Shelter

One only has to walk through the streets of New York City to see the homeless trying to stay warm. Sometimes its a small structure made from boxes or found objects. On Fifth Avenue you can see many on the steps of St. Thomas. This past December, I had the opportunity to attend Picture the Family, a breakfast hosted by the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Essex County (IHN). The objective was to put a face to the Homeless Families here in Essex County and to showcase how through a network of volunteers and donations different faith based organizations were making a difference in the lives of many.

Here at Clawson Architects we have the privilege of assisting our clients build their dream houses. We are blessed to have a successful practice with successful clients. This year as we begin to set our goals for giving back to the community we have selected to become a Dream Team Member...pledging to support the effort of the Interfaith Hospitality Network with a quarterly donation.

This support allows IHN to make important strides by helping to direct more families to their own dwellings along with family, job and financial counseling. To learn more and even add your support through monetary contributions or volunteering contact IHN info@IHNEssexNJ.org

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.

Loving Frank and Why You Should Too.

This past week Marvin Clawson, my husband/business partner and I, attended the Traditional Building Show in Chicago. The Show is an opportunity to attend classes, workshops and tours as well as view the latest products related to Traditional Building. This was also a chance for Marvin and me to getaway which doesn't happen too often and for me to see Chicago for the first time.


When we arrived in Chicago on Wednesday, we hit the ground running, our first tour was Historic Oak Park to visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio as well as about a half dozen of his residential projects and culminating in a tour of Wright's Unity Temple. It was unseasonably warm and sunny and we were able to meander the streets of Oak Park and hear all about the homes Wright was retained to design. We learned about how Mr. Wright was ahead of his time, and how the homes Wright designed are modern in appearance however, they were built during the same time as the surrounding Victorian Homes that line the streets. We learned of the 'Path of Discovery' and how Mr. Wright often hid the front door. How he brought you onto the site and how you entered the home was no accident.


A few years ago, while in Wisconsin, I had the opportunity to visit Taliesin East, and living in New York City, I have been to the Guggenheim, most recently to see the exhibit of Frank Lloyd Wrights work. Much is written about Mr. Wright, his life and family and how he often designed the furniture and its location, the rugs and the lighting fixtures. Some talk adoringly about him "controlling" everything in and about the house including how you walk to the front door while others criticize this and ask "Why are Architects such Control Freaks?"


Well my friends...we Architects can be a little Obsessive ...and as you look for an Architect, you may want to consider this trait a good one...and while I have intuitively understood why some may feel one way or the other never has it been so clear why allowing the architect to render complete services, staying involved to the end, whether designing the furnishings and furniture or guiding in the selection and placement as an independent service or in collaboration with an interior designer is very important. This will yield a much stronger end result and protect your investment in the Architects Designs. Allow me to continue and explain how.

No trip to Chicago or Tour of Frank Lloyd Wrights work by two architects would be complete without a trip to the Robie House in Hyde Park. Now 100 years old, it is being restored for the Centennial Celebration. The tour begins with an introduction to time period when Mr. Robie retained Mr. Wright to design the house. It was an opportunity for Mr. Wright to work with someone who appreciated his unique Prairie Style home, the style that Frank Lloyd Wright is credited with and hailed as the original American Architectural style. The Guide first had us go across the street to a new building designed for the University of Chicago, the Charles M. Harper Center designed by another distinguished and world-renowned architect Rafael Viñoly.

We went up on to the Terrace of this building to view the Robie House. The Guide talked about how Mr. Viñoly and the University of Chicago (the current owner of the Robie House) realized that the Robie House was special and had a place in American Architectural History. They wanted to respect what Mr. Wright had created and so, Viñoly pulled his building back from the street creating exterior terrace spaces with plantings and paid homage by emulating the long horizontal lines of the Prairie Style Wright had become known for and allowing people the opportunity to stand back off the street and view what is considered to be one of the most recognizable elevations of the Robie House. We then ventured back across the street and continued on the by now, well known "Path of Discovery." Well into the house, we stood in what is the Living Room of the Robie House. The Guide talked about the sofa and the built-in storage Wright designed and pointed out the lighting fixtures, other built in storage pieces and the art glass in the windows. The Guide continued to talk and as I gazed out thru the beautiful art glass windows it hit me..."Wright controlled all the views, " we had been told..."into, around and out of the house." Well I am sure he never dreamed that when we looked out of his window that instead of a Prairie we would look at a series of clear glass office spaces where 'control had been lost'. The offices in the spaces across the street in the Harper Center are floor to ceiling glass. You see it all, from the backs of computers with all the cables hanging out to stacks of books piled willy nilly all over. It was Sunday and an empty chair sits facing its desk and I shutter to think what the view could be if a woman with a skirt sits in that chair.


