Luthier shop Architecture

[Alvaro Balderrama Chiappe]

Hello fellow luthiers,

I'm an Architect but also a luthier, and I've been asked to design a Luthier Shop for a magazine, I'm looking for some ideas of good looking shops, do you know any?? Links, pictures, anything helps!
Thank you very much friends!

-ABC

[Joshua Levin-Epstein]

This might provide some inspiration.

http://www.meloguitars.com/index.html

[Alvaro Balderrama Chiappe]

I'm checking it right now! Thank you very much!

[nathan clark]

Sorry, can't help you with pictures or a link.

A couple of nice features would be large north facing windows and plenty of ceiling outlets and wall outlets about 4 feet off the floor.

[Alvaro Balderrama Chiappe]

Good, thanks!!!

[Andrew]

Would this be an ideal, no holds barred type of shop, a budget shop, or somewhere in between?

[Alvaro Balderrama Chiappe]

Thanks!

[John]

Check pintrest and tumblr. Put a loft over one of the bench areas so you can use go bars on the work bench. And a picture of Frank Ford on the wall with the letters WWFD under it. If I'm stuck, I ask myself " What would Frank do? " Storage for five hundred clamps, it still won't be enough but it's a good start.

[Alvaro Balderrama Chiappe]

Thanks man!! 

[Mark Fogleman]

Some good photos of shops mainly for general woodworking here: Finewoodworking magazine shop-tour

Some of the design features that would be in my dream shop are:

20 amp, 120v wall outlets and a separate 20 and 30 amp 220 circuits in the machine area and dust collector

Overbuilt doors and door frames able to withstand a strong kick/sledge hammer. Electronic door lock on main door and inside cross bar(s) for secondary door.

Insulate ceiling, floor and outside walls

Utility sink and toilet (if standalone building)

Electronic repair/testing/office bench (an old desk works) mobile phone, laptop, printer, extra chair w/o arms and wireless internet access

Wall mounted speakers, receiver, bluetooth

A mix of different light sources. LEDs are getting more affordable. It would be good to see what's available

Windows should be positioned at a height that prevents casual viewing of the contents of the shop (Frank Howarth's workshop is a good example if you can get 15ft ceilings: starts at ~3:30 minute mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge96Qvp-EzE ) but still allow lots of light.)

Side task lighting is important for scraping/ sanding and finishing

Dust collection should be installed d/t the woods and materials we use. Install. 6 inch grounded piping ceiling mounted without 90-degree joints and minimal flex tubing with dust-gates from all machines back to the >2hp dust collector blower/cyclone. Blower should be in its own sound proof or sound dampened room/closet. Filtered exhaust from the blower should be returned to the air conditioned space if possible to keep a neutral pressure in conditioned.space. Otherwise connect to a straight pipe vented to the outside.

A finishing area/room/booth w/spark free exhaust fan to the outside and dust-free ventilation from the air conditioned space, clean compressed air access, good light

Fireproof storage for flammable finishes and solvents with a fire extinguisher in the finishing area and by the main entrance

A hand tool workbench and area w/handtool access at arms length

Different height work surfaces. Wrist high for some hand work and elbow high for assembly, setup and inlay work

Separate sharpening/grinding bench as near a possible to the hand tool bench

HVAC, humidification and dehumidification depending on location. Mini split preferred in Southern locations

Storage for wood, works in progress and guitar case storage in the air conditioned space.

Storage for different molds, radius dishes, Go-Bars and clamps,

Good luck with your project!

[Russell Vance]

you forgot the bar fridge.

Rusty.

[Alvaro Balderrama Chiappe]

Hahaha you're right, thanks

[Alvaro Balderrama Chiappe]

Thank you very much Mark!!! This is very helpfull!!! I'll consider every point!!