs November 2024 cover, transforms spaces with color and pattern, incorporating unique design elements and accents that elevate each room into an experience. Brooks and her team work on projects of all sizes, from single-room designs to whole-home renovations to new construction, and the firm collaborates with clients in the Chicago area and across the country.Stone Textile StudioIn this custom kitchen, Stone Textile Studio had the cabinets finished in Farrow & Ball De Nimes and worked with Porter Teleo to create a custom hand-painted wall covering to match the cabinetry.Dustin HalleckElizabeth Mollen began her career working in the fashion industry in New York and Los Angeles, and in 2012, Mollen shifted to interiors, founding Stone Textile Studio. Mollen and her team bring a sense of fun to their spaces, incorporating vivid wall coverings and textiles, many of which are designed by the firm. Stone Textile Studio works on projects in the Chicago area and across the country, helping clients to infuse personality into their homes. Locals can also shop the firms collections of rugs, wallpaper, and textiles, as well as a curated mix of art and vintage pieces, at their Highland Park store, the Vault Creative.Michael Abrams InteriorsIn a Lincoln Park home, Michael Abrams Interiors set the tone in a bedroom by placing a screen from the clients previous home behind a Dmitriy & Co. Brampton bed.Aime MazzengaPrecision and artistry go hand in hand in the designs of Michael Abrams Interiors. Founded by principal Michael Abrams nearly 25 years ago, the firm offers residential design and interior architecture services for clients across the United States, from a contemporary Miami home to a mountain retreat in Utah. Interiors are imbued with comfort and sophistication and are intentionally designed to enhance the lives of those who occupy them. Abrams and his team pride themselves on personalized client service, and each project has a dedicated creative team that works with Abrams to bring the home to life.CCS Interior Design GroupThis Bronzeville homes kitchen was reimagined by CCS Interior Design Group to blend bold aesthetics with high-end functionality. A dramatic Cambria Bentley waterfall island, custom cabinetry, and a marble mosaic backsplash from Artistic Tile create a space that is as stunning as it is practical.Marcel PageCCS Interior Design Group specializes in infusing a sense of modern luxury into residential and commercial spaces. Led by principal designer Cynthia Bolton Smith, the firm transforms a wide range of homes, from Chicago condos to Caribbean retreats, creating functional yet sophisticated residences. Glam touches are a through line of the teams interiors, whether its through eye-catching mosaic tile floors, sculptural lighting, or gleaming metallic accent pieces. CCS Interior Design works with clients internationally, offering everything from room makeovers to managing all aspects of new construction projects.Deborah Lund InteriorsDeborah Lund Interiors designed a Chicago familys dining room to be the perfect space for elegant dinners, group homework sessions, and a comfortable place to watch the citys spectacular sunrises.Aime MazzengaArt plays a major part in the sophisticated designs of Deborah Lund Interiors. Longtime collector and principal designer Deborah Lund curates an exceptional mix of contemporary art, midcentury pieces, and vintage lighting in her interiors, blending styles and historical influences for a collected look. Curvaceous furnishings upholstered in tactile fabrics and distinctive wall treatments bring comfort and individuality to spaces, and Lund adds elements of whimsy, such as an ombre stair runner or playful lamps. The firm works with clients across the country and has completed projects from Palm Springs to Miami.Aishah Nisar Interior DesignModern elegance meets traditional charm in this downtown Chicago primary bedroom, featuring bold patterns and lush green accents. Designed by Aishah Nisar Interior Design, the space is beautifully elevated with an ornate mother-of-pearl and green crystal chandelier that serves as an opulent centerpiece to the urban retreat.John StofferAishah Nisar designs homes that are meant to be lived in and enjoyed. The founder and creative director of Aishah Nisar Interior Design focuses on creating a balance of practicality and style in her spaces, adding unique details to showcase the clients personal style. Nisar and her team work hard to understand their clients unique needs and to guide them through the whole process. The firm works on projects throughout the Chicago area, including renovations and new builds, and Nisar brings a wealth of knowledge about design and construction thanks to her experience working as a consultant for builders.Brooke Lang DesignBrooke Lang Design drew inspiration from the breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline for this condo at One Bennett Park. In the living room, the firm blended a playful yet sophisticated color palette, using saturated hues and varied textures to enhance the depth and richness of the design.Ryan McDonaldBrooke Lang Design blends timeless style with unexpected surprises, creating elegant yet eclectic interiors. Founded by architect and designer Brooke Lang in 2012, the interior design and project management firm draws inspiration from classic Parisian architecture and modern style, bringing in rich color palettes, striking wallpaper, and luxe textiles into their residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Brooke Lang Design offers a range of services, from turn-key interior design for rooms or entire homes to one-day consultations, and has completed projects across the country, including spaces in California, Kentucky, New York, and Georgia.AZL InteriorsAZL Interiors devised a casual dining room and reading nook in a 1930s bungalow-style house in Arlington Heights, Illinois. The homeowner, who was passionate about reading and collecting books, needed a space that could welcome her and her family for intimate meals, homework, and reading time.John StofferEven the smallest rooms in the house become standouts in the designs of AZL Interiors. Founder Alessia Zanchi Loffredo highlights the original architecture of a home while cleverly adapting residences for modern life, incorporating materials that will develop a rich patina over time. The resulting interiors feel rooted in history yet functional for 21st-century families. The Glen Ellynbased firm specializes in large-scale renovations and custom homes, designing