A busy fall

On the tails of a crazy summer, this Fall is looking busier than ever.  Home prices are not only stabilizing but looking better and investing in homes improve everyday live ability as well which is so important.

Contractors are busy too so if you are planning a project in your future I recommend getting started on the planning process as soon as possible.

Spring is in the air

The warmer air and dryer weather has given me a spring in my step. We have had many inquiries and new projects and it is only February! I am pleased that the real estate market is perking up, home values are creeping up, and, in general, people are willing to invest in their homes in Portland again. Good news for us all!

Most common renovations so far in 2013 are kitchen remodels first and foremost. Renovating in general is improving and I even have seen a rise in home additions which speaks well for the future for sure since there has been limited activity there for two years.

If you are thinking about renovating at all this calendar year, now is the time to get planning!

Happy New Year

Happy 2013!  Yes the new year is here and already, just three days in, the world of architecture appears to be looking up.  I have had many inquiries on new work and have heard many positive things for the building industry as well including the fact that more permits are being obtained than in the previous year and that the city permit staff (who were laid off in the last year) have all been rehired!  Here's to a prosperous and happy 2013!!

Architecture is Misunderstood

Recently I have had many instances where I have felt that, although there is a certain "coolness" factor to architecture and design, that architecture is one of the most misunderstood professions out there.  I have found that most people truly don't understand what the design industry does.

I understand where this comes from.  Architects represented in movies and media are iconically the "tortured artist" who has fits when their project isn't built right or the client is upset over budget issues.   There is also the story of Frank Lloyd Wright storming out with a vase that client put on "his mantel" that just didn't suit.  I'm not saying this isn't true of some architects and designers out there, but I would venture to guess that most want to change the built environment to something more interesting than the status quo--even if it is small moments of design inserted into the reality of function.  All this while listening to our clients and helping them change the way they live or work day to day.

But the biggest challenge we all face is putting value into the world we surround ourselves in.  This means, perhaps, realizing that less is more, our environment directly relates to our quality of life, and that good design does, indeed, bring joy.

Design in any economy

Do most people you know hire an architect/designer for their home renovation project or just go straight to the contractor?  And why is this?  Let's face it, design costs money.  However, I ask you to consider these things first before you call that contractor up:

1.  Do you know what you want and what it will look like?  I mean, exactly what it will look like?  I guarantee you that no contractor will give you an accurate price for your project over a discussion that involves waving your hands around while looking at your home.  And if they do, is that a good idea?  Are you getting what you want?  Are you really?

2.  Does your project require a permit?  You are required to have a set of drawings to obtain a permit with your jurisdiction.  Hiring a professional to do this is important.  Not only will they provide what is required for the permit, they will also review zoning and code requirements and makes sure you are planning for the "what if's" before the hammers start demo.

3.  Are you really being told the truth about what your project costs?  An architect/designer works for YOU.  They help walk you through costs and help steer you in the direction of scope that meets that budget.  Now not all architects/designers are good at this.  When you interview, call their references/former clients and ask the tough questions.  Were they mindful of your budget or did they plow ahead with what they wanted?  Did they listen to their clients needs.

Beyond the above, I think it is important to understand that hiring an architect/designer will make your space better.  It will, no way around it.  So many of my clients have said that people can tell their space was planned.  I take great pride in hearing that and know that this affects their space, their lives, everyday.

10 year Anniversary

So this year my firm is celebrating it's 10 year anniversary.  I have to say, it has been quite the ride with ups and downs.  It is amazing to me how the economy has affected design industries and even more amazing to see those of us who remain standing after the fall. 

Designers, architects, tradesmen have to really love what they do in these times.  I mean it.  I'm not saying that we are always in it to make money--most of us do it because we truly love what we do.  We take pride in the design, built work, and changing peoples lives.  Residential work is the most challenging as it is improving such a private area of our lives.  Commercial work gets more exposure which obviously offers up it's own challenges too.  But at the end of the day, I love doing what I do and want to bring this passion to every job--no matter how big or small.

