Over the last 26 years we have done some really fun design projects at our firm. While every project has some very interesting design components, there have been a few that just really stand out. Here are some images of three of my favorites. Which do you like best – vote for one (in the comments section below) and we will post three more contenders next week. Help us narrow down the best of the best from all our projects and we will claim a winner each week. To thank you for voting each week, you will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.
double front porch
Solar installation to achieve Net-Zero
Solar Thermal array used to pre-heat make up air and provide hot water
So now you have decided to hire an architect. How do you find the right architect for your custom home?
Find a firm that focuses on residential design. Architects all have areas of specialization.
Find a firm that does a diversity of residential styles, or at least has done projects that you find aesthetically pleasing.
Interview the architect and find out whether they will be working on your project directly, what values they incorporate into their designs, and how they prefer to communicate. If the architect has a blog, many of these questions will probably be answered by reading their thoughts prior to the face-to-face interview.Personal confidence in the architect is the most important factor when entering a design relationship. The other important criteria are trust and ability to communicate (hear you well). Of course, cost for the design is an important element and should be discussed before signing a contract to make sure everyone is on the same page with your budget.
Ask for references from the architect. They can provide you with past clients that are willing to talk to you about their process with the architect. Many of these past clients probably have gone through the same experiences as you are, so these conversations can be of huge value not only in selecting an architect, but learning about the process and strategies for making your experience even better.
When looking at cities on Google earth, we see a lot of dark surfaces. Most roofing is a dark color. Pavement is typically a dark color. It appears that even the majority of our cars are dark. This all contributes to something called “heat island impact.” To combat this a designer can use light colored materials for pavement, roofing, and reduce paved areas on a site.
The solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of the constructed surface’s ability to stay cool in the sun by reflecting solar radiation and emitting thermal radiation. A standard black surface has a SRI of 0 and a standard white surface has a SRI of 100. In order to calculate the SRI of a material you use the solar reflectance and thermal emittance from the cool roof rating council standard. You can offset “heat island impact” by using white roofing, white concrete for paving, and vegetative roofs.
Beck builders is making great progress on the construction of the custom home we designed in Old Town Harrisonburg. Here are some pictures to update the progress. From the custom porch rails, roof deck, secret spaces, and natural parking areas, this home is special. Previous updates here, here, here and here.
Calling an architect to some seems like a luxury or at least an expense that can be avoided. There are many options to get plans for a custom home. If you work hard at it you can find a plan online that is close to what you want or you can find a builder that offers design for free if they build the house. Some even settle for a drafter to draw a “custom” home. So why should you pay for a custom design done by an architect?
The biggest difference between a drafter and an architect is the licensing requirements required by the state to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public. In order to qualify for licensing as an architect you have to earn a professional degree from an accredited University, complete an internship (typically 3 years) and you have to pass the Architectural Registration Examination, and in Virginia you also have to have letters from three other licensed architects endorsing your competence to be an architect. You then have to earn a minimum of 9 learning units per year to maintain your license. To be a drafter, you only need a business license. To offer plans online you only need a business license. To be a builder that offers design you only need a contractor’s license. No training to know how to design. No training to understand building code. No training to understand space planning. No training to understand building science. The difference between an architect and any other option is the level of skill you are required to achieve to be in practice as an architect. The first step to a custom home is to hire an architect. If all you want is a new home, then all the other options are viable options.
Calling an architect to some seems like a luxury or at least an expense that can be avoided. There are many options to get plans for a custom home. If you work hard at it you can find a plan online that is close to what you want or you can find a builder that offers design for free if they build the house. Some even settle for a drafter to draw a “custom” home. So why should you pay for a custom design done by an architect?