with a special focus on sustainability, comfort, and durability. AZL Interiors collaborates with a talented roster of architects, contractors, and artisans to bring each project to life with impeccable attention to detail.Gil Melott StudioThis former dairy barn in Chicagos historic Old Town was designed for a family of avid readers and art collectors. Custom back-to-back sofas and one-of-a-kind vintage selections from Eneby Home and Galerie Half helped designer Gil Melott create an expansive living room that is equal parts cocktail lounge and game day central.Aimee MazzengaFor Gil Melott Studio, design is about more than transforming spaces, its about telling stories. Principal Gil Melott sees himself as a biographer, albeit one who can take some creative license, to bring his clients personal histories to life in their homes through thoughtful and eclectic design choices. The studio also draws inspiration from nature, giving its spaces a sense of warmth and approachability.Melott and his team tackle everything from renovations to multi-unit high-rise developments and focus on residential and hospitality design. The firms work can be found across the U.S. and abroad and its designs have been showcased in the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse Dallas and Holiday House Hamptons.Rebel HouseRebel House infused the custom white oak kitchen in a Winnetka new build with luxe details, including antique brass accents, an island with reeded end panels, and a walk-in pantry hidden behind a steel-and-glass door.Mike SchwartzCreativity and precision come together in the work of Winnetka-based Rebel House. Led by creative director Marli Jones and managing director Michael Kreuser, the firm specializes in new construction, gut renovations, as well as furnishing and boutique hospitality projects and is known for its ability to carefully manage projects keeping them on schedule and budget.Exceptional and eye-catching materials are a throughline in the studios projects, which range from sophisticated Gold Coast apartments to modern retreats in Utah and Wisconsin. Rebel House has a collaborative process, enhancing their clients visions with their own design prowess.Nicholas Moriarty InteriorsIn a River North condo designed by Nicholas Moriarty Interiors, a Robert Motherwell painting takes center stage in the living area, which features a trio of Boffi sofas. In the adjacent dining space, Moriarty placed a Flos pendant light above a vintage table and chairs.Jill Buckner PhotographyEvery homeowner is different, so Nicholas Moriarty Interiors tailors the design process to each client and the way they think. Each project begins with a deep dive into the clients lifestyle and story through written and verbal questionnaires and visual listening activities, resulting in expertly curated and personality-packed interiors.The multi-disciplinary firm focuses on full-scale interior design and renovation projects and offers everything from interior architectural consulting and space planning to art curation and custom furniture and casegood design. Since it was founded in 2008, Nicholas Moriarty Interiors has become known for its artful, deeply considered designs and for counts celebrities, Fortune 500 execs, and artists among its clients and fans.Outline InteriorsTheres no shortage of storage in this River North kitchen, which Outline Interiors designed with the client's love for cooking and entertaining in mind.Photo: Margaret Rajic/Courtesy of Outline Interiors by Laura TribbettOutline Interiors doesnt just design homes, it also creates moments of joy for their clients and anyone who enters their spaces. Founder Laura Tribbett earned her stripes at several AD100 firms in New York before launching her Windy City firm in 2015. The studio specializes in modern, tailored, and comfortable style, and isnt afraid to go bold, whether its adding plaid wallpaper to an office or installing dramatic black cabinets in a modern kitchen.Tribbett and her team collaborate with a trusted and talented roster of architects, contractors, and vendors to execute their vision, and the firm carefully manages each stage of the processeven helping clients shop for a home or start a new build.Sarah Montgomery InteriorsIn a co-op apartment in Chicagos Gold Coat area, Sarah Montgomery Interiors added character to the living room with wood paneling and a stone fireplace surround. A piece by artist hangs above the fireplace and the wood and suede chairs are by Brazilian architect Carlos Motta.Photo by Frank Frances Studio, Styling by Kimberly SwedeliusWith a background in set design and as a prop master, designer Sarah Montgomery knows how to set a scene. The interior designer blends her experiences in theater and luxury product design in her interiors, which feature lively colors and patterns, worldly influences, artful accents, and striking lighting.Operating out of a stylish Logan Square studio, Sarah Montgomery Interiors specializes in full-service interior design and renovations, transforming historic homes in Chicago and beyond. Montgomery and her team beautifully preserve a homes past while updating it to work for the way their client lives today.Alisa BloomSet within a Chicago Gold Coast penthouse, this living room by designer Alisa Bloom blends vintage elegance with contemporary comfort. A striking 1960s Hans-Agne Jakobsson chandelier takes center stage, casting a warm glow over the room's dynamic design.Simon UptonAlisa Bloom brings a world of inspiration to her work, gathering furnishings, textiles, and vintage pieces on her travels across the globe and curating them in her sophisticated interiors. Blooms eponymous Chicago and New York-based firm offers interior design and construction management services and specializes in whole home renovations and new construction.Blooms interiors blend innovation and practicality, making them perfect for modern families, and the designer is known for her subtle, mood-creating color palettes. The designer and her team work globally and currently have projects underway in the United States, France, and Hong Kong.Elizabeth Krueger DesignLayers of texture and pattern come together for a major impact in a dining room by designer Elizabeth Krueger.Photo by Angela Hau, Styling by Darwin FitzElizabeth Krueger can do everything from light and airy to dark and drama-filled in her captivating spaces. The Chicago designer works with each client to determine the purpose behind their home and translate it into highly personal and meaningful environments.Elizabeth Krueger