FULL CIRCLE - From Idea to Synthesis to Production

We're exploring the idea of starting a new series of posts here at the TRPinc:::Blog:::. From time-to-time, we will all be sharing the things we do away from the office, that feed into our collective thoughts, influences, creativity and desire to "make" things in general. This series would be more about the individuals of TRP rather than TRP as a team. We see it as an opportunity to further share who we are and what we're about as a company.


As architects, the notion that an idea must end with its fabrication is second-nature to us.  Well published and highly acclaimed Swiss architect Peter Zumthor wrote:

"A plan, a project drawn on paper is not architecture but merely a more or less inadequate representation of architecture, comparable to sheet music.  Music needs to be performed.  Architecture needs to be executed.  Then its body can come into being."

Chase Wheeler, one of TRP's job captains, has offered to open this series with one of his recent projects, an entertainment console.

Here's what he has to say:

One of the most rewarding things about working in the architecture field is seeing your design ideas come to life. Though these ideas start and are developed in your hands they are given to someone else to materialize into something real.  I’m sure most creative individuals would agree that with this process half the fun is lost. There is something magical about seeing an idea come full circle in your hands; a sense of accomplishment. As a creative person I find myself filling my free time with projects such as, drawing, painting, sculpting, and building. Though these projects are small they are all perfect examples of an idea materializing under its originator.

I recently bought a house and found many opportunities to create art and furniture. One of the more recent opportunities was my living room entertainment console. After searching around at different furniture stores I was only left disappointed in the bland furniture styles designed for the masses. Unable to find what I was looking for the answer became clear, build it. A few sketches and a reasonably priced trip to the home improvement store later the project was starting to take shape. 

My idea was to make a contemporary style console using raw materials and simple construction.

Using 2x3s held together with wood glue I started forming the butcher block inspired main body.

Alternating the 2x3s would create a finger joint at each corner of the body.

Using only wood glue the corners were clamped and joined together to make the body’s solid form.

Attaching unfinished metal pipe legs and a plywood back panel it was ready for sanding and staining.

After welding in bottom caps for the metal legs and adding some floor saving felt the console was ready for duty.