Memorial

On this anniversary of 9/11, I am reminded most of the Importance of being a community. Working together is what gets us through the rough times but also what builds the future.

I encourage you to consider what being getting involved in your community can mean for people. Coach a team, plant a tree, be a mentor--do what interests you and make a difference. After all, it truly takes a village.

Little T American Baker Project

Recently our bakery project in SE Portland, Little T American Baker, turned 4 years old.  What a great accomplishment for our client and we are very happy that it is also wearing well generally given the traffic that goes through the space every day.  This is a testament to good design, craftmenship, and maintenance which we emphasis in every project we pursue.

Nothing gives me more joy than seeing our spaces and designs being used.  Good design and programming makes for great entertaining.  But, it is the flexibility of the space for many purposes that shows design strength in the end.  Happy summer Portland!

Shiny Happy People

One of the joys of doing residential work is changing the way people live. I recently got an email from the new owner of a past project of ours. I have to say, it was quite out of the blue but such a welcome surprise. It said:

"I just wanted to send a quick note to you and your team. I recently purchased your work of art on NE 37th and just wanted to say how truly amazed I am each day at how beautiful it is. I saw what it was before and it took true artists and a bit of magic to turn it into what it is now. Thank you for creating such a wonderful home."

Design is a challenging avenue and everyday we try to create unique spaces that accommodate our clients. Thanks so much to all of you that have followed up on our creations!

With the air getting crisper and leaves falling we checked in on a past design project of ours. It brings me great pride to see my projects taken care of by the current homeowners and also to see them weathering well.
We designed and built the steel fence & porch column in the forefront which is now taking on a nice rusty tone that looks great with the plantings.

Updated Info

Well again some time has passed since I have written on here. The current economy has me working harder! However, I did want to get on here and write about the fact that my company has gone live with our new website. Check it out to see our updated portfolio and info.

www.constructarc.com

I hope to be back here blogging about modern architecture and design in the Northwest coming this fall.

Redefining Exteriors

What I love about design in the Pacific Northwest is the relationship of our living spaces to the outdoors. The best houses I have been in get this--they are designed with more purposeful glass, better connection of kitchen to backyard, and windows that frame important exterior features while being used to also make the interior space feel more spacious and integrated.

I truly encourage you to not just think about redesigning your kitchen but also create the connection to the exterior, the grill, the deck and think of it as part of your project. Include a mud space, a pass through, a connection that not only opens up your space to the outdoors but fills your space with cascading light and greenery.

Infrastructure, what gives?

So a harsh reality settled in my mind this morning as I watched the school bond fail to do repairs on all the aging public school buildings in our great city. That reality is that perhaps infrastructure shouldn't be put up to a vote. The reality is that none of us want to pay more taxes. The reality is that if you don't have kids or have set foot in a school building in the last 10 years, you have no idea how bad it is.

And furthermore, other questions linger out there for me. Why did the schools let it get that bad? In fact, why has the government let it get this bad? Look at the measure for the Sellwood bridge (which also failed too)and look at our roads and highways!

Now I am going to go out on a limb here and say something you might not like. I love the beauty of Portland...the care placed in parks, bike lanes, public art and park benches. However, if we don't start prioritizing we won't have this beauty. You can add a million dollars worth of bike lanes but if there are potholes on the next street that a biker hits, they are still going to fly off the road or swerve and get hit by a car. If we have a bridge collapse then there will be public outcry--but up to that point we don't want to put money towards it. What gives?

I know the issue isn't black and white but here is what i see. I take my first grader into school and dodge buckets in the hall and classroom catching water from the leaking roof. I watch the music teacher be laid off and asbestos on the ceiling. I live on a street that most people who visit can't even drive on. Aging bridges. Poor soil quality. Inflation.

