My firm recently completed a large scale estate project for a wonderful Canadian client. This led me to think about the design process and the role that hand sketches and imagination play in the work. When the firm was engaged, I made numerous rough sketches, floor plans, elevations and thumbnail perspectives to illustrate my thoughts. […]
I was recently invited to a party celebrating 25 years in business. It was wonderful to be able to meet with other folks in the industry in a relaxed environment and raise a glass or two to commemorate the dedication and commitment to a colleague and his success. It got me thinking. We never seem […]
Finding the Magic! Who is Your Ideal Client? There is something to be said for the profession of architecture. I recently read a book entitled The Art of Classical Details II An Ideal Collaboration by Phillip James Dodd. There is an interesting chapter in the book called Fortune Favours the Friendly by Francis Terry and […]
Have you ever had one of those perfect clients? You know, the one’s that give you the creative freedom to design their dream house! Throughout my career, I have had many what would fit that description and with some, I have designed a number of houses throughout their lifetime. I recently met a husband and […]
After 47 years in business you establish a work ethic that attracts other like-minded individuals. This house begins a new design style for our firm, one that stared with a client who was interested in something unique and different for this rebuild. Along the journey, we’ve had the pleasure of recommending Virginia Burt of Virginia Burt Designs […]
The business of architectural design has changed many times in 46 years of business, but, one thing that does not change is the process for design. Jenny and I have worked together for over 14 years. A collaborative relationship based on a platform of mentorship. As an architectural technologist, Jenny takes my hand drawings and […]
There is a trend that has been around for a few years that is currently in the news and it involves the gentrification of neighbourhoods that were built in the 50’s and 60’s. They have large lots, mature trees, updated services and most often amenities that are convenient for families. I started my career, 46 years […]
When you’ve been in business for 45 years you’ve seen a lot of changes in your industry. I remember the days when we had to hand draw both design and permit drawings for submission. I’ve had a lot of white shirts that needed the cuffs replaced! Today, of course, everything is on computer! Is it […]
Creative inspiration is one of the elements of good design. I have been fortunate to have found inspiration when travelling, networking and attending various seminars and tours of other great architectural projects. In today’s business climate, one of the first resources is the internet. It is here where you may find many different types of […]
The design process usually starts with a few complex questions: How long will this take? When will I receive a permit? Questions that speak to a complicated process that includes both time and patience. We begin the process with a dialogue that involves inspiration, collaboration and arithmetic. Inspiration creates good design. Every project is different based on […]
Creative inspiration is part of every design and as a veteran in the industry I’ve had my share of moments incorporating elements from various sources. Travel is one of my greatest inspirations, whether in Italy, Spain, France, the Islands or the United States. Visiting historical buildings that have stood the test of time is an inspiration not […]
Im sure we’ve all heard that the devil is in the details. That is very true when hiring an architect. It’s not only about good design, curb appeal and translating your dreams into reality it is all about proportion, scale, texture and aesthetics. Trigonometry, geometry, calculus and algebra are used throughout the design process as […]
Did you know… there are a few rules to consider when using Shutters Historically, shutters were used to provide security, privacy and protection from the weather. Today, shutters are used aesthetically as an ornamentation on outside windows. Here are a few tips to consider: Sizing shutters should be used on single windows each panel should […]
The use of a portico is to not only provide protection from the elements but to transition between the exterior and interior of your home. Visual appeal depends not only on the functional elements but overall measurements, roof pitch, materials and proportion. Below you will find a few diagrams that best describe how to use: […]
On a recent trip to the historical city of Boston it occurred to me that one of the most important components with any design project is light. The shape and form of the architecture is of course important but how people feel when they visit the building will be remembered for years to come. The […]
Looking at a new design project for your home? In our instantaneous technology world it is quite common for people to ask: What is a concept design? How long will it take? There are many components that fall into a good design and most often it will take more than one solution for each client […]
Have you ever walked into a room and something just doesn’t look right? It could be height of the baseboard which will skew your eye and line of sight to both the ambience and d’cor. Did you know that there is a formula for your baseboards based on ceiling height? Bigger is not necessarily better […]