Design Matters &#8211; thoughts of an Architect

harrisonburg builder, Spanish floor plan

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Arbol House

Arbol House This Spanish Colonial design is inspired from the traditions of the American Desert Southwest. The Arbol house is filled with charm and a close attention to detail, this home incorporates aspects of Pueblo, Mission, and Mediterranean Building styles. With a stucco...

25 Mar 11

adding value through design

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“Design is the first sign of human intention” sets the stage for how architecture should be approached

One of my favorite quotes in the architectural world, “design is the first sign of human intention” ~ William McDonough, sets the stage for how architecture should be approached. Architects should focus on delivering design that will save money, save energy, reduce...

24 Mar 11

craftsman home plan, harrisonburg builder

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The Eleanor

The Eleanor High quality, efficient footprint, with plenty of storage, this home provides all the comforts that you are looking for in a new home. The 900 sf Eleanor is a classic aesthetic that learns from the desire to build a smaller footprint with higher quality materials. The...

23 Mar 11

Construction Specifications Institute, CSI, CVCSI, Tracie Skipper

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The Backbone of the Construction Industry

The Backbone of the Construction Industry I was struck the other day at a Central Virginia CSI meeting when our current President, Tracie Skipper, clearly at the end of her rope, needed help. For every task she listed, there was a member ready to step in to give their time,...

22 Mar 11

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spray foam insulation

Mixed Humid Climate – Closed Cell vs Open Cell Foam

Mixed Humid Climate – Closed Cell vs Open Cell Foam I posed a question this week about mixed humid climates – closed cell vs open cell foam. In a mixed humid climate, do you use open cell foam exclusively or can you use closed cell in some limited places? In speaking to a...

20 Jul 10

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go green

10 Steps to Help You “Go Green”

There is a tremendous amount of information about going green on the news, television shows, and coming from corporate America. So how do you decide if “green” is right for you? Simple, do you like to save money, want to do less to maintain your home, want to use fewer resources...

19 Jul 10

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green building, LEED

LEED – Cost vs Value

LEED – Cost vs Value LEED (Green design) and construction does not cost more, quality costs more. When weighing cost vs value in green design it is important to evaluate quality requirements. LEED provides some quality standards In a meeting yesterday it was pointed out...

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Daily Green

Making small changes each day will make a huge difference

Making small changes each day will make a huge difference Small Changes will add up to make a big difference for us all. Making small changes each day will make a huge difference for yourself and your community. There are many ways to go green daily. Many of these strategies save...

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energy Audit

Easy ways to Save Money

Easy ways to Save Money There are many challenges that prevent you from saving money each month. There seem to be bills due everyday and if you are like me, the paychecks don’t flow as fast. A house is one of the most complicated machines you will ever own and it comes with...

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Clay Nelson, Construct, CSI, leadership

Leaders Growing Leaders

Clay Nelson gave a presentation on Leaders Growing Leaders at Construct 2009 CSI Show in Indianapolis. His position is you have to train your employees to do what you do. This give you the ability to stay on the cutting edge and continue to be the visionary. So this concept, of...