A residential design firm dedicated to

    improve home improvement

    with efficient, effective communication.

HOME
WHO
are we
WHAT
do we offer?

ARTICLES

LINKS
a proud member of: myDesignBuildProject.com contact us for your username and password

Small mistakes can bite you

March 16th, 2011

I was recently involved in reviewing a foreclosed home for a couple who were considering purchasing the property. Apparently, the fireplace had been leaning into the living room, away from the wall.

For reasons I won’t go into here, they removed the fireplace, and exposed this.

image


…continue reading Small mistakes can bite you »

Outside the Box: Spa cover lift

February 18th, 2011

A client has recently asked us to design an outdoor hot tub for their patio, but with a unique request.  They want it to automatically open and close.  We suggested the possibility of a cover that lifts over the in-ground tub, and they were curious about that concept.

Hence, we reviewed the needs and created a 3D model of the concept of how it could work.  Then, I created this video.  There may be other concepts coming.  We’ll see how it turns out!  Watch the video and let me know what do you think of this concept?

Devil in the Details

February 9th, 2011

You’ve heard the saying, “the devil’s in the details” right?   Typically, this saying is used negatively as a reaction to something unexpected happening to those “best laid plans.”  At the end of this article is a picture of one of such details.

I like to turn this saying into a positive, pro-active tool during our projects as a reminder that details do matter.  How do they matter?  When do they matter?  Why do they matter?  Can we keep the devil away?
…continue reading Devil in the Details »

Saving money by design

July 1st, 2010

In a poll we recently published, one respondent asked how using a design firm can help save money in the long run.  Good question, thanks for asking.

It does seem to be an oxymoron to say that one can save money by spending it.  Old adages about saving & earning pennies, getting what you pay for, etc., often lead one to sidestep what could be the most important part of any project: planning.  In order to save money on your next remodeling project, I believe we must discuss Proper Planning, Effective Presentation, and Critical Collaboration.
…continue reading Saving money by design
»

Try, try again

June 16th, 2010

My nemesisMy son had a friend stay overnight last night, and he brought his RipStik® to play with.  Just out of curiosity, I had to try it today.

Let me tell you that as easy as those young kids make it, it ISN’T!  I’ve seen these toys before, and often wondered how they did it – on two wheels that swivel, no less!  I fell off many times this afternoon, while my daughter and son were offering their sage advise: “Maybe if you were younger, Daddy” and “Dad, you just start by pushing off and then move your feet.”  Ah, the great wisdom of a 7 and 9 year-old!
…continue reading Try, try again »

Tips for Project planning

September 29th, 2009
  1. observe the need (list: dark kitchen, cramped entertainment space, lack of space, etc.)
  2. figure your ability to pay. (Need to know your financial limits – not how much it will cost)
  3. hire a professional design & build team (note that the contractor is included this early in the process)
  4. decide upon your needs.  Some will be goals that would be nice, while other require extra attention, and the rest will be non-negotiable.
  5. plan the project with your team (see HotTips) – hopefully, you will be able to review the design process in a fun, and changeable, 3-dimensional, lifelike, environment.
  6. approve the project, and
  7. enjoy the finished product
Get Adobe Flash playerPlugin by wpburn.com wordpress themes