Design was founded in 2012, and over the past 12 years, the firm has established itself as a go-to for everything from Chicago penthouses and historic Highland Park homes to Michigan farmhouses and Florida retreats. The firm works on projects of all scales, including renovations and new builds, as well as furnishing, organizing, and refreshing projects.Ilene April InteriorsMetalic accents, including a custom hood, and a subdued palette give a Chicago kitchen by Ilene April Interiors timeless polish.Michael KaskelA homes existing architecture and her clients personal treasures inspire designer Ilene Aprils elegant interiors. The designers Highland Parkbased firm keeps functionality top of mind throughout a project, resulting in spaces that are livable and beautiful. Ilene April Interiors mixes contemporary and traditional elements throughout its designs, making sure the furnishings, fabrics, and fixtures she selects will stand the test of time.April also designs custom furnishings, collaborating with artisans in Chicago, New York, and LA to add one-of-a-kind elements to her projects. The firm works on projects of all sizes and budgets, assisting clients with everything from whole-home designs to color consultations to pick the perfect palette.Randy Heller Pure & Simple InteriorsAdding much-needed interior architectural details such as ceiling beams, applied moldings, chunky baseboards, and jewelry-like door hardware, Randy Heller and her team created a serene and modern feeling throughout this renovated home.Natalie MarottaGrowing up with artist parents, Randy Hellers eye for design was nurtured from a young age. After training with famed UK designer Kelly Hoppen, Heller returned to Chicagos North Shore and founded Randy Heller Pure & Simple Interiors, a design firm with a mission to enhance their clients lives through their living spaces.The firms tranquil interiors feature neutral hues, layered textures, and vintage details. Whether shes designing a modern new build in Highland Park or refreshing a 1925 English Caldwell home in downtown Ravinia, the designer blends classic and modern elements to create spaces that feel fresh yet timeless.Craig & CompanyDesigned for a family of avid readers, the leather-clad entrya nod to leather-bound bookswith its gilt ceiling and roaring fire provides a warm welcome home to this East Lake Shore Drive apartment in Chicago by Craig & Company. The leather walls were made by Michele Costello of CSI Designs.William Abranowicz | Styling: Anita SarsidiFrom chic urban penthouses to gracious country homes, Craig & Company brings a sense of elegance to interiors across the country. Led by founder Joan Craig, the firm is based in Chicago, New York, and Sagaponack, and serves discerning clients across the country. Known for character-filled spaces, Craig and her team look at each project holistically, making sure all aspects of the design, including architecture and art, work together harmoniously.Craig & Company frequently collaborates with artists and artisans to add dazzling details, such as gilded ceilings or sculptural lighting, to make the firms spaces sing. The versatile firm takes on an array of project types, and recent examples include a private Chicago club, a family compound, and a Hamptons barn.Centered by DesignCentered by Design transformed the sunroom of a David Adlerdesigned property in Illinois for the House Beautiful Whole Home 2023. Claire Staszak incorporated yellow trellises, cheerful prints, and blue-and-white stripes in the spirited space.Heather TalbertClaire Staszak designs spaces with soul, putting a modern, eclectic spin on classic design. The Centered by Design founder and her team are particularly known for crafting timeless, functional kitchens featuring their in-house line of custom cabinetry. Staszaks love of historic design is evident in her interiors, which feel fresh yet true to their setting, whether its a charming 1930s colonial or a regal prewar residence.The firm is skilled at working closely with architects, builders, and landscape designers, making the process simple for its clients. Centered by Design offers everything from full-service interior design to virtual consultations, making its expertise available to homeowners with a wide range of project sizes and budgets.Imparfait Design StudioIn this Lincoln Park row houses front parlor, Imparfait Design Studio kept it classicwith a modern twist. A traditional tufted sofa from Jayson Home and a vintage glass coffee table are mixed with a Stark ikat rug and midcentury-modern-inspired blue barrel chairs.Michael Alan KaskelImparfait Design Studio founders Rebekah Zaveloff and Nick Nichols met while working in the restaurant industry, so its no surprise that hospitality is at the heart of their interiors. The residential design firm prides itself on devising spaces that people never want to leave, incorporating vintage pieces, plush seating, and eclectic accents that feel collected over time.The firm has offices in Chicago and Lakeside, Michigan, and works extensively in Miamifrom Coconut Grove beach houses to polished Gold Coast condosand throughout the country. Imparfait Design Studios sister firm, KitchenLab, creates home kitchens that are worthy of a Michelin-starred chef (or just a passionate entertainer).Tom Stringer Design PartnersThe office of Tom Stringer Design Partners was named one of Chicagos coolest offices by Crains Chicago Business, and its easy to see why. The studio serves as an ever-evolving backdrop for interesting things and seamlessly blends comfortable furniture with antiques and touches of home. The result is a tailored workspace that appeals to the designers own tastes and those of their high-end residential clients.Designer Tom Stringer doesnt have a signature style; instead, he and his team approach each project with a spirit of discovery, bringing out the unique qualities of the client and their home. Elegance is infused in each of the firms expertly tailored interiors, whether its an easygoing lake house or a refined penthouse. The widely published designer is an inductee to the Merchandise Marts Hall of Fame for Interior design and a winner of multiple awards from the American Society of Interior Designers.House of HuntLocated in Miamis The Surf Club, a dining room designed by House of Hunt features a statement-making blue dining table by Based Upon, echoing the ocean views outdoors. An Alison Berger Glassworks light fixture hangs above.After leading her legendary luxury design brand for over 30 years, Holly Hunt founded