Author Archives: CreativeAdmin

Our Moments March 13, 2013
Custom Fabrication,

Creative License At Work

Creative License takes pride in both designing and fabricating displays, custom furniture, interior finishes and more for our clients.

Many companies may design and give creative direction, but not many can fabricate, execute and install large displays, custom furnishing and the like for welcome centers, model homes, sales offices and more.

Our team of craftsmen are well-versed in commercial display and commercial interior design fabrication and installation, and take pride in each job and each client’s needs.

Our Tempe, Ariz. facility allows for ample warehouse space to store and stage large display areas, audio/visual equipment and furniture before they are installed for a project.

Creative License in proud to offer custom fabrication and other interior design services. Please call us at 480-777-3687.

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Ideas We Love December 18, 2012
Design Inspiration,

Spring Color Trends 2013: Emerald Green

Pantone has named Emerald green, among others, as one of their Color Trends for 2013. Green, which is our trending favorite for this spring 2013, offers a deep and dramatic flare to any room or space. From home to fashion, take note of Emerald green.

For more on the Pantone colors of 2013, click here. And for some visual inspiration, see some of our favorite images pulled from Pinterest.

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Our Moments December 12, 2012
Company News,

CLi Holiday Chili Party

What a treat today!! Juanita Griffith, Studio Coordinator at CLi, made homemade chili, pumpkin bread, cookies, cupcakes – an awesome spread to say thank you to our vendors and team for support Creative License International.

Happy Holidays to everyone!!

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Our Moments December 5, 2012
Company News,

Custom Fabrication by Creative License

Creative License International is proud to offer custom fabrication services from our Tempe office. Under the direction of Project Manager, Shawn Hemmings, and Senior Craftsman & Installation Specialist, Kurt Grabow, Creative License custom fabricates sales displays, furniture and more, and offers complete installation services.

Each project is a new challenge for the team, interpreting the design and direction from the design team and bringing them to life through woodworking, large scale photography, accessories, furniture and more.

Shawn says, “I take a lot of pride in delivering quality projects on time and within budget for our team and our clients. To hear from the client that we exceeded their expectations means another job well done.”

Both Shawn and Kurt have worked in the project management, fabrication and fulfillment of custom environmental branding projects for nearly two decades each. And both have specialized in Sales Office and Welcome Center installations over the course of their careers, including sales displays, custom furniture, custom signage and more. Additionally, the team is well-versed in fabricating custom furnishings for residential interior spaces as well.

At Creative License office in Tempe, it’s customary to hear the blare of the saw from Kurt’s workshop as he brings to life our clients’ vision. As a full-service interior design firm, Creative License takes pride in its custom shop to fabricate furnishings to a client and project’s specifications.

For more information on custom fabrication services, custom furniture email cgerster@creativelicenseintl.com.

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Ideas We Love November 28, 2012
Commercial Design, Retail,

New Retailers and Retail Design in Phoenix

New retailers have taken to the busy shopping streets of Phoenix and Scottsdale, recently. Two notable projects include the new Restoration Hardware building at the Scottsdale Quarter and UNION at the Biltmore Fashion Park.

Restoration Hardware’s newly opened flagship retail store at the Scottsdale Quarter is a must see for the shopper, the marketer, the merchandiser, the retail store designer and the general interior design lover. The land was previously developed as an upscale grocer. But after the grocer’s departure, Restoration Hardware took the parcel and built their new store, resembling more of a boutique hotel than an retail space. The design, the furnishings and the merchandising of the retail space is really incredible. Whether you are a Restoration Hardware shopper or not, it’s a must-visit for the marketing, retail design and merchandising experience.

Next, relying on the local shopping and “shop local” movement, UNION at Biltmore Fashion Park is a collection of local boutiques and store owners in a unique enclave of the center. Resembling more of a classic market, from their website, UNION: “…will offer shoppers an exciting mix of 18 small, distinctive boutiques ranging in size from 200-500 square feet, as well as the new casual eatery, Trattoria del Piero.”

