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Producing your design will require a great deal of interaction between us as we analyze your lifestyle and exchange
ideas. Communication between the architect and the client is the most involved and frequent during the preliminary
phases, whether by phone, fax or in person. The end result is exhilarating: a house designed specifically for you.
It will be my job to work with you to explore and crystallize your dreams and requirements. I establish a solid
relationship with my clients, based on an easy rapport, a “hands-on” implementation and constant personal attention. I
use a practical approach to function and cost with an artistic eye for proportion, balance, beauty and distinction.
A house designed specifically for you will have a positive effect on your daily life, providing ease, comfort, delight
and beauty.
Every piece of a design is an opportunity to express your self whether it’s the style of the house down or the hardware that
you select. Every choice is an opportunity to introduce your own personal character into the design and its so much fun to
find out who you are. Most importantly, it doesn’t have to be all coordinated…as long as you ove it, it’ll work. Don’t create a
home for anyone else but yourself. Customizing means getting what you need. When I come over to do a remodel or a new
design,. I tell my clients not to clean up before I arrive. I want to see how you really live. Warts and all. It takes a lot of talking to
find out who they are and what their dream home is about.
In 1997, I unanimously won The Pyramid Award for “Best Single
Family Home Of the Year Over 3,800 Square Feet” based on
“exterior design, interior use of space, materials used and curb
appeal” for the BAYBERRY Design.
I won The Pyramid Merit Award in 1998 for “Best Single Family Home
Of The Year From 3,800 to 4,800 Square Feet” and The Main Line
Builders Association Award in 1997 for “Best Single Family Home
Over $500,000” for the MAYWOOD II Design.
* I unanimously won The Pyramid Award
in 1997 for “Best Single Family Home Of
the Year Over 3,800 Square Feet” for
“exterior design, interior use of space,
materials used and curb appeal”.
* I won The Main Line Builders
Association Award in 1997 for “Best
Single Family Home Over $500,000”.
* I won The Pyramid Merit Award in
1998 for “Best Single Family Home Of
The Year From 3,800 to 4,800 Square
Feet”.
The design of custom details and the selection of finishes and fixtures are the factors
that can add substantially to the time I spend on a job; that is why they are billed as
extras.
For example, if a fireplace is drawn on a plan, you typically will work with the builder
and decide the mantle, surround and hearth materials and proportions; it will be your
time spent, not the architect’s. You might find, however, that this can be a rushed,
confusing, overwhelming and time-consuming process to develop what might turn out
to be a mundane, awkward or costly solution.
The problem is multiplied by the number of details, which can include the fireplaces,
stairs, built-ins, woodwork and moldings, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, lighting,
hardware, closets, carpeting, plumbing fixtures, appliances, etc.
I recommend that the fee include an additional amount for detail design. This
approach allows for the consideration of the details to be integrated into the early
phases of the project, instead of during the construction phase. This design process will
also produce a scheme customized for your tastes with details that enrich the overall
scheme in a harmonious style.
I have many catalogs and files of components of houses for you to review, because it is
easier to “see” and articulate your preferences by responding to pictures and clippings.
You can always consult with me after you have done some preliminary investigation;
therefore you will benefit from my skills while keeping my time at a minimum. I can
produce a sketch for the builder of an esthetically pleasing solution tailored to your
tastes and budget.