If you are a conscious consumer, minimalist or practice slow living, then I’ve got a special Holiday Gift Guide for you with 18 ethical, sustainable, slow and minimalist gift ideas. While the holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, the over-consumption and waste can be very stressful. So this holiday gift guide focuses on fewer, more meaningful gifts, as well as some more enjoyable ways to shop for them.

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READ THE TRANSCRIPT:

Mette Aamodt: Hey folks, welcome to the Aamodt/Plumb YouTube channel where we give you tips and advice for creating a Slow Home that is Good, Clean and Fair. If you are a conscious consumer, minimalist, or practice slow living, then the holidays can be a particularly challenging time. A lot of the consumption and waste can get in the way of what we’re really celebrating, but we have got a special holiday gift guide for you with 18 ethical, sustainable, slow and minimalist ideas for everyone on your list, as well as some of my tips for slowing down this holiday season. I am Mette Aamodt, co-founder of Aamodt/Plumb Architecture, Interiors and Construction and we design Slow Homes for our clients every day.

Since my diagnosis with MS in 2002 I have been a proponent of slow living. I love the holiday season for the ‘hygge’ – more on that in my next video – but I also tend to get stressed out with all of the extra things to do, like shopping. So this holiday gift guide is going to focus on fewer, more meaningful gifts as well as some more enjoyable ways to shop for them.

Ethical Gift Idea: Haitian Hex Plates by Gift of Hope Haiti

Ethical Gifts

1. I found this bowl set at a Haitian crafts fair. It was actually sponsored by the Vassar Haiti Project, and it’s a beautiful set of bowls and it really reminds me of mid century modern stuff: handmade, carved out of mahogany. I found this site called Gift of Hope Haiti, which is a nonprofit organization that works with local artisans in Haiti to produce these beautiful home goods. This one I’m featuring is a hand card set of mahogany plates in a hex shape that I think are just gorgeous.

Ethical Gift Idea: Macrame bag by Gift of Hope Haiti

2. Gift of Hope Haiti also had this amazing macrame handbag with a mahogany handle, and macrame is super popular right now so I just thought this was adorable.

Alpaca throw from Peru by Serve Haiti

3. When looking for the Haitian bowls I also came across serrv.org, which is a nonprofit that partners with Haitian artisans as well as artisans from all across the world. This is a gorgeous alpaca striped throw from Peru.

Ethical Gift Idea: Palm nesting baskets by Kazi

4. This is a set of fair trade nesting baskets woven from natural materials in Uganda. The set is only $72 and I had mentioned in a previous video that finding ethically made baskets for storing stuff at home is really expensive. So I was really excited to find these.

Kazi’s website

Kazi was founded to create beautiful products to alleviate poverty all across rural Africa, and I got super giddy when I saw their website and this cover page because I love how it ties together a global aesthetic with a kind of minimalist Scandinavian vibe. All of their goods are Fair Trade, ethically made and made with local natural materials. That is, local to the artisans in Africa.

Sustainable Gifts

The next category is sustainable gifts, although I have to mention that almost all of these products are ethical, sustainable, minimalist and slow all at once. I put them into categories just to organize the list, but once you dig into the details you’ll find that they checked a lot of the boxes.

Sustainable Gift Idea: Bee’s Wrap for sustainable food storage

5. These are at the top of Sam Roller’s list, from our office. They are bees wax coated organic cotton cloths that you can use instead of plastic wrap to store your food, wrap up sandwiches, apple slices, things like that for your lunch. This is great because plastic wrap is one of those things that is really, really hard to do without if you’re trying to reduce the amount of plastic in your life.

Now, I did have a set of these at home and I have to admit that I didn’t properly prepare everyone in the household for how these should be cared for and so they got thrown in the washing machine, which removed all of the wax coating and rendered them fairly useless. So it does take a little bit of care and a little bit of learning to figure out how to use them, but I think that once you do, you’ll find that they’re super, super cool.

Sustainable Gift Ideas: August Sage’s Linen Napkins

6. Sarah Lueck suggested reusable cloth napkins to reduce the amount of waste with paper towels and paper napkins. These from August Sage are made of linen, which is one of the most hard-wearing natural materials. They are ethically made in a Fair Trade environment by artisan women in India. I personally don’t like to iron my linen napkins, I like the crumbly casual look and these napkins just get softer and softer over time with use.

Sustainable Gift Ideas: The Citizenry’s Farah Towels

7. One of my suggestions is Hammam style towels. These are thin cotton towels that are quick drying either on the line or in your dryer, much, much faster than terrycloth towels and they look a lot cuter hanging in your bathroom. I have been switching my towels over to these and I’ve been really, really happy with them. These particular ones are from The Citizenry and our handmade in Morocco in a Fair Trade environment.

Before we get into our slow and minimalist ideas, I have a quick question for you: which of these four categories best describes you? Ethical, sustainable, slow, or minimalist? Type that word into the comments below.

