My Approach as an Architect
After 20 years of being an architect, I get asked a lot of questions from first-time home builders to the experienced home owners. It’s part of the process. Good communication helps make better decisions and relationships.
Every architectural firm, from the one-person firm (like me) to the bigger ones, have their own work process, design skills and levels of expertise. It is always best to ask friends, family and other professionals to see who is the best fit for your project. Most importantly, you should personally meet the architect to make sure you are compatible in both design and personality.
Understanding my process ahead of time will hopefully encourage you to start a conversation with me about your project.
– Hot Button Issues –
• Clients want control over the design and building process.
It’s been my experience that clients want to enjoy the planning and building process. The design process has layers of creativity, innovation, joy and accomplishment.
I want to take the guesswork out of the design process. I provide renderings, working drawings and 3D models to help you visualize your home. If you are not clear about how your house will look, I can draw you an interior or exterior perspective.
Many of my clients have requested a model of their home to truly understand its massing and how it will fit their site.
During the construction phase, I’ll provide progress updates with photos for your review.
• Clients want control over the cost of building their home.
Once the conceptual design drawings are refined and more closely represent the final project, that is when we will involve a general contractor. They bring invaluable practical insight and can generate a conceptual cost estimate early in the process to ensure the final product will fit within your budget.
Throughout the process, I will check the design with the construction cost estimate, and we will also control costs by getting several competitive bids from subcontractors.
I have low overhead with competitive hourly rates and will pass that savings on to you.
• Clients want personalized service with experienced professionals.
I am the principal, project manager and draftsman all in one. Being a one-man operation allows streamlined communication, in other words, I answer my own phone.
I am hired to be your personal advocate and make sure every aspect of your home works to your satisfaction. I will apply your thoughts to the drawings and see that they get executed in the field.
My experience is based in education, professional memberships and years of practical on-the-job training.
- Bachelor Degree in Architecture from Montana State University
- AIA & NCARB
- 22 years designing homes in Montana
- 18 years as principal of my own architectural firm
Most of my clients find me through referrals from past clients and local builders where I have earned professional and personal mutual respect.
I continue to talk with subcontractors on site to stay current with building practices and continue to learn how to do my job better.
• Clients want a team effort.
Once I am hired for a project, I like to work with you to identify the disciplines needed to complete your project and put a team together early for a collaborative effort.
I have developed a mutual respect with general and sub-contractors, engineers, suppliers, interior designers and landscape consultants over the years. Every team member provides valuable input throughout the project.
I believe that straightforward conversation with all disciplines plus clear, concise drawings are the best way to visualize and build your home.
• Clients want to better understand the architectural process.
I will strive to provide simple elegant design solutions that fit your unique lifestyle.
I will deliver your design on time and within budget.
Good design has balance with the form following function.
Nature strongly informs my design process and a successful project works with the land as well as being respectful of the neighborhood.
Owners often ask me to design a lighting plan because how your home is illuminated greatly affect how it looks and feels.
A good design includes the details that provide quality elements you touch and see every day such as trim, color, railings and hardware.
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