Charles “Chip” Taylor has been a member of the MDP Inspired Design Team for over 7 years. Chip has been drafting, crafting, sculpting and pursuing artistic endeavors since the age of five. His 3D sensibility brings a unique perspective to MDP projects as the team explores the flow and movement of surfaces and spaces as well as innovative material applications.
Chip’s creativity was ignited when his grandmother introduced him to Highlights magazine. His mom nurtured his five-year-old creative mind by helping him with all of the craft projects in the back of the publication. Exhausted by the crafts, she then enrolled him in art classes. Meanwhile, his father, an engineer, supported Chip’s creative development by teaching him how to draft—a five-year-old with his own drafting set.
Due to this art-influenced upbringing, Chip gravitated toward an art-focused education. As he pursued a degree in sculpture, the engineering knowledge he gained from his dad gave him a deeper understanding of structures and architecture. He would help his fellow students build the understructures for their sculptures. Chip received his undergraduate degree from Tyler School of Art at Temple University in 2007, and his first job out of college was as a blacksmith.
“We were doing architectural metal work,” describes Chip. “We were creating fences, gates, railings and other architectural details. This is what inspired my interest in interior design.”
As Chip pursued his master’s degree in interior architecture at Philadelphia University, he was also working in the coffee industry and helping his employers with space plans for their shops. Chip’s thesis project was a LGBTQ youth center with a short-term living facility attached to it. This project along with an interest in health influenced his job search upon graduation in 2015. He was looking for firms focused in healthcare and multifamily living. “That is how I landed at MDP,” says Chip.
Similar to other MDP team members, Chip’s creative talents touch many of the firm’s projects. His work is primarily focused on renderings, Revit models, graphic design and detail work. This is where his art, sculpture and blacksmith background influence his role as an interior architect.
From interesting renderings with a watercolor feel and building Revit models to details that focus on how millwork interacts with the surrounding structure, Chip is always digging into layers, depth and how things come to life in 3D.
Chip is particularly proud of his work on Broadview at Purchase College, one of the first projects he spearheaded the Revit modeling for. He especially enjoyed working on all of the individual villas.
No matter the project, Chip relishes the contemplation of how spaces and materials flow and interact. “My sculpture background gives me a good sense of 3D even when I am working in 2D drawings,” says Chip. “I can understand how parts interact with each other and how they are connected. My personal interest is in how things are joined and analyzing the interaxis of everything.”
When it comes to senior living design, Chip believes it is vital for the team to understand and create spaces that people can comfortably age in. He also believes in fostering an inclusive design process.
“Chip’s unique and varied skill set is an incredible asset to our team. He brings these talents to every project he is part of and our clients benefit from the results.” — MDP Principal Bruce Hurowitz
Outside of the office, Chip likes to stay busy with projects around the house. “My husband and I bought a house three years ago that we did not intend to renovate,” muses Chip. “I have been renovating the gardens mostly and am working on the fireplace right now.
He is also back to blacksmithing. “I am doing sculptures based on movement but using some processes I learned through blacksmithing. I am manipulating the metal with heat and molding techniques.”
When Chip is not around the house, you will find him on his bike or motorcycle exploring his new hometown—Indianapolis. He has been working remotely from Indy for the past three years and enjoys riding through the different areas learning and experiencing the city.
Enjoy this Q&A with Chip:
1. Share a mantra or inspirational quote that is meaningful to you.
“Every great design begins with an even better story.” — Lorinda Mamo, designer
2. Where is your favorite place to travel to?
I like to explore cities when I travel. I draw inspiration from how the natural and built environments interact to form densely populated, multi-use spaces. It is also interesting to observe how this combination of forces affects the city’s inhabitants. One of my favorite cities is Copenhagen.
3. What is your favorite meal to cook?
I’m more of a baker than a chef. I love all the necessary steps in making bread. It is relaxing to knead the dough. The total experience of freshly baked sourdough is one of my fondest childhood memories.