Architecture is meant to be experienced...and I was reminded of that as I walked in and around Wrights work. His drawings are cherished as works of art, as are the thousands of coffee table books and gifts bearing his art glass designs...but walking in and around his houses is something to put on your bucket list. Seeing the development of his work over a twenty year stretch with in a few days was a real treat. And...by allowing the Architect to draw more, and consider the furniture, and exact windows and locations you are allowing the "inner Control Freak" in your Architect to help you with how your space will be experienced not only by you looking out by by others looking in.


Luckily, Marvin and I are passionate about architecture so our weekend exploring Chicago and the works of Frank Lloyd Wright was an exciting and rejuvenating trip. We did have time to chill with friends (all architects/architectural historians of course) new and old and enjoy drinks at the Signature Bar atop The John Hancock Tower, because after all, it is all about the views.

Three Kitchens by Clawson Architects Three Different Looks

KITCHEN ONE ...................KITCHEN TWO...................KITCHEN THREE

Three Maplewood Kitchens...Three Makeovers....

No Additions....ALL BEAUTIFUL NOW!

KITCHEN NUMBER ONE

KITCHEN NUMBER TWO

KITCHEN THREE

For the complete story visit www.clawsonarchitects.com

NY Times College Corner Blog-Landing an Internship

Be it a summer job, an internship, a gap year postion or your first post college job, I have written a few tips for landing that job.

http://maplewood.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/28/college-corner-tips-for-landing-internships/

Good luck...and one last thing, spit the gum out in the trash before you walk in!

20 Questions the AIA says you should ask your Architect

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has a fantastic website http://www.aia.org/index.htm. The consumer section, entitled "The Value of an Architect" addresses "How Design works for You," "Find an Architect," and "20 Questions to Ask Your Architect".


The AIA has done a great job promoting their site and it is clearly working, because today's web-savvy clients are calling me at Clawson Architects with the same 20 questions!  So I thought I would take a moment to give you:

Clawson Archtiects, LLC's official answers to the AIA's 20 Questions to Ask Your Architect:

1. What does the architect see as important issues or considerations in your project?
Site unseen, the most important issues and considerations are your goals and your budget.

2. What are the challenges of the project?
Meeting your goals within your budget while meeting local zoning laws and building codes.

3. How will the architect approach your project?
With enthusiasm, confidence, skill, and keen attention to your needs, likes and dislikes.

4. How will the architect gather information about your needs, goals, etc.?
We interview you about your lifestyle and, during our discussions and working sessions, we draw in front of you...working out the overall schematic design ideas based on your program requirements (your space needs).

5. How will the architect establish priorities and make decisions?
Priorities are established during the interview process with you, and decisions are based on your overall goals, budget and priorities. Clawson Architects has a wealth of experience and knowledge; we will give you our professional advice and the most up to date information so that you can make informed decisions.

6. Who from the architecture firm will you be dealing with directly? Is that the same person who will be designing the project? Who will be designing your project?
The team at Clawson Architects works together, tapping the professionals with the best fit -- considering design and construction experience as well as working style -- for each project. A Principal Partner, either Marvin or René Clawson, is directly in charge at all times; a Project Manager is the  day-to-day contact. However, Marvin and René are always available to you. The partners work closely, know each other's strengths, and call on each other to provide input to projects where his/her expertise will benefit the outcome. If at any time you prefer to work with one principal or team member over the other, please voice the preference and you will be accommodated accordingly.

7. How interested is the architect in this project?
We look at each new client and project as an opportunity to meet someone new and to create something unique and wonderful that will enhance the environment of the individuals and community around it. We strive to create both sustainable architecture and relationships. When we engage in a contract for services, it is not just a project for us, it is about helping someone achieve their goals or solve a problem, and the relationship that develops with the client during the process is often a lasting one. We are proud to say that we also have repeat clients -- folks that have moved up, moved on, or are adding more.

8. How busy is the architect?
We are blessed with a successful practice and do our best to meet your expectations. If we are not able to meet them from the start, we will let you know.

9. What sets this architect apart from the rest?

The People the Process and the Projects.

Our design team can draw solutions in front of you on demand to scale.  We can conceptualize the solutions and communicate them to you in free hand drawings. We don't go off and come back with ideas for you to pick from, we generate ideas with you. We are not wed to a single style -- only excellence. 

