 As you are most likely aware, Thrasher Works is hoping to participate in the competition to win one of twelve $250K grants offered by Chase in their Mission Main Street Grant program. Individuals have the opportunity to vote for the small business they would like to see 'make it big'…for their business and their community. We hope you will consider voting for Thrasher Works...we need a few more votes. To sway your vote, here is a bit of background about Thrasher Works: our company, what we stand for & what we hope to accomplish. After graduating from UTA’s architectural program in 1997, Bart started a small business called Office of Urban Renewal with the focus on residential design, renovation and construction. For years, this was a one-man-shop concentrating on residential construction 'done right'. By this, I mean that Bart constructed his projects whether they be bathroom remodels or handyman repairs, with the highest quality. Believe me, this is a man that measures everything by the 1/64th of an inch while I like to simply round up, like the rest of us!  Excitingly, over just this past year, we re-branded the business to help promote our new focus: high-end design in custom furniture, cabinetry, and design. It also morphed into a partnership...no longer a one man shop. Hence the website, the blog, and my various posts that try to explore, or at least recognize the never ending design ideas that pop into my head. Thank you Bart...I'm certain you have already reaped the benefits of quieting the beast.  Due to our collaboration, we are producing our own furniture line and making arrangements to sell our custom pieces in local shops in the Dallas Design District, the Dallas Museum of Art, and directly through our website. We have also continued to focus on building custom cabinetry that is far and above what you would ever hope to buy from your big box retailer. We prefer to review the drawings your architect produces and then work with them hand-in-hand to create the best possible space. 
Now...for the bigger picture. We hope to take our shop one step further by becoming an physical presence in the local artisan scene. After moving to Oak Cliff just under three years ago, we are hoping to establish our roots here: our family and our business. Currently, we rent a shop that is not far from home but far enough to desire closer. Rather than being in an industrial area, we'd like to set up shop in one of two places: Oak Cliff or the Dallas Design District. We've actually identified a place in Oak Cliff situated between the artsy fun vibe of Bishop Arts and the downtown history of Jefferson Boulevard. Our.Dream.Shop. The location would allow us to have the shop + an actual showroom. I can imagine our handcrafted creations displayed within a room which we have curated every finish and refurbishment. It is the ultimate statement in design....well, outside of your own home.  This past year has been so much fun...and something of a relief. No longer is it a one-man-shop. Kevin Chapman, a master metal worker, has joined Bart to not only learn the art of wood working, but to enhance the artistry with which Thrasher Works can execute designs. We are still discovering the ways in which this new media will push our aesthetic. Our new shop will have to have an area dedicated to welding and all those flying sparks...all outside a good distance from all the sawdust! We have a lot of momentum building. From furniture, cabinets, and design build projects, we are doing what we love while delivering an incredible, high quality product we are proud to say is handcrafted in Dallas, Texas. I hope you will get just as excited as we are!
 Since moving into our home almost three years ago, there has been one room which you just have to kind of ignore...to put it politely. Bart had to tear apart the ceiling and walls prior to moving in so the floor above would be properly supported. Since then, it's been in an eternal state of disarray. Not exactly a showcase. So each time Bart starts a cabinet job I look on with excitement and envy. When will we finally be able to create the kitchen I will actually want to cook in? It better happen soon...my son deserves a home cooked meal! In just three years, we've designed six different options for our kitchen. I imagine there will be six more before we finally cut the first piece of wood. Luckily, we know a few things about what you just got to have. Here is a must-have list I've devised so far...illustrated with Bart's latest project. 
The list can go on and on, encompassing lighting, appliances, and flooring. There are so many things I hope to do differently this time. If, in fact, this time ever comes. Until then, I'll continue to work on design number seven. And eight. And nine.  And for you...in the meantime...please go and vote for Thrasher Works in the Mission Main Street Grant contest.
In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing more about Thrasher Works and how we hope to expand and improve our business with just such a grant. Watch for details here and on Facebook. Seriously, you must go vote. For Thrasher Works. Go!  fru·i·tion fro͞oˈiSHən/ noun the point at which a plan or project is realized.
So this is obviously crazy to post...why purposefully jinx yourself? But then you must ask, 'can you jinx an person that isn't superstitious?' I. Think. Not. Thrasher Works has been asked to look further into our Folly designs so it may serve as a multifunctional backyard structure for a local couple here in Dallas. The proposed program is to provide a porch for backyard enjoyment, a shop, and a small garage for lawn equipment and motorcycles. Super exciting, right? Design approach: represent the three program elements by featuring three distinct structures uncoiling. At first, this tried to take on an vertical uncoiling effect which really just threw the whole thing off into a over powering mess. We came to the conclusion that the follies needed to be offset horizontally offering additional inlets for light and circulation. 
Of course, I'm partial and tend to think it's perfect. But even I realize it's all a process...one step at a time, right? This is definitely a project I look forward to working on and getting right.
Next up, Folly-Turned-Weekend Home. Minimal and sleek. I wonder how well Bart can pull off concrete that is as smooth as butter? |
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