Joining UNION is Frances, Citrine Natural Beauty Bar, British Bicycle Company, Royal Coffee, Smeeks, and more, plus, the addition of the Trattoria by Queen Creek Olive Mill. For a full list of retailers, click here.

When shopping in Phoenix and Scottsdale, check out both of these new retailers for a very different experience at each.

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Ideas We Love November 21, 2012
Commercial Design, Design Inspiration, Interior Design, New Products,

Design Trend Report: Commercial Construction and Renovation Projects Go Green

Green building: What was once a chic niche market in commercial construction and renovation is now being called by a recent McGraw-Hill Construction Study as, “The largest opportunity areas for green building globally…”

Going green is now the new black, in many cases, in commercial new construction and renovation projects. According to the same study, “Sixty-three percent of firms have green work planned in new commercial projects and 45 percent in new institutional projects by 2015,” reports McGraw-Hill.

From doing the “right thing” to saving money on energy to improving overall health and well-being of the environment and visitors, the study cites many reasons for going green.

Urban Land Institute recently posted a run down of 10 buildings completed in the past 5 years, that “incorporated sustainable elements to an unusual degree.” To see some really amazing buildings from around the world, click here.

All around, new and innovative products are being introduced to the market with a green-approach in its design and functionality. Recently, BuilderOnline.com revealed their “10 Hot Product Finds” the annual Greenbuild International Conference and Expo for 2012. See the slideshow of products by clicking here.

With this, here are a few of our favorite green finds for commercial interior design or residential interior design:

Icestone: The company calls itself “the world’s most safest and sustainable recycled glass and cement countertops.” Really cool concrete with recycled glass pieces.

Oceanside Glasstile: Cool tile made from recycled glass and LEED certification compliant.

InterFace Carpet: Oil-free carpet manufacturer. “By using less energy and material, making products that last and recycling old carpet into new, we already have the most off oil carpet.”

Capricork: Rubber cork and recycled rubber floors.

Designtex: Recycled wallcovering in “Ondina”

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Our Moments November 14, 2012
Client News, Commercial Design, Home builders,

Commercial Interior Design Update: Rancho Mission Viejo Design Frame Walk

The Creative License team took a fieldtrip this past week to visit the Ranch Mission Viejo Welcome Center in Orange County, California. Contracted for the interior design of the project, the team was excited to see the center come to fruition and we can’t wait to share more with you as the project continues.

Creative License Interior Designer, Natalie Schuetz, has helped our client from the ground up with construction administration, interior design, CAD drawings, and design management.

Her responsibilities during the construction phase include:

  • A review of site with the architect, project manager and superintendent
  • Confirmation of electrical and lighting placement per our construction documents
  • Consultant coordination/construction management
  • Development of CAD drawings including AV requirements

Natalie Schuetz in an Interior Designer with experience in commercial, hospitality, multi-family and high-end residential projects.
Contact Natalie at 480-777-3687.

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Our Moments November 13, 2012
Design Inspiration, Interior Design,

New Looks from Kettal Outdoor Patio Furnishings

We are so happy to have had Kettal stop in for a recent visit to lend a peek inside their newly redesigned catalog full of beautiful products and new fabrics for outdoor furniture. We’ll be looking forward to seeing the chaise chairs and more in Scottsdale soon. Here’s some of the samples that we really loved from the visit.

To inquire about Kettal or other outdoor furniture, please call us at 480-777-3687.

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Our Moments November 7, 2012
Design Inspiration, Interior Design,

Interior Design Trend Report: Add Drama to Your Space

A recent residential interior design project by Senior Interior Designer, Marylee Hoffman – IIDA, adds a dramatic and contemporary feel to the redesigned space. This particular homeowner is upgrading finishes in their kitchen, bath, fireplace and flooring as shown in the photos, to transition out of their previously 80s Contemporary-inspired themed home to a more modern, up-to-date interior look and feel. This home, was a complete renovation, leaving the walls and one bathtub in tact!! The remainder of the home was redesigned with custom finishes, including a custom built-in master bedroom furniture suite.

