What can I as an architect do for
you? I have a very broad based
and unique education that is dedicated to helping you resolve
your design issues. I am trained as an Interior Designer, Architect,
Master Planner, Building Inspector and Forensic Architect. I
will help you design what you want to build , and present you
with options while watching your precious budget to insure your
hard earned money is spent thoughtfully. I will create a totally
functional environment because I am trained for just exactly
that type of experience. When building or renovating a building,
you need me to both track the big picture and understand the
project in detail.
How early in your conceptual design
process should you contact me?
The earlier the better. There
are so many decisions that must be made in the initial planning
stages of a building project and during construction that an
owner might become frustrated or confused by the process. This
is my business and I have done this all of my adult life. Early
decisions will determine how your spaces will function, what
they will cost, and what their ultimate future value may be.
It is really crucial that I have a realistic understanding of
the potential and limitations of your project's budget. Often
I can suggest methods to match your goals in a practical way
with your budget.
Do you have a problem with your home
that is vexing you? I am a trained problem solver. I can show you
how to increase your home's living space in a manner that is
affordable so that you do not have to move and place the children
in another school. Limited budgets do not limit my imagination,
but they do allow me to recommend alternate concepts to you based
upon 37 years of problem solving. I can help you to decrease
your home's energy consumption while we increase the future resale
of the house value through quality design.
What can cause a renovation project
cost's to snowball? Old or outdated
systems and component parts such as existing utilities, wiring,
insulation, windows and even the finishing touches such as drapes,
carpeting, artwork and furniture can cause a project cost's to
snowball. I can help you to plan building cost efficiency into
your project, by setting parameters early in the renovation process
to control costs.
Have you considered an alteration
that includes spaces that serve a dual function? Many
rooms can serve a dual function with the proper planning and
design input. Consider an at home office that is also a guest
bedroom. I have the knowledge and experience to illustrate the
possibilities to you.
Can I see through the walls and know
all of your homes potential problems?
No I cannot and I am not named
Clark Kent. But I can help you to understand and "see"
how you will use the space you want to create via your alteration
or renovation. Under the floors and behind the walls can and
often do lie potential problems that involve outdated wiring
that can not support the increased power demands of our electronic
society. Perhaps your new kitchen or master bath suite will require
massive rerouting or replacement of existing plumbing. Maybe
a weak foundation should be reinforced to carry the additional
weight of your new proposed addition. I will take all of these
items and more into consideration when assessing your particular
situation and then develop a design to avoid costly surprises
later when the building is under construction.
Is an alteration or remodel of your
home disruptive to your family?
It was very disruptive to my family
when we renovated our home, however we were fully aware of the
positive gains and the many positive major improvements to our
lives that these changes would make. Was it worth it? Sure! Not
only did we gain a better understanding of the building process
as you will experience it, but we learned and enjoyed our own
growth as people while we were actively resolving construction
problems daily. Keep in mind that building is a long process
that is done by hand and it can be messy or disruptive. Please
know that during this activity I represent you and not the contractors.
I am your advocate who looks after your interests and can smooth
the way through a complex process. I can even help you find qualified
contractors, visit your construction site and protect your investment
against work that is not according to my plans.
How much architectural experience
is needed for residential design?
A residential home is the easiest
of all buildings an architect will design and for many, it is
the first they do design. This is where many in the profession
receive their training and experience when they start. Obviously,
the more experience any individual has the better. Experienced
architects have had more time to correct mistakes and then learn
from them so that they do not repeat designs that do not work.
Proven ability takes time and the more time any professional
has invested into their art, the more competent and creative
they will be. I have 37 years of design experience which is now
more than many of my client's are old.
Is architectural design for residential
projects different from other architectural design? Yes
and no. The process of design is the same for residential projects
as for commercial or any other design project. However, the direct
personal involvement with people and their lives is very different.
In commercial design you are often dealing with construction
professionals such as bankers, insurance agents, real estate
developers etc., who make their living within the construction
industry. In residential design you are often dealing with families
who have never worked with an architect before in their lives,
so an essential element becomes teaching the family about architecture
and what architect's do for them.
