by Charles Hendricks | Feb 24, 2012 | architecture, Harrisonburg Architect, Leadership
The process of design is a mystery to many people and they don’t understand that this is the process. The former Dean of the UVA Architecture School William McDonough has been quoted as saying “Design is the first sign of human intention.” So this is our first step, if we skip it there is no telling what we are about to step in. “Design is that area of human experience, skill, and knowledge which is concerned with man’s ability to mould his environment to suit his material and spiritual needs.” according to the book The Need for Design Education. The design process, or the problem solving process is a required step as it identifies the goals, establishes the criteria by which to make decisions, and it tests the solutions before they are put into place. In other words, DESIGN MATTERS.
For an architectural design project the first step is to develop a budget, program, and schedule. With these parameters, you then move into site analysis including zoning and code reviews. These are the first steps and the backbone of any good design. You often are asked to develop schematic design to help the owner visualize the project. This could be a series of napkin sketches or a preliminary computer model that gets at the big picture and ignores the details. Through many conversations you are able find a design that meets the owners goals and you can create construction documents. Most builders want you to jump right to the last step and our industry has done little to educate people of the value of the many previous steps. In 28 years our firm has never sold a set of plans. We provide experience, advice, guidance, and knowledge that is seen in plans used to build projects, but also in specifications that spell out standards of care and product selections. While the mystery of each job is part of the fun of being an architect, the steps for success does not have to be a mystery for the client. Good conversation skills is the key to a successful project.
I certainly appreciate the need to keep a budget tight in this economy. However, I know on many jobs you are cash ahead by having good planning in place before you start ordering materials and pushing dirt.
by Charles Hendricks | Feb 20, 2012 | architecture, Harrisonburg Architect, Leadership
Building a home is a major investment of time, energy, emotions, and money. You have to make some hard decisions and put value vs cost to the test. One of the most expensive rooms in a home is the kitchen. You have to get it right to make it efficient, functional, and beautiful. There are so many decisions to make in this one area of the home that you can spend many hours dwelling on which options are required and which can be given up. The kitchen is almost always seen as the social center of the home from after school homework to the dinner parties. Having an understanding of how to put the pieces together is not something that you simply stumble upon through building. There is an art to the pieces and it is hard to quantify until you have worked in a well proportioned kitchen that has been designed. The finishes of the cabinets, their placement, and there sizes all play into the functionality of the space. The countertop surface not only provides an aesthetic statement, but also could be the source of major headaches in the long run if the wrong option is selected. The hardware, door closers, lighting, appliances, and flooring options are endless and all have a real impact on the durability and functionality of the space. It is worth the time to hire someone who has gone through the process with others to help you make decisions. While most cabinet suppliers offer an in-house design service, I tend to not want them to do the design (they may carry a bias as they make money on the choices you make). Look for a CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) interior designer that not only understands kitchen design, but also can help you make a functional kitchen that lasts a lifetime.
by Charles Hendricks | Feb 18, 2012 | architecture, Harrisonburg Architect, Leadership
Many developers are looking for new solutions to their traditional projects in this “new” economy. From live work spaces that allow for small business to start on the lower level and for the owner to live above to smaller footprint lots, innovation is happening. We have recently done projects that mix commercial and residential in the same building, townhouses that have studio space below, and small footprint homes. The solutions that we are going to use for the next economy will not look like those from the past. Sure there will be some exceptions to the rule, but the time of the big front yard with no connection to your neighbor is coming to an end as people are looking to be connected to their neighbors and to their community.
by Charles Hendricks | Feb 12, 2012 | architecture, Harrisonburg Architect, Leadership
No matter what your goals, you can design a house around the way you live and for your site. This home has a jacuzzi on the roof to take advantage of the views and the way this client lived. While a house this specific to one person may have an issue with resale, if you are designing your dream home, why would you design it for someone else?
by Charles Hendricks | Feb 11, 2012 | architecture, Harrisonburg Architect, Leadership
Do you ever wish you could change things, create things, or make things? I spend everyday looking for solutions, learning about possibilities, and imagining new spaces. Being an architect is so much fun that I hesitate to call it work. I have spent many years learning to think like an architect. I have spent many years learning to communicate my ideas to clients. I have spent many years figuring out how to “hear” my clients wishes and transform them into a design. I love the process of creating solutions for design problems. There is nothing better than solving a design problem and creating a solution that everyone loves.