I love this time of year because I get lots of reminders of my Norwegian heritage: the darkness, cozy sweaters, candle lights and Christmas decorations all bring out hygge get for me. My next video is going to be all about hygge, slowing down the Scandinavian way, so look out for that on our channel.

Speaking of slowing down, how can we find ways to slow down during the rush of holiday shopping? Next up, I am going to talk about what I plan to do to reduce my stress and improve my enjoyment of holiday shopping this season.

Slow Gifts

8. My first suggestion is not exactly a gift idea, but it’s a way to shop for holiday gifts that I think is less stressful and more enjoyable. I love that my town has lots of little shops, but I know that they struggle. So this year I’m going to avoid the mall and online shopping, and shop local.

9. Shop vintage. I talk a lot about how shopping for pre-owned furniture is really eco-friendly option in this video, so check out more information there.

Slow Gift Idea: Plants from your local nursery

10. Grace Mathieson suggested buying plants from your local nursery. Studies have shown that taking care of plants and pets reduces your overall stress. Plants in particular improve your indoor air quality.

Slow Gift Idea: French press by August Sage

11. The next couple of gift ideas are from August Sage, whose tagline is “modern meets heritage”. I just love that because I think that that is a quintessentially slow concept. Taking old ideas and making them new again. The first item from them is this ceramic French press, which is a classic design made of durable materials, no plastic to be found. And what I’ve heard is among people who really appreciate coffee, French press is the best way to make it.

Slow Gift Idea: August Sage’s Handmade Ceramics

12. The second item from August Sage is this set of hand thrown cups and utensil holders and bowls. Each piece is unique and I love that you can see a band of the raw clay on the bottom of each piece, and a faint line where the glaze meets the ceramic.

Slow Gift Idea: Imperial Yarn Blanket

13. This old school wool blanket is another suggestion from Sarah Lueck. It’s made in the US of all natural wool from a small US company that owns its own sheep and processes the wool without any harsh chemicals.

Slow Gift Idea: Made Trade Wool Booties

14. Another wool product that comes from Made Trade are these handmade wool booties in adult sizes. They’re handmade in Patagonia, not in a factory. They’re made by individual artisans in their homes. I’ve been looking a pair of slippers that doesn’t have foam and plastic in it, and when my felt ones wear out, this is what I’m going to get next.

15. Next up is minimalist gift ideas. David Ascher suggests gift certificates to a local woodworking, ceramics or glass blowing class. This is the “teach a person to fish and feed them for life” approach. This falls into the minimalist category because it prioritizes experience over things.

Slow Gift Idea: Donate a goat through the Gift of Hope Haiti

16. This gift is for the person who really has everything or doesn’t want anything. And this I found at Gift of Hope Haiti. In Haiti, a goat is a very valuable commodity because you can breed them and you can support your family for a long time. So for $60 you will get a picture of this adorable goat and know that you have helped a family in need.

Slow Gift Idea: Nisolo weekender bag

17. This is the only bag you’re ever going to need. And if you’re a minimalist, I challenge you to fit all of your possessions into this bag. This is made by a Nisolo and it is ethically made in Mexico. It’s a waxed canvas bag with leather straps.

18. Even minimalists need some practical stuff, like a dish scrubber. So if you’re going to have one, you might as well get one that sparks joy, like these Japanese handmade scrub brushes. These are from Territory design and are sold individually so you can pick up whichever one suits you best.

I’ve just given you our holiday gift guide with 18 gift ideas that are ethical, sustainable, slow, and minimalist. I’m sure you’re going to be able to find something that you love. I have also shared my number one tip for reducing stress while holiday shopping this year, and that is to avoid them all, bundle up in a cozy sweater and scarf, and take a walk down main street, of course, sitting down for a coffee to warm up along the way. Please subscribe to our channel, give the video a thumbs up if you liked it, and share it with someone who you think might find it valuable. Next video will be all about hygge and slowing down the Scandinavian way, so I’ll see you there.

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In this second installment of the ‘mini-series’ on eco friendly furniture, Mette Aamodt and Sarah Lueck take a deep dive into artisan furniture: what it is, the pros and cons and whether or not it’s an eco friendly option. They’re also going to show you some of their favorite furniture makers and hopefully inspire you when you’re creating your Slow Home.

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Read The Transcript:

Mette Aamodt: Hey folks, welcome to the Aamodt/Plumb YouTube channel where we give you tips and advice for creating a Slow Home that is Good, Clean, and Fair. If you’re at that stage in life where you’re ready to upgrade your furniture in terms of quality and sustainability, then you need to know about artisan furniture. Stay tuned and watch this episode where we tell you everything you need to know.

Today we’re going to talk about artisan furniture, what it is, the pros and cons of investing in high quality, handmade furniture, and whether or not it’s an eco-friendly option. We’re also going to tell you some of our favorite makers and hopefully inspire you when you’re creating your Slow Home.

