I work with a variety of builders here in the valley. One of the builders has built homes from plans in magazines, drafters, and renovations by home owner sketches. The other has built designs by multiple architects, drafters, and magazines. Each has told our clients that using designs and specifications developed by Gaines Group Architects saves the client money. The first builder told us that our designs on average cost $5-$10 less per square foot than other projects he has worked on. The second builder told our clients that he reduces his overhead percentage when we do their design and specifications because we answer the questions that cause added costs prior to the cost of the home construction being determined. Planning for performance and aesthetics benefits everyone financially, especially when you are building your home.
Soapstone kitchen
So if the average home being built in our area is 2,500 sf, the savings on the average cost home is equal to our average design fee. Let me say that again – our typical fee for a custom home is returned in savings during construction.
How do we provide these savings? Our typical design approach not only includes plans and elevations as with a typical generic design package. Our designs are custom for each client including a performance specification that sets the standards and documents selections for finishes in the home. We also work out the structural system in advance to pricing in an efficient manner. This limits unknown issues coming up during construction, which saves the builder time and money and reduces the builder’s risk. This is where the savings come in because on the typical build where there are only plans and specifications the builder has to “guess” at what the client wants during pricing. The builder then hopes during construction he “guessed” right. Creating a complete plan in advance that is thought out and detailed completely the builder knows what to deliver and the client knows what to expect. If you want help developing a great plan in advance, give us a call because planning for performance and aesthetics will save you money.
16 years later, the internet has made hiring an architect easier
Over my 16 years in the industry the way we communicate and interview with clients has drastically changed. It used to be a phone call, face to face meeting, and hundreds of pictures from magazines kicked off each project interview. Now it usually starts with an online request for a meeting, an email or two to coordinate the schedule, maybe a phone call, and then the sharing of idea books on Houzz.
When I started in the field the first meeting with clients was more of a “here is who we are and what we do” or “do you design houses” and now it is more of “so when can we get started?” In the space where clients used to interview me to figure out if I am the right fit for their project, they are simply wanting to get started with design. The interview process on their side has already taken place from reading my blog and my about me page and searching our website. They know me before they meet me. I have put all my information online for them to consider making it easy for them to know they can trust me.
Our use of Houzz has also helped as past clients have written reviews about their experiences with me during design. Builders have written about their experience using our drawings and project partners have indicated positive experiences working with us. The most important tool we use on Houzz are the ideabooks. Here clients can share their thoughts, desires, dreams – using pictures and text. They can save a picture of a house to tell me what colors they like. They can share a picture of a door handle to tell me what style they like. They can save a picture of a flooring to tell me the aesthetic they want to achieve. This online platform is huge for residential design success. Our clients love it! It is also huge to help our clients know us on a deeper level by reading what others have to say (please review us if you have worked with us in the past it is a huge help).
From our blog, facebook page, twitter feed, LinkedIn account, to our Houzz and Instagram accounts we are interviewed before ever getting face to face. Clients know us, know my kids and wife, and know my values by following us before ever setting up the first appointment. Thinking back to the days of a client opening a phone book to make that first decision shows how far we have come.
Want to change the future? Mentor those that will be the change.
On the Road Collaborative has kicked off YEAR 2 of the program. This year they welcomed 87 Skyline Middle School youth to their day 1 event. This organization, founded by Brent Holsinger, creates an entire pathway of opportunity and support for young people from middle school through high school graduation. Our connection to On the Road Collaborative began last year. Deborah Smith and I, along with Eastern Mennonite School student Erin Hostetler, took on the challenge of teaching 5th and 6th grade students architectural design.
Over 11 weeks this past Spring we met with the students in the 6th grade computer lab for 1 1/2 hours each week to learn about design. What an incredible opportunity for us to teach young minds that will one day run our city the importance of design. This often overlooked idea, design, impacts every aspect of our lives. Design creates places for conversation in our homes, communities, downtown, and in our places of work. Design impacts our health, energy usage, access to natural light, and the health of our streams. That is a lot to cover in 11 weeks with young minds at the end of their long day. So we called on our friends and had guest speakers join us each week to talk about architecture, building, civil engineering, building science, structural design, building code, and even marketing. Through this 11 week course where the students each designed a house they were also exposed to the broader world of design and how the human mind impacts so many more things through design decisions.