Am I considered your adviser and agent
as your architect? Yes I am. This
is a very unique role in all of the licensed professions. I become
your architectural voice and speak with all the power and force
of the law when I represent you to a contractor or others. I
will advise you if your project is on schedule, if the quality
of materials and workmanship is what was specified, and even
check the contractors invoices if this is a service you want.
I will make sure the contractor does not get paid until I am
happy that the contractor has fulfilled all his obligations to
you.
What information can you bring to
our first meeting? Well, how about
all of your notes, collected magazine articles, and sketches
of your ideas, as well as any existing documentation such as
property survey maps and existing architectural drawings. Bring
everything you believe will help to show me what it is that you
like. Then tell me in detail about your daily routines, how you
function now and how you want to function in the future. Tell
me what you love and what you hate.
Do you need a "specialist"
for your project? If you are contemplating
an Historical Restoration project, it would be well to consider
what level of restoration you will proceed too. There are basically
3 different types and they are very different from one another
in how they are executed, the cost, time to complete and tradesmen
available to finish the work. The first is to use the actual
materials and tools to reproduce exactly what was done hundreds
of years ago. The second is to reproduce the look of years ago
but to use modern materials and tools. The third is to creatively
"interpret" the feeling of older buildings fitting
them into the demands of modern settings.
Why may a "general practitioner"
be better for your needs?
A general practitioner by his
very training has had to solve problems that a specialist may
never encounter in his career. Please keep in mind that architecture
is at the root level a problem solving profession and you are
looking for an individual who has the experience to solve your
"type" of problem. Now look again closely at my broad
basis of experience and you should be contacting me.
What information should you know about
me? Ask and I will answer. Obviously
the more architectural experience I have, the more you will gain
from it.
Is a contract with an architect necessary?
Yes! Any person who is going to
be in charge of how hundreds of thousands of your dollars are
going to be spent should have a written contract with you explaining
in detail the steps, methods and procedures he will take.
Why is an AIA contract considered
to be "The Bible" of the construction industry? A.I.A.
(American Institute of Architects) contracts represent the current
consensus among construction industry leaders representing owners,
contractors, engineers, architects and government officials to
name only a few. Issues important to you are covered in clear
and easy to understand language. A.I.A. contracts are universally
accepted as the fairest and best.
Can I help you to select an qualified
contractor? Yes! I work with many
very well known and respected contractors whose abilities and
reputations have been built over generations. In many cases we
share working relationships which help to promote understanding,
trust, reliability and quality workmanship. However, if you wish
to use a particular contractor, I can help you to determine if
he can give you the best value in terms of his reputation, expertise,
quality of work and reliability. I can use a standard AIA form
(A305) which must be notarized and sworn to for accuracy, to
help evaluate his background, history, references and financial
stability.
Should an architect know basic business
procedures? Sure. If he does not
know the basics, how will he protect your investment? Keep in
mind that I am in the business of architecture and I said business
before I said architecture. My business is dependent upon knowing
many laws, concepts, creative ideas and good old common sense--just
like you.
Do I know all the answers to your
questions? Not yet I don't. I
may not know all the answers but I do know the correct questions
to ask you. For example, how many rooms do you need? Why? How
do you envision your home functioning? Why? What are your tastes?
How long do you plan to live here? Will you work at home? How
much will you entertain at home? In what room do you spend the
majority of you time? How much time are you willing to invest
in maintenance of your new home? Should we be discussing a maintenance
free environment? One of the joys of my creative personality
is the learning process I experience with each new client.
Can I help you to control project
costs? Yes. By setting design
quality parameters early in the process, we will control costs
before you ever start construction.
Do you need a "custom" house
designed for your unique needs? Sometimes
your needs are specialized and warrant a building designed expressly
for them. I can be of assistance to you. Keep in mind that for
any given location that even custom designed residences should
be consistent with the real estate values of the surrounding
neighborhood. Advise me if you want to make the home more livable
to your needs or are you making it more salable to the next owner.
Do I make "house calls"? Yes
I do. As a Doctor must see his patient to diagnose what the problem
may be, I must see my patient also and this is of course the
building. Remember that architects are not named Superman and
we can not see through a building wall and we can not see a building
over a telephone line as you try and describe it to me. I must
see your building to understand it and all of its unique potential.
