Here is a brief case study of a remodel where the objective of the project was to add light to the space, make the bedroom bigger, brighter and more functional, and to remodel the bath. Costs were kept down by not moving any plumbing fixtures and the goals were accomplished with some simple non-structural changes to the plan. Continue reading →
We are often asked by our clients to bid the project to multiple contractors. The argument for this is that they will be able to compare the price offered by the different contractors and go with the lowest price. This is more complicated than it seems because you are not necessarily getting the lowest price when you sign up with the lowest bidder as we will explain below.
Construction Administration is one of the services we offer. As we are contracted to be agent of the owner, we use our intimate knowledge of the project, our vision, and our trained eyes to help the contractor solve inevitable problems that arise during construction. A very thorough set of drawings identifies main issues and communicates the intent of the design, but no single set of plans can ever cover everything because construction is a very complicated thing. Owners sometimes think money can be saved by leaving the architect on the sidelines when its time to start construction. We beg to differ: kick-off is a crucial time. There is potential for the vision to get lost when all the actors try to do the “shared vision” thing. It is the Architect that knows the project best and is most familiar with the drawings and the vision. Continue reading →
Here is a utility shed we built to house our gardening tools and trash containers. We designed the shed to break up the deck and patio area from a service alley accessed through the garage. There is a sunny eddy on the deck backed by the shed, the key was placing it perpendicular to the house. Since its roof is so visible and accessible, we wanted to look at plants and decided to make a green roof.
Water is used in every industrial practice, mixing, cleaning and manufacturing materials; not just for flushing toilets and drinking. Water is inextricably linked with energy consumption and therefore, conserving water conserves energy.
If you spent some time researching and observing the pipelines, dams, reservoirs and infrastructure that have been built to get the water to your tap, you will understand. Though we can create usable energy, we cannot create water. In California, water comes from the mountains, but the cites are on the coast and down south. The Sacramento and San Joaquin River systems transport melted snow from the Sierras. A large portion of this water is taken out and pumped in the California Aqueduct. According to Build it Green (http://www.builditgreen.org), 75% of California’s water originates in Northern California, and 75% of California’s water is used by Southern California. That water has to get there, including over a mountain pass. Continue reading →
When you interview your architect you should like them and feel comfortable with them. Since you will be working with them, a lot can be said for how well they communicate and if working together will be a good fit. The architect should have a portfolio of past projects. It is very important to like their work. They will explain their process and you will get a feel for the creative aspects of what they do.
Architects must first gather information in order to begin designing. They will visit the site, take measurements of the existing house or site and coordinate getting a survey of the site. Continue reading →
Here is a recently completed remodel of a house on the Peninsula. Back to back fireplaces created a block between spaces. The living room was so disconnected from the rest of the house that it was hardly used. We removed one fireplace and created flow between the dining room and living room. The kitchen was completely remodeled. To save cost, the configuration was only slightly altered but there is more storage and by removing part of a wall, it feels more open. The peninsula counter top is marble, and the “el” is black granite. The entry was an enclosed room and now it is a flowing open space between the kitchen, living and dining rooms.
If you haven’t seen it already, we are excited to announce that we have been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/13/DDN61EF44S.DTL