I’m Mette Aamodt, co-founder of Aamodt/Plumb Architecture, Interiors and Construction, and I’m here with Interiors Associate Sarah Lueck, and we design eco-friendly Slow Homes every day for our clients. Hit the subscribe button and the notification bell right now so you don’t miss any of the videos we’re going to put out.

Woven Bench. Photo Courtesy of Heide Martin.

Now let’s get right into the topic. First off, what is artisan furniture?

Sarah Lueck: These are the future heirlooms made by skilled craftspeople. They are durable, well made, and often timeless.

MA: Why is artisan furniture eco-friendly?

SL: These pieces are the opposite of disposable furniture. They’re meant to last generations surpassing trends and fast fashion. These pieces come from small businesses who produce limited runs, often using sustainable materials and zero waste production methods.

MA: What are the pros of investing in artisan furniture?

At the shop. Photo Courtesy of Sawkille.

SL: As we’ve mentioned, the overall quality of each piece is much higher than mass produced furniture. Each piece is handmade and therefore unique. You can typically work with craftspeople to customize a piece to your needs, whether you need a longer table or a different species of wood. And it goes without saying supporting local artisans is always a good thing.

MA: What are the cons with artisan furniture?

SL: These pieces can often be more expensive than mass produced pieces. They can also take longer to make. However, there are many pieces from places like Crate and Barrel that are just as expensive and take just as long to make.

MA: I’m going to take a little pause here to tell you that this video is part of a miniseries on how to source eco-friendly furniture for your Slow Home. The first video in this series gave you an overview of the goals and strategies for finding eco friendly furniture. If you like this video on artisan furniture, you’re going to love Sarah’s visit to Field and Supply, the New York Maker Fair highlighting so many amazing craftspeople.

MA: Quick question, do you plan to upgrade your furniture in the near future or are you IKEA 4 EVA? If you plan on upgrading, put the word UPGRADE in the comments below. Sarah, what are some examples of artisan furniture makers that our viewers across the country can find?

Windsor Chair with a snake back. Photo Courtesy of O and G.

SL: There’s O and G Studio from Rhode Island, which makes modern versions of classic New England furniture. They’re also experimenting with bright colors and anthropomorphic shapes like this awesome Windsor chair with a snake back.

This is Sawkille, a Hudson Valley studio that draws on history to create fresh new designs. I love their studio culture where they have a daily communal home cooked lunch.

Heide Martin, who’s a Maine-based artisan, and she creates clean Scandinavian meets Shaker pieces. Her workshop also offers shared space for other craftspeople in the area.

MA: We hope this video has inspired you with all of the amazing artisan furniture makers, keeping craft alive and making pieces that will last for generations. Please subscribe to our channel and give this a thumbs up if you liked it and please share with someone who you think might find it valuable.

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Links Mentioned In The Video:

O and G Studio- https://www.oandgstudio.com/
Sawkille- https://www.sawkille.com/
Heide Martin- http://www.heidemartin.com/

The post Investing In Artisan Furniture For Your Slow Home appeared first on Aamodt / Plumb.

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Read the Transcript:

Mette Aamodt (MA): Hey, folks. Welcome to the Aamodt /Plumb YouTube channel. We are starting a new series on slow homes where we give you tips and advice for creating a home that is good, clean, and fair. My name is Mette Aamodt. I am co-founder of Aamodt Plumb Architecture, Interiors and Construction, and I will be your host. I’m here today with Sarah Lueck who is our Interiors Associate at Aamodt Plumb, and she’s in charge of all things interior selections and materials. Today, we’re going to talk about countertop materials. When planning a new kitchen or bathroom, countertops or one of the most important decisions. There are lots of things to consider when choosing a countertop like durability, cost and sanitation. If you’re designing a Slow Home that is good, clean and fair, you’re going to want to consider the material’s beauty, sustainability, and if it was sourced ethically. Let’s delve into some of those issues with Sarah. So, Sarah, what are some of the most popular countertops materials that you find in the showroom?

Sarah Lueck (SL): In the showroom, I see a lot of quartz composites, which is an engineered stone. There’s also a lot of imported natural stone, and there’s a lot of plastic laminates on the lower end.

MA: Why are these so popular?

SL: For the engineered quartz, it’s really about easy care. It’s not going to show any scratches or stains. It’s not going to chip, so people love that. They also love the natural stones because they’re beautiful and becomes a really gorgeous element in your kitchen, so they’ll pay a lot of money for those. For the plastic laminates, it’s also an easy care surface at a much lower price point.

MA: Do any of these options, these typical options fit into our slow homes category of beautiful, ethical and eco-friendly?

SL: Unfortunately, not. The plastic laminate is plastic. It’s formaldehyde based, it’s resin, it’s particleboard underneath. It’s horrible. I know it’s cheap, but we’ve got some other options that we’ll talk about later that are going to be better while still being affordable and low maintenance, which is great.

MA: Anything else?

SL: Engineered stone, unfortunately, it’s kind of the same story. It sounds like a real stone, but what really is happening there is the plastic matrix that those little pieces of quartz are in is horrible. It really renders the stone useless in terms of ever being able to return those materials back deeper. It can also come off when you’re cooking and cutting on the material.

