ChaOs Hyperbole (hye-PER-buh-lee)

I'm making a commitment to update this blog regularly from this point forward. Much of it initially may be about the journey of starting my design firm. Heading out on my own has been sitting in the back of my mind for many years, this economy has provided the impetus. I'm excited and somewhat nervous but I think those are feelings all new business owners experience. You know you can do it, your gut is telling you it's time, it's getting the paying clients that seem to be the hardest part!

For those who don't know, I'll be focusing on set design for the theater, exhibit design, interior design, and furniture design. Once I get my license (the goal is within the next 12 months), I'll venture out in to the world of architecture. Until the point where I can actually call myself and Architect, I must stay with projects under 5,000 square feet.

I'm leaning towards the artistic realm for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, my mind works that way. I'm a concept designer, which means that I don't design just because something "looks good," my designs are based on a unique concept developed from the desires of the client and the context of the project. Decisions are made on how they reinforce that concept. It makes the design process smoother, cleaner and faster. Secondly it's because of the inspiration of the incredible artists I've had the opportunity to meet over the years and the belief in their craft. So many have the same attitude I have - nothing is impossible, you need only figure out how to do it. You ply your craft because you believe in the value it can bring to others who experience it.

Which brings me to the name of my design firm. Why ChaOs Hyperbole? Doesn't that seem like it might scare people off? Make them think the process or the product is going to be chaotic? What I'm actually saying with the name of the firm and trying to reinforce via the logo (an early version of it sits here with the post) is that life is chaotic, the built environment is chaotic, but it's a controlled chaos which should be embraced. The hyperbole is also a reinforcement that "chaos" is often an exaggeration, which is a fun play on the theme as a whole.

So I hope to keep you informed on this journey of starting a design firm and perhaps we can grow our aesthetics and experiences together.

If you'd like to stay posted please subscribe or follow me on Twitter @CarolineOLeary where I'll let you know when I update the blog.

Ciao