Residential Project #1: Getting Started

I am pleased to say that I have a residential project currently underway.

Several people have commented on the time and effort that goes into an architectural project.  One memorable comment: "I had no idea it took so much to get a project done."  So, as I get this project started, I thought it would be good to document the process that I go through - at least for a residential renovation/addition.

Existing Conditions Plan

Step #1 - Existing Conditions
For renovations and additions, existing conditions are critical.  The biggest problem that might creap up is that the planning doesn't fit.  No matter what type of project, there are small, medium, or large parts of the plan that have space constraints: kitchen cabinets, toilets, beds (single, double, queen, king), and the list goes on.  Just about every project has at least one of these important features, not to mention the tight planning dimensions that creap up in a renovation project: corridors, door swings, existing window placement, etc.

Residential Isn't Dead!

With the residential real estate market fallen on tough times, it appears that residential architecture and new construction is nearly dead at the moment.  Maybe not.

Last year, the EPA announced new, more restrictive regulations on lead paint removal in homes.  Basically, when renovating a home with lead paint, there are pretty restrictive standards for containment and cleanup.  Many contractors went out and got certified to work with lead paint.  Costs for renovations - especially extensive renovations - are expected to be high. 

Many older homes continue to require updates of critical systems.  Some of these houses need extensive updates.  However the size, configuration, quality of construction or design of the house may not warrant such an extensive upgrade when coupled with the required lead paint mitigation.  A serious concern on the part of communities and community leaders is the loss of investment in these older homes, the potential for vacating homes that need too much work, and the eventual loss of housing stock.  Developers are loathe right now to invest in new roads and infrastructure that poses little return on their investment with housing prices still at near-record lows.  So what is a land-owner or a community to do?

My suggestion: Re-Development.

Let me qualify this opinion by saying that 1) I am an architect trained in classical and traditional methods of construction; 2) I adore older homes, their design and construction - in fact we live in one; 3) I believe that exceptional pieces of historic architecture should be preserved.  HOWEVER, many of the older homes that need these upgrades are not worth saving.  When facing the options, it may seem a shame to tear down old houses just because it would be "hard" to update them.  However, when you consider the efficiencies gained with new technologies in insulation, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, it becomes a no-brainer.  The inefficiency - and dangers - of updating an old house can quickly be out-weighed by the efficiencies gained in the new construction that replaces it.

So, we are working on a concept to do just that.  I will post updates as they come along.

Architectural Library

I like to say that Architecture is a "reference profession".  First, there is no way that any person can have the minutia and details of a respective building code committed to memory.  Second, there are countless material and design considerations that require specialized installation details or fixtures.  Third, sometimes I need inspiration!  So, I have established my own architectural library.

Puddles are fun...

...except when they end up in your basement!

This week has been crazy - I have had a lot going on at home and at work.  Some of it work-related, some of it sick-kid-related.  But, one great thing did get started this week: a new promotional campaign for Kannel Superior Agency, Inc.  We are working on some new ways to interact with our customers.  We'll see if it works.

Published!

When I worked in New York I had the opportunity to work with some very talented people.  I also worked on some extraordinary projects.  These are the types of projects that get published in magazines.

The project featured on this month's cover of Westchester Cottages & Gardens Magazine was the product of a great collaboration:  I was working for the firm of Richard Henry Behr Architect; interior design by Young Huh (who got the project published); Comstock Residential Contracting completed a masterful product.  For my part, I was the architect: I designed the building and layout for this AWESOME bathroom in Scarsdale, New York.

The art of the sketch

One of the pieces of the field of architecture that is wasting away is the "sketch".  I have observed, from my experience with students (interns from Cincinnati who came to work with us in New York), that architectural education lacks exposure to the fun and necessity of hand-drawing.  The result is that students don't even know that they need to draw and so they don't seek after it - they don't practice.

I can attest to this personally!  Even though I got into the field because I love to draw, I stopped drawing in college for a long time because I thought the computer could do it for me.  Finally, I had a faculty member FORCE me to draw free-hand for a crit.  I thought he was crazy.  It turns out that was exactly what my project needed - the freedom from a straight-edge to get the creative juices flowing.

Pep Talk: Get Involved!

Every once in a while I need a pep talk.

I know that I have the ability to convince myself that our society, my work, government...whatever your topic...is totally ruined.  "We are beyond recovery" or " There is nothing we can do about it NOW!" or "What can I do about it, anyway?!?!"  It seems that, in our current period of precarious economic conditions, these types of statements are very common.  HOWEVER(!) I know that these types of statements are also FALSE!  And I recently had an extraordinary venue to relate my perspective to a group of local community leaders.