House of Hunt in 2021, allowing the designer the opportunity to lend her impeccable taste and wealth of knowledge to interior architecture and design projects. The firms projects showcase a modern, streamlined sensibility without sacrificing comfort.House of Hunts neutral interiors offer a sophisticated backdrop for blue chip art and one of a kind design elements, and the boutique studios refined pieces allow high-quality materials to shine. Hunt continues to conceive bespoke furnishings for her projects and collaborations, including a collection of striking stone and metal mantels for Marmi.Wendy Labrum InteriorsAn antique marble fireplace and gilt mirror ground the formal living room in the designer Wendy Labrums own Chicago home.Aime Mazzenga courtesy of Wendy Labrum InteriorsAfter spending two years living in London and traveling through Europe, Wendy Labrum was inspired to launch her eponymous firm in 2007. The designer brings the inspiration and knowledge gathered during her time abroad to her residential interiors, devising timeless spaces that elegantly mix pieces from different time periods and provenances.Based in Chicago and Park City, Utah, Wendy Labrum Interiors works with clients across the country and specializes in restoring historic homes to their original glory and creating custom residences that feel rich with detail. By working closely with clients, Labrum and her team devise functional, inspiring spaces that serve as a beautiful backdrop for everyday life.Inspired Interiors Inc.Inspired Interiors transformed the dining room of a 1990s spec home in Wilmette into a luxurious space by lacquering the ceiling in a rich black and adding a full-height mirror above the fireplace. The custom dining table is surrounded by Eichholtz dining chairs, and a Visual Comfort light fixture illuminates the room.Founded in 2004 by designer Emily Mackie, Inspired Interiors Inc. is a design firm focused on creating immersive environments layered with rich details and luxe textures. The Wilmette-based firm devises beautiful spaces that are meant to be lived in, from a vibrant and cozy house in Ravinia to a sleek San Francisco bachelor pad.Inspired Interiors offers a range of services, from whole-home transformations to collaborating with architects and builders on new construction to design consultations for smaller projects. The firms sister brand, Inspired Luxury Homes, specializes in large-scale projects and custom home development, with homes completed or underway in Chicago and the US Virgin Islands.Emily Sturgess DesignFor Emily Sturgess, paying homage to the history and character of a 1930s Long Island home was essentialbut being that its owners were a young family, the living rooms sofas and chairs were covered in Perennials performance fabrics to ensure the room can take on anything. Antiques and vintage pieces were mixed in to ground the expansive space and give it gravitas.Traditional design is updated for modern living in the work of Emily Sturgess. The designers eye for beauty and love of historic homes is evident in her timeless spaces, which are enhanced by gracious wall coverings, elegant antiques, and sophisticated (but comfortable!) seating.Her Winnetka firm, Emily Sturgess Design, works with a talented roster of artisans and vendors who share its commitment to creating spaces that clients are proud to show off. Sturgess and her team take on projects nationwide and are currently designing interiors in California, Florida, and New York, in addition to their local projects.M + M Interior DesignM + M Interior Design designed this pattern-reading room for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Dallas.Sisters Leslie Martin and Kim Meardon are the Ms behind M + M Interior Design. The Kenilworth-based firm is known for its fresh and functional traditional interiors, bringing in an eclectic mix of vintage and antique pieces, eye-catching patterns, and impactful wall treatments. Whether theyre designing a lakeside retreat or a classic brownstone, Martin and Meardon are able to incorporate show-stopping moments into any setting.M + M Interior Design collaborates with clients across the county and is experienced in everything from historic renovations to new builds. These Chicago interior designers rely on their time-tested and efficient process to make each project run smoothly.Alexandra Kaehler DesignFor a home in Lake Forest, Illinois, Alexandra Kaehler used her clients collection of French antiques as a jumping-off point. The designer reupholstered them in olive green and butter yellow to balance the femininity of the pink mural chinoiserie paper that the firm chose.Alexandra Kaehler founded her eponymous Winnetka-based firm in 2011, focusing on high-end residential design. Traditional elements mix with unexpected accents, such as a marbled ceiling treatment or modern lighting in Kaehlers unique and highly livable spaces.Alexandra Kaehler Design takes an emotionally driven approach, connecting with how clients want to feel and live in their homes. The firm brings out its clients personal aesthetic in all types of projects, including historic restorations, renovations, and new builds. Kaehler also showcases her classic style in Heirloom by AKD, her line of custom upholstered seating.North Shore NestFor a project on Chicago's North Shore, North Shore Nest helped their client make her dark home office something special. Designers Melinda Cahill and Suzanne Glavin coated the wood paneling with high-gloss blue paint and brought in layers of blues, pinks, neutrals, and raspberry tones for an overall light and airy feel.Dustin HalleckIn 2004, Melinda Cahill and Suzanne Glavin teamed up to found North Shore Nest, their Glenview-based residential interior design firm. The design duo and their team specialize in warm, inviting spaces for families and young professionals, imbuing rooms with color, pattern, and a palpable sense of fun.North Shore Nest offers full-service interior design as well as full-day or hour-long consultations. Clients have a dedicated concierge to keep them informed with frequent updates throughout the design process. The firm works on projects in the Chicago area, as well as with clients in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and has recently expanded its reach with new construction projects in Arizona and Florida.Leah Bolger DesignLeah Bolger Design brought together soft neutral hues, lovely textures, and touches of black from the vintage Steinway and objects to capture the clients aesthetic and spirit in this