In a recent project, the design and fabrication team at DD&F faced the challenge of designing a unique retail display unit for Cutters Gloves that could be easily broken down and assembled in stores. In addition, the final display unit had to be able to be shipped easily and cost effectively.  With these parameters in mind, Detail Design and Fabrication went to work to create and fabricate a custom display.

First, the design was created. Having designed another retail display for their clients, the designers utilized their previous experience to re-envision the branding elements and aesthetic qualities of the display. After the design was complete, the team worked on picking the materials which would make the units easy to assemble, cost effective to produce and ship, and still maintain the vision of the original design.  Aluminum was chosen for the metal elements of the display and 3M vinyl with a protective laminate on Cintra was used for the graphic. Finally, self-tapper style fasteners and wing nuts were utilized so that the display could be easily assembled.  The DD&F team wanted to make sure the end product could be reproduced for the mass market, reassembled by stores, and still maintain quality of design and brand.

The resulting display met all of these client needs and demonstrates Detail Design and Fabrication’s commitment to creating award-winning design. No project is beyond reach. Thinking outside the box to design and fabricate their client’s unique projects is DD&F’s passion, and they love the challenge that each new client brings to them. Below is a video showing the process from design to fabrication, where you can see how DD&F created this awesome retail display unit.

The De Tomaso Pantera (Push Button) is a unique classic car. Manufactured in Italy, Ford imported the cars for the American market for a limited time; from 1971 until 1974. The De Tomaso Pantera in DD&F’s shop is a rare find because of its push button feature- only 220 were produced. This Pantera was built in April of 1971 and is the 372nd one built. The first 285 Panteras were only sold in Europe with the first US car being # 1286. The chassis number sequence began with # 1001, and it appears that our car Model #1373 was at the very end of the “push button” door cars production run.

When asked about the car, Bruce remembers seeing his first Pantera as a kid, and was amazed at its sleek styling and loud engine. To him the Pantera is special because of its Italian design and Ford power as well as its low production. As far as driving goes, the car is fast and easy to work on. Shad believes they were way ahead of their time. One of his fondest memories of his car so far is driving it through Oak Creek Canyon, between Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizona.

Baby Stella liked the Pantera too.

The car itself was in fairly good condition when purchased, but just like any other innovator, Bruce envisions adding unique customizations to make this Pantera truly one of a kind. As an ongoing effort, small steps have been made to take this classic car back to its original glory and beyond using all new technology. Within the last six months, the Pantera has been getting some major work done in anticipation of the 31st annual Pantera Owners of America’s (POCA) Fun Rally in Phoenix coming up at the end of April. DD&F’s team along with efforts from CTD Fabrication, Stewart Fabrication, Kolibar Kustoms, and a few others are taking this car to the next level. Check back soon to see some of the exclusive photos from the work being done in the shop, the finished photos, and learn about what makes this Pantera purr!

Please take a moment to check out  Saving Mark’s Café  makeover video below.

Mark’s Cafe from Jonathan | Bright Bokeh on Vimeo.

For more information regarding Mark’s Café or Detail Design and Fabrication’s part in the project view the links below. Mark’s Café is located on the corner of Rural and Guadalupe at 6340 S. Rural Road, Suite 120 Tempe, Arizona. For information on Mark’s Café, please visit www.markscafeaz.com or you can call 480-839-6455.

Links to news coverage on Mark’s Café:
6/9/2011 – Arizona Republic – http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2011/06/09/20110609tempe-culinary-solutions-cafe-tempe-gets-makeover-new-name-marks-cafe.html?source=nletter-news

5/25/2011 – ABC 15 – http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_southeast_valley/tempe/tempe-restaurant-saved-by-community

5/17/2011 – East Valley Tribune – http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/the_valley/ahwatukee/article_e51153d0-a09a-500f-9ae9-36a824c378f5.html

5/17/2011 – Ahwatukee Foothills News – http://www.ahwatukee.com/news/article_5b76a9d8-8012-11e0-83ec-001cc4c002e0.html

5/16/2011 – Mouth X Southwest – http://mouthbysouthwest.com/2011/05/16/customers-help-turn-culinary-solutions-cafe-into-marks-cafe/

5/13/2011 – Arizona Republic – http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/dining/articles/2011/05/13/20110513culinary-solutions-cafe-tempe-changes-name-marks-cafe.html

5/10/2011 – Phoenix New Times – http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2011/05/struggling_tempe_cafe_gets_sav.php#more