The broader goal will not be realized for many years – to help influence these young leaders to understand the importance of design. Perhaps some will enter into a profession where they will design solutions to reduce our impact on the environment, but all will experience the impacts of design and hopefully realize that we are living what we have designed. The immediate goal, they designed houses that were cool and imaginative, is that they know Deborah, Erin, and I care about them and want them to succeed.
On the Road Collaborative is such a wonderful organization and is giving these students a gift. It is also an organization that is giving this community a gift by opening up possibilities for these students to see the world in a new way. If you want to change the future? Mentor those that will be the change. Support On the Road Collaborative as they empower the next generation.
It keeps coming back to me time and time again – the best value is found in higher quality solutions and not in low price. It seems to be true in every aspect of life – the best quality solution is almost never the lowest price. I am certainly not advocating for the highest price solution, as there is a balance to everything. Sometimes things cost more simply because they are new inventions, have more features, or because they have a particular brand name. That is not higher quality. Higher quality comes from long-term sustainability, durability, and functionality. Higher quality in the built environment is something that is energy-efficient, healthy, and durable. Higher quality reduces long-term costs and provides better solutions that are durable and comfortable.
The problems that occur with low price and low quality is often not evident on the surface. It might literally be below the floor surface. For instance, a floor vent’s supply run should be sealed to the sub-floor for the best quality solution, much like how a low-cost door handle will not be durable: It will need repeated maintenance and adjustment to allow it to function properly. A low-cost HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling system) solution is likely to impact indoor air quality, short cycle, and not keep the humidity at a comfortable level. A low-cost insulation strategy will increase energy usage. A low-cost flooring will not last and will require regular maintenance and probably replacement.The low-cost solution in almost every case increases long-term costs through maintenance and replacement costs.
So how do you determine the best value? It takes careful evaluation of the products used in buildings. An architect does continuous research to evaluate materials and to determine the best value solutions. An architect sets the performance standard for the construction.
When making decisions for your next building project, be sure to ask as many questions about quality of the solution as the price of the solution. The long-term costs (as little as 4-5 years) will almost always be less with the higher quality solution.
The classic farmhouse has a strong tradition here in the valley. The big front porch, gathering space for the family, large kitchen to host friends and neighbors, and of course an incredible view. This time honored traditional design has a place in our hearts. We see farmhouses on classic television shows as part of the American Dream. We love this type of house. So how do you improve on something that is so loved and has been around for so long? How can we blend traditional with sustainable?
The ugly side of this traditional design is often overlooked. For anyone living in a classic farmhouse you know the joy is often tempered with a cool breeze inside during cold months. The windows are beautiful, but often are hard to open. The wood siding offers a warm texture to the home, but also needs to be painted on a regular basis. The classic farmhouse is often hard to maintain, not comfortable, and usually invites in many unwanted guests like spiders, snakes, and field mice.
So we took this style of home and created a new Classic Farmhouse. This home in Rockingham County features a metal roof, cement siding that has a 25 year paint warranty, energy-efficient windows, and a high performance heating and cooling system. The warm elements used in traditional farmhouse design are all present in this new creation. We simply added a touch of attention to the healthy, energy-efficient, and durable design elements. From the open kitchen, large front porch and big deck, to the tall windows and abundant storage, this sustainable home sets a new standard for the Classic Farmhouse.
There is plenty of space to enjoy the beautiful views of the farm.
The stone fireplace adds texture and warmth to the living room.
The large open kitchen allows for lots of entertaining family and friends.
A classic claw foot tub and a luxurious walk-in shower provides an oasis away from the kids.
A reading loft looks over into the living room and the kids bedrooms have impressive views.
This fun touch is found in the kids bathroom upstairs.
Mudroom / Laundry Room – a must for all farmhouses. The cubbies make a great place for the kids to stow all their gear in one organized space.