What drives you in your career?
by Charles Hendricks | Jan 18, 2012 | architecture, Harrisonburg Architect, Leadership
One of the best investments I have made so far in my career is getting involved with CSI. This organization allows you to meet experts across the country that want you to be successful. This organization has education opportunities that will set you apart from your peers. This organization, once you get involved, is full of people who you will be fortunate enough to call friends. Outside of the network of friends I have gained by being involved with CSI, I have also learned more in my 13 years through this organization than I have through any other organization.
Now is your chance to get involved with the organization by attending this seminar. Have you ever wondered how a project unfolds from concept to handing the keys? CDT is the program that walks you through all the steps from idea to contract to design to digging. This seminar will explain how you will set yourself apart from your peers by achieving this certification and will become a resource in the industry. I know from experience, I get calls and questions from others in the industry because I have CDT after my name. I know it will add value for you and your career goals as well.
FREE CSI Webinar: CDT
January 25, 2pm ET
In this FREE webinar, speaker Lee Orosco, FCSI, CCS, will advise exam candidates on the benefits of CSI’s Construction Document Technologist (CDT) certificate program,and how to successfully prepare for it!
The CDT 101 webinar is an opportunity for individuals to learn about the benefits of the CDT, and is designed to help advise CDT Exam candidates about the requirements and resources for successful exam preparation and study. Orosco will answer your questions and help you make the right decision about the CDT.
This webinar will be accompanied by a tweetchat on Twitter. Use hashtag #CSICertified during the webinar to chat with CSI members who have passed the CDT exam!
Learn more, or register now.
Not sure if the CDT is for you? Orosco is not the only CSI member available to talk to you about the exam. Right now, CSI members across the country are discussing the advantages of certification and helping candidates prepare for the test. You can expand your network and get advice someone who has taken an exam.
You’ll find CSI members:
- In a CSI Chapter near you: Look up a chapter that is offering a certification prep program and contact it directly. Don’t hesitate to ask for a mentor if there’s no prep program available – many chapters would be happy to introduce you to someone who has already successfully prepared for and passed the CDT exam.
- On Twitter: Follow CSI at www.twitter.com/CSIConstruction, and you’ll find CSI members across the country that are tweeting about certification.
- On Facebook: CSI member Vivian Volz, CSI, CCS, manages this Facebook page to give exam candidates a place to connect. Ask a question –certified CSI members will respond.
- On LinkedIn: CSI’s LinkedIn Group is loaded with CSI members who have passed an exam. Look up past discussions that focused on certification, or start a new thread!
- Blogging about certification: Several CSI members are blogging about certification in January and February – you’ll see them featured in CSI Weekly. Read their posts and leave comments for them. They’d love to talk to you:
David Stutzman, CSI, CCS: “What was my first project after graduating college with an architectural degree? A prominent design? No, measuring and documenting 65 existing buildings at Letterkenny Army Depot; calculating energy savings; estimating construction costs; and finally writing the project specifications using the Corps of Engineers master specs.” Read this blog.
Liz O’Sullivan, CSI, CCS, CCCA: “There’s SO MUCH to learn – all of us in the construction industry are constantly learning (or should be).Much of this knowledge can ONLY be gained through experience, but not all of it has to be.A really good way to learn about how your documents may be interpreted by the users is to prepare for a CSI certification exam, starting with the CDT (Construction Documents Technologist) exam.” Read this blog.
Eric Lussier, CSI, CDT: “It’s incredible to think that it has already been a year and a half since I attained my CDT and it is a decision I will never regret. I am much more comfortable reviewing contract documents and specifications and have a tremendous respect for each and every party that works on a project, no matter the role.”Read this blog.
John Guill, CSI, CCS, CCCA: “Self-confidence is one reason that jumps to the front.CSI certification exams are rigorous exercises of essential construction technology skills and terminology. Achieving certification means you have been successfully measured against industry standards of understanding and performance, a tremendous boost for confidence for you and proof to others that you know your work. Licensed professionals as well as those without other licenses will benefit from the knowledge and status that certification provides.”Read this blog.
Tara Imani, CSI: “I’m also a CSI CDT; meaning I took the time 111 years ago, to understand how a good legal set of contract documents are put together and administered. So, as you can tell, I have a lot of education but it’s all because I thought it was important to broaden my understanding of this complex industry at that time in my career; I didn’t do it to add initials after my name!” Read this blog.
CSI chapters and members want to help you succeed! Reach out to them for support! Find your local chapter.
Register now for a CSI Certification Exam or learn more about certification!
