An Urban Transformation

This year’s HGTV Urban Oasis 2018 is a Dutch Colonial house nestled in the vibrant community of Oakley, Ohio. The home is walking distance to shops, restaurants and parks and just a short drive from Cincinnati’s downtown nightlife and attractions. Local firm, Platte Architecture + Design, was selected to lead the architectural design for the project. The project all began with a cryptic phone call from a realtor who was looking for a team to renovate a dilapidated property. Platte was invited to tour the property. When asked what he thought could be done with the property, Kurt Platte remembers saying that the sky is the limit. Platte signed a contract before it was divulged that the client was HGTV. A few weeks later, Platte was sitting in his downtown Cincinnati office with the host of HGTV Urban Oasis 2018 and a project manager.

"In our office, we like working with clients and facilitating a brainstorm. Everyone has a sketch pad and markers. We pull up imagery on a screen and have a throw down. We go at it, dreaming up all of the possibilities. Our designers capture all the ideas. We take that inspiration in a handful of directions before we finally settle on the final product," says Kurt.

Established by Kurt in 2002, Platte Design + Architecture’s cooperative studio environment pools the unique experiences and technical insights of their entire creative team. Collectively, they blend form, space and function to challenge assumptions and create meaningful environments. Their firm is responsible for the construction and transformation of residential and commercial spaces all over the city from Findlay market shops to downtown lofts to OTR restaurants to homes and places of worship, like Crossroads.

"Whether we are working on a residential or commercial project, we believe the client is a crucial part of the design team. I worked for firms in the past where the architect would steamroll the design team, rather than working collaboratively. At Platte, there are five people on the design team and the client is one of them,"

says Kurt.

The project for HGTV Urban Oasis 2018 was no different. Collaboration with the design team was central to the process.  Platte credits that teamwork as being fundamental to the success of the project.

"TheHGTV Urban Oasis 2018 design team was very down to earth – some of the most humble and modest people I’ve ever encountered. There was beautiful collaboration where each of our teams had an incredible respect for one another and instant camaraderie. It felt like we had been working together for years and hit the ground running," says Kurt.

This project was unique for the firm. They had to take into consideration sponsored products and camera placement for the best shots to capture the stunning transformation of the property. HGTV Urban Oasis 2018 designer, Brian Patrick Flynn, has a wealth of experience working with sponsors and painstakingly selecting products and finishes for the interior. His approach was to select more noticeable finishes and vibrant design to spark conversation and buzz – an interior palette of rich finishes and deep complexity. The exterior is a deep grey with crisp white trim and a rich red door for contrast and multiple outdoor living spaces. The final product is a breathtaking open-concept home – a Dutch Colonial Revival packed with bold color choices and charm.

"Flynn and our architectural designers worked well together and had a great chemistry. The HGTV Urban Oasis 2018 project was unique, working with a celebrity designer handling sponsorship products that will be highlighted. Flynn has his own unique skill set in pulling that all together.  We truly enjoyed being a part of the team," says Kurt Platte.

Platte Architecture + Design is located at 202 W Elder St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. For more information, call 513.871.1850 or visit www.plattedesign.com. Read more about the HGTV Urban Oasis 2018 project at https://www.plattedesign.com/hgtv-urban-oasis-home