Watkins Design Works

10/02/2026

I finally updated the website with my most recent projects (though I still have a couple more to add), and wanted to share one more. This is a national training facility for Hope Gas in Clarksburg, WV. They are very brand-forward, evident in furniture and finishes. The cool blues and greens are paired with warm woods for balance. The facility includes office areas and lab spaces, and the flooring choices reflect all the different functions. Thanks to WYK Associates, Inc. Architecture + Planning, Workscape, Interface, Corbett Inc., KI Furniture, Arc-Com Fabrics, Mayer Fabrics, Designtex, MillerKnoll

09/30/2026

I’m happy to share a small renovation and artwork project for the elevator lobbies at 414 Summers Street! The building was looking a little dated (“before” photos at the end), so we created a more dynamic first floor, and more sophisticated 2nd and 3rd floors. The highlight was working with Tom Dean, Jesse Thornton, David Johnston, and Art Emporium on the large format photography and framing. Thank you Real Estate Resources for the opportunity!

09/27/2026

Nice to revisit this project, and it still looks as good as it did on opening day. We designed the feature wall, finishes, ceilings, lighting, and furniture. Learn more at the link in the comments.

09/23/2026

I’m excited to attend Greenbuild Expo next month! I’m triple-booked for Wednesday sessions, so maybe you can help me decide which one to attend:
1. Why your buildings will soon be part of the grid
2. Why not here? Natural ventilation’s hidden potential in cities
3. From vacancy to vitality: adaptive reuse for housing and decarbonization

09/17/2026

I’ve only been to the Kennedy Center once, and that was back in 2013 to see a cool exhibit called Nordic Cool. 😎 These photos are from the web, but the last one is mine…a clever postcard from the gift shop. 🛋️

09/14/2026

09/07/2026

“As one digs deeper into the national character of the Americans, one sees that they have sought the value of everything in this world only in the answer to this single question: how much money will it bring in?” Alexis de Tocqueville

08/31/2026

I just finished my 6th and final 4-hour Revit class that was geared specifically to interior designers. Big thank you to MicroCAD for creating this. Interior designers need to use the software much differently than architects do, so the standard class isn’t very helpful. I totally recommend it, and Sandra is a fantastic instructor. (Oh, and I built this customizable bookcase from scratch today!)

08/15/2026

I finally put a bunch of thoughts down in one place. https://substack.com//note/p-211315271?r=3qy7m&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web

06/29/2026

I’m happy to share our most recent project for the : Coopers Rock State Forest! We designed light fixtures, selected artwork and window shades, and as usual, had a great partnership with . All the wood furniture is with Appalachian hardwoods. is another WV small business who helped procure the NC-made sofa and lounge chair from . Floor and table lamps were made by Renaissance Lighting in Roanoke, VA. Thanks also to , .fabrics, , and Almost Heaven Interiors!