Jamie Chioco! You may already be familiar with the work of Jamie Chioco and his firm, Chioco Design. After all, he's responsbible for such Austin design hotspots as Betty Sport:
By George in Soco:
By George on Lamar:
Royal Blue Grocery in the 2nd Street District:
I asked Jamie some questions recently about his design background and who and what influences him and he answered back! I really enjoyed reading about this influential Austin designer, and I know you will too:
1) Where did you go to design school/get your design career start?
I went to the University of Oklahoma School of Architecture. I consider my start to be the summer after I graduated. My parents asked me to design a backyard structure that would provide shade and protection from the Oklahoma sun and wind. I decided on a small wooden structure that was influenced by Asian teahouses. It was my first built design and they get a lot of use out of it to this day.
2) With so many designers choosing Dallas or Houston to live and work, why did you choose Austin to start a design business?
I've been in Austin for twelve years and started out on my own just three years ago. It's hard to pick up and move when you've already established many ties to the design community plus Austin is finally gaining more credibility with regards to design and architecture. Dallas and Houston have a great reputation but I enjoy the quality of life here.
3) What would you say is the hardest/easiest thing about being a designer here in Austin?
The hardest thing is that Austin has so many designers and architects...throw a rock and you'll hit one. That just means you have to make sure every project is successful and stands out as quality design in order to get more work and increase your client base.
4) What's some of your favorite design/architecture in Austin? Which designer's work do you really admire?
One of my favorite buildings in Austin is at 12th and Guadalupe, the Texas State Teachers Association building. It's often overlooked but has nice stone and steel details and a great overall composition. I share office space with Michael Hsu (Michael Hsu Design Office) and Kasey McCarty (Kasey McCarty Interior Design). I would say that I admire their work because I see the process they go through for each project. Being somewhat familiar with their projects from start to finish helps me understand what I do and at times influence my decisions.
5) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Alternatively, where do you see the Austin design community in 5 years?
Hopefully my firm will have grown a bit and I will have continued to produce good, honest work. As for the design community, I see it growing and developing as the city develops. The level of sophistication will undoubtedly increase with more exposure to great work. We were almost there with Herzog and deMeuron's original design for the Blanton Museum and with Gluckman's design for the Austin Museum of Art. Keep your fingers crossed for LTL Architects design for the Arthouse Museum on Congress Ave.
6) What are some of the more specific to Austin design problems/mistakes that you see homeowners/commercial clients struggling with?
I think residential and commercial clients struggle with choosing a good general contractor. I always try to advise them that the cheapest proposal is usually not the best way to go. More often than not, it's more expensive and takes longer...they aren't taking into account quality, experience, and schedule. Ultimately, if this piece of the puzzle doesn't fit the design will not be successful.
7) What are your favorite/memorable projects that you've completed in your career and why?
A memorable project is the recent opening of Galaxy Cafe at the Triangle development because I worked very closely with client and contractor to accomplish what I consider to be a complete design thought. It's mainly an interiors finish-out but I was able to create a space that works well for the owners and patrons. It was an experiment with a limited and interesting palette of materials and some custom designed lighting elements.
Learn more about Jamie and his firm at his website!
-adrienne
3 comments:
it's refreshing to hear from a designer that is both talented and down to earth...only in austin!
I totally agree! If you met him I don't think you would realize he was a really successful designer until he started talking. And when he does start talking, his knowledge will blow you away!
Jamie Chioco is one of the best designers in central Texas. He is really talented and understands detailing and the importance of craftsmanship. I have taken a hard look at several of his completed interiors projects and found them to hold up well under close inspection. There is a certain heft and thoroughness to his design that gives it gravitas without being heavy handed or being flashy.
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