We are an experienced, client-focused design firm.
We work with you individually, involving you in the creative process of meeting your program requirements and working along side you to include and enhance any design ideas you may have. The amount of attention and service is based on your needs. We are available to be there from  beginning to end, overseeing the details if requested. We will not abandon you with a half-baked plan or just the exterior shell for you to fill in. We are up to date, keeping abreast of trends and technologies and watching for opportunities to enhance the quality of life for you, our client.

We are licensed and registered and insured architects.        Marvin and René are both Certified Interior Designers in the state of New Jersey. Marvin is a professor of Interior Design at the #1 design school in the nation, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and lectures at Institute of Classical Architecture and Classical America where he is a Fellow Emeritus.  René is a LEED Accredited Professional keeping abreast of the latest green technologies.  She also owns and operates a cabinetry business and will guide you toward storage solutions that work as well as the opportunity to buy cabinets if you please.

We have a team of educated and credentialed individuals, specializing in Architecture, Interiors, Planning, Historical Preservation and Restoration as well as LEED.

We are designers. 

We design a space that is in sync with your needs, how you work and live. We are always talking about how the spaces will flow and be furnished with you. One only has to look at our website to see that no two projects look the same...and that is because we listen to you, our client and look for cues in your environment to make each project unique and all yours.  

The details. We understand the historical and contemporary details and how to employ them correctly. Marvin has been teaching detailing for years and, it makes a difference.  


10. How does the architect establish fees?

Our fees are hourly for services rendered. Today's clients are very educated and we work with them allowing them to participate as much or as little as they like. Many have envisioned their projects and know exactly what they want, but need help with the details and pulling the ideas together. Others prefer full service and only know that what they have is not working and need our help to envision possible solutions that meet their goals. If fees are a concern and the clients have time, some choose to shop on their own for finishes and fixtures and even work on their own variance applications.

11. What would the architect expect the fee to be for this project?
The answer to this requires detailed information about the project, the client, and their goals.

12. What are the steps in the design process?
13. How does the architect organize the process?
For answers to 12 and 13 please visit our website where the design process and working with Clawson Architects is discussed in detail and diagrammed for those who prefer flow charts.


14. What does the architect expect you to provide?
Goals; budget; survey of property by a licensed engineer in the state; any information regarding historical significance, deed restrictions and hazardous materials; and prompt payment for services rendered.


15. What is the architect's design philosophy?

Simple elegance.

16. What is the architect's experience/track record with cost estimating?
We work with contractors or cost estimators at very early stages to reconcile the plans with your budget to keep them in alignment and to eliminate value engineering and change orders at the end.

17. What will the architect show you along the way to explain the project? Will you see models, drawings, or computer animations?
We have model building, hand-drawing and computer rendering capabilities; based on the client's preference and their ability to visualize, we can do any or all of the above. 


18. If the scope of the project changes later in the project, will there be additional fees? How will these fees be justified?
We work to build your project on paper so that you will know exactly what is going to be constructed. We work to make sure the client understands the spaces--either with drawings, computer renderings, models or even staking it out with string on the property or chalk on the floor within an existing space. Our fees are hourly and we feel that this helps the clients stay on task and focused on their priorities, goals and budget. We continually weigh the ideas that are generated against the priorities, goals and budget that were established at the beginning. If the priorities, goals or budget change that is fine, but moving targets can become very expensive to hit. 

19. What services does the architect provide during construction?
Construction Administration.  This is by far the most valuable portion of our services.  Many feel they have the plans and a good contractor and they will take it from there, thinking they are saving money.  We can give examples where our services saved the owners in the end.  We as the author of the drawings and design are intimately familiar with the plans.  There is always room for interpretation and it is our goal to get you the design you have invested in with us. With our years of experience, we are work collaboratively with the contractor you choose, with the goal of protecting your investment in the design, the integrity of your home as well as the integrity of the structure.  Details are not just a thing of beauty.  History shows us how they came about and why. Over the years they have been "simplified, emulated or taken out with out an understanding of why they are there.  While you may realize an immediate savings, proper detailing and the materials specified on our projects are there for a reason.  They have withstood the test of time.  Substitutions may be presented by the contractor. They may be fine, and may not have been an effort to deceive you. It may be that it is what they have always done and they just don't know any better. If we are there, we can help you evaluate if the saving is worth the risk.  If there is a substitution and it meets the design intent, is there a savings for you? What is it. During the pricing and construction phase, we are there to help.  There will always been unforeseen conditions especially on a renovation project.  Our goals are to help find solutions that meet your goals, the design intent and keep the job moving forward. We will also continue to assist in negotiations of the debit or credit to your account based on the solution.  

