Is it possible to enjoy the journey? We’ve all heard the horror stories—budget over runs, delays due to poor planning, small details ignored during design becoming emergency decisions during construction, etc. This part can be very stressful and not a lot of fun. Yet, the journey of creating a new space or transforming an old space could, and should be, enjoyable. The journey should center around you, and all of your expectations should be addressed early in the process—from

We like to integrate project management technology with the project process for our clients. This way they can be aware of what is going on, feel included, and communicate on their time. We create our work around the concept of information sharing. This helps us to avoid common miscommunications when building custom residential architecture. You have a computer in your pocket, let’s use it to build stuff Some typical information sharing issues that we run into include: Where

Can you fast track construction? Is it safe? The project Team is in place. The design was adjusted to pricing reality. Owner has agreed to a price based on a design, assumptions and allowances. Is it possible to start a fast track building process, understanding the need to speed while finishing construction documents? Like many hard questions, the answer is that it depends. It depends… First off, it depends if the construction and design teams collaborate well and can add

Reality Check Successful projects need a reality check before finalizing the construction package. The best time for this reality check is typically at the 50% complete point in the design process. The design team will help establish allowance amounts for unselected items that will satisfy the client’s goals about quality without having to make all selections and designing all detail. The reality check results in a scope of work approval milestone we all need to agree to befo

What does “project stewardship” mean? Sometimes project stewardship is literal; like when we were recently commissioned for our 5th project for the 3rd owner of the same property. Other times project stewardship involves helping clients make long-term decisions. These decisions, for example, might include using advanced building science strategies that create healthier, more resilient, lower operating cost buildings. We compare our buildings to a child leaving for college. We

Change will happen; let’s plan for it. Plan to anticipate change As architects how can we anticipate long-term change of a private house or an institutional building owner? Can we, as architects, limit turnover of a commercial lease tenants? Typically, people and buildings change together. How can residential buildings plan for change? In residential design, we consider how a client can break the traditional migration pattern. Typically, people start with a small house if th

What is wrong with this picture? Design Consciousness? Why do certain building, streets, and places feel right, while some feel terribly wrong? Should individual buildings contribute to a place’s safety, walk-ability, and successful urban design? We believe that good architecture achieves a state of design consciousness. Imagine a world where infill homes are not piles dropped from space without regard to their scale compared to the adjacent homes around them. Imagine comm

Does the project work? The second Jones Pierce principle to a fun client experience says all projects must be viable in order to proceed. Typically, project budgeting will define the viability of a project. Therefore, early in the project, we look at several possible aspects of viability to make sure the project works as early as possible in the design process. Knowing viability early allows for changes to the project parameters to proceed or the ability to get out without

Listen First, Then Design What determines the design course heading for a particular project? Is it a memory of a favorite place, a collection of images, written goals, or the bottom line result of a proforma? We notice clients using different methods to communicate their goals for the project. Our job is to understand the reasons behind the root goals – listening first, then designing. To listen first, then design allows process alchemy to unveil ideas and solutions that

Preserving owner leverage as long as possible in the construction process.I love the quote from President Reagan: “Trust but verify.” It worked with the Soviet Union on an INF treaty, it works with my kids concerning their location and activity, and it works on residential projects during construction. In our 9th Principle: Protecting Owner leverage, we believe in managing and structuring the contractual relationships for projects to protect owner leverage as long as possible