The Magic of Pencil and Paper

Yes, technology does move at the speed of light.  In the design business specifically, it is so sophisticated that we can create an interior model and create a virtual walkthrough of the entire space, even before construction begins.  And our renderings have become so photo real, people think they’re actually…real.

But when we’re beginning the process of taking a raw space and transforming it into an entirely new experience (whether hotel, restaurant, retail or workplace), there’s nothing like old school pencil and paper.

Many of our Shea-ites, led by David Shea’s teaching, have the unique ability to walk into a space and immediately envision how it should lay out to get maximum impact.  And many pull out a notepad or sketchbook and start sketching it out.  For so many projects, that initial sketch is revisited toward the end and it’s always amazing how close we end up getting.  Sketching is such a great way to engage your instincts and hone your observations, and we love the artform it becomes. 

The love of sketching comes directly from David, Owner and Founder.  He’s spent many years traveling the world and sketching things he sees, from the smallest unique details of a window or a doorway to the most iconic examples of architecture and design. 

His collection of sketches inspired us to start sharing them 20 years ago in our custom holiday cards, always done the old school way: printed, hand-signed and mailed.  His continued sketching from his travels allows us to continue this beloved tradition.

Happy Holidays and happy sketching.