sophisticated living room.Designer Leah Bolger brings over 25 years of experience to her eponymous Glenview-based luxury interiors firm. Her background as a college instructor of interior architecture and graduate studies is evident in her well-considered spaces, which showcase her deep knowledge of architecture and interiors. Bolger enlivens her traditional interiors with contemporary elements, and functionality is always a focus.The firms work encompasses residential and commercial projects in Chicago and beyond, including new construction and renovations. The studio offers a range of services, including interior architecture, in-house kitchen and bath design, and space planning.Jessica Lagrange InteriorsAmong the Chicago interior designers listed on the AD PRO Directory is Jessica Lagrange, who designed this pastel pink study.Jessica Lagrange Interiors (JLI) has been synonymous with luxury interior design and architecture since its inception in 1998. Today, the firm is recognized for its portfolio of projects that embrace a wide range of periods and stylesalways while reflecting the wants, needs, and lifestyles of its diverse clientele.Founder and principal Jessica Lagrange is known for her vibrant and personable manner, perceptive insights, and collaborative approach to designqualities that account for the outstanding caliber and cohesive nature of the JLI team. Thanks to JLIs principled approach to design, commitment to collaboration, and ability to synthesize and wield the tools and elements of their trade, the firms work has garnered numerous awards and been featured in myriad show houses and publications.APPLY NOWGrow your business with the AD PRO DirectoryArrowKadlec Architecture + DesignThe great room of this desert home by Kadlec Architecture + Design opens up to the pool and mountains beyond.Photo by Mike Schwartz. Styling by Anita SarsidiKadlec Architecture + Design was founded by Steve Kadlec in 2004 to convene a tightly knit team of designers with exceptional experience. At 10 people, the studio remains deliberately small so that they can work closely to give each project their full and focused attention.The Kadlec team has worked on quietly confident and curated spaces with growing families, empty nesters, young professionals, and established executives, shopkeepers, and developers. While each client relationship is its own, every project is connected by a thoughtful, disciplined, and detailed approach.Paula InteriorsA primarily monochrome living room by Paula Interiors is accented with yellow throw pillows.Paula Interiors focuses on helping clients create inviting, beautiful, and functional spaces. For the past 12 years, founder Paula Rodriguez has worked on a variety of projects, which include both residential and commercial properties. No matter the size, style, or complexity of design, Rodriguezs clientele have always been most impressed by the personal experience that Paula Interiors provides.Rodriguez strongly believes that an interior designer should not have a specific style or look that is signature to their company. Instead she believes in a style-discovery process, in which the client and designer build a vision collaboratively. Her objective with every project is to transform a space into an innovative room that meets the needs of her clients while still producing a wow factor each time they enter their newly designed space.Studio W InteriorsLight and bright was the objective for this kitchen, designed by Studio W Interiors.Based in Hinsdale, a suburb of Chicago, Studio W Interiors is a full-service residential design firm that works on new construction, renovations, and furnishing projects across the US. From concept to completion, the studio works collaboratively with clients and trades to create beautifully designed homes that aim to transcend trends. The defining philosophy that guides the firm is to create a cohesive home that is elevated and inviting with a focus on quality materials.After studying marketing at Loyola University of Chicago and furthering her eduction in interior design at the School of the Art Institute, Diana Wagenbach began her own namesake company in 2020. Known for her thoughtful design, she works to create spaces that make life feel calm and inspired. She oversees all design projects to ensure they are a reflection of the client while incorporating the firms timeless and organic aesthetic.Summer Thornton DesignFloral patterns aplenty in this dining room by Summer Thornton Design, including the Jaipur-influenced Iksel wallpaper, while real flowers add even more drama.Photo by Annie SchlechterSummer Thornton Design is known for fearlessly bold and colorful interiors. Headquartered in Chicago, the firm works throughout North America, with current projects including the renovation of a Tuxedo Road estate in Atlanta; a Presidio Heights home renovation; a private club in New York City; a Naples, Florida, vacation home addition; a new build in Mexico; and numerous projects in the Chicago area.Founder Summer Thornton firmly believes that each clients home should be a reflection of their personal styletheir soul, passions, and quirks should be found on the walls and in the furniture throughout the homeso no two projects should ever look alike. With over 100,000 followers on Instagram, her inspiring style has been often imitated, but never replicated.Suzanne Lovell Inc.For this entryway, Suzanne Lovell Inc. combined checkerboard tiles and simple details for a classic look.Photo by Eric PiaseckiSuzanne Lovell Inc. (SLI) is a preeminent architecture and interior design firm that also features a boutique fine art advisory. Since 1985, SLI has created award-winning projects for residential clients in Chicago and around the world, including Manhattan, Miami, Naples, Palm Beach, Captiva Island, San Francisco, Hilton Head Island, and the South of France. An experienced team of professionals well versed in coordinating all aspects of residential projects, the firm creates couture environments through the integration of interior architecture, sophisticated materials, custom furniture, textiles, antiques, and fine art collections that convey each clients distinct personality.Amy Kartheiser DesignGubi dining chairs mirror a spectacular view of Lake Michigan in a dining room by Amy Kartheiser Design. A BDDW dining table, Ochre chandelier, and Shiir rug complete the space.Mike SchwartzFounded in 2014, Amy Kartheiser Design brings a world of influences into its unique interiors. Founder Amy Kartheiser sources inspiration and unique finds from a variety of far-flung destinations, elevating her clients spaces with pieces that reflect their personalities. Balancing sophistication and ease, the firms work incorporates and highlights the beauty of a homes setting through natural materials and soothing color palettes.Kartheiser emphasizes wellness in her designs, creating interiors that enhance her clients lives. Shes also the founder of Under the Same Sky, a non-profit that benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Kartheiser supports the organization through an online store and pop-up shops featuring her global finds.Kim Scodro Interiors

