our Process

First and foremost to listen to you the client. Once armed with your needs and desires, we provide an equal measure of information and ideas. We believe in a collaborative client driven design process and welcome partnerships with Builders and Developers as well as other design professionals such as landscape architects, interior designers and others that become part of a team approach. Communication, coordination and cooperation are key.

design approach

Our design approach is to make the most of the site and the building envelope through a rigorous schematic design process. We ask a lot of questions so we can cater the solution to your needs. We are firm believers that a successful addition stems from a set of good “as built” documents” so we perform a thorough investigation or “field measure” of the existing residence to describe details and scale before we propose any intervention. We make every effort to make the building process as smooth as possible

a singular vision

Residential practices often require each design professional to wear several hats, to have an understanding of electrical, mechanical, structures and interior design. This is unlike larger firms where different aspects of the house are designed by different individuals in different departments. Our practice guarantees a single vision for the home which allows the Soul of the house to shine through as all aspects and details are designed to work together.

keeping current

As architects we constantly have to address new building technologies. Building codes and ordinances as well as constantly evolving materials and construction methods. We are also required as professionals to address building performance, energy consumption, efficiency and long term durability. We take this job seriously and make recommendations for systems and features that will benefit in the long run.

love for old homes

We admire traditional, older homes. They show evidence of the past and come with a story and we incorporate this philosophy and character in our new work. Despite architecture and building being a science and technology based product, the final product can be more than a solution to a design problem. It can be an enduring legacy of a family. We see our role as part story teller as we interpret the unique story of the Owner and their life ahead and behind them, their possessions and priorities, preferences and pleasures. Its’ therein that we can create magical spaces that surpass expectations

Collaboration

Our relationships are a key to our success over 22 years of business. We have established relationships with local contractors and builders as well as craftspeople for hand hewn timberframes, custom cabinetry and millwork, art glass, upholstery and many other design elements. The Architects role is to remain an objective 3rd party to the contract, we do not hire the contractor but we can recommend and evaluate potential contractors and evaluate bids. The contract is between the Owner and the Contractor. At times we work for contractors, but more often we work directly for the Owner which allows the Owner to control the design.

do it yourselfers

We offer alla carte consulting services for the Do It Yourselfer looking for professional insight for a master plan to be tackled over time or for a single room solution, we can do as much or as little as you need