Understanding Architectural Drawings

Below I have illustrated plans, sections and elevations of the custom-designed vanity pictured on the left.

Plans

The plan is a bird’s eye view looking down from three feet above the floor. I equate this to looking down at the top of a birthday cake.

Sections

Continuing with the birthday cake theme, a section would be like cutting into the cake and seeing all the layers.

The location of where the sections are cut is shown on the plan with a “cut line” and an arrow indicating where the cut has been made and which way we are looking at the section. 
 
Elevations
The elevation shows us what we would see standing in front of the vanity. The location/point of the view is again noted with a circle and arrow on the plan. Referring back to the birthday cake image, if you are looking at the side of the cake and it is a round cake, the drawing of this would be a rectangle.  Vertical parallel lines are used as shading to show the curve.

Tags

The corresponding numbers in these circles, or "tags," tell us the drawing number and the drawing sheet/page in the set. The number on the top of the line indicates the drawing number on a sheet and the bottom number is the page or sheet number in the set. While these drawings all occur on one sheet, the principle remains the same for a larger set of documents where the drawings are on many sheets ... you match the “tag” numbers.

How to find an Architect: choosing a good one will Increase your Return on Investment.

Today was a great day and not just because it is October 10, 2011, 85 degrees and sunny outside here in the Northeast, but because we received a note from a new client. They write:

“We initially consulted with an architect in 2004 with the thought of making a three story addition. In those days, you could almost be assured of making back any money that you invested in the house, but nowadays I think that the renovations need to be smarter and make better use of the space you have.” ….” We are in Maplewood in part because we love old houses, and would like to work with you (Clawson Architects) because your projects are sensitive to maintaining continuity with the style of the house, but provide improved use of space.”

Thank You!….we are thrilled that you see the value of using an Architect but even more, that you understand that Clawson Architects is different because we deliver so much more than a box on the back. The Star Ledger described the work by Clawson Architects as “smart and unique” and Period Homes wrote a profile about us and our worked titled “Tailoring Tradition,” both articles featured various projects -- all different styles and scales -- and made us very proud. But to have you, the consumer, recognize and tell us why using Clawson Architects for your project is a great way to protect the investment you make in your home is great feedback and confirmation that the word is out and that people can see a difference.

Clawson Architects, LLC prides itself on addressing our clients' project goals while building a sustainable relationship with them and the built environment. We value creativity in our approach to problem-solving; bigger is not always better. With over 60 years of combined experience between the partners, we are qualified to offer innovative architectural design solutions for your property. We utilize a cooperative team approach to designing your project with you. Clawson Architects' years of experience and our established network of professional, craftsmen and vendor contacts has a proven track record in the metropolitan area. Clawson Architects values the opportunity to work with you on your project by designing alterations, renovations, additions as well as new homes that complement your lifestyle, decorative tastes and the architectural character of your property while meeting your financial goals.

Businesses and Sales Coaches often ask, "What is the Value Proposition...what is it that you bring to the table and how is it different?" Clawson Architects has a portfolio of beautiful projects: new home, renovation, and addition success stories. However from a purely numbers point of view, when looking at the Return on Investment (ROI), Clawson Architects has witnessed their clients' homes receive both post-construction appraisals and post-construction sales that deliver an ROI of  22% -200%. Just one more reason to consider Clawson Architects as your Architect in a time when you need an investment you can count on.

Thanks again for choosing Clawson Architects, now lets get to work!

Ten things a GREAT Contractor will Say/Do.

1. "Joe"  here will be the Superintendent on your job.  He will be here every day at 8am.  Here is my phone number and his phone number should you have any questions or concerns.
2. Here are the copies of  licenses and insurance certificates for all the people that will be working on your house.
3. I have prepared a detailed schedule to mitigate delays and manage the team's expectations.
4. I would like to have weekly Team Meetings to review progress we have made, next steps, and any changes to the scope, budgets, shop drawings created for custom work, and schedules.
5. Let's refer to the Construction Documents.
6. Let's ask the Architect what the design intent is before we go changing things.
7. While it may appear that the Structural Engineer has over-designed this, I am sure they have researched the code and done the calculations to ensure the integrity of your house. I will call the Architect and Engineer to review alternatives that achieve the same goals but may result in a cost savings to you. 
8. I have prepared an analysis that outlines the associated costs/savings you will incur for the changes discussed. Additionally, I have prepared the Change Orders with the associated costs/savings for the approved scope changes (resulting from unforeseen conditions or client requests) for the Team's review and approval.
9. I have protected the areas that we are not going to be working in.
10. I look forward to working together with this Team.

Engaging the Contractor can occur at different times.  The interactions discussed above take part during the Construction Administration/Observation Phase. To learn more about how to work with an Architect and the different phases of a project, visit Clawson Architects web site.

House Calls--a Professional Opinion

"Clawson Architects, how may we help you?"

"Yes, I live here in town and I need to blow out some walls add on to my house.  I had a guy that does work for me look at this and he says we can do it, I just need to get some blueprints from you."

