What does the future community look like?
As architects, we’re always thinking about cutting-edge design and how we can best advise our clients. When it comes to master planned communities, predicting future trends and consumer needs is ultra-important because of the long time span of construction and enormous capital outlay.
We need to think 5, 10, 20 years ahead of our time, because that’s when sales and re-sales are going to occur and the concept of the community will be tested in the market. At times, it’s a scary thought. But …

Much of the attention in the client-architect relationship is placed on the architect. This is true all the way from the selection process to long after the project is done. Clients are seen as a fixed point, around which the architect must stretch and maneuver. We (the architects) are thought of as having to become compatible with the client. It’s an extension of ‘the customer is always right’ philosophy.
It’s not that the idea is unfair, skewed or somehow wrong, but rather a bit incomplete. Relationships are inherently a two-way …

Selecting any professional is an unnerving process, and it’s particularly difficult and personal when it comes to selecting an architect.
A poor choice of doctor or lawyer, while potentially costly, is usually only temporary and rectified by moving on to a better professional.
An architect, on the other hand, controls the spaces you plan to use for years to come – whether it’s your office, your home, your church, or any other built (and many times, natural) environment.
To help you on your way to architectural nirvana, we’ve prepared a list of ten tips …

The process of designing anything is an elusive one. When it comes to communities and structures that are, in the span of one lifetime, permanent – it becomes even more difficult.
One of our favorite quotes regarding design comes from the great Louis Kahn, who summed up the design of a building in this beautiful and thought-provoking statement:
“A great building must begin with the unmeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is being designed and in the end must be unmeasurable.”
Architects are often viewed as creative types and ‘designers,’ hired …

A surrounding landscape, within the context of a Residence or a Planned Community’s Common Areas, represents one of the greatest values in Construction, when considering the return on your investment.  Location, location, location as the old Real Estate mantra goes – and your Landscape creates this initial impression of ‘Place.’  Our Landscape Architect’s Scope of Work encompasses Hardscape, Lighting, Landscape, and Irrigation. 
We focus on ‘artful’ design and the creation of a ‘functional image,’ in other words, a sustainable solution within the four listed Scope elements.

Hardscape plans create or enhance ‘outdoor …

The other day an article was forwarded to PK Studios and quite honestly, it was the title that grabbed my curiousity.  “Diversity’s Missing Ingredient”.  It addressed the importance of not only being true to yourself, but also being true to your company and your colleagues.
Ask yourself, how many times have I sat in a “team” meeting and found myself not agreeing with my colleagues, or having an aura of tension fill the room because we are not all agreeing on previously made decisions? When we engage in conflict, it can …

This week we dive a little deeper into lighting. Because there are so many options for bulbs and light sources on the market today, here is some insight to help you choose the best one for your application. 

Incandescent bulbs have a yellowish white light and come in various wattages and shapes. Although they are readily available they are not the best choice for energy efficiency and increase the heat load in your space.
Halogen (or Tungsten-Halogen) produce a bright, white light which has more lumens per watt than the incandescent bulbs. …

In times of economic crisis and falling home values, is there anything that can help sell or improve the value of your home? According to BobVila.com, investing in landscaping improvements may be just what the doctor ordered. Landscape “gives a home curb appeal, a sense of place and value.” Spending on landscape architecture may be exactly what you need.
 

 
According to Bob Vila’s website, a quality landscape design “can add 20 percent to the value of your property and save up to 25 percent in heating and cooling costs.” With money …

Daylight Savings has begun and it has inspired me to take a look at lighting for our tip this week.  Interior lighting can be many things and is not limited to just function.  You can create atmosphere and bring sculptural elements to a space with the wide variety of lighting fixtures that are now on the market.  If done correctly, good lighting can transform a room.  Things to consider:

Use varying heights of light sources to create interest.  Lighting can come from above shining down, at mid eye level and upward …

Selecting Color for your space is not just a matter of taste, there are many contributing factors.  Here are a few to think about:
First, examine your space.  Is it large, or small?  A neutral palette can help create a sense of space in a smaller room.  (Remember, this also applies to furniture and accessories, not just your walls.)
What is the shape of your space?  Is it rectangular, square?  If you work your colors correctly, color can be used to visually alter a room.  Let’s take the example of a focal …