During the construction phase of the project, 
our services include the following:A. Site visits on an average of one (1) site visit per week to document the project progress.
B. Preparation of a Field Report and/or meeting notes that document(s) the conditions of the site, progress of the work, conformance with the Construction Documents and list(s) open issues related to the progression of the work.
C. Review of shop drawings provided by the contractor for the cabinetry, windows, doors, custom mill work and other items, as required by us.
D. Review of samples provided by the Client or Contractor for the building components and building materials.
E. Review of the Contractor's Request for payment for accuracy relative to the progression of the project. 

Note:  Many want to exclude the architect from the contract negotiations.  This always becomes an issue when you call for help. It becomes a challenge as we can not really help you if we don't know what your negotiated.  Keep in mind that contractors and architects do this all day long.  Why would you want to go in and negotiate on your own, when you did not create the plans which are the contract or have over 30 years of daily experience doing so that you will be up against. To go into a business deal allowing the mouse to guard the cheese is never recommended.  The goal is to get what you paid for. Allow us to help you.  Remember, we are hourly, so there is no incentive for us to drive the price up.  We would like our services to pay for themselves in the end with the return on investment.

20. How disruptive will construction be? How long does the architect expect it to take to complete your project?
This is very project-specific and therefore varies widely. Many clients prefer to live elsewhere during renovation projects, however, this presents added costs. You will want to consider the hazards of renovation that are articulated in the EPA's pamphlet, "Renovate Right," and consider the additional cost of moving out during the demolition process. If your project is new construction, every attempt is made to disturb as little of the surrounding environment as possible. The length of the project is based on many factors including but not limited to:

1. The local Building Department;
2. The skill and organization of the contractor;
3. The number of changes made in the field; and 
4. The finish materials, fixtures and number of custom elements.

20+1. Does the architect have a list of past clients that you can contact?
(Yes, the AIA actually had 21 questions listed under the heading 20 questions...so this is the bonus question!)

Of course we do. Clawson Architects prefers to learn more about your project so we can match you up with a meaningful reference from someone for whom we designed a project of a similar size or scope or worked with a contractor you may be considering for the job. Some reviews are listed on Houzz.com 

"Man caves," "Manlands," "Manchuaries"

Every man’s home is his castle…you would not know it most of the time when flipping through the remodeling magazines at the check out counter or the home shows on HG TV. Here at Clawson Architects, in our Residential Design Studio we have noticed a surge in the Man Cave requests: A space where the King gets his say, the final say in one particular area of the home…no compromises…just what the Man Wants.

The requests have included:

A room to be designed around an inherited Snooker Table being shipped in from England.
Outdoor Living Spaces with deluxe outdoor kitchens and Grills.
Outdoor fire pits and fire places.

New Garage Additon built into hillside with room above.
Outdoor patio grill and fireplace.

Humidors and smoking rooms.
Wine Cellars.
Cabinets for Scotch Collections
And libraries.

Bars
Workout Rooms where former NFL player can use an elliptical without hitting his head
(Structural Engineers called in to re-frame area in existing Basement)
Big TVs, Really Big TV’s with surround sound and Really, Really Big TV’s/home theaters.
Decks with hot tubs and endless pool…and amazing views of Manhattan
(not sure about this one, client was a single guy, so more like the ultimate Bachelors Pad than a Man Cave.) http://www.endlesspools.com/endlesspool/index.html

Garages with:
Private office above
Hydraulic lifts for sports car over luxury sedan
Temperature control for collectors’ car
Basket Ball hoop attached in the traditional way but with Lighted Court
Indoor Basketball court…for the kids …wink wink.

This Garage with Room/Private office above also has a Hydrolic car lift to

create room for that sports car to be parked above the everyday ride.

And there are the homes with private docks for the floating Man Cave.

There are lots of themed rooms mostly around teams that now include stadium chairs from demolished stadiums...most are finding that this is not as comfortable as the Lazy Boy www.la-z-boy.com/

#1 request is simply a urinal in the house

…some guys are just easy or maybe they have given up…to them I say, "take control and seek help". There are websites now dedicated to the Man Cave with toys galore… http://www.theman-cavestore.com/
Some of the toys could get you into trouble i.e. …I would avoid the stripper pole especially if you get the Kegerator unless you have a good lawyer and think you will get to keep the castle for yourself if it all ends.