#truexcullins

As summer is quickly fleeting I wanted to showcase 2 recent shoots I was fortunate enough to be a part of. A commercial office building renovation by TruexCullins in the heart of Burlington, and a home in the hills of Shelburne, Vermont built by Sweeney Design Build.  

On the top of the historic Howard Opera House in Burlington, VT, Strategic Risk Solutions recently called on TruexCullins to renovate their workspace with a spacious lobby, graphic wall, focus rooms and a redesigned open office layout. Maintaining the historic integrity of the building was paramount in the design, and deciding to leave unobstructed views of the arched windows facing the Church Street Marketplace throughout the space reveals the building's historic character. 

In the hills of Shelburne, Vermont sits a white modern farmhouse built by Sweeney Design Build. The attention to detail and how natural light fills the space is evident upon entering the front door. Large windows surrounding the back of the house flood the kitchen, dining and living rooms with light while the wood floors provide warmth to the space. Clean lines, attention to detail and little bits of Vermont sprinkled about make this home unique and a pleasure to spend the day photographing.

I recently had the opportunity to photograph the Ice Shanty project on display at the Shelburne Museum. Having already photographed the ice shanties in the day time, the goal this time was to capture the essence of the TruexCullins shanty as it would look during dusk in its natural habitat.

Since Mother Nature has been all but cooperative this winter, the ice shanties were forced to remain on the grassy lawn at the Shelburne Museum. Luckily, I had photographed the frozen lake earlier in the winter, and simply needed to do some creative photoshopping to be able to illustrate how the shanty would appear during a dusk ice fishing session out on the lake. 

With assistance from Josh Chafe of TruexCullins, one of the four designers of the structure, we were able to capture some great images. Seeing the shanty lit up during the evening was even more impressive than during the day. The warm glow being emitted from the ice shanty, keeping its would-be inhabitants warm, while the calm, cold light disappeared from the horizon of the Champlain Valley left you with a feeling of serenity. 

Even though we have a month til graduation, the class of 2011 had a wonderful time celebrating early with Champlain College''s Board of Trustees. At first...well to be honest, I kind of didn't want to go. Mainly because I had a class at the time of the event...and second...I'm not a big fan of super big events. Well...after being coaxed into it because of reasons like, "We would appreciate it if last year's SGA was there" and finally, "Tommy, I shouldn't tell you this because it was supposed to be a surprise, but you will be receiving an award at the event."

Well...I don't know what it is about me, but I'm also not a big fan of getting awards. They are great, in a way, of exemplifying one's characteristics in a modest fashion. But for me...I don't know. It's kind of like winning an Emmy or something, you know? Maybe not...but...I mean I'm not a big fan of everyone's attention on me. I get kind of self conscious. And I'm not exactly sure what to do, other than receive the award. I was told that after I received the award, I could leave...but...well that didn't happen.

Actually I really wanted to meet one of the board of trustees: Mr. Tom Cullins, co-founder of the Architecture and Interior Design Firm TruexCullins in Burlington, Vermont. Over the past summer, I interned there as a marketing trainee which was quite exciting. I received an autographed booklet of TruexCullins from him. My assigned seat was moved to his table. He actually asked me which award I would receive and I hadn't a clue. The SGA one probably...but the other...I don't know.

The first few people to receive awards were the SGA Directors of last year. So I received my award, a certificate, and decided to watch the other students receive their awards.

Megan Crilly, Director of Program Coordination, stood at the podium and announced the winner of the H. Dean Pearl Memorial Award with these words (paraphrased from what I remember...)

The recipient of this award has been involved with the following activities. A member of the International Development Club, the Cultural Community Alliance, the improv troupe Los Dormant Volcanos. On sunny days, you can see him long-boarding and he will play a game of pool with you in the Fireside Lounge...

The H. Dean Pearl Memorial Award goes to:

Given by the members of the Student Government Association to the person who has demonstrated the most support for student activities.

I have the worst poker face. In embarrassing moments. I am not that bad of a Texas Hold'em player. But every word she said, I felt myself get nervous. I turned away from Meg, and EVERYONE looked at me. Not just at my table. EVERYONE whom I didn't know (aside from a few peers) looked at me. From table A and B to table Z. I bet the words "long-boarding" and "play pool" grabbed everyone's attention. Not many Asian/Chinese people long-board around campus and occasionally play pool...

Just now I saw the picture of me receiving the award. I really hope people think my face is red because I'm embarrassed...or nervous...and nothing else.