When Empathy Hits Home

Time to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth...

While Marvin and I have been creating drawings for renovations to private homes and visiting the sites under construction for ... lets just go with years....assuring clients throughout the process that "it's going to be great!"...

We are finally embarking on major renovations to our own 1923 home.

When we purchased the house in 1997, my father's face went pale as he mustered up "its a great starter home." My mother, who is better at conceptualizing, said "you are going to love that porch!"  Having just given birth to our second child, my mother stayed with us and helped us move in with a four-year-old and a new baby as Marvin started a new position as an Associate at a firm in NYC...and good friends pitched in to help us make it safe and livable.  The next time my father visited...he was like wow....and yet all we had really done was clean, re-roof, refinish the floors, and paint inside and out.

We have lived in this house and dreamed of the possibilities for 20 years now.

Over the years we fixed what needed fixing and mused about the possibilities. We considered moving when our third child was born and made the choice to stay put. The kids were growing and their interests had us on the go.  We had started Clawson Architects and, as they say, "the shoemaker's kids...." Other than the typical home maintenance, we did not do much.

So it is time.  Time to renovate, and the lessons in empathy are hitting us hard...here they are:

The answer is three.  It has taken us quite a few years to get the plans together and we drew three different schemes before making the decision to go with the plans we filed with the building department. Like our clients "we just put it on the drawings" we were giving to the contractor for pricing to see if somehow, even though we knew it was going to cost more, that it would magically be within the budget we had set.  We too had to "pull back."

Stake holders....Marvin and Rene....we had to take responsibility for our dream and our budget.  As you can imagine...both being architects and interior designers we came to an agreement and set some ground rules:  we needed to keep our goals and needs in front of us and not stray. We heard each other out; I yielded to Marvin and gave him the last say on the outside decisions and he yielded to me giving me the final say on the inside decisions. I don't recall having to claim "my decision"...after 20 years of talking about it, we are on the same page.

We will be living in the house while all this goes on, like many of our clients choose to do during their construction. So of course, like our clients, we want to stay ahead of schedule and under budget. It worries us.  We know the truth.  It is disruptive.  It is noisy.  It is dusty.  People are going to be in our space. There will be challenges. We are anxious...about the choices we have made and of course the budget ...reminding ourselves, "If you want to stay on budget ...build what is on the plans. DON'T MAKE CHANGES!"

So to my dad, who has passed away,...it was a great starter house and I regret that I will not get to walk you around to show you the new and improved forever house. And to my mom...your were right ...the porch has been awesome! We have made so many memories....we have shared many drinks and laughter with friends, family and neighbors.  It is a porch where we have snuggled as a family to watch the thunderstorms and sipped coffee as we watched the hummingbirds in "Marvin's Garden."  School projects, crafting 4th of July bike decorations, and creating watercolor paintings of the garden. First steps, first Popsicle, college applications and graduate school papers have happened here. It has been the favorite family meal spot April through October and where all the world problems are solved. Tomorrow it is going to be dismantled to make way for something new.

The new plans do not include a screened porch. While we are all excited about the changes ....and all we will gain, we have all had our doubting moment. We are left to assure each other that it will all be fine. That the new space we are creating will be the place where we create new memories.

This journey of our own has been a real life lesson in client empathy as we have watched many clients over the years stress as they pack and clear their belongings to make way for new construction...it's our turn.  We have spent the last few weekends clearing the attic and basement...playing trash or treasure...the memories are overwhelming and yet WE CANNOT WAIT to host a holiday party in our newly renovated home with kitchen and family room addition!

Stay tuned as the lessons in client empathy continue.

Choosing the Right Architect for your Home

The Clawson Difference - 

Business and sales coaches often ask:
"What is the Value Proposition?"
"What do you bring to the table?"
 and
"What do you do that is different?"

While Clawson Architects has a portfolio of beautiful projects -- new home, renovation, and addition success stories -- it can be difficult for the homeowner searching for an architect to discern why Clawson Architects may be the best choice for them.

So what is the difference?  Below is our

Value Proposition

Feature: Clawson Architects has evidence that in post-construction appraisals as well as post-construction sales, our clients' homes deliver a Return on Investment (ROI) ranging from 22% - 200%.
Advantage:  Your investment in proper drawings and a thoughtful design by Clawson Architects will reap you financial rewards.
Benefit: You will love how the light shines on the faces of your family and friends when they enter the room. You will feel comfortable and joyful as you take in the views created by our thoughtful placement of windows into the landscape.  Your daily life will be easier as we will have addressed your lifestyle.  And, in the end, if you decide to sell the family home, you will realize the financial benefits of having built something that was thoughtful and enduring.


Marvin during an initial sketching session "adding curb appeal"

Feature: Marvin has an extraordinary ability to draw...on-demand, to scale, and often upside down (to make it easier for the clients to follow his thought process and ideas).
Advantage: This allows Marvin to explore multiple concepts with the owners during a sketch session, quickly moving towards a solution that resonates with them.

Benefits: Owners see the design possibilities in real time. They see their ideas incorporated as Marvin listens, responds, and draws with them. No time is wasted with the architect going back to the office, getting on their computer, and dreaming up schemes devoid of feedback of the end user. There is no sitting around and waiting to see if the architect understood what you wanted. Clawson Architects clients see perspectives and details  explained with three dimensional freehand drawings -- on the spot!

This same process is used in the field if unforeseen conditions arise:  a meeting is held and Marvin whips out his magic pencil, problem-solving and communicating/sharing the possible solutions as the owner, contractor and architect work together to resolve the issues.

 

Feature: We have extensive experience and knowledge of period-home construction, renovations, and additions.
Advantage: With over 450 built projects and counting, we are not learning on your job. When you work with Clawson Architects, you benefit from their tried and true process, harnessing the power of 60+ years of the partners' combined experience in high-end residential design experience and their connections in the industry.  Each project has the attention of the partners and their very qualified supporting team.
Benefit:  You will not have to worry.  We have the experience necessary to deliver a successful project, creating a home with you that tells the story of your life with details that matter, are enduring, authentically represent your life and your needs, and bring you joy.


A favorable ROI is just one of many reasons to consider Clawson Architects as your architect in a time when you need an investment you can count on.

So, thanks again for considering Clawson Architects -- now let's get to work creating something of beauty and value for you!  Give us a call 973-313-2724
 

Dining Room Celebrations....Table Sizes, Room Sizes and Number of Guests to be seated

Changing Seasons…Homecoming, Fall Harvest, Family Gatherings and Fire Prevention Month…What does this mean for the Architect and Interior Designer in me and to you the Home Owner.


The kids are back to school, the air has a bit of chill in the morning and I am starting to see some color on the leaves. So it is only right that I should see the overflow of magazines in the mail all with beautiful warm settings for welcoming friends and family to gather around and take part in the Harvest Bounty. There are candle lit tables, jack-o-lanterns and lots and lots of cooking being discussed in these product magazines and on line. It is no accident that this is the retail season for Tables and Table Settings when it comes what is on the shelves in the stores right now. Fall is Celebrating the Harvest with Cooking, Dining Room Sets and Table Settings.

NYC Upper East Side Dining Room by Clawson Architects

From the dishes to dining room tables the stores are trying to sell a gracious lifestyle. They offer new ideas along side their products on how to add a little something extra to your apple pie with this pretty new pie pan or a Roasting Pan with “how to Turkey 101”. You are reassured that if you just buy their table and wares you will become the best entertainer that ever was. Your family members will gather with smiles bringing you the most thoughtful hostess gifts (also available in their stores) beautifully dressed and very good looking too. However, very few articles ever address the challenges of the season like enough room at that table, or how many people can actually gather to eat at that table.


So some tips for the Season and what will fit….
Table Sizes and Shapes & Other Things Considered: 

The Chair backs are high and the ceiling is low in the tradition of Frank Lloyd Wright centering the attention in on the Table and the conversations.

Conversation:
The Room:
The smallest dining room size of any use is:
 12 feet by 12 feet and will accommodate six nicely and eight if your friends and the table expands.


To insure good conversation and easy passing, tables that are rectangular in shape and about 36” wide work the best.

Round tables are great especially if you are into being equal as there is no “Head” of the table. A 48 inch round table seats six. A 60 inch round table seats eight to ten depending on the style of the chairs used. The bigger the round table and depending on how that table expands, the more you may want to consider a “lazy susan” for the center of the table or setting a buffet. If the table becomes an oblong shape you can typically squeeze folks a little closer around the end as the “head” of the table is not as predominate.


This Dining Room was designed by Clawson Architects with flexibility in mind.  See one of the alternate entertainment setting below (White Table Cloth)

When looking at tables that extend, take the time to analyze weather or not you really get more seating. In some cases, the legs from the table interfere with the seating and additional settings are not actually gained. Consider a Pedestal base to avoid this. Often the table is featured in the store and catalogs with chairs on the end when if fact there is no over hang or the table is too narrow to have guests on both sides and someone sitting on each end. For a table to have a seat at the ends it often must we wider than the 36 “ as the depth of the table will take up the place settings on both sides. Don’t be afraid to try things out. Get some blue painter's tape and mark out the table on your floor. Take place mats to the store with you or grab some of theirs and put them around on your prospective table. Keep in mind that to be able to walk around someone that is seated at the table you will need 42” clear from the edge of the table to the wall, 48” is more gracious and means no one has to turn sideways or scoot in.


Lighting:
Lighting really sets the tone. If you are installing an overhead fixture consider the following:


The Multiple lights hung closer to the ceiling gives the room more flexibility for entertaining

Do you ever entertain and move the dining room table to the side? If so, you may want to make sure that the fixture is retractable or hung high enough that your taller guests don’t hit their head on it. If you never plan to move the table or have a standing cocktail style party, it should be installed so that the bottom is 36” off the table surface. Wondering how big the fixture should be, add the length and width of the room together and then exchange the word feet with inches and the diameter of the fixture should be in inches. (i.e. 14 feet + 18 feet = 32 feet so your fixture should be 32inches in diameter.  And always choose to have the fixtures on a dimmer switch. 
Candles are a great way to set  light, decorate and add glamour to any event. Using glass chimneys to them will keep them a little safer …just keep in mind that with all the cooking, entertaining with candles and a fires in the fireplace it is no accident that the National Fire Protection Association has made the Fall "Fire Prevention Awareness Season"….humm.

So Celebrate.
Enjoy the season and the feasts and channel your best Martha whether you are the host or the guest.


For more guidelines and considerations about buying wood dining room tables check out the Amish Direct Furniture web site. They offer diagrams and information about the construction of quality furniture and even more things to consider.

Now I need to get back to work helping clients with those final details on their newly designed Clawson Kitchen as they have all graciously offered to host their Family's Holidays.

....oh! one more thing ...change your batteries in your smoke detectors!!! actually two and keep those gutters clear  oh wait...and have your chimney cleaned so you are ready for the cold.

Press Release: Clawson Architects Awarded Silver and Gold AIA Medals--

Press release                             

For immediate release                                                             

 

Clawson Architects awarded medals

for residential design excellence

by peers at 20^th annual architectural awards

 

20^th Anniversary Celebration

AIA Newark and Suburban

Design Awards 2013

The purpose to honor design excellence.

 

MORRISTOWN, NJ – Clawson Architects, LLC was awarded both a Gold and a Silver medal for design achievements from the American Institute of Architects regional chapter. The Newark Suburban Chapter awarded the Maplewood-based firm the only awards this year for outstanding residential design.

In this regional competition, 14 firms submitted multiple entries in four specific categories. The jury awarded a total of seven medals this year, five in non-residential design categories and two in residential design categories. And unlike many competitions, the jury reserved the right to not present any awards if the entries to did not meet strict criteria. The gold and silver medal projects from Clawson Architects were awarded in the “Residential Interior or Feature Element” category.

The AIA chapter presented the Gold Medal award for the Clawson firm’s design of the “Stair Hall "  The jury’s notes specified the “Stunning transformation and elegant lines.” The home was not a mere renovation but more of a re-invisioned “creation”.  The stairs and detail did not exist and are part of a project that included renovations, alterations and an addition. The home is located in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

 

 

 

The AIA chapter presented the Silver Medal award for the Clawson firm’s design of the “Nussbaum pool pavilion.” The jury’s notes specified the “restraint and sophistication of the design.” The pool pavilion is a new construction project located in Short Hills, NJ.

 

Marvin Clawson, the lead designer on the award-winning projects, said, “Our profession is about creating beautiful spaces that inspire and exceed the client’s expectations. And when our colleagues recognize our work for design excellence, well, that something to celebrate!”

 

 The Newark Suburban chapter of the AIA presented the awards on Oct. 17, 2013 at a special evening

awards dinner at the Morris Museum in Morristown, NJ. It was the organization’s 20^th annual awards event. AIA members, sponsors and guests were able to view project boards from the competition, while enjoying food, refreshments and camaraderie.

 

The sponsors of the event included L’Abbate, Balkan, Colavita & Contini, LLP, Pella Windows & Doors, Microsol Resources

The jurors for the event included:

Claire Weisz, AIA is a founding partner of WXY architecture and urban design, a New York City-based firm.

 

Hugh H. Trumbull III, AIA is a senior design principal with Kohn Peterson Fox.

 

Stuart Disston, AIA, LEED GA is a partner in Austin Patterson Disston, specializing in residential design based in Quogue, N.Y. and Southport, CT.

 

Jack A. Purvis, AIA, principal at the firm that bears his name in Allenwood, NJ,, and is the 2013 President of AIA New Jersey.

 

Clawson Architects, LLC guides individuals who value design and appreciate the journey through the process of creating and transforming their space so that it intimately and authentically reflects their needs and aesthetic preferences. The results are spaces that delight the owner while providing enduring value beyond their investment. As Architects and business leaders, we value a good investment and believe that an investment in the design of a space is an investment worth making. Clawson Architects, LLC is a full-service high-end residential architecture and interior design firm. Principals at the firm are

Marvin Clawson, AIA, CID and NCARB, 

Rene´ Clawson, AIA, CID, LEED, AP, BD+C, CID

 

For more information about the events or

other award recipients contact:

Julie Pagnotta, Section Administrator:
aiaadmin@verizon.net
973-746-1523

The American Institute of Architects visit– http://aians.org/

Hiring the Perfect Contractor for the Job: Finding "Mr. Right" -The search for the perfect contractor.

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I guess you could say I "grew up in the business.” My great grandfather was a developer in Pittsburgh after World War II. My paternal grandfather was a union carpenter and worked his way up to Construction Superintendent on large jobs like the Watergate in Washington, DC. My father took the path of higher education and became a Professional Engineer, working in Construction Contract Management for major projects like the New Library of Congress (it is not so new anymore!). Construction talk was dinner conversation most evenings. The epic stories are the ones of major mishaps.

Now as an Architect (the only one to carry on in the “family business”), not a day goes by that I don’t talk to a contractor. Clients and friends who are renovating their homes always want to know who my favorite contractor is. Well, I must qualify that …I have never met a contractor that I wouldn’t get a drink with…they are in general light-hearted guys that know how to have a good time. But just like finding “Mr. Right, you would not necessarily want to enter into an “until death/built do we part” agreement.

So, my experiences have taught me to:

1. Get recommendations and references from each Contractor

• Call the references
• Verify that the work done by the contractor is similar in scope to what you are    planning to do.
• One reference is not enough…

2. Ask the reference how they know the Contractor

• Be specific and ask if they are a friend or family-member of the contractor?
• Would they hire the contractor or their sub-contractors again?
• What was the scope of their project.
• Did the contractor meet the schedule.
• How did the contractor communicate with them--email, phone, notes, in person?
• Did you work with an Architect? 
• Did the contractor follow the drawings?
• Did the contractor encourage you to keep the Architect involved with Construction Administration Services? Or did they discourage you from keeping the Architect involved.

3. Ask to visit two jobs similar in scope that the Contractor has completed.

• Make sure the client is going to be there, and verify that this Contractor did the work that you are looking at. I have personally been shown very impressive projects where the Contractor led one to believe that he had built the entire house. Research into the initial permit at the building department revealed that the house was built by others.  He was a past employee of the company.
• Look at where materials change/meet. That may tell you what type of craftsman the Contractor is. It could also be the fact that they did or did not work with an architect on the detail…so ask.

4. Check the recommendations and complaint records

• Better Business Bureau
• Local online sites

5. Licensing, registrations, EPA Lead Safe Certification and insurance

• Call and verify that all of the documents are originals and currently active; don’t accept a certificate as proof before you sign a contract.
• Call your insurance agent to determine if your Homeowner's policy requires an additional rider during construction.

6. Beware of a Contractor that wants you to…

• File for permits yourself or tells you that he can “do it” without a building permit.
• Pay in cash or will not allow you to retain 10% of the costs until you have a Certificate of Occupancy as required by law in New Jersey and stated on the Building Permit. 
• Wants you to pay the subcontractors directly.

Often, once I know more about you and your project I am a better match-maker. Personality does play a huge role in matching clients up with Mr. Right. So, once you have found “Mr. Right”…it is time to "get engaged." We will go over getting the right pre-nuptials next time. Until then, to learn more about how to work with an architect or the process of getting the right construction documents—your contract with the contractor for that big day -- visit www.clawsonarchitects.com.

Contracts and Contractors: "Pre-nuptials" - Your Contract with the Contractor

"Pre-nuptials"-- Your Contract with the Contractor

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When it comes to renovations, alterations, additions, or building a new house, the best endings are “…and they lived happily ever after.” The best way to get to “Happily Ever After” is to clearly and concisely define expectations and to make sure that your expectations are in alignment with that of Mr. Right, the Contractor, before you say “I do.”

The best way to do this is have a Contract. When building a residential project, you really need a set of Construction Documents, which are Architectural Design Drawings and Specifications that communicate your expectations to the Contractor. I recommend this approach even if you are “just remodeling your powder room.”

The Architectural Drawings may include the following:

1. A survey of the site showing the footprint of your house and any additions.
2. Existing conditions drawings that represent your “as-built” house.
3. A Scope of Work defined in words and drawings.
4. Demolition plans if the project is a renovation.
5. Dimensioned floor plans, elevations, and reflected ceiling plans illustrating the Scope of Work.
6. Wall Sections and Construction Details are technical drawings required by the Building Department that provide information pertaining to the structural, environmental and other components of the house.
7. Electrical Plans that specify and locate: lighting fixtures, electrical receptacles, lighting switches and dimmers, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, as required by code.
8. Structural Drawings representing the foundation and framing of the house.
9. Mechanical Systems Drawings that specify systems and coordinate locations, color, size and models for supply and return registers as well as radiators and thermostats.
10. Plumbing and Gas Riser Diagrams. These are single line drawings that schematically represent the fixtures and fittings for each system.
11. Details for the project that articulate what will happen where two materials come together.
12. Material Specifications. Larger projects have specifications in book form. Smaller projects can simply incorporate the material and fixture selections by notes on the drawings.
13. A Professional Seal from a licensed architect and/or engineer certifying and insuring that the drawings and calculations are correct and meet national, state and local building codes.

Additional concerns to discuss and include in your contract are:

1. Schedule for the work and hours of work permitted by your Township.
2. Emergency contact numbers for Contractor
3. A Payment Schedule clearly showing milestones for the project and the corresponding payments.

If you plan to live in a home that is being renovated, these are additional items to discuss with the Contractor:

1. Notification prior to electrical, water and heating shut downs and provision of temporary service if more than one day.
2. Protection of areas not in Scope of Work, especially protection from dust migration.
3. Introduction to the Contractor’s superintendent who will be your daily contact on the job.
4. Schedule for weekly progress meetings.

The drawings and specifications serve as Construction Documents and appear as an “Exhibit” to the formal Contract between the Client and the Contractor. By defining your expectations in the Construction Documents, you are:

1. Clearly defining the desired Scope of Work.
2. Protecting the investment in your house.
3. Protecting the structural and material integrity of your house.
4. Minimizing the length of time that you will spend “working on your project.”

Following the process described above provides you with a guide for a successful project. It is a less stressful and more enjoyable approach to what is, for most, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If a potential Contractor hands you a one to two page document that does not reference the Construction Documents by title and date of issue, overlooks the construction schedule, and focuses only a payment schedule, think twice.

Because when we are talking about your house…there is only one good ending and that is Happily Ever After.

Architects...What do they really do? Careers in Architecture

I recently entered into a casual discussion with an acquaintance who happens to be an editor from the New York Times...she confessed, "I don't know if I ever told you but I always wanted to be an Architect....but my parents made me take typing instead of drafting in High School." 

While an entertainment channel did a montage recently of celebrities answering the question "If you could be anything what would you be resulted in 50 or so people saying "Architect," "Architect," "Architect," "Architect," "Architect," "Architect," "Architect," "Architect,"

"Teacher," "Architect,""Architect," "Architect,"

"Architect," "Architect," "Architect," "Architect," "Architect," "Architect," "Architect," "Teacher," "Architect,""Architect," and the men have been named the sexiest professionals, I think many are confused about what we really do.

Some of the myths and mystique revolve around what we do and wear.  It seems that we all wear black, cool glasses and point at cool drawings and models.  But it has became clear to me that being an Architect is much like being a writer/editor --we are three dimensional storytellers. 

I thought about how many people are calling me because they saw my portfolio on Houzz and they love what they are seeing.  I visit with potential clients and they have print outs from the site or cuttings from a magazine and they tell me about how they are trying to create what is in the picture.  First and foremost it is like trying to get the look of the person on the cover of a fashion magazine.  These images have fancy lighting, they are staged and they have been photo shopped.  What I believe people are responding to is the story that is being told...the problem is that it is not "their story". 

Successful architecture tells a story of its occupants and the site.  Much like a good story has a hero and a context that support the plot, successful spaces are created when the Architect understands the setting and the client and how they are going to move in and around the space and how they live and work.  Trying to copy an image you see online might give you a look, but if you want that space to make you feel good like your favorite pajamas or an old leather jacket, the space needs to tell the story of you.  Not the story of a famous designer ...but the story of you.  It should be tailored/edited to meet your living style and needs and should have your voice. 
I like to think the reason people are drawn to the images in our portfolio is because they like the stories that being told and they want us to help them tell theirs.  A good Architect will help you find your voice.  They will listen to your stories about your life and how you work and play, what your interests are and help you write the story of you in 3D.

Many people don't know this either...if you want to be an Architect, you don't have to take High School Drafting.  You don't even have to have to be really great at Math.  What you do have to have is the ability to conceptualize, draw and tell a good story.