MA: I didn’t know that.

SL: It’s no good. I know it looks beautiful like stone, and it performs really well, but those issues are really not worth the upside that material. So, imported stone raises a lot of questions for us. Ethical labor practices in a traceable supply chain are things we just don’t know from here. A lot of the stone that we see are coming from Brazil and India.

MA: I know that Brazil has had a lot of issues with forced labor in other sectors, in particular, the timber sector. I haven’t heard anything specifically about stone quarries in Brazil, but if you’ve heard of anything, please put it in the comments down below, so we can spread that information. India, on the other hand, who produces over half the world’s granite, has been frequently cited for abuses in their granite quarries, for abuses related to forced labor, child labor and unsafe working conditions. I’m going to put a link to a study down below on that one. I’m also going to put up a chart that shows goods most commonly produced with forced labor and child labor. The top of the list is India and Brazil, and I’m going to circle stone and timber that we referenced earlier.

SL: With imported natural stone, we also have some environmental questions. There’s strip mining, there’s issues with chemicals used getting leached to the water table. There’s the question of the carbon footprint it takes to get that stone to the U.S., so those are things that just get factored into our concerns over these imported natural stone products.

MA: That’s depressing. Is there anything we can do about this? Certainly, don’t buy granite from India or timber from Brazil, and remember that every dollar you spend is a vote for the kind of world that you want to live in. So, for our audience, is there a showroom you can go to where they can find countertop materials that are ethical, eco-friendly and beautiful?

SL: Not really, but we’ve put a list together ourselves that we can show you.

MA: The first wood butcherblock. This is the countertop material of choice in Scandinavia. Every home I went into in Norway this summer had wood countertops. It’s probably the one from Ikea that we’ll link below, which is a great, durable budget-friendly option. This image is of a typical Norwegian kitchen, and it’s from Norwegian blogger, Lil Teresa, linked down below as well. Sarah, why do we like butcherblock so much?

SL: It’s a renewable resource and especially if you get FSC certified wood as the source, it means it’s coming from a forest that’s sustainably managed, so that’s really great. It’s also an affordable option. It’s very durable, and it even has antimicrobial properties.

MA: That reminds me. There’s even a study that proves that bacteria live longer on plastic cutting boards compared to wood cutting boards. You can find that link down below. I’m going to put it there for you to read. So, what are the cons? What are the downsides of using this?

SL: A couple of the cons are you want to avoid rot. Using a drop-in sink is the way to go if you’re going to have wood around your sink area, and then maintenance is just oiling or waxing it every so often to keep the surface consistent.

MA: The next option is stainless steel.

SL: We love stainless steel. It’s an easy care material. It’s not going to stain or etch or crack the way a stone would. It’s easy to clean. It’s heat resistant. You can put a hot pot directly on the surface. You can make them to customizable shapes. You can have a custom island or an integrated sink made out of stainless steel in that island, so it’s a continuous surface, which is really cool. It’s even recyclable. At the end of its life cycle, it can return back to stainless steel in another way, which is great. It’s also a low emission product to manufacture, so those are all good things.

Now, the cons are it’s a high embodied energy material to manufacture. It’s also hard to trace the raw materials to know what the conditions are and where it’s coming from. It can also be hard to track the ethical labor practices of some of the off-the-shelf items.

MA: The stainless steel, is that something you can buy those countertops ready to go in the showroom?

SL: Usually not. If you need it to be custom to your kitchen, it is a custom product. You’d be working with a manufacturer. Actually, this sample comes from a company. We’ll give you the link to that, that does custom stainless steel countertops, and they will ship to anywhere in the country, so, that’s great. There are also off-the-shelf products that you can buy. A lot of people will get them from the restaurant supply stores. Those are actually a really affordable way of getting a stainless steel counter into your kitchen.

MA: Next on our list is U.S. sourced stone. We love stone because it is a natural material that is beautiful, durable and will last forever. Our preference is for U.S. sourced stone because it’s local, and it creates manufacturing jobs in the U.S. It also limits the amount of fossil fuel dependent transport needed for the raw material. The Natural Stone Council has created a third party certification akin to FSC certification for wood that ensures that manufacturers with this seal are producing stone in an eco-friendly and ethical way. Here are a few of our favorites. This is Danby marble from Vermont. Sarah, what’s cool about this one?

SL: We love Danby marble because it comes from one of the last U.S. marble quarries. It also has a wide degree of veining, variation in color. You can get everything from something that looks like a Carrara or Calacatta to something that’s really unique and moody and its own look.

MA: It’s also a really traditional countertop material that’s been used for hundreds of years, so we love that. Bakers really prefer it for baking because it stays very cool. Now, there are some downsides to marble, and what are those?

SL: The downside to Danby marble and really any marble is that it can stain and etch. The way that people work around this is to seal the stone. We generally try to avoid that at Aamodt / Plumb because what that’s doing is introducing a layer of plastic to the top of the countertop. We prefer to think of the stone as a living surface, and it’s going to change in patina with time and use, and we find that to be really beautiful.