"Defy the eye".Atari and Llamasoft have announced that I, Robot will be coming to Switch on 17th April 2025.Following on from the pair's previous retro reimagining Akka Arrh, I, Robot is a psychedelic update of a classic 1984 arcade shooter. Renowned and celebrated for being the first commercially produced arcade game rendered in , flat-shaded, real-time, 3D polygonal graphics, it wasn't much of a hit otherwise, but trust Jeff Minter to bring a bit of magic to the rerelease.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Salt, pinched.While we're all patiently waiting for 2nd April and the next round of official Switch 2 news from Nintendo, some fans are pulling out the cork boards and red string to try and glean any more information about the upcoming console launch. We assume that word of a release date is right around the corner, but until then, this recent theory is a doozy (thanks, NME).The rumour in question was shared on Twitter by content creator ThunderStash Gaming, and it suggests that the Switch 2 launch date is quite a lot closer than we expected: 15th May, to be precise.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

In BriefPosted:2:40 PM PDT March 17, 2025Image Credits:Bryce Durbin / TechCrunchOpenAI exec leaves to found materials science startupLiam Fedus, OpenAIs VP of research for post-training, is leaving the company to found a materials science AI startup. The Information initially reported Fedus plans. In a statement on X, Fedus confirmed the report and added a few additional details. My undergrad was in physics and Im keen to apply this technology there, Fedus said in the statement. Because AI for science is one of the most strategically important areas to OpenAI and achieving [artificial superintelligence], OpenAI is planning to invest in and partner with my new company.Fedus firm will compete with Google DeepMind, Microsoft, and others in the nascent AI materials science space. In 2023, DeepMind claimed that its AI system, Gnome, found crystals that could be used to make new materials. More recently, Microsoft unveiled a pair of materials-discovering AI tools called MatterGen and MatterSim.Some experts are skeptical that todays AI is capable of truly novel scientific discoveries, however.Topics

In BriefPosted:2:24 PM PDT March 17, 2025Image Credits:NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty ImagesIntel could be in for significant changes as Lip-Bu Tan takes on CEO roleIntels new CEO Lip-Bu Tan seems ready to get right to work to turn around the struggling company.The semiconductor giants new executive is considering sweeping changes for the companys chip manufacturing and AI strategies, according to Reuters, including cutting middle management staff and revamping the companys approach to manufacturing chips. Tan reportedly told company employees that he would need to make tough decisions to get the company back on track.Tan was announced as Intels new CEO last week. He rejoins the company on Tuesday after exiting Intels board in August 2024 over clashes with Intels former CEO Pat Gelsinger.Intel declined to comment. Topics

Before notching seven Academy Award-nominations and a win earlier this month for his work as the production designer on Wicked, Nathan Crowley started out as a junior set designer for Steven Spielbergs Hook. Getting the opportunity to work on Jon M. Chu and Universals epic, award-winning musical enabled him to recapture the same experience but this time as the production designer. I remember walking through the door of MGM Stage 27 and Hooks ship was up to the rafters, recalls Crowley. I recall thinking, This is where I want to be. I thought all films were like that. It turns out that few are. But Wicked was. There are so many visual effects in this film. Its about how we can make enough thats real. What I liked about Pablo Helman [VFX Supervisor] is he said, Give me enough so I can see the real photography and the natural lighting, so we know what were matching to. My job is to reduce questions for his teams in post-production. We know what it looks like because weve got an example over there. That balance was good. Pablo has got enough on his plate with flying animals and monkeys without having to deal with architecture. We grew nine million tulips. Of course, you can do that in CGI if you wanted to. Crowley emphasizes in-camera elements as a mantra, having worked with Christopher Nolan on eight productions, with five of them earning Oscar nominations. It took working on all of those other films to make this one, he notes. On Interstellar, I grew 500 acres of corn where the house was located. I knew that we could grow tulips because all you have to do is find the right farmer who is excited. We found Mark Eves, and his wife is a fanatic about Wicked. The tulips are the color of the rainbow. There are all of these themes. People have asked me, Why did you bother growing nine million tulips when you can do it in CGI? Because it was one of the first things we did, and we had to start as we intended. If people see a film crew that is going to grow tulips, and the studio can see were going to do this for real it stamps a code on the film. Budgeting and time had to be taken into consideration. Pablo has a certain amount of time in post-production, and I only have a certain amount of time in pre-production. Its not going to look good if he is overloaded and cant get the scale and size of the sets required to balance the image. The art of production design is determining with visual effects where reality ends and CGI starts. The CGI needs to go unnoticed and unquestioned by the audience. Unreal Engine was a critical component of Crowleys art department workflow. What I do is design the set, we push it through Unreal Engine and do a fly-through, he explains. I build a big foamcore model of what I can build out of that fly-through. Hopefully we can afford to build that or then we have