Residential Architecture

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Residential remodels. I would like to see more clients who are considering a remodel contact an architect to help them with their project. Too many remodel projects are not "designed" but simply resurface existing spaces. The patterns of family living have changed dramatically since most of our housing stock was built. Remodel projects need to rethink the use of existing spaces.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Residential design is a complicated proceedure. Look for a professional with experience and talk to past clients. Be prepared to share your dreams and be surprised by all the possibilities you never considered. This will be one of the largest investments you will make in your life. Come to this experience with an open mind and be prepared to learn a lot about how your environment can inspire you.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. The best design challenges your expectations about what and how much you need. Much of what you think you understand about your environment has come from the limitations you have experienced in past environments. A good designer will educate you about these limitations and offer possibilities you never considered.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. How much will you listen and how much will you teach me about what I think I need and want? Is what I want to do feasible in terms of budget and local codes? How will we keep on budget? What is a realistic amount of time I should allow for the design, approvals and construction?

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Check proposed budget - have a realistic cost of project in mind. Check local planning requirements/limitations for additions. Consider fees of other design professionals - surveyor, structural engineer, interior designer. Have a realistic time frame for design, approvals and construction.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I have designed 195 residential projects, so I have experience solving difficult design problems. I anticipate the program needs of my clients. I am an excellent space planner. I prefer simple design solutions. I was a contractor for 17 years, so I can anticipate the structural requirements to keep building costs down.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I get to meet interesting clients and help them make the most important set of decisions they will likely make in their lifetime. I enjoy teaching about design as part of my work. I want my clients to understand the aesthetic and financial choices they are making.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. I used to be a builder and architect. I built 115 of the projects I designed. Once I designed a uniquely-shaped dormer. When my crew of carpenters started to build it, they discovered that every piece had to be custom-fit. The called me at the office and told me to get out to the job site and build this tricky dormer MYSELF! ...and I did!

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. Most professionals are "problem-solvers". Clients come to them when they have a "problem" (i.e. medical, legal, etc.) and leave then the problem is "solved". Architects get to have clients who have their lives "together" and they get to help them realize their dreams. If a "problem" should appear, the client usually discontinues the project. For this reason, architects primarily deal with clients who are in a positive, upbeat state of mind.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I was artistic as a child, my dad was a carpenter and trained me to be a builder. He grew up during the Great Depression and did not want me to be an artist because he saw artists suffering with no work. Choosing architecture was a perfect response to his experience because it is a mix of my artistic and building interests.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I did a large remodel of a hacienda-style home in Nicasio that had solar power and heating. We achieved a LEED Platinum rating for this project. We were able to use first class detailing and materials throughout and the client is very happy with the result.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. My profession requires continuing education but my best lessons come from my contractors. My continuing education happens on the job site, where I cultivate a working environment of cooperative teaching and learning with the contractors and subcontractors who create my projects. This team approach generated the highest quality working experience and my projects are beautiful and my clients are happy.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Smaller, efficient spaces are becoming more popular than the previous trend toward bigger spaces. This helps the environment, issues with local planning and the building budget. Simple, uncluttered space can feel generous without being huge.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. My most recent project is a 4,500 sf lodge style home in Mill Valley. This is a very difficult community to design and build a new home in. It took 21 months to get the permit because the planning department tried to stop us from building the project we wanted. We eventually won approval. The site has a grove of 50 redwood trees that we preserved. This home has a very large great room with a double-sided fireplace at the center, and with all of the primary family functions organized around it.

Q. What is your greatest strength?

A. I have an aptitude for understanding how space works, how the activities flow, what contributes to good aesthetics, correct proportions, the value and effects of natural lighting and how spaces will "feel" when created or changed. Fortunately, I've learned to use a new CAD program that helps my clients understand these issues.