I also see parents involved in the school--including landscaping, painting the teachers lounge, cleaning, playground improvement, tree planting. We invest every day in our school and neighborhood but are feeling strapped.

If this isn't a reality check, then what is?

Basic services should be top of the list. Decent streets, efficient water supply and safe electrical run to all houses and buildings. Emphasis should be placed on these improvements (even down to the level of permitting).

Education of our children will define our nation in the future. Whether you have kids or not, you know that we are falling behind. we can't look the other way because there is value in the place our kids go to school. Safety is the biggest concern here on top of human health.

Infrastructure such as bridges, overpasses, and tunnels should be evaluated and repaired so that we don't have a catastrophe on our hands.

While this may seem simplistic to you, we have become a nation of overwhelmed people. Let's really think about getting back to basics and focus on those as short term goals. My hope is that if we can truly do this, the rest will fall in place over time. Patience!

These economic times...

Things are really busy this time of year. My hope is that it is something that will continue into the fall. If you plan on staying in your home for some time, it is an excellent time to invest in it. As the economy stabilizes one thing is sure--the cost of construction WON'T go down. In fact, most experts believe that costs will go up due to shipping costs and general inflation that most companies have been eating currently.

The strongest project in a home (with the best return) is far and away a kitchen remodel. After that it is a toss up. However, I think the most desirable project after that seems to be a master suite. These two items really can make (or break) a home for sure and are the top projects on the boards in my firm.

The key to investing wisely in these projects is to keep it simple. Not only is that a great way to keep your costs to a minimum, it is also a way to design and build something that is more timeless in the end. My approach is to build something that won't look dated in a decade while still catering to the modern aesthetic we all crave.

Happy New Year

Well a new year is here and I for one am hoping for a better one. While the economic forecast is still uncertain and our property values are still not increasing, I do think it is safe to say that if you are planning on staying in your home for 5 or more years, you should see your investment. It does seem that most people are improving their kitchen spaces right now--probably because you tend to get the most for your money with your improvement and hands down the kitchen is what "sells" a house.

Regardless of your plans, I do think investing in your home not only is a good investment but it greatly improves your quality of life. And in today's world, isn't it worth it to have a wonderful place to come home to?!

John Yeon Addition

We are wrapping up design work for an addition to a John Yeon home in SW Portland. The design pays homage to the unique stylings of the home by leaving the dramatic roofline untouched. We connect to the existing house with a enclosed breezeway connection and have created a master bedroom wing on the other side. We used a simple stucco material to not compete with the vertical motions of the Yeon design while creating a dramatic move of our own. The east elevation will have a floor to ceiling bifold door system to "open up" to the internal courtyard the buildings create.

Modern Gate Design

We designed this modern deck with custom galvanized railing (still under construction in these photos), glass and an ipe cap and deck surface. Simple design is important when designing gates, fences and decks as they should be accented by plants and the landscape around them. This simplicity also leads to a beauty to the materials instead of an indulgence in them.

This ipe gate we designed and built in our shop.

Architecture In These Times

Well it has been quite some time since I posted on here--I apologize for that! The economy has taken a toll on us all and unfortunately on architecture and design as well. While we all still want to be surrounded with really nice things, they still cost the same but with lower budgets comes the hard part of getting quality without sacrificing too much.

I do feel a new surge is coming and am confident things are on the mend. My goal is to be sensitive to these issues without sacrificing the important details!

Holistic Design

Modern design isn't just furniture from Design Within Rach. It is a holistic approach to space, especially when today's modern family prefers more open space, a better relationship to the outside, better light and circulation.

Often I am hired to redesign a kitchen or a bathroom--but the problem isn't just that space. It far too often is the relationship of this space to the neighboring rooms, the lack of storage or circulation and the inability to look at the whole space holistically can really limit design and improvement in the end.

I encourage most people to invest in this process. While you may not be able to afford to do that "dream project" (at least not all at the same time) you can plan for the future or at least never ask "what if".