The Earthly Miracle of Wood

On this Earth Day, we at TerraMai are reminded that wood lies at the heart of the human experience. From the very origins of our species (whether we came down from the tree tops or took the Adam, Eve & Tree route) to the boundless wood objects, artifacts, structures and materials that adorn our lives, … Read more

Speed

Speed kills. In the construction industry, it kills anyone who lacks it. In an ever changing world, where multi-tasking and constant deadlines are the reality, it is our job to make sure we are never the bottleneck. Reclaimed and sustainably sourced wood is what we do. Our mission is to travel around the country and … Read more

Ipe is Dead

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! “Ipe is Dead”. Now that’s a sensational headline…If only it were true. An ipe purchase contributes to deforestation, and the likelihood of illegal logging and forged documents is high. It’s a risky purchase. Especially if you need FSC certification, you’ll find those documents are hard to come by. Ipe … Read more

Earth Day

Earth Day is upon us, and it is time once again to give our support and attention to environmental protection. With that said, TerraMai will be launching a new sustainable product line of tropical hardwoods that could one day lead to the end of rainforest destruction. Stay tuned! For me, Earth Day is a not … Read more

How to Choose Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Reclaimed wood flooring is a unique, organic, and natural design element. Choose wisely and wood floors are a highly sustainable and durable flooring option even in high traffic commercial settings. Asking and answering key questions at the beginning of your project will ensure your floor not only looks great at installation but in the months … Read more

Modern Library Design: Eco-Friendly, Multi-Purpose Spaces

Designing Modern Libraries for the Digital Age Library design is evolving immensely with the addition of the Internet and digital media. Throughout, most of their history, libraries were quiet, austere places filled with books. No longer confined to hushed sanctuaries for book lovers, modern libraries have transformed into vibrant and bustling centers of activity and community. … Read more

Is Tech-Centric Design a Worthy Pursuit?

Technology advancements have changed the way we live and function and this tech-centric shift is reflected in both good and some not so good ways in the built environment. The widespread integration of technology into building design and the advent of “smart” design can add  convenience and efficiency. While the added technology has benefits, it … Read more

Second Chances for Wood & People

Initial experiences and first chances set the stage, often in ways we can’t conceptualize, for what will become second or third chances in our lives. Within a first chance are the components that lead to that second chance. Rarely does a second chance come about by sheer will. There is usually a helping hand in … Read more

The History (and Future) of Office Design

Change is a vital part of architecture and design. As occupant needs change and morph, designers constantly reevaluate and redesign the built environment to meet those needs. This is especially evident in the workplace. Over the years, the workplace has undergone a dramatic transformation from a windowless room of cubicles to bright, inviting spaces that … Read more

Here’s Why Flexible Architecture is Taking Over the A&D World

The mindful intention spurring the sharing economy is also evident in the world of design and architecture. It’s not prudent or smart to have spaces that aren’t capable of doing double or triple time. Creating multi-functional spaces introduces both challenges and exciting new approaches to the built environment. Crowdfunding. Ridesharing. And, now Flexible Architecture. Hyper … Read more