I listen as the potential clients diagnose all the issues and explain how they propose to remedy the situation.  

While there is no doubt that there is a plethora of information available on line and in magazines, there is also the advisory team of neighbors, friends and family that have done this type of project before...rendering them relative experts.  So, I listen to learn more; it usually comes down to the fact that I really need to SEE what they are talking about.  Typically, I recommend that the potential clients go with our Initial Consult Service.

Like the medical arts, architecture is a visual, problem-solving field of study.  It requires years of study, an internship, and successful completion of board exams before it can be practiced legally.  An Initial Consult allows the patient/homeowner to procure a "Professional Opinion."  The architect will visit the site, examine the existing conditions, listen to the symptoms, observe the restrictions, constraints, opportunities and potential, and then render a professional opinion. It may confirm what the client was thinking and give them the confidence to move forward, either together with the architect or on their own. Most likely, the architect will also convey other potentials the client may not have considered or realized. 

In procuring a professional opinion, there is no reason for the architect to hold back on ideas or observations.  The client is in no way obligated to move forward with that architect, nor are they barred from seeking additional opinions. This Initial Consult has given you one-on-one time with a qualified expert who observes the situation first hand. The client receives very valuable information.  

When the caller said they wanted "blueprints" it really meant NOT my opinion. Blueprints are the result of a technology used to copy large drawings; they are produced on clear vellum or mylar and rarely used in the architectural world any more. The term blueprints has come to represent "detailed plans."  So, what they really asked for are accurate drawings depicting the existing conditions, details for the areas of work (demolition plans, dimensioned floor plans, electrical, structural and mechanical drawings and material specifications and details for their project), and a professional seal and liability insurance from an architect or engineer (certifying and insuring that the drawings and calculations are correct and that they meet state and local building codes). The drawings will serve as construction documents and the formal contract between the client and the contractor; if followed, the drawings will protect the integrity of the client's investment in their home.

I also heard the request to "add on." However, I have found on many Initial Consults that the house is really big enough already. The issues are of alignment:  the home lacks organization, storage and flow that is consistent with the client's living style, and in most cases they have 'given up'.  I am often shown a stack of images of what the client would like and 9 out of 10 times, it is a clean, bright, organized home.  While there are many people that will give you generic "blueprints" for a box on the back of your house, skilled architects will offer creative solutions to more complex problems and a holistic approach that addresses the whole home and lifestyle.  We have found that many times the solution is in the box or can be achieved by "pushing the envelope." The professional fees in these types of renovations are often returned quickly in the form of cost-savings:  reduced construction material costs and avoiding property tax and utility increases that would've resulted from a home with a larger footprint.  

So, three things before you add on:

1. Consider your lifestyle and what is working and what is not working for you...the symptoms, not the diagnosis.
   
2. "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."  William Morris
   
3. Call on a true professional for an opinion.

Hire a professional to assist you in documenting the project you would like to construct and live in and remember: this architect still makes house calls before, during and after construction.

visit Clawson Architects on facebook and the web.

   

Can You Afford an Architect for your Renovation?

If you are thinking of renovating, altering or adding on to an existing home, I say you can't afford not to use an Architect. Not just because I am one, but because our firm gets called in all the time to fix the projects that were done without one or with an unqualified one.

What is qualified? If you are working on your home, qualify that the Architect's experience is in residential work. The American Institute of Architects can also assist in matching you with an Architect in your area. A family member or friend that works for a "Big Time, Big Building firm" typically does not understand the scale, the details required or the zoning to do residential work and while the fees may seem like a deal...you will always get what you pay for.

Your home is quite possibly one of your most valuable assets. A good Architect is the insurance you need to protect the integrity of that investment. A good Architect creates straight forward, sophisticated solution to complex problems. The solutions can add value and can reduce project costs in excess of the entire fee. At Clawson Architects, many of our clients have realized a return on their investment that yielded far more than our fees.

As one client put it, "By simply suggesting that we relocate our front door to the other side of the house, Clawson Architects saved me $150,000...the cost of constructing an addition and the associated taxes and utilities on a larger home."

In other situations, our clients have realized a cost savings far greater than our fees just in the cost of a competitive bid based on quality, well defined details in our drawings/construction documents and our knowledge of the construction of their home. So, when your friends and builders say you don't need an Architect to renovate your home, my guess is that they have never worked with a Licensed Architect or at least not a good one.

AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BC+C, ID+C, O+M, ND, CID, RA ...What is it with Architects and the Alphabet Soup after their names???

So just what is it with Architects and the Alphabet Soup they have after their names...

Mary René Clawson AIA, CID, LEED AP NJLIC 13635, NYLIC 02294
Breakdown: I currently have 3-A's, 3-C, 2-D's, 2-E's, 4-I's, 1-J, 3-L, and 1-P 1-Y then those numbers....all after my name, lets look at what they mean and others you may see after an Architects name and what I may have to add in the future to further qualify myself as the expert...