5/9/2011 – Fox 10 – http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/business/hurting-cafe-in-tempe-gets-free-renovation-5-9-2011

6/29/2011 – DD&F Blog http://www.ddandfblog.com/designs/savingmarkscafe/

The project began with brainstorming sessions with our client and designers to review their current packaging and decide what elements needed to be in the final design. Renderings were created of a cash register desk, product display kiosk, and a jumbo product display in the form of larger than life bottles. Once the designs were approved, DD&F began the fabrication process, first with the creation of the molded plastic jumbo product bottles. Each bottle was created to look identical to the product bottles themselves, complete with printed labels. In addition to the bottles, DD&F fabricated a cash register desk and a product display kiosk that incorporated car-themed graphics and the Barrett Jackson logo. Walls for the booth were also constructed and showcased the product with text and images. A variety of materials were used to build the booth and bright colors inspired by the product packaging were applied to the make the booth stand-out. The booth made its debut in June at Barrett Jackson’s Orange County Auto Auction, travelled to the fall auction in Las Vegas, and finally made its debut in Phoenix in January during Barrett Jackson’s annual auto auction with a few new design additions including a truss and new Barrett Jackson signage. The video posted below takes you through the process of creating this larger than life booth.

DD&F Brings Barrett Jackson to Life

Creating these types of spaces comes from DD&F’s out of the box thinking. Our approach enables us to provide clients with unique concepts to engage with a target audience and create memorable experiences around a brand, service, or product. Serving the specialty needs of architects, developers, retailers, innovative companies, and corporations–we work with anyone looking to create a truly custom environment. DD&F can value engineer designs to fit your budget for now or in the future, and we can work collaboratively with any in-house design team to create a one of a kind environment. Let DD&F take your space from ordinary to extraordinary.

Detail Design and Fabrication (DD&F) has been busy designing and fabricating exhibit and trade show booths all summer. The favorite one so far among the designers was the booth created for Barrett Jackson, the Scottsdale-based collector car auction company, for their new line of signature car care products. For this project the design team decided to go big, creating a booth that displayed the new product line in a fun and exciting way.

The project began with brainstorming sessions with our client and designers to review their current packaging and decide what elements needed to be in the final design. Renderings were created of a cash register desk, product display kiosk, and a jumbo product display in the form of larger than life bottles. Once the designs were approved, DD&F began the fabrication process, first with the creation of the molded plastic jumbo product bottles. Each bottle was created to look identical to the product bottles themselves, complete with printed labels. In addition to the bottles, DD&F fabricated a cash register desk and a product display kiosk that incorporated car-themed graphics and the Barrett Jackson logo. Walls for the booth were also constructed and showcased the product with text and images. A variety of materials were used to build the booth and bright colors inspired by the product packaging were applied to the make the booth stand-out. The booth made its debut on in June at Barrett Jackson’s Orange County Auto Auction, and it will also be traveling to Las Vegas this fall for the next auto auction.

Among DD&F’s impressive array of work at Chase Field, there is one contribution DD&F has made to the ballpark that is destined to be the most beloved: The Sandlot. DD&F can proudly take credit for working from the conceptual layout, to design and build-out of a dynamic interactive play area for young fans, including Future’s Field. Complete with baseball diamond and windows in its outfield that open and close using computer automation, this miniature version of Chase Field gives aspiring ball players a chance to see what it feels like to hit one out of the park themselves.

DD&F implemented environmental graphics, a distinct entry statement and custom picket fence border, to infuse the area with a sense of continuity and kid-friendly atmosphere. DD&F also created valuable sponsorship opportunities throughout The Sandlot, which features a full playground and toddler play area and is joined by a variety of other kid-friendly attractions such as a stage for D-backs mascot, Baxter the Bobcat. Located on the third level, overlooking left field, The Sandlot was developed for partner St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. Through DD&F efforts, the play area was ready in time for its 2008 unveiling.

This year, DD&F helped update Baxter the Bobcat’s clubhouse by incorporating some new and fun elements into the photo opportunity and stage area. DD&F designed a new facade for the existing stage taking young fans away from the ballpark to Baxter’s porch. Complete with a refrigerator of snacks, a scratching post, and D-Backs branding, young fans can now visit Baxter in an exciting new space. We especially like the white paw prints that cover the roof!

DD&F loves creating interactive children’s environments that take a young fan’s experience from an ordinary trip to the ballpark to a magical and memorable day with their favorite team.

