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.

The Fix: Even Appliances Need a Spring Cleaning

Something to think about....during the fast paced new housing market that most American families were now moving every three years. The source which I do not recall also noted that appliances today were built to last only 5 years. The business model is interesting...before the second owner moves out they replace all the appliances and sell to the third owner with appliances that are just a year old...crazy. The information below, both the New York Times and quotes from a House & Garden article may assist you in getting a little more out of your appliances now that the trend to move seems to be slowing.

Link to the Times article:
The Fix: Even Appliances Need a Spring Cleaning

An Article published in House and Garden in May 2004 by Glenn Recchia is one of my favorites.

In the article, Glenn reminds us that even the best appliances need care and will last longer with periodic cleaning. He likens this to the maintenance of your car and notes that many of today's high end kitchen appliances cost more than his car.

Below I have summarized Mr. Recchia Recommendations and they are as follows:

Refrigerator Maintenance:
If you own a Sub Zero, the condensers require regular cleanings to prevent overheating. Remove the grill every six months and dust with a gentle tool so as not to damage the aluminum fins. Then, with a soft brush attachment on your vacuum, remove the dust and finish up by cleaning the coils with a refrigerator coil brush.
For a standard refrigerator with typical coils on the back, vacuum these every six months as well.
And finally get down on the floor and look at the toe grille...yuck. Pop that off and vacuum/dust behind it and wash the grille in warm soapy water...this will insure that your appliance is getting enough air circulating around it.


Stove Tops and Range Maintenance:
By wiping up spills and overflows from pots, you will eliminate repairs. Using a fine wire brush typically found in paint stores, you can keep the little holes on gas burners functioning. Glenn recommends that "If spills occur while your are cooking, cover them with salt, both on top of the stove and in the oven, as soon as possible." This makes it easier to wipe off later. Cleaning grates with warm soapy water or in the dish washer is advised on a weekly basis.
Monthly vacuuming of the inside range is also recommended.

Dishwasher Maintenance:
Clogging is the biggest issue with dishwashers. I know many claim to clean it all off for you, but it is advised that you get the chucks off. It will prolong the life or the unit. If yours has a filter, check it often at least once a week and clean it removing any debris and brush it clean. It is recommended that you run the washer with a cup of white vinegar. Just throw it into the bottom and run the machine through one wash and rinse cycle and stop. Do not dry.

Stove Hood Maintenance:
The aluminum filters can usually be placed in the dishwasher on the pots-and-pans cycle at least once a month. It is recommended that you shut the power off to the hood first, and then wipe the fan blades behind the filters. If you really cook, you may want to consider calling in a professional to steam clean the the duct work to remove grease.

In conclusion:
Ammonia and abrasive cleansers are usually not best for the finishes so I recommend that with all of this advice that you please remember...even though it is not very popular or fun thing to do...read the manual. That is the best way to insure you get the most out of your purchases. An you may even be surprised to learn about a feature you did not know you had.

Domestic Detox: Extreme Home Cleaning

Domestic Detox: Extreme Home Cleaning
The article in the New York Times Home Section today explains 'Building Biology' the latest certification you can earn online. As the article states, " 'sick building syndrome' or a sensitivity to chemicals like formaldehyde used in construction" became a diagnoses when people living in new homes or working in new offices began to suffer with illnesses.

The article finishes by calling for legislation for stricter laws on products and technologies.
Buyer Beware and until that legislation day comes...visit one of my favorite sites to verify product content and "greenness"
Greenguard Environmental Institute Product Guide

Indoor Air Quality ---You may want to Hold your Breath!

EPA-The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html

Green Guard
http://www.greenguard.org/indoorAirQuality.aspx

Summary quotes and information from GreenGuard and the EPA--

1:

“The US Environmental Protection Agency, the American Lung Association, the World Health Organization and other public health and environmental organizations view indoor air pollution as one of the greatest risks to Human Health. “

2:

Indoor Air is 2-5 times more polluted than Outdoor Air and in some cases 100 times more polluted, than outdoor air.


Why is this problem?

3:

"People spend 90 percent of their time indoors."

In fact the EPA estimates that

4:

"the average person receives 72 percent of their chemical exposure at home, which means that very place most people consider safest paradoxically exposes them to the greatest amounts of potentially hazardous pollutants."

The EPA and Green Guard a third party test group notes...
There are FOUR contributors to poor indoor air quality
1. Chemicals
2. Mold
3. Particulates
4. Poor Ventilation

1. Chemicals- including off gassing from furnishings, dry cleaning and chemical cleaners as well as in finishes like paint, wall paper, carpet and curtains....
a. Controlling the source…what you or the "cat dragged in" is a problem.

2. Mold- from moisture problems including damp basements, humid laundry rooms and bathrooms…
a. Controlling the moisture with proper ventilation
b. and dehumidifiers

3. Particulates- Airborne particulates can also come from dirt and dust that are tracked in from outdoors…
a. Installing walk-off mats at doorways and cleaning them regularly.
b. Changing air filters regularly
c. Using a vacuum with a Hepa filter are all good strategies to limit these pollutants.

4. Poor Ventilation—
a. With the new standards for air tight construction, it is even more important to have ventilation systems that are designed to bring in fresh air.
b. Most ventilation systems are designed to bring in very little outdoor air and instead re-circulate the indoor air that has already been heated or cooled as an effective way to minimize energy costs; it can have a negative impact on the indoor air quality.

My two cents... You may hear things like open your window from the EPA if you are painting, and the US Green Building's LEED certification for buildings has a highly controversial flushing system that recommends blowing large quantities of air into your building to "flush out" all the toxic off gassing...well, if you really want to get technical, if you live near the water, or in a humid area, the moisture that gets pulled into the room takes you back to #2 Mold issues….And if you have allergies and it is Pollen or Hay fever season you may want to make considerations on a case by case, region by region bases but...


Please do not let this information paralyze you...

The #1 Strategy for controlling IAQ is...

Source Control-- reduce indoor air pollution and limit chemical exposure by not bringing it into your space in the first place.

1. Take off your shoes so you don't track particulates into the home.

2. When you are Buying Products--furnishings, clothing, dry cleaning, detergents and cleaning products, think about the off gassing or VOC’s.

3. Maintain Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment--Change those filters on a regular bases.


To get past the green washing of low and no VOC’s check to see if the product has been given the GREENGUARD Certified for low chemical emissions. Green Guard is a third party testing company that certifies products and their Greeness if you will. Some paints claim to be no VOC, however, the tinting added when you choose the colors are not in some cases only the base is No VOC. GREEGUARD has an amazing online Product Guide and all of these tips to improve IAQ listed on their website. http://www.greenguard.org/quickSearch.aspx

Additionally, Consumer Report Greener Choices Website is also very useful Listing information regarding Products. http://www.greenerchoices.org/home.cfm

Get outside and get some fresh air. Take in deep breaths. You will feel better....just remember to wear your sunscreen :)