After 20 something years in various production shops, repair shops
etc. I finally broke out and built my own studio, gallery, office
space about 6 years ago. The total space is about 600 square feet.
about 250 for Gallery space where I do shows twice a year, 150 square
feet for office space that contains my computer, desk, drawing board,
safe, photo station, and stone scale. This is where I do "business"
and it is separated from the Gallery by a low wall and four foot
opening in the wall for a door way to the gallery. The studio is
separated from the gallery /office space by a set of double french
doors.
The studio is about 200 square feet with an attached
bathroom/shower. One section is walled off about 30 square feet and
contains a wet bar type sink with a plaster trap on the sink. This
room contains all the heat and dust producing equipment in the shop.
Buffs, steamer, etc. It has a ceiling vent fan to the attic of the
building to help remove some of the heat. This room is separated from
the main studio by a doorway that has the type of plastic curtain
found in large walk in coolers and freezers. This helps to isolate
the dirt and heat with a hands free doorway. I highly recommend this
system.
For light and air in the studio I replaced the old sash type windows
with full size glass doors (4) to be exact. In the spring and fall I
leave them open to bring the outdoors in. I then installed venetian
blinds to be able to control the light and the reflective heat from
the large expanse of glass. ( I live in Houston Tx the land of hot
and wet).
I finished off the studio with a number of kitchen type cabinets set
around the walls at strategic points for storage. All in all it has
worked out very well for a 2 person shop.
I built out this studio myself in a cooperative effort with my
landlord. It is in a historic part of the city and was at one time a
Pharmacy, private residence, and warehouse. I did all the
construction tear out and build out, my landlord paid for the
electrical and plumbing contracts. I signed a five year lease with
the rent stable for the first two years and at a lower rate than
average to help recover some of my cost of construction.
After construction was finished the landlords often brought
interested renters in to see what I had done and what they could do
as potential renters. The building was full after just one year and
now the spaces are at a premium. Everyone wants in and there is a
waiting list for any vacated spaces. They will have to remove me with
a stick of dynamite if they ever want my space…
A great experience all the way around and a great
studio/gallery/office space, not to mention the rehab of a historic
building… as to the question of enough space… What is enough? my
equipment seems to grow each year and its takes some creative
arrangement (we just rearranged the studio for the coming season)
each year or so to compensate for growth. If things never changed I
would die of boredom. So stay flexible in your studio and if things
get to cramped or cluttered rearrange the layout to increase efficiency…
My best advise… Just do it. Frank Goss