The owner of the Pole Cottage, however, doesn’t scare so easily. She threw an open house to thank everyone involved in the project. It’s a humble, medium sized cottage in the woods compared to some houses that get fanfare, but just as much love went into every nail and floor board. We have worked with this client since 2008 on a few different iterations of her home and it was such an honor for us to be appreciated and recognized, along with the contractor, KDL Builders.  Plus, she threw a great party.

Many times when you see the buildings you’ve completed it’s all cleaned up and posed for photos. It’s fun to see how a client genuinely moves and uses a new space. She points to a ceiling line that was a few lines on a drawing for me and says, “I’m so glad we moved that back.” And of course there are a few “I wish we would have done this.” We learn from every project, and walking through one with the client after it’s completed and they have been living in it is one of the best ways to learn things we need to carefully consider in future designs.

Click here for more on the story of how the Pole Cottage came to be, and check out the new project page for more photos.

You don’t have to be planning a radical, modern house like this one by Natoma Architects to hire a professional designer. Photo credit.

You may be afraid that an architect is going to take over and force you into decisions that you wouldn’t otherwise make. Sure, we have taste preferences, just like everyone does. Of course, we’ll make recommendations, bring different ideas to the table and give our “professional” opinion–that’s why you hired us, right? But we would never crush your vision or try to make your home fit our style over yours.

Our building and home styles have ranged from historic….

…to modern….

…to craftsman.

Another intimidating aspect could be how much we are going to do. Like most consultants, we can do as little as or much as you need or can afford. On some projects we’ve designed everything from the site down to the door knobs. Some clients may just need code or zoning advice. Some might be working with a contractor and just need a few drawings for clarification. Some may want some sketches for inspiration. We love to do it all, but our passion for problem solving and design ensures we’ll give equal and full attention to any size task.

I’m not saying having an architect is for everyone–of course, not everyone is building a custom home or remodeling. But as long as you are making the investment, you might as well make sure you get everything you want, and we can put your vision on paper. You don’t have to start from scratch, either. We won’t be offended if you bring in your own sketches, drafted plans, or plans from a catalog that you wish to tailor to your own needs. We also have our own collection of stock home plans for inspiration.

Then there’s that touchy money subject. Contracts are as varying and flexible as the types of jobs architects and designers do, but many times are loosely based on a percentage of the construction cost, similar to how a Realtor takes a percentage of the purchase and sale prices in a transaction. Most people don’t think twice about the cost of Realtor because they are paying so many other costs and it all sort of gets jumbled together. Their service costs you a few thousand dollars, but I, like most people, realize the value a Realtor brings and would not ever attempt to sell my house or buy a new house without one.

If you’re on the fence, hopefully I’ve provided some food for thought. Our profession has taken a beating with the economy and in the media lately, but we’re still like those crazy, disheveled zombies you saw around the architecture school in college-we’re here because we love what we do.

The archeology of trash, so to say, is a fascinating subject to me. The seemingly banal topic brings up discussions on consumption, production, pollution, resources, recycling, reuse, etc. Just the fact that we had to LEARN how to make trash is fascinating-courtesy of marketers, of course, for such things as plastic bottles when makers of the new miracle material plastic wanted to replace deposit-glass bottles. Now it’s just an assumed, foregone conclusion that we are going to make trash.

When you live in a condo building, you are forced to be more conscious of what you throw away. Well, I take that back. You could be completely ignorant and do things like throw perfectly good lamps and ironing boards in the dumpster, but you don’t have to think about it if you have some crazy neighbor who blogs about trash who will pick your things out of the dumpster and drive them to Value Village to donate.

Anyway, so I have become more conscious. I am a sucker for a great smelling live Christmas tree, but I have to consider that I can’t just throw it out on the curb, I have to drive it to the dump myself, and after a certain date you have to pay to do so.

I feel bad for the jumbles of rows of old printers and mammoth computer screens at Goodwill, so I always take my electronics to Interconnection in Seattle to be recycled, sometimes for a small fee (you are also supporting a non-profit). There are also online services like Gazelle that let you send in your old electronics, and even pay you a little to do so. Best Buy will recycle any eligible products for free.

What do you do with those random odds and ends that you aren’t supposed to put in the trash: CFL bulbs, paint cans, batteries? Major transfer stations are a treasure trove of recycling opportunities…like a kitchen with 100 different recycling bins. Find the nearest transfer station in your city and ask about rates for civilians not carrying big dumping loads. Some large apartment buildings and places like your local grocery store may have recycling bins–mine has one for batteries, and I’ve seen magazine “take this if you want it before it gets thrown away” bins at hardware stores. Once you start looking, you will find numerous opportunities to recycle or reuse your things, or find things that you need.

We’ll be talking more trash in upcoming blogs, including the best things to buy new and/or used for building and just in general, and more ideas on where to take your unwanted items instead of the dump.

“Many builders have relied on size and the “wow” factor of double height foyers, grand staircases, and soaring family rooms to impress buyers. In reality, that foyer cost a fortune to heat and cool, it’s impossible to clean the upper nooks around the stairs, and people want a cozy space to relax and watch TV.

We need to concentrate on other wow factors. Energy efficiency and green design has become a way to advertise houses, by providing labels like “Energy Star” and “Built Green 4 Star Level.” But the cachet on green certifications is almost played out: it will quickly, and rightfully, become the baseline, not a bonus.”

Our editorials have previously been featured in the “Green View” column of Seattle/Puget Sound Builder+Architect Magazine. We have continued our relationship with Editor Curt Hines by writing our first “From the Architect” column for the Seattle/Puget Sound Premier Builder Magazine.  Links to all of our previous articles are here.

The client chose one of our affordable design options and adapted a stock plan to meet her needs. (Also see Customizing a Stock Home and Spotlight on Stock Homes: Making One Work for You)

Professional (or at least photos not from my phone!) coming when construction is complete.

A few specific things have taught us to be better designers in the past year. We have always strove to work closely with and learn from contractors. But becoming general contractors ourselves and working closely with experienced contractors such as Kent Ducote of KDL Builders has given us a wealth of knowledge from the big picture to the practical, like how to produce plans which are the most easy to read on the job site, therefore minimizing mistakes.

Personally, I find keeping a custom residential client’s budget and dreams in balance is one of the most difficult, but rewarding, parts of the job.  Getting more involved in real estate development gives you a new appreciation for what it takes to bring a building from concept to sale–it’s like walking a tight rope everyday. Many architects are snobby about developers, but I challenge any one to actually participate in project management and look down on “cost driven developers” ever again.

We would all like to see gorgeous buildings of quality materials everywhere, and we try to strike the magic and difficult balance of keeping dreams alive but expectations in check. It would be unfair to do otherwise.

Continuing Education and striving for the next level in our profession is an integral part of our firm. Anna is on her way to becoming a Master Certified Green Professional through the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), and will be one of the first in our area. The Hare House should be the first Energy Star certified home on San Juan Island to use all local contractors to conduct the testing, ensuring that we all learn together. I continue to sit for my architecture licensing exams and see the light at the end of the tunnel. One of our goals for 2012 is to become Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) through the NAHB.

Our first love is design, and we bring these other skills and learning experiences together in the ever evolving quest to become better designers and provide the highest quality experience possible for our clients. Here’s to a great 2012!

Release Date: 11/17/2011
Contact Information: Molly Hooven, hooven.molly@epa.gov, 202-564-2313, 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades to better integrate health protections into energy efficiency programs. This first-of-its-kind guidance will provide the home energy industry the ability to identify, manage, and reduce health risks during home energy upgrades, retrofits or remodeling.

“These protocols will help the home energy retrofit industry deliver high quality work while protecting the health of families,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. “Homeowners, occupants, and the energy services industry will benefit greatly from this simple and clear guidance for addressing critical indoor air quality risks during home energy upgrades. Following these protocols will help families save money on utilities while safeguarding their health.”

EPA’s new protocols describe a step-by-step process for conducting assessments to evaluate indoor air conditions and the potential for risks that may arise during residential energy upgrades. The protocols include recommended minimum specifications and best practices to maintain or improve indoor air quality.

The protocols serve as a companion document to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) guidelines for Home Energy Professionals. The DOE guidelines are intended to foster the growth of a skilled work force that will increase the homeowner’s confidence in the retrofit industry and increase the demand for home energy retrofits. Together, the DOE guidelines and EPA protocols will help facilitate increased home energy efficiency, improve the quality of work performed and provide healthier homes for America.

By working with the home energy upgrade industry, other federal agencies, industry standard organizations, and state and local programs to implement these protocols, EPA and its partners will help improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency in homes around the country. The protocols were announced today at the Weatherization Plus Health Regional Conference in San Diego, Calif.