AIA = The American Institute of Architects http://aia.org/about/index.htm Only those that have passed the Architectural Licensing Exam and have paid their dues to the organization may use the letters after their name. Others may join the organization but may not use the letters AIA, they must write out the words, The American Institute of Architects they are known as Intern Architects (those who have a degree from an accredited program and are in the process of fulfilling the internship requirements necessary to sit for the exam) or those in allied professions or sales may join and write American Institute of Architects Allied Member after their names.

NCARB = National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. http://ncarb.org/ The NCARB Certificate allows certificate holders to automatically qualify for reciprocal license in most states and some foreign countries. It does not mean that your are automatically granted a license and it does not mean that if you don't have the certificate, that you will not get a license to practice in states other than where you took your exam; however, it is supposed to make it easier.

RA= Registered Architect. One can be a licensed architect meaning they have passed the national exam in a particular state; however, they must maintain their continuing education and pay the associated fees within the state to be registered and to practice architecture in the state that the project is located in...i.e. Just because your architect passed the exam in New York, if he or she does not register with the state and pay the fees, they can not practice. If they passed the exam in New York and they want to do your new kitchen addition in New Jersey they must register in the State of New Jersey.

NJ # 0000000 - Letters in New Jersey were not enough ...the state requires Architects to use their License number on everything as well. Anyone claiming to provide Architectural Services or using the words Architect, Architectural Design, Architectural Plans etc. must follow it with the name of the Professional and License number, including business cards, letter head and advertisements. So besides all the other letters I also must add my number. I must also add my name and NJ number to the business cards of those in my office that are not licensed and have their name on a Clawson Architects Business Card to let the consumer know that I will be the one that will be professionally responsible for the Architecture.

LEED AP= Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional. http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=1306 The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. In my humble opinion, this is what architects have been trained to do since the beginning of time....but in the "certified" world, it is one more credential that all have been called to gain to demonstrate their worthiness to the general public as a valued asset to the project. It should be noted that one does not need an Architectural Education, or background in architecture to be a Leader in Energy and Environmental Design. Anyone can study and take the test including window sales men, the Benjamin Moore Paint sales associate, attorneys, lighting designers and building managers. In the future, within the next year all LEED AP's must specialize and include even more letters:

LEED AP BD+C = Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional specializing in Building Design and Construction
LEED AP ID+C = Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional specializing in Interior Design and Construction
LEED AP O+M = Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional specializing in Operations and Maintenance
LEED AP Homes = Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design of New Homes
Leed AP ND = Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design of Neighborhood Development

CID = Certified Interior Designer in the State of New Jersey. While Architects again have always designed space, and I do not believe that it stops at the exterior shell, the American Society of Interior Designers in New Jersey lobbied the State quite effectively calling for anyone that is providing interior design services to be certified by the state including Architects. So, in order for me to continue to offer full service to my clients, I am now a Certified Interior Designer.

ASID = American Society of Interior Designers http://www.asid.org/ASID/CMS_Templates/Homepage.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRNODEGUID=%7bE7F15DA7-D1F8-422F-966D-6CE303E26636%7d&NRORIGINALURL=%2fChannels%2f&NRCACHEHINT=NoModifyGuest&bhcp=1

A few more that you may see Architects use:

PE = Professional Engineer. Mechanical, Electrical, Structural and Civil all use the same letters. For a while and in some states they still allow Engineers to take the Architectural Exam if they are Professional Engineers and they pass the exam.

AICP = American Institute of Certified Planners. The American Planning Association is a professional institute, providing recognized leadership nationwide in the certification of professional planners, ethics, professional development, planning education, and the standards of planning practice. For a while Architects were permitted to take the test to become Certified Planners, but now the certification is state by state and requires that you pass a test, pay fees and maintain continuing education credits.

In short, each and every letter takes time to earn, cost money to keep and requires continuing education/maintenance which again takes time and costs money. This is all done in the name of protecting the consumer by qualifying the Professional you are hiring. All states and professional group websites have ways of verifying those credentials, but be sure that you are using their "real name". An example... my name may be listed as Mary Clawson, M. Rene Clawson, Mary R. Clawson or even just Rene Clawson...YOU CAN LEAVE THE ALPHABET OFF.

Kitchen, Home and Bath Renovations ...could be in the Box!

If you are considering an addition to your home, you may want to stop and think for a moment. As professional architects working on older homes in the tri state area, we find that quite often the answer is "in the box".

Whether it is the need for a larger Dining Room...Achieved by removing a wall and relocating mechanical and structural componets into decorative beams and columns.....

Or a New The Master Bedroom Suite enhanced by relocating closets to the front of the room freeing up the area adjacent to the existing Master Bath so that a once very compact master bath is now spacious with framed views of the city that can be enjoyed from the shower and the rest of the bedroom suite. Pocket doors with antique glass can be used to close off the bathroom while still allowing natural light to filter into the bedroom.

Kitchens can present a real challenge. Relocating doors to redirect traffic away from the 'work triangle' can free up space for the cook while adding storage and comfortable seating within the space at the same time.

Before

Bigger is nice...but in these economic times,

Better may be the right answer for you.