MA: The next sample is soapstone.

SL: The American soapstone comes from the Alberene quarry in Virginia, and it’s a beautiful dark gray to black stone. It’s virtually non-porous, which is great. It means that it’s very hard, anti-scratch, antimicrobial. You can put a hot pot directly on the surface and it won’t do a thing. Historically, these stones were used in laboratories, and over the years, homeowners have realized that those properties work really well in their kitchens.

MA: This quarry was recently reopened due to an increased demand for soapstone because currently, the only other place soapstone comes from is Brazil. Are there any cons with soapstone?

SL: Very few. It is a more expensive stone than some other options out there, and it can also typically only be found in smaller slab sizes, which means you’re going to have more seams in your kitchen. Another material that we are really liking right now is a porcelain slab. So, this is a porcelain clay body. It’s fired to very high temperatures, which makes it an extremely strong, durable material. They’re produced in large slabs like stones, so they are cut and installed just like a stone slab would in your kitchen. It is a virtually non-porous material. It will not etch or stain. You can put a hot pot directly on it as well. It has a lot of very believable veining options out there. So, in a lot of ways, it’s very similar to a quartz composite without any of the downsides of a quartz involving additive plastics.

MA: That’s great.

SL: Unfortunately, the downside is that it is a relatively new product to the U.S., and it is also a manufactured product, so things to look out for if you’re looking at a porcelain slab are: Who is making it? Have they been doing it for a while? What are their processes? It’s going to take some digging to make sure that their product is, in fact, going to be as robust as they’re claiming. Currently, we like a product called Laminam. It’s an Italian company. We’re hoping to find a U.S. based manufacturer that’s doing similar work.

MA: Now that we’ve shown you five beautiful ethical and eco-friendly countertop materials, you tell us which one would you choose for your Slow Home. Put your answer in the comment section down below. Sarah, which one would you pick?

SL: I think I would go with a mix, the wood and the stainless. I like the juxtaposition. One’s very soft and warm, and one is sleek and cool. I think they work really well together.

MA: They do. I have always had my heart set on soapstone, and so, if money were no object, this would personally be the one that I choose. I like the fact that you can do experiments on it, such as food or chemistry experiments that we did in high school, and I like the fact that it changes in patinas over time, which I find to be very beautiful in a slow way.

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Links mentioned in this episode:

The Dark Side of Granite. Modern Slavery, Child Labour and Unsafe Work in Indian Granite Quarries — What Should Companies Do?

Hygge: Slowing Down the Scandinavian Way

Kitchen Photo, Norwegian Blogger Lill Therese

Cutting Boards of Wood and Plastic Contaminated Experimentally With Bacteria

Natural Stone Sustainability Standard

Danby Marble

Alberene Soapstone

Canadian Stone Producer Revives American Soapstone Quarry

Laminam Porcelain Slabs

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Contents

What Is Design Build And Why Does It Matter
History Of Design Build
Understanding Where We Are Today: Design Bid Build
Design Build: Return Of The Master Builder
Two Types Of Design Build Firms
Advantages Of Architect Led Design Build
Conclusion

What Is Design Build And Why Does It Matter

Once upon a time, before email and airplanes, telephones and railways, the job of designing and building was the responsibility of one entity, not divided up between two or more like we find today. These days design is the responsibility of the Architect and construction is the responsibility of the Builder. The Owner ends up somewhere in the middle, having contracts with each of them. This is the way we at Aamodt / Plumb worked for more than a decade. It is what we were taught and what most Architects do. As we struggled to grow our business we found it was very difficult to work this way. The Owners, Builders and ourselves were often frustrated by communication problems, contractual roadblocks and inefficiency. In an effort to find a new way to practice we ended up rediscovering a very old way, ‘Design Build’.

Design Build is a project delivery method where the Owner hires a single entity to both design and construct their project, as opposed to hiring an Architect and Builder separately.

History of Design Build

For thousands of years Architects and Builders were one and the same. They were called Master Builders. In fact, the word ‘architect’ derives from the Greek ‘arkhi’ (chief) and ‘tekton’ (builder). Vitruvius, who lived around 50 BC, was a Roman Architect, which meant he designed buildings and did construction, engineering, landscape architecture and urban planning. Vitruvius was clearly a learned man and we know of him because of his enduring text “The Ten Books on Architecture,” however there was no formal education in architecture at the time. During the Renaissance Architects had a similarly broad role, sometimes including philosophy, painting and craftsmanship as well. In the 15th century Leonardo da Vinci was a self-taught Architect that learned by working as an apprentice in a painter’s studio. In fact, all Architect’s were self-taught or learned through apprenticeship, usually as masons, carpenters and artisans.