to get spray paint and say, We cant afford to build that bit. For Shiz, it was about starting in reality with a real boat, landscape and river, digital Shiz in the background, and pushing through an archway into the dock which is physical and real. Im going to try to have a 50-foot-high set so I can get most of it in-camera, but if we turn this way, Pablo knows hes got to top that up. The departments run as one.Clever decisions had to be made to accommodate the need for production mobility. According to Crowley, The problem with musical dance numbers is theres all of this other crew that you dont get on other films. Its not like doing a Christopher Nolan film where we can go light in Iceland and shoot this stuff. Weve got to take 50 or 100 dancers, all of the make-up and costumes. It becomes this mammoth thing so thats why traditionally musicals are shot on backlots. But we had all of these tulips. Jon M. Chu [Director] said to me, If we sink the village we can run through the tulips and if you build me a runup of the tulips into the backlot we can link them perfectly. What that allows us then to do is build embankments on the backlot, so we didnt have greenscreen below 35 feet. We embanked it and put landscape up and grass, flowers and tulips. It was like the Teletubbies! Partnerships with special effects team, led by Paul Corbould, were especially critical when creating the Emerald City Express. I have worked with Paul on many films, including Dunkirk, so I know that he can build big rigs, remarks Crowley. Its like, Youve got to build me a train that moves. I wanted 500 yards of track and for the train to run it into and out of the station. That didnt happen but we did build the train, and it did work. The thing is if you dont build the train, you miss out on the art direction of making it; its like a piece of sculpture. If you just go with the concept and then deliver the film, youve missed out on that middle bit, which is where you discover the set because youre physically making it in 3D. You manipulate and change it. You dont just lay that image. What I find incredible about AI is it is all very 2D. A lot of people are making 2D images that look beautiful. But you have to make them in 3D as a set. You actually need old school art directors who can take something that is ethereal and turn it into something not ethereal. You get a concept, do it in 3D and learn about it. Weve now gone backwards to a much more art direction driven film industry with AI. One significant area of special effects collaboration was when the Wizard of Oz made a grand entrance through a massive mechanical head. Paul Corbould and a puppeteer built this little 12-inch-tall maquette, whereas the actual thing was more like 17 feet high, Crowley says. We worked with these maquettes for a long time to get the expressions right. But the fundamental design was the Wizard is the man behind the curtain. I didnt want a Wes Anderson curtain. If you have ever been to any art gallery with string architecture, I wanted it to be so you couldnt see the depth of this hanging string. It seems ethereal. The head would come through the string and go, I am Oz. It would be scary, ethereal, like an art piece. But you cant use string. I remember we sat with Pablo and said, We can build it for real, but you have to enhance it if something goes wrong because I dont know if this is going to work. We did it live scene by scene. Youve got a big hydraulic head and were twisting it. Its hanging from the stage ceiling so we can get some leverage. Its incredibly complicated. You take risks but just like the train it has to work on the day. The risk is the fun. Reference designs for Shiz, the university where Elphaba and Glinda attend, included the White City from the Chicago World Fair in 1893. Its an American Faerie tale so I need nostalgia for the audience, Crowley shares. There are also the onion domes and Moorish stuff out of Spain. Water provided a visual motif, which meant that the set had to be flooded. No one liked the water, and it was a fight in those meetings. But heres the theory. How do you get to Shiz? You cant go by train or air balloon because thats the Wizards technology. You cant go by horse and cart because the animals are free. There are no cars. Historically how do you move around? By river. Therefore, I have to show Glinda in a boat going down a river. So, I found and put the White City arch in that landscape. Ive got to build the set two-sided so I can push through it. I also have to construct a tank and a set around the tank. Everyone hates you when you build a tank because theres no such thing as a tank that doesnt leak. You have to keep refilling it and that costs a lot of money. You have to have pumps and 24-hour people. Something Ive learned from Chris Nolan is if you made it difficult then only the people who need to be there show up! The Map Room was inspired by a museum installation Crowley discovered during the production of Dunkirk. The Map Room started as separate set, he reveals. But then I showed Jon this image of a map on a wall. It was an art installation that was in 3D. When you walk up to it you step into it and realize its not a picture but a 3D space. I saw it in Dunkirk when I had a free Sunday. They had these crazy installations in the ship museum of these forced perspective shipyards. I had always thought that was fascinating, so we decided we were going to build this forced map of the whole of Oz in this half egg dome that would show everything. Then Jon said, I want to do Sentimental Man in there and to go from day to night. We had to hydraulically lift the lid off the top of the egg and put a night backing behind. It became this theatrical show within the Map Room, which when you see it, is brilliant.Forests were ultimately constructed on soundstages. I didnt want to use my biggest stage in that way, but we went scouting forests and Jon was like, I dont like any of these, Crowley says. In the van on the way back, he said, Trees shouldnt be straight. I said, Maybe they should be circular. Then we sketched out all these circular trees and he was like, We need to build this forest. I could only go so high with the trees because we had a ceiling height problem on that stage. Most stages are 50 to 55 feet, which is annoying. I could only get a light rig in. That is one set which Pablo didnt like! Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer best known for composing in-depth filmmaker and movie profiles for VFX Voice, Animation Magazine, and British Cinematographer.