Check out some of the videos of these cool creations in the making. http://www.youtube.com/user/DDandF

DD&F was very happy to meet Mark and Karen Vojtek, owners of Culinary Solutions, back in November. “Once we met them and listened to their story, we could really identify with their struggle. Being a business owner in this down economy, a husband and wife duo trying to run a business and also manage family life at the same time…their story really touched us,” says Sandy Bruce. 

Mark and Karen had been through a rough couple of years with their restaurant through the recession, and had voiced their concerns about moving forward with their business. They were facing serious financial hardship and did not know how long they could maintain their seven year old business. “We did not think twice when we were approached to be part of a renovation to the café to boost morale and keep it alive. We knew right away that our area of expertise could really help make a difference and the Mark’s Cafe project got very exciting in a short amount of time,” said  Bruce.

Before we knew it, there were at least six businesses on board, and board meetings began titling the project “Saving Mark’s Café.” DD&F was on the team, and was responsible for rebranding, designing and fabricating a fabulous new interior, to match the inside of the cafe with the quality and caliber of the food that comes out of Mark’s kitchen.

BEFORE PHOTOS OF CULINARY SOLUTIONS:

Other businesses involved in the “Saving Mark’s Café” project include Farnham Design; a designer in charge of the new logo, menus and rebrand, Bright Bokeh; a team of local videographers,  Chris Loomis Photography; a photographer who was responsible for before/during/after photos, Vanderwall PR, a local PR representative who helped distribute news about the project, Social Media Mad Scientists; a company who helped with our viral videos and facebook page, The Follow Us Agency, the Saving Mark’s Cafe project manager,  Esquared Builders, general contractor responsible for demolition, TR Painting painted the new interior,Dale Cartwright Flooring completed the new floor, and Paul Swek;  a local artist who created the tabletop design overlays.

After many meetings, decisions, and networking, the restaurant demolition began on Monday, May 9^th, with Mother’s Day as their last day operating as Culinary Solutions. The floor installation, and painting followed the same week, and , and on May 16th, DD&F came to the restaurant to install all of the new components, and completely revamp the café.

Here are the original renderings that were presented by DD&F:

 DEMOLITION

DD&F INSTALLATION

Mark’s Café opened the doors for customers for the reveal on May 19th.  AFTER PHOTOS

The café had a “Re-Grand Opening” on May 25^th. Mark’s Café is located on the corner of Rural and Guadalupe at 6340 S. Rural Road, Suite 120 Tempe, Arizona. For information on Mark’s Café, please visit www.markscafeaz.com or you can call 480-839-6455.

Links to news coverage on Mark’s Café:
6/9/2011 – Arizona Republic – http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2011/06/09/20110609tempe-culinary-solutions-cafe-tempe-gets-makeover-new-name-marks-cafe.html?source=nletter-news

5/25/2011 – ABC 15 – http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_southeast_valley/tempe/tempe-restaurant-saved-by-community

5/17/2011 – East Valley Tribune – http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/the_valley/ahwatukee/article_e51153d0-a09a-500f-9ae9-36a824c378f5.html

5/17/2011 – Ahwatukee Foothills News – http://www.ahwatukee.com/news/article_5b76a9d8-8012-11e0-83ec-001cc4c002e0.html

5/16/2011 – Mouth X Southwest – http://mouthbysouthwest.com/2011/05/16/customers-help-turn-culinary-solutions-cafe-into-marks-cafe/

5/13/2011 – Arizona Republic – http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/dining/articles/2011/05/13/20110513culinary-solutions-cafe-tempe-changes-name-marks-cafe.html

5/10/2011 – Phoenix New Times – http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2011/05/struggling_tempe_cafe_gets_sav.php#more

5/9/2011 – Fox 10 – http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/business/hurting-cafe-in-tempe-gets-free-renovation-5-9-2011

Spring Training is always such a fun time here in the Valley! DD&F  has had the opportunity the past couple years to update the branded environment out at the San Francisco Giants Baseball Club in Scottsdale. 

Some of the project specifics include incorporating the San Francisco skyline into the wall of the Sports and Medicine training room and updating the San Francisco Giant gym with other minor league logos. DD&F spruced up the lobby and baseball club entry with frosted window graphics and a vinyl “Champions” logo on entry glass. Various logos, signage and quotes were also placed throughout the weight room, pool room and meeting rooms. 

DD&F also updated the gate signs, an exterior monument sign and a brushed aluminum sign panel with dimensional elements and updated their current signage to reflect their “world champion” status!

 For more information on the San Francisco Giants visit their main page at http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com or their spring training page at http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium.