Helping Clients Influence the Pace of Their Project
As with many undertakings, a remodel, tenant improvement or new construction project is full of subtle dynamics that if neglected can make even a simple project seem monumental. One such dynamic is the pace of a project during the construction phase. Understanding a little about the general contractor’s function as well as his method of scheduling is […]
The Effectiveness of Traditional Security Architecture
Tenant Improvement Architecture offers a look into so many different worlds. One such world is the world of security architecture. With the recent attacks on Jewish Centers in Kansas it might be a good time to discuss our approach to this aspect of our business. Most security architecture is either about keeping bad guys out […]
Should I Use the Contractors’ Draftsman or Hire My Own Architect for My Project?
Sometimes prospective clients will say that their contractor has offered to provide building plans or “blueprints” as part of the construction cost of the project and that it seems like it would be a big savings over hiring a design professional like an architect. For a small job, where the client knows exactly what they […]
Are There Square Footage Thresholds to Consider With a Room Addition?
There are so many things to consider when you’re thinking of adding onto your home; budget, design, budget, space requirements & budget, to name a few. Since budget ends up being the driving force behind most projects, it is important to find out ways to maximize value. When doing an addition, most clients understand that […]
My Architect Told Me that Engineers will be Working on My Project. Why do I Need the Help of These Other People?
One of the curses of being an architect – besides being annoyingly opinionated much of the time, is that it’s difficult for us to conceptualize a residential or commercial design solution without also immediately putting our minds to work on how to get that solution permitted and built. The number of considerations involved in turning […]
Effective Tenant Improvement Projects Begin by Asking the Right Questions
I think there is a part of all of us that enjoys understanding how things work and why people make the decisions they do. I became aware of this truth before I was a teenager, when one of my sisters made a statement that seemed to come from nowhere. “What were you thinking about when you […]
How Long Should My Commercial Building Last?
As the owner of a commercial building you want to entice the best tenants by offering competitive lease rates. But you also need to understand that there are hidden costs involved that you need to make sure are covered. One of the largest costs associated with any commercial building is replacement of building systems that […]
Choosing the Best Architectural Design for Long Beach and Southern California Residences
Having grown up in California in a time when architecture was going through its “awkward years”, I became aware, early on of the unfortunate fact that buildings tend to outlast stylistic taste – often by a significant number of years. Whether it be the 1970’s Spanish-minimalist 2 story tract home that features a garage as […]
What You Should Know Before Submitting Building Plans
You love the new design for your home or business, the construction drawings are done. The 3D fly-thru model that we created for you is so compelling that you wonder why you even need to submit drawings at all. We’re ahead of schedule, preliminary budget numbers from our trusted contractors came back favorably, and now […]
Is a Tankless Gas Water Heater Right for My Application?
In Architectural studies at the university, we were taught to design interesting and beautiful buildings for clients and to create construction drawings that accurately convey these concepts. While I still get to do some of that, a more significant part of my daily activity surrounds ensuring that people and products deliver on their claims. Whether […]