The Rookie Awards 2025 will be open for entries starting April 7. Now in its 15th year, the global competition offers an opportunity for aspiring artists in creative industries to gain exposure and connect with industry leaders. Entries close June 20, with finalists announced July 31 and winners announced August 20.Students, recent graduates, and emerging talents can showcase their work to over 120 industry professionals, compete for prizes, and get noticed by key studios.In its newest edition, the event boasts increased studio engagement; an extended competition timeline; structured guidelines for each category; new entry limits; and a resource hub with submission guides, tips from past winners, and FAQs.Check out the teaser for the competition now:Source: The Rookie Awards Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

VDC and BIM | Patrick Schneider via UnsplashDigital transformation is an irreplaceable part of the modern construction industry.The concept of Virtual Design and Construction represents a substantial advancement in how projects are planned, managed, and executed. It is necessary to explore not only the definition of VDC but also its relationship with BIM to understand how they changevarious construction industry processes.Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is a vast and complex approach to project delivery that uses automation, model-based design tools, and human-computer interactions to support and improve project objectives. Contrary to traditional construction methods, VDC allows for the creation of detailed virtual models at the earliest construction phaseslong before any on-site work is initiated.One such model can then act as a central information hub to store and share any relevant project data, supporting collaboration and informed decision-making at any subsequent project realization phase.Building Information Modeling, on the other hand, is what makes VDC work. The foundation makes most of VDCs advantages possible a complex process that allows multiple stakeholders and teams to collaborate within the borders of the same 3D model. Even though BIM and VDC are often used interchangeably, they are not the same since BIM is the combination of tools and processes that makes everything work, while VDC is the overarching ecosystem that not only includes tools (such as BIM) but also processes and people operating as one to boost the results of project delivery.Key Benefits of Virtual Design and ConstructionAt its core, VDC is comprised of several essential elements.Process modeling is responsible for mapping construction workflows and other sequences.Organizational modeling defines the roles and responsibilities of users and their communication channels.Product modeling is about creating detailed 3D models representing each projects goals.Performance metrics exist to track objectives using a variety of measurable parameters.The adoption of VDC can provide many advantages to construction businesses and stakeholders. The total number of advantages is so large that they can be segregated into groups for easier reading.Business Performance Improvements include identifying potential issues early on with the help of virtual walkthroughs and simulations, the accuracy of quantity takeoffs that improve resource allocation, and cost optimization. Comprehensive issue and conflict detection frameworks also make reducing rework possible.Streamlining Workflows: A BIM model can serve as the single source of truth for all stakeholders while enabling the automation capabilities for routine tasks. Additionally, BIM reduces time spent searching for or verifying project information.Improvements in Safety Management: VDC helps create high-detail safety visualization models that can also improve risk communication. Safety communication is generallyimproved across the board for construction teams that have adopted the VDC principles.Scheduling Optimization Advantages: Linking scheduling-related information with a 3D BIM model helps detect potential sequencing errors and other timing conflicts before they occur. BIM can also help visualize construction processes as they expand over time, which can be used in a myriad of different ways.Future of BIM and VDC in ConstructionAugmented Reality Uses | Yanick via UnsplashBIM implementation tends to vary across the construction industry, with many BIM levels representing a certain degree of collaboration and technology adoption. At this point, most users are aware of the first four BIM levels:Level 0 no collaboration, 2D CAD.Level 1 2D CAD for documentation, 3D CAD for conceptualization.Level 2 3D CAD usage with common file formats.Level 3 A single shared model that everyone works with.Level 3 is the standard form of BIM that all businesses should strive for by default. Many government-level frameworks and regulations mandate BIM usage in construction projects worldwide, facilitating faster adoption.However, the versatility of BIM does not stop here, since a lot of other information can be connected with a BIM model. That way we get:4D BIM the time dimension with project scheduling.5D BIM the cost dimension6D BIM the lifecycle dimension7D BIM the facility management dimension8D BIM the health and safety dimensionSuccessful implementation of VDC concepts often relies on dedicated software tools that operate together in a cohesive framework. Comprehensive BIM solutions are often used here for model management, construction collaboration, modeling, issue tracking, and many other purposes.As the industry continues to evolve further under the influence of VDC and BIM, many emerging trends are worth noting already, including 3D printing applications in construction, robotics, automation, AR/VR, real-time information access, the usage of AI for data analysis, and more. Some of these technologies have already been implemented in certain solutions, while others have only been discussed and tested in specific scenarios.Nevertheless, it is fair to say that both VDC and BIM represent a lot more than just technological advancements they are the reason for a fundamental shift in how most construction projects are planned and conducted nowadays. The integration of specialized solutions with collaborative workflows and information-rich models helps construction projects become more optimized, less prone to issues, and safer for everyone at the same time.Architecture Softwarestechnology by ArchEyes TeamLeave a comment

Its no secret that data centers consume untenable amounts of electricity, often to the detriment of their host areas. Bill Gates and his ilk are now investing in nuclear power as an alternative, a phenomena recently lampooned by Birds Arent Real founder Peter McIndoe and his Enron Egg, the worlds first (fake) at home nuclear reactor. Oklo is a California start-up at the forefront of emergent nuclear technology. The company has since gotten the green light from the U.S. Department of Energy to build its first small modular reactor (SMR) in Idaho, designed by Gensler. Oklos investors include Hydrazine Capital, founded by Sam Altman.The modular buildings can be deployed in a variety of environments. (Courtesy Gensler)Oklos Aurora Powerhouse will be sited at Idaho National Laboratory, but the modular building is designed to fit in a plethora of environments. It can generate enough power for about 15,000 homes, all with zero emissions, Gensler said. Each SMR has a 40-year estimated lifespan, and can run without refueling for up to ten years. Gensler opted for an A-frame structure for its functional and aesthetic benefits. The expansive floor-to-ceiling height allows for tall equipment, and its form makes it able to support an interior crane.Moreover, the look and feel is meant to help residents feel comfortable living near nuclear power plants, which have gotten bad reps since the 1980s. (Think: Chernobyl.)The A-frame structure allows for tall equipment. (Courtesy Gensler)SMRs are smaller, more versatile, and decentralized versions of traditional nuclear reactors. (Courtesy Gensler)In short, SMRs are smaller, more versatile, and decentralized versions of traditional nuclear reactors, like the Three Mile Island Plant in Pennsylvania, which had its own meltdown in 1979. They can generate low-carbon electricity without the same challenges often associated with large nuclear plants. SMRs can produce about one-third the capacity of traditional reactors, or 300 megawatts of electricity per day. Theyre also modular, which allows for them to be assembled in factories and transported on site, cutting construction time and costs.Oklo could soon provide energy for data centers in a range of locations. (Courtesy Gensler)The U.S. Department of Energy is increasingly interested in SMRs. Oklo is already accelerating its power availability efforts for data centers to offset their impacts on the existing energy grid.Gensler sees real potential for SMRs to make immediate impact in places like northern Virginia that have clusters of data centers.Oklos Aurora Powerhouse is expected to be deployed by 2027.