architectural design services

I would love to assist with projects both big and small, from an all new house design to just a bathroom or kitchen remodel to a code plan review or feasibility study.

Areas of focus:

-single family homes; one of the main reasons i became interested in Architecture is my love of designing and creating cool, fun spaces. Single family homes have the ability to be amazing and to create a truly meaningful space for its inhabitants. There are many studies linking the spaces we live and work in with our ability to think and create as well as our ability to focus on big picture or detail elements. There are also many studies linking our spaces to our emotional and even physical well being. Connections to nature, light, and air; correlations of ceiling height and perceived confinement; color and materiality all come into play.

-aging in place home design; I’ve spent many years working in the senior housing sector of architecture and i have gained a greater understanding of the challenges that many of us encounter as we age. There are those that enjoy the communal living experience of small, medium and large senior living communities, but there are also those who prefer to stay in their homes or a more house like setting. Good design can go a long way in both situations but for a single family home there are many challenges, especially in MN with basements, stairs, ice & snow and even the typical entry door typically being up a couple feet from the ground. There are solutions to make existing homes more accommodating and there are many options for new homes to be designed and built with aging in mind so that individuals can continue to live in their home as long as possible.

-small assisted living/group homes; With the licensing changes from 2021 and the more recent changes in Aug. of 2023 there are more regulations then ever and I can help guide you through city plan approval, State regulation from both MDH and DLI as well as navigating state statutes and rules such as MN statute 144G which may require compliance with MN Building code or in some cases MN Residential code, NFPA 101 Life Safety, and FGI(Facility Guidelines Institute).

-universal design and accessible design; housing projects and senior housing in specific are certainly focused on meeting requirements related to the accessibility code but there is a broader focus on making all design accessible and usable for all (to the greatest extent possible), thus universal design strives to create a building that doesn’t add for instance a secondary ramped entry but instead would focus on making non stepped building entry so that all users can use it together.

-home theater design; i’ve always had an appreciation for film/movies. Prior to completion of college, I worked part time installing home theaters which stoked an interest in home theaters, acoustics and desire to make better spaces for this use. During my studies at ASU, I engaged in many classes to help me understand the impact that both layout and sound absorption can have on a space both large and small.

design process

My basic process for Architectural design (residential and smaller projects will combine some of the phasing together due to size and scope of project) - not a comprehensive list

  • programming/initial site investigation/feasibility

    • needs/wants

    • budget

    • aesthetic tastes

    • pics and measurements of existing - gathering of existing documentation/surveys/gis

  • schematic/concept design (2 options)

    • zoning/code study

    • surveys (by others)

    • initial design sketches

    • presentation of 2 concepts & owner conversation

    • final concept design - approvals to proceed

    • very prelim cost estimating can be done by contractor (estimate by others)

    • involvement of consultants as needed (not in scope)

    • variance work (add service)

  • design development

    • developing of more measured drawings based off of concept direction

    • elevations (prelim), section (prelim), plans of all levels (prelim)

    • review with builder for more realistic initial cost estimate (estimate by others)

    • more involvement of consultants (Structural, Interior, Landscape Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Civil, ) if/as needed (not in scope)

  • construction documents/permit set for owner

    • final plans, interior & exterior elevations, sections, details, schedules

    • material matrix (Arch scope materials, ie. siding, windows, doors, etc.)

    • finish schedule (finishes of surfaces if Arch scope or coordinated w/ consultant)

    • review with owner and builder to identify any questions or barriers pre permit (if contractor willing/available)

    • work through any city comments (jurisdictional comments - State, County, City)

    • if extensive planning commissions or Architectural review boards exist work to be performed on hourly basis (may occur in earlier phases of design as well)

  • construction observation

    • shop drawings

    • clarification questions, contractor/owner questions

    • changes if needed

    • general observation (visits negotiated depending on project)

furniture

I love designing and making furniture and small wood trinkets. If you like some of the stuff i’m showing and would be interested in having me design a custom piece of furniture just let me know. Construction of furniture is performed by a professional wood shop these days.

fees

Fees based on percentage or hourly basis - to be determined per project