This issue’s musings from across the architect’s drawing board ponders how to talk to an architect. When I was in college, which seems like centuries ago, I had two favorite cartoons. One showed a hot dog shaped man opening his mailbox. He was withdrawing an envelope displaying the statement “You may already be a weiner!” The other illustrated a dapper gentleman strutting down the street with cane, beret, and cape. He was flanked by curvaceous supermodels on each arm while another man... more

This issue’s musings ponders how to be sure a contractor’s competitive bid is fair, accurate, and complete. Not only is comparing apples to apples important, getting to the apple core is equally essential. The Seed for a Shiny Apple Place yourself in the contractor’s position. How would you determine how much a project is going to cost before you actually do the work, and also be certain it is exactly what the homeowner wants? You would need a very clear description of every aspect of the... more

This month’s musings from across the architect’s drawing board reflect on matching the client with the architect. Most articles about selecting an architect suggest checking references, viewing previous work, and taking the time to talk to a number of architects before hiring one. These are important aspects in the selection process, and should be followed. But I would like to introduce another idea that may be even more important: Defining who you are as a client. Just as each project, house,... more

Today’s musings from across the architect’s drawing board ponder a city’s support for sustainable ideas and the hurdles one must sometimes cross when proposing cutting-edge green ideas. Once a policy is defined, rules are adopted to put the policy in motion. A project may comply completely with the policy’s intent, but run into rough water when measured against the policy’s written rules. A cute little mother-in-law project I designed illustrates this perfectly. Accessory Dwelling Units... more

Today’s musings from across the architect’s drawing board will answer the very important question, “Is there treasure beneath my feet?” Finishing a basement is a fantastic way to gain much needed living space. It can save both time and money if your basement meets certain conditions, thus allowing your remodel to be done with minimal structural changes. And, with a little bit of input from a designer or architect, you can unlock the treasure beneath your feet. Most jurisdictions have relaxed... more

Today’s musings from across the architect’s drawing board will answer the very important question, “Is this wall important?” Many renovation projects begin with removing a wall, putting a large opening in a wall, or somehow smashing a wall into a pile of wood and plaster. Unlike you and me, all walls are not created equal. Walls fit into three simple categories: bearing, shear walls, and non-bearing. Let’s look at each type individually. Bearing Walls A bearing wall is holding the weight... more

We’ve all seen home additions loudly announcing their presence, like an elephant at a dog show. I’ve found in my architectural practice that most, if not all, people want their addition to blend seamlessly with their existing home. They want an “invisible addition.” After Thoma/Weber house before addition. Thoma/Weber house during construction. Thoma/Weber house after the invisible addition. Families grow, shift, and are altered by life’s circumstances and their... more