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

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

Understanding your design before you purchase the construction. I had a scary moment at the end of a project last year when the client told me “I didn’t know my back yard would look like this”. While I was glad we got it right for her, the shiver down my spine was reacting to thoughts about what happened if we got it wrong. Make it Easy with a 3D Model As the shiver subsided we decided to evaluate our process. In our 10 principles for custom home design we were using tactic

The Baby Boomers are retiring. Therefore, the residential industry, as well as other industries, is shifting focus to that of the aging population and how to house them to maintain an obtained lifestyle. Articles are appearing almost daily about healthcare and the diminishing length of stays in hospitals, how sunny interiors help with recovery and patient moods, and the rising costs which threaten retirement nest eggs. Other articles are focused on Universal Design which is p

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

Additional Detail Without Additional Cost The contractor is on the team, your loan is approved, and now it’s time to create detailed drawings for construction. You have defined the cost before fully detailing the project in order to keep your options open about phasing without spending the entire design fee. .. Now… How can you make sure the contractor allowed for unforeseen building conditions? Is there a way to protect yourself from the problem of scope creep as allowances

Budget Confirmation: Nailing Down the Price Early in the Process Congratulations. You are one of the lucky people who can pay cash. Or you have such a large amount of equity in your property, that banks will actually think about giving you a construction loan. Your project is viable…. now what? Homeowners don’t want to end up with their final design being $100,000 over budget. They also don’t want a project that will not appraise in the end. We have experienced mistakes lik

Custom Projects Require Custom Teams Who is the crew for your home movie? Owners mobilizing a team for custom home construction are looking for a one-of-a-kind design solution. We contend to produce the one-off design, a custom team should be assembled to fit the needs of a project. Think in terms of producing a film: what major “players” and crew are needed for a project and how they are engaged? The major “players” are easy. The Owner produces, creating the conditions for

Contemplating Renovation: Does it Make Sense? To renovate or not to renovate. . . to build new or not to build new. Viability is the first key question in the homeowner’s mind. Viability is also one of the most important of the 10 Principles developed by Jones Pierce Studios to assure your project’s finacial success. Determining viability involves giving you the information you need to make sound decisions before starting a transformation process on your home. An appropriate

Determining the Sustainability Prescription for Your Home Renovation Large overhangs shade this Lake Lanier home’s large windows which maximize view and natural light. Sustainable building Sustainability is the new frontier of residential design and construction. Key stakeholders are working hard to have a say in what is green and why. Government has been quick to incent sustainable building. And most importantly, owners are increasingly asking for it. Everyone involved in a

Why Can’t Homes Last a Lifetime? Home builders, realtors and developers have pushed an agenda that homes are stepping stones in life’s path. From starters, to family homes, to empty nests, to retirement homes. Why not create a space that strive to accommodate all life phases? Even in a down market people still get married, have babies, home school, work from home, send kids to college, and have multiple generations living under the same roof. When housing values were accelera

Weaving Coherence Between Your Home and the Adjacent Neighborhood …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. The newest renovation on the block never fails to elicit emotion from everyone. Some projects seem just right, and others seem, well…wrong. To avoid what we call “Archi-Torture,” the project has to be undertaken in the context of its environment and use. A renovation planned with context in mind doesn’t cost more—but does significantly increase the value of the ho

Renovation is a Team Sport Teamwork. Collaboration. Partnership. Working closely together—client, designer and contractor—throughout a home renovation project simply produces better results. Shannon Corr, STA contracting working with Angel Shockey, Jones Pierce and clients Ellen Dossett and Ann Wade on their recently completed Lake Martin AL home. Piles of lumber make the most satisfying conference tables. Renovation is a Process In the traditional project delivery model the