Making things with your hands was a valuable, respected skill up until the 1800’s when the Industrial Revolution increased the scale of production through machinery. Hundreds of thousands of people were now making things in low skill jobs that were associated with the grime and pollution of coal-fired factories and crowded cities. Architects of the time wanted to distance themselves from these dirty makers and hide in their ivory towers. Thus began the professionalization of Architects and the fissure between them and the Builders. This transition is beautifully illustrated in this video by Gluck+, an Architect Led Design Build firm in New York.

Thinker Maker from GLUCK+ on Vimeo.

Understanding Where We Are Today: Design Bid Build

With two entities, the Architect and Builder, the typical sequence today is for the Architect to design the building and then help the owner bid it out to several Builders, ultimately choosing one to build the project. This process is called ‘Design Bid Build’. It evolved out of the split between Architects and Builders and maintains the clear distinctions and responsibilities of each party. The entire industry has evolved its legal and insurance practices around this model entrenching the chasm even further. The advantage most often touted is that competitive bidding will result in the lowest possible construction cost. Government projects are always run this way because they are required to accept the lowest bidder.

Design Bid Build can make the Owner feel squeezed.

For the first decade of Aamodt / Plumb we operated in this way. We wanted to do things ‘by the book’ and the American Institute of Architects’ “Handbook of Professional Practice” said this is how you do it. It’s a large format, 500+ page hardbound book published by our professional organization and we had it open on our desks during our entire first project. But despite doing everything right we were sued by the builder for doing what the book, and our AIA contract, required us to do.

Let me digress and tell you the story. The design was challenging and the builder was behind schedule. They were feeling the pressure and quit at the end of the job. Our contract with the Owner required that we visit the site and certify that they were indeed no longer working, had removed all of their tools and equipment and therefore were in breach of their contract with the Owner. We did that and later the Builder sued us for tortious interference with their contract. They also sued the Owner, but since they had a contract with the Owner there were provisions for arbitration and mediation. We had no contract with them so they sued us in court, which you can do in the US for almost any reason. Even though we did nothing wrong our insurance company settled with the Builder for an unreasonable sum, which we then paid back in increased premiums. But no one came out unscathed in this process. The Builder almost went broke and the Owner had an incomplete house, legal bills and a lot of headaches.

We soldiered on under the Design Bid Build model for many more years coming to understand very personally many of its disadvantages. My story above illustrates the first disadvantage. Architects and Builders are set in an adversarial relationship. Instead of working together they are working against each other, each one having their own contract with the Owner. Since they don’t have a contract with each other there is no way to set the ground rules of how the relationship will work. And this leads to conflict. Most often the conflict does not end in court but manifests in regular miscommunication, finger pointing, delays, cost overruns and quality issues.

In the Design Bid Build model, Architects and Builders are set in an adversarial relationship.

I also do not believe that the Design Bid Build model leads to the lowest overall project cost. The Owner may have the impression that they are getting the best possible construction cost at the time of bidding but the costs can go up later. The Builder may have missed some of the scope or may be cutting costs by substituting cheaper materials or paying people under the table. They will likely try to make up some of the difference in change orders which could ultimately cost more than the higher bids.

Overall project costs are also higher because the Architect is being paid during construction to monitor the Builder and make sure he is delivering what is designed. Sometimes there is also an additional Owner’s Project Manager that monitors both the Architect and the Builder and this additional oversight costs money. So what seemed like a bargain actually isn’t.

Caveat Emptor! Please don’t try to save money by skipping the Architect’s oversight during construction because you will lose all the value you invested in the design in the first place. I often explain to people that the great looking projects you see on our website are 50% design and 50% follow-through during construction. If we are not there to shepherd the project through during construction then we cannot guarantee these results. Great Builders will also insist on having the Architect involved in this stage because they know it is key to completing a fantastic project.

I often explain to people that the great looking projects you see on our website are 50% design and 50% follow-through during construction.

Many Builders and Architects have recognized the disadvantages that the Design Bid Build model sets up from the outset. In fact I have interviewed many of them for my article “Architects vs Builders” in Custom Builder Magazine. They try to overcome the challenges by forging strong relationships together and by getting the Builder involved very early in the process. This helps a lot with communication and quality but does not fix the underlying contractual hurdles to truly working as a team.

The AIA has also tried to overcome these problems by promoting the Integrated Project Delivery Method whereby the Owner, Architect and Builder jointly form an LLC to complete the project. This may work for large institutions but is overkill for homeowners. As a homeowner myself, I just want to find one entity that can take care of everything and make the process as simple as possible for me, so I can go about the business of living my life. Is that so much to ask?

Design Build: Return Of The Master Builder

Enter Design Build. The Owner hires one entity to both design and construct their house. It is just like hiring a Master Builder, aka what an Architect used to be. And shazam, what was old is now new again! I love it when that happens. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel, we just need to rediscover the round one that worked much better than this square one we have got right now.

Architect Led Design Build from GLUCK+ on Vimeo.

After about 10 years of struggling we found this second video from Gluck+ illustrating a better way. So Aamodt / Plumb launched a construction division in 2017 and we have never looked back. Andrew became a licensed contractor and we started offering construction services to our existing clients. When asked if they wanted this new service, their response was an overwhelming “duh?!”

