Genia has been around clay for almost two decades. She’s been a full-time potter for six years, and she runs her small batch ceramics company MADE out of Richmond, VA. Safe to say she knows a thing or two about ceramics (okay, way more than two things).
Tuff Shed has been around for 45 years, and we also know way more than two things about sheds.
So, it just made sense that when Genia wanted to design her dream pottery studio, she went with Tuff Shed.
Designing the Creative Space
How was Tuff Shed thrown in the mix? Social media. Genia saw Cass Makes Home transform her Tuff Shed into a workshop, and she was inspired to do the same.
But first, research.
Genia spent a lot of time planning and imagining what she wanted her studio to look like, and she loved that our online configurator allowed her to picture her building before it was installed.
“With ceramics you need a lot of space for different steps in the process, from firing to throwing, reclaiming and storing, so I had a lot to consider,” said Genia. “I was really able to visualize the space with the software online.”
She didn’t even have to leave her couch to design her studio. Beyond all the customizations Genia wanted for her building, cost was one other consideration.
“Having the ability to have a studio at home that isn’t in my physical home is really a gift,” Genia said. “If I would’ve hired contractors to build it from scratch, I wouldn’t have been able to afford it with the level of customization I wanted to include in the design.”
Ultimately, she decided on a 12X16 Premier PRO Tall Ranch. It features lots of windows; four horizontal sliding windows and 11 transom windows. Genia added those transom windows because she knew she needed lots of storage space on the wall, but she also wanted light on every side of the building. Her building also includes a custom residential door (which was very important to Genia).
“I really wanted it to feel like a residential space rather than a tool shed,” said Genia. “I worked with a member of the Richmond Tuff Shed team and she was lovely. I have a really beautiful door thanks to her!”
The Build Process
After the design came the tricky part (for anybody but Tuff Shed that is). Genia’s yard has a pretty dramatic slant, and the way her home is situated makes it difficult (or nearly impossible) to move a large item like a backyard building into the yard. Good thing she picked Tuff Shed!
To get her space ready, she installed a retaining wall and a gravel foundation where she wanted her shed to sit. It was a long process to prepare the space, but once it was ready, we were on it.
“Once I gave Tuff Shed the green light that the foundation was prepped, the shed was built within a week,” said Genia. “They brought the whole thing in on a pallet and put it all together the same day.”
That might even be faster than firing one of Genia’s beautiful pots.
“The biggest surprise about Tuff Shed? What I designed on the computer is what’s sitting in my backyard,” Genia said. “That’s pretty cool.”
Bringing the Ceramics Studio to Life
Genia took the time to make sure the interior of her ceramics space was exactly what she wanted. She finished out the inside with drywall and added linoleum flooring, and then added adjustable shelving all along the backwall. She also built a small partition wall decorated with tile near the door to hide her wheel. There is a sink (not hooked up to water), along with space for reclaimed clay. Her building is even large enough to keep her kiln inside the shed.
“I know a lot of people who put their kiln outside, but I like having it all in one space,” said Genia. “I don’t have to carry my work across the yard or have another space to tend to or manage.”
There’s one more unique feature to Genia’s Tuff Shed. The entrance to her building was a little awkward due to the retaining wall, so she added a porch. Not only does it make entering her building easier, it’s also one of her favorite places to sit and enjoy her shed.
Showing off Her Shed
After all the work and effort put into making her dream ceramics studio, you bet Genia has loved showing it off. RVA Clay, a nonprofit organization that supports ceramic arts in and around Richmond, is no stranger to her studio. Genia has been part of the RVA Clay Tour (an annual event that showcases artists’ work and studios) for the past few years. People who have participated in the tour have seen her studio through every phase—from preparing the space to installing the building to finishing it out.
“I think it was really cool for people to experience the process of an artist making a space to create,” said Genia. “Everyone loves it, too. Especially after seeing how easy it was to do and how many options are available to finish it out however they want.”
We’re always ready to build more artist studios!
Now it’s Your Turn
Dreaming of your own ceramics studio? Feeling inspired to cultivate your own space to create?
Check out Genia’s studio on her Instagram, and then play around with our online configurator to start designing your space today! You can also call your local Tuff Shed to speak with a design specialist. Your dream backyard building is waiting!
?imgeng=/w_3840/cmpr_50)
?imgeng=/w_3840/cmpr_50)
?imgeng=/w_3840/cmpr_50)