National Architects Week

"National Architecture Week, April 10-16, is a time to showcase the positive role architects play in our communities and highlight the power of design." — AIA
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) released a schedule of events for the Week.

When I tell folks that "I am an Architect." The response is typically, "I always wanted to be an Architect." It is often romanticized. As children we love to create little worlds whether it is a tent with blankets in the living room or a tree house in the back yard. When we get to college, the Architects have cool 'studios' instead of labs and classrooms and they build these crazy cool models and presentations. To build is to create and leave a legacy. But you don't have to BE an Architect to influence or create a legacy. Everyone has an opportunity to make a difference. However, when it comes to the built environment, a Professional Architect will be the key to its success. The Architect's role in all of this will be to interpret and coordinate the needs and information and then develop ideas and into thoughtful and sustainable solutions. Good design matters and the skill of a trained Professional Archtiect will make the difference in creating a legacy to be proud of. It does take a Village to build something special and that Village should have an Architect involved from the beginning.

Being an Architect has it's "cool moments" but working together with people to create something unique and beautiful that enriches the lives of the end user is powerful.

Understanding the Client - Architect - Contractor Relationship

A successful, efficient project considers the client's needs, well-being, and budget. The Client, The Architect, and the Contractor have very specific and necessary roles:

• The Client/Owner– has specific goals, expectations and a budget that is in alignment with these goals and expectations.
• The Architect – must guide the Client, propose reasonable, sustainable design solutions, and provide accurate, detailed drawings. These must meet the Client's requirements as well as applicable building codes and zoning criteria. The finalized construction documents will become the Client’s contract with the Contractor.
• The Contractor – must be a responsible craftsman with expertise and the experience necessary to manage the trades and to build the project as designed and documented.

As with a three-legged stool, each of the three parties must work together in concert. They must maintain open dialogue and be able to troubleshoot as a team in order to respond to unforeseen issues or client-initiated changes. Limiting or eliminating any of these components will leave the client with a compromised solution.

Ultimately, the Client, or Owner, has two contracts: one is between the Owner and the Architect and the other is between the Owner and the Contractor. The Architect works for the Owner during the Construction Phase to observe that the Construction Documents are  interpreted correctly.  The Architect advocates for the Owner. Beware of the Contractor that does not want an Architect involved. Remember, the Architect works for the Owner to see that the investment in the Contract Documents--also known as Drawings and Specifications--is realized. This "three-legged stool" model also creates checks and balances that have been the successful precedence for many of the projects Clawson Architects has completed.  

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 New Bi-Monthly Column in The Alternative Press by René Clawson

I am very excited to be writing a new colunm for a hyperlocal daily online news source in our area called The Alternative Press.

My Column while appearing at this time as a Guest Column will be published on or about the 15th and 30th of every month in the Home and Garden Section and is called House Calls. My first titled article is: Finding Mr. Right an opinion about how to find the right General Contractor for your project.

Thank you for your support. 

Any ideas for future articles please let me know.

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.

   

Gutter Talk--Gutter and Downspout Maintenance

So, yesterday we had a taste of Spring here in the Northeast...and today, it is not as cold as they forecasted. This is allowing for a slow melt... a good thing. The ground and drainage systems have time to absorb the water. It gives us, the home owners a chance to run outside and check out the damage from this Winter Assault we have endured. This is your big chance before the next Winter Blast....or the Spring Rain to...

Check your gutters.

As I drive around town, I see lots of hanging gutters. The icicles were beautiful but they wreak havoc on gutters and downspouts. Many forgot to clear their gutters this fall. A task that should really take place quarterly. So go for it, make sure they are still attached to the house and that the downspouts are still connected and clear, and that they are directed away from the house. If there is some damage call the "Gutter Guys" in town and get some help. This little bit of maintenance could prevent a more drastic spring flood in your basement.

And as we dream about Spring....
Think about scheduling your Air Conditioning Maintenance...

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