Design Build leaves the Owner feeling more confident about the process.

The biggest advantage for the Owner is having a single source of responsibility. No more communication problems or finger pointing between the Architect and Builder. No more dropped balls or cut corners. And there are several other advantages. With our new construction capabilities we can offer the Owner cost estimating throughout the design process to avoid big surprises later. There is no need to charge Architecture fees to monitor the Builder during construction because we are one and the same. The huge amount of paperwork documenting the flow of information between the Builder and Architect, required in case of future legal conflict, is eliminated and those savings are passed on to the Owner.

Two Types Of Design Build Firms

But at this point I would like to make a distinction between two types of Design-Build companies. The vast majority of Design Build firms are led by Builders. They hire in Architects on staff to do the design and drawings necessary to get building permits and build the house. These are not the best designers. Sorry guys, but you know it as well as I do. The Builders don’t charge much, if anything at all, for the design services and as the saying goes “you get what you pay for.” This is a good solution if you want a basic house, but if design is a priority for you then the second type of Design Build firm is better.

There are a few Design Build firms run by Architects and this is where it really gets interesting. On the West Coast it is becoming quite common with great examples like Marmol Radziner. In Europe and Latin America this is also a common model for residential projects. In the Northeast there are only a few Architects doing this and one has been a huge inspiration to us: Gluck+ in New York. They have coined the term Architect Led Design Build. Whereas the Builder Led Design Build is construction with a pinch of design, Architect Led Design Build is a real balance between design and construction – Arkhitekton returns.

Architect Led Design Build offers the best value to the Owner compared with Builder Led Design Build or Design Bid Build. Yes, you will pay for design services, and if you choose a great architect you will get a fantastic house, but you will not overpay by duplicating the efforts of the Architect and Builder during construction. You will also benefit in time and money from streamlined communication and your overall risk will be greatly reduced by having a single point of responsibility.

Architect Led Design Build offers the best value to the Owner compared with Builder Led Design Build or Design Bid Build.

If it is surprising how few Architects have switched to this model then you underestimate the brainwashing that we have gotten throughout most of our careers. Most Architects prefer to stay in their lane and they have been told construction is too risky. Based on the experience we had with our first project, we disagree. We feel more confident about mitigating our risks if we can control the whole process so this makes Architect Led Design Build a win-win for us and the Owner.

Advantages Of Architect Led Design Build

• Single-point responsibility
• Greater cost savings and earlier cost certainty
• “Value Engineering” at conceptual stages rather than too late, after project design is complete
• Better communication
• Speed of completion
• Fewer disputes and litigation
• Higher quality outcomes
• Clear roles, responsibilities and accountability
• Less administrative burden
• Reduced risk to the Owner
• Reduced risk to Design Consultants and Subcontractors which results in lower construction costs, greater efficiencies and fewer litigation claims

Conclusion

There is nothing new about the Design Build or Architect Led Design Build project delivery approach. In fact that was how buildings were designed and built for thousands of years because it worked really well. There are numerous advantages to the Owner including reduced risk, cost and time, as well as improved quality of the final project. For custom homes this method provides the best value balancing design, cost and quality and should be an important consideration for any Homeowner.

To get a step-by-step overview of the Aamodt / Plumb Architect Led Design Build process you can download this game board (including legend).

The post Design Build: The Ultimate Guide To Getting The Best Value For Your Custom Home Project appeared first on Aamodt / Plumb.

The second distinction that needs to be considered is the material that will be used for the frame. Whether it’s wood, concrete, or brick, each of these materials will have its advantages or disadvantages in terms of its aesthetics and energy efficiency.

While each construction method has its pros and cons, in most cases, the majority of these options can work for your project with proper architectural detailing and preparation. Take a look at our guide below to learn more about various popular construction methods.

Standard ‘Stick Built’ Systems

Stick-built systems are the most common construction method, making it easier for local builders and potentially more cost competitive. There are a number of cons though, including being labor intensive and time consuming. In addition, on-site construction wastes a lot of materials going into the building of the house. Considering that 500 million tons of construction and demolition debris is generated annually in the US, finding ways to cut back on that waste is good for the environment and your wallet.

Wood Frame

By far the most common residential construction method, wood frame construction has standardized methods and lots of skilled contractors. While wood is technically less durable than concrete and brick, it can last hundreds of years if the system is well built. One of the greatest attributes of wood is that it is a renewable resource and has a negative carbon footprint. Trees take in carbon dioxide and remove it from the atmosphere. Sustainable grown wood, such as that certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, has only positive effects on the environment and does not lead to deforestation. Plus, it’s a very beautiful all natural material that is non-toxic. Most older homes were built entirely out of wood, like this home we renovated for the Modern Barns.