Keep in mind that many architects (depending on what state they
are licensed in) are also licensed mechanical, electrical and
plumbing engineers. This means that I will come and look at all
the systems and components of a building to understand their
existing condition before any decisions about change can be contemplated.
I will perform a brief but quite thorough building inspection
with you and explain what I see as potential deficiencies as
we look. Then we can discuss changes, alterations, additions,
tear downs etc.
Do I charge for house calls? Yes!
The common thread that runs through all professionals is that
they charge for their time. Time is money, for me and for you.
This is my business and it is run that way. A typical house call
takes me one hour to prepare a custom booklet for your information
and benefit, then a 1 hour drive each way to your house and then
at least 2 hours in your home to inspect and understand what
it is that you wish to accomplish. I have therefore invested
an average of 5 hours of my business time, which is more than
1/2 of any business day. I will charge you an hourly rate for
my time spent at your house only.
What happens to the money I charge
for this initial house call?
If you sign a contract with me
for architectural services, this amount of money will be credited
against your account from the initial retainer check. You loose
nothing and gain a great deal of information about resolving
your unique problem.
What can you expect to learn from
me on this first house call?
What the actual existing conditions
of your home are now. What the potential is for alterations,
expansions, renovations etc. What the potential costs may be.
What time frame is involved to complete your unique concepts.
An honest assessment as to whether this is an realistic project
for your undertaking at this time. I know that the more knowledgeable
that my clients are, the more likely they are to participate
fully in the whole process and then really enjoy the benefits
of a collaborative effort.
Listing of projects:
Nelson Rockefeller, West Texas. Project
designer of a 7,000 acre animal preserve, retreat and private
home with all roads, building complexes and a private airstrip
with Peter Ogden, AIA.
Woolworth Family, Kennebunkport, Maine.
Project designer with other architects for all landscaping and
exterior lighting while working with landscape architect A.E.
Bye.
Fauser Family, Surry Lane, North Salem,
N.Y. Consulting architect with T.J. Costello, AIA for swimming
pool barn building and complex with extensive site alterations.
Patterson Family, Maple Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson,
N.Y. 1,800 S.F. Victorian Addition for a Handicapped Sr. Citizen.
Gagliardo Family, Rhinecliff Rd., Patterson,
N.Y. 2,000 S.F. Modern Addition.
The Classic, Stamford, Conn. (Project
manager, 7 story retail/residential building, by Caspi Development
Co.-with another architect-Nadler Philopena, AIA.)
The Classic, Hartsdale, N.Y. (Project
manager, 24 Condo units By Caspi Development Co.-with another
architect-Nadler Philopena, AIA.)
Fieldstone Pond, Putnam County, N.Y.
(Project designer, 450 Condo units-with another architect-Nadler
Philopena, AIA.)
The Woodlands Townhouses, Hartsdale,
N.Y. (Project manager, 26 Condo units-with another architect-Nadler
Philopena, AIA.)
Copley Court, Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.
(Project manager, 275 Condo units by Savoy Development Corp.-with
another architect-Nadler Philopena, AIA.)
Harbour Landing, New Haven, Conn. (Project
manager, 125 Condo units-with another architect-Nadler Philopena,
AIA.)
Greencroft, New Rochelle, N.Y. (Project
manager, three story residential condo building by Savoy Development
Corp, -with another architect-Nadler Philopena, AIA.)
Prestwick, Hendricks County, Indiana.
Planned Unit Development Company. (Project architect for planning
3,300 homes in 12 phases with Townhouse Deluxe, Townhouse Economy,
Patio, Zero Lot Line, Single Family Clustered, and Single Family
Lots. Located on 650 acres, with 292 in open space, 313 in residential,
34 in commercial and 11 in utility--with Maitland Strauss Architects.)
Country Communities Inc., Butler County,
Ohio. (Project architect for planning of 7,177 dwellings units
located on 826 acres. 478 acres in residential, 288 acres in
open space and 60 acres in commercial with Maitland Strauss Architects.)
Keystone at the Crossing, Indianapolis,
Indiana. (Project architect for a major regional 285 acre shopping
center with 105 acres of retail, 24 acres of attached, single
and multi-family housing, and 156 acres of open space-with Maitland
Strauss Architects.)