As a home design trend in general, Creative License is both noticing the trend and designing with more dramatic, rich and modern finishes and colors in recent months. Depending on the client’s inherent style and preferred lifestyle aesthetic, black Silestone kitchen countertop with grey Silestone kitchen island, cherry wood cabinetry and sleek, polished limestone flooring set the stage for an design-centric living experience for any homeowner. And check out the detail on the fireplace! The custom designed fireplace surround is dimensional, using stained wood and stainless steel, with accent lighting embedded in the face of the fireplace.

For more information about Marylee or Creative License can inspire your life and style for your home, office or commercial interior space, please contact us at 480-777-3687.

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Ideas We Love November 1, 2012
Design Inspiration, Home builders, New Products, Real Estate,

Homebuilder Update from Urban Land Institute’s Fall Conference 2012

Creative License Internationals’ Principal, Claudia Gerster, just returned from the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Fall Conference in Denver, bringing new ideas and information on the future of homes, homebuilding, interior design, home design and more. From the conference, Claudia was excited about two main topics currently trending: Multigenerational living in current real estate trends and edible landscaping as a current home design trend and landscaping design trends.

First, multi-generational housing is on the rise, creating living spaces for families with both adult children, grandchildren and/or aging parents living under one roof. BuilderOnline.com recently reported the findings of a PulteGroup Home Survey that found “…multigenerational households could double in the foreseeable future, creating a need for homes with more space.” Whether for cultural reasons or because the economy is still struggling to find its footing, more and more families are collecting as a multi-generational unit in one living space. In turn, national and local homebuilders are offering affordable and functional home solutions to accommodate this family living style.

From the conference, specifically, Maracay Homes and Lennar Homes are homebuilders said to be leading the way in multigenerational housing product offering. From a recent blog by Maracay Homes, the homebuilder describe how they are addressing the multigenerational housing niche in their Arizona division as, “To address the need for multigenerational homes, Maracay has developed a series of attached and detached generation suites to serve the modern family’s lifestyle in our newest communities, Savannah and Montelena.” To see the full Maracay Homes blog post, click here.

Second, edible landscaping options are taking root in landscape design and outdoor living space design. Homebuilders in certain climates and areas are now offering garden design and installation as an optional backyard amenity. With the popularity of “eat local”, eat organic, farmer’s markets and the services that deliver vegetables to your door, a backyard garden is new and trending option for homeowners.

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Our Moments October 24, 2012
Company News,

Creative License International Announces Our St. Mary’s Food Bank Drive!

Collecting Food for Families; Donors Win Gift Certificates

Tempe, Ariz. (Oct. 16, 2012) – Creative License International, an international Commercial Interior Design Firm, launches its first annual can food drive for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, on November 1, 2012.

The food drive initiated by the Tempe-based interior design firm will run from November 1st, 2012 through December 15, 2012 during regular office business hours Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Non- perishable food items including canned food, tuna, beans, canned fruit and canned vegetables as well as cash donations will be accepted at the office location, located at: 5025 S. Ash Avenue, Tempe, Ariz. 85282.

Each donor giving more than five canned food items will be entered into a weekly drawing for a gift certificate to a local hangout.

Weekly drawings will offer one certificate to one donor each Friday during the food drive campaign. Winner will be announced on the company’s Facebook page and contacted directly.

This holiday season, St. Mary’s has reported a critical demand for food, after peanut-butter recalls forced the food bank to discard unused peanut-butter and Congress’ postponement of the Farm Bill, food bank storage has been cited as 25-30% below necessity, though demand from families remains substantial.

“We hope to have a great response from our vendors and the local community, so together, we can help those in need this holiday season,” said Claudia Gerster, Principal of Creative License.

For questions about donations or about the food drive, please call Juanita Griffith, Studio Coordinator of Creative License International at 480-777-3687.

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Our Moments October 22, 2012
Client News, Real Estate,

Client Update: Vistancia Welcome Center Installation Complete

This past weekend, the CLi Team installed the sales center displays, graphics and furniture for the newly redesigned Welcome Center at the popular West Valley real estate development, Vistancia. We hope you visit the center personally to see and learn about Vistancia.

Here are some of the looks from . Kudos to Kurt and the millwork team for the beautiful displays and custom furnishings:

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