Pros:

• Most common construction method with lots of skilled labor
• Sustainable and renewable resource
• Easy to make changes to the design during or after construction
• All natural material that is inherently non-toxic

Cons:

• Susceptible to moisture and weather conditions
• Less resistant to fire, rotting, mold, cracking and insects than other materials
• Large spans and cantilevers possible with engineered lumber or heavy timber

Steel Frame with Wood Studs

In this case, steel is used for the major structural elements and the remaining framing is made of wood.  This is the method used in the Lake Austin House. If you have large glass openings and big overhangs you can use steel to achieve those large spans. Steel is more costly and labor intensive, making it less common for residential construction. Steel also requires a lot of energy to produce, energy that is generated by the burning of fossil fuels. In commercial construction light gauge steel studs are required for the infill, however in residential construction wood is the most common.

Steel structure with wood infill at the Austin Lake House

Pros:

• Steel structure is less susceptible to fire, rot or pests
• Accommodates large openings, cantilevers and overhangs
• Acoustic and thermal benefits of wood for the wall framing

Cons:

• High cost of steel compared to all wood
• Larger embodied energy and environmental impact than all wood
• Less energy efficient than if the home were made entirely of wood

Lake Austin House

Masonry and Concrete

Masonry is a type of building structure that is made up of individual masonry units laid in and bound together by mortar. While traditional red brick masonry is ubiquitous, you should also consider stucco, stone and concrete among the alternatives. Masonry buildings are durable, long-lasting and easier to maintain. For example, the Pyramids, the Parthenon and the Great Wall of China are all masonry structures that have endured for thousands of years.

Concrete Pour at the Hamptons Beach House

Cast-in-Place Concrete involves building formwork, usually of plywood, on-site. Concrete, which is a mix of cement, sand and gravel, is then poured into the form and, once cured, the form is removed leaving the concrete in place. There is a wide range of possible surface textures of the concrete depending on the formwork. For example, we used wood boards to create the formwork in the Hamptons Beach House and that left an impression of the wood on the concrete.

Pros:

• Masonry and concrete are very durable, long lasting and low maintenance
• Concrete it is an excellent building material for areas in flood and hurricane zones
• Cast-in-place concrete has more flexibility in the size and shape of walls and roofs

Cons:

• Requires highly skilled labor
• Higher initial cost compared to wood
• Limited future changes
• High embodied energy to produce concrete

Hamptons Beach House

‘Prefab’ Systems

Prefabricated construction systems are innovative methods that offers better quality control because the majority of construction happens in a factory setting, unaffected by typical construction issues like weather. But there are many more benefits. Prefab has a shorter construction timeframe because of the efficient system in place in manufacturing, which allows for a more accurate budget and schedule. Manufacturing in a factory allows for tighter tolerances than on-site construction resulting in less air infiltration and reduced energy bills. There is also less waste in the manufacturing process and so this method is considered more sustainable.

There has been a lot of hype around prefab construction for many decades but it has not taken off in the US the way it has in other countries. In Sweden prefab accounts for about 70% of new homes built. In the US however many architects, engineers, contractors and subcontractors are not accustomed to working with panels or modules. Prefab also hasn’t yet achieved the significant cost savings that many hoped it would. Founding Editor of Dwell Magazine, Karrie Jacobs chronicles her love affair and heartbreak with prefab in this article: “Part IV: Breaking up With Prefab for Good.” We however have had great success with panelized wood systems that allow for a completely custom design.

Modern Texas Prefab

Panelized Wood Systems

This is one of our favorite construction methods! The wall panels are built in a factory off-site and assembled on site. The panels are just as strong and sustainable as traditional wood-frame, but it has the added benefit of prefab quality control and efficiency. Check out our Modern Texas Prefab project as an example. We worked with Bensonwood in New Hampshire to build the timber frame and the wall panels on this house.

Pros:

• Custom design and finishes
• Excellent insulation value and air tightness
• All plant based, renewable materials
• Faster construction time
• Higher quality built compared to on-site construction
• Not subject to damage or delays due to weather

Cons:

• More design and coordination prior to construction
• Limited availability of manufacturers
• Panels have size and shape limitations
• Difficult to make last-minute construction changes

View of Bensonwood factory

Panels being hoisted into place at the Modern Texas Prefab

Cross Laminated Timber

Extremely popular in Europe, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is a cutting-edge assembly that is increasingly being used in the US. CLT consists of several layers of thick wood planks, where each layer is oriented perpendicular to the previous. This gives it the strength of concrete but with the thermal, acoustic and environmental benefits of wood. Furthermore, the wood is not only used for the structure, but can also be a beautiful interior finish if desired.

Pros:

• Strength and durability of concrete
• Thermal and acoustic benefits of wood
• Beautiful wood finish
• It is a renewable material

Cons:

• High degree of coordination prior to construction
• Specialized manufacturing and assembly
• Panels have size and shape limitations
• Difficult to make last-minute construction changes

Precast Concrete

The concrete panels are poured in a factory setting and then shipped to the site for assembly. This building method is best suited for projects that have a tight timeline and need a very durable structure. This building method is much less common in