U.S. Department of Energy’s Guidelines for Home Energy Professionals: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/retrofit_guidelines.html
EPA’s Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/retrofits.html

In order to create a green healthy environment, we need more local products and small businesses such as Oregon Shepherd.  This sheep farm in Oregon also has a wonderful website, http://www.oregonshepherd.com, describing the process and the upsides to using wool. Here is a short product description and comparison:

The unique advantage of wool as an insulator is the NATURE of the fiber.

• It absorbs and desorbs moisture, it heats and cools as this process takes place. Wool therefore can absorb moisture in your house, preventing condensation.
• It has plastic memory, not that there is any plastic in wool, but rather that technical description is used to explain the “crimp”; the ability to retain the shape it was in before it left the sheep.
• The energy required to produce our insulation is less than 10% of that required to produce traditional insulation materials.
• Wool can absorb and breakdown indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.
• Wool is a sustainable and renewable resource; every year our sheep grow a new crop.
• Wool is completely recyclable; at the end of its life as insulation it can be remanufactured, reused, or biodegraded.
• Wool is an excellent absorbtion medium of sound waves; its inherent qualities provide much more acoustic insulation than traditional insulation in similar applications.
• While wool is generally fire resistant, our wool is treated with a 100% natural solution of organic materials that provide unequaled fire and vermin resistance. These materials are bonded chemically to the wool fiber, not merely “glued on” as in most other insulation products.

There are considerations for buying multifamily that are similar to single family: the location, neighborhood, Walkscore, schools, etc. How far away is the grocery store? Can I get to work without driving? These things can be figured out if you buy a pre-sale before the building is built, as we did with our condo. There are specific considerations that you should think about that apply to multifamily buildings.

• Neighborhood noise and safety: I would recommend spending time around the building at night and on the weekends, depending on when serenity is most important to you. We live across the street from an industrial laundry that employs three shifts, therefore, every weekend morning everyone is outside on the sidewalk talking at 7am.  If you like to sleep in on weekends, this could be an issue for you.
• Which floor?: Of course, the top floor is best to avoid footsteps above you. Street noise, however, will be amplified on the 2nd and immediately higher floors, depending on the height and setback of neighboring buildings. According to the classic urban planning book “A Pattern Language,” the fourth floor is considered the last floor from which you have engagement with the street. Also consider: What would you do if the elevator breaks? Are you physically able to get to an upper floor? If you have no elevator, is there a way for older or disabled friends or family to visit, if you have such visitors frequently?
• Building noise: Duplexes are not required to have double walls between, and some townhouses can get by without them. If in doubt, ask about the construction (most will have double wall construction, the purpose of which is fire prevention but is very effective at side by side unit noise control). I would recommend having your Realtor go to the unit above you and to adjacent areas of concern: the trash room, stairs, hallways. Have them bound down the stairs, run through the halls or slam the dumpster lid. If you are sensitive to cigarette smoke, look for ways it could affect you when the windows are open (for instance, if your main windows open to a sidewalk outside of a restaurant, or if you see adjacent neighbors smoking on the terrace). These are small considerations, but can be seriously detrimental to your quality of life later if you seek peace and quiet in the midst of your urban jungle.
• Visitors: Most likely, if you are in the city, there will only be parking for one or two cars. How do most of your friends and family travel? If they usually drive, is street parking available? Is the parking permit restricted and if so, are guest passes available? If your crew are frequent transit users, how are the routes around you? If being able to host book clubs, dinners or parties is important to you, this could be a major consideration.
• Outdoor activities: How do you use outdoor space? Will you want to grill, sunbathe, garden, store your bikes, have an area for your dog? A townhouse with a yard space may be ideal, or maybe you just need a balcony for container gardening. Be sure to ask about the Home Owners Association’s policies on using the yard: even the space right outside of your door could still be considered common space and you may not be able to garden there due to landscaping care or other rules. Amenities for pets may be found in unexpected places: during low traffic hours, our parking lot serves as an ideal place for dogs to play (even though them being off leash is *technically* against the rules, as is the case with most HOA’s).
• HOA rules: Consider other things that may be regulated by a homeowners association. These could range from the size and type of your pet, signs you can hang from your windows, plants or holiday decorations. Keep in mind that these may not only apply to multifamily buildings: most new single family master planned developments may also have similar regulations.

I hope that this list doesn’t scare anyone away from the many advantages of multifamily living: affordability, manageable size, increased energy efficiency due to shared walls and floors, predictable maintenance costs (HOA dues), no yard or exterior maintenance, proximity in and to great urban neighborhoods, and the community that can form with your neighbors.  Not all items on the list will be important to all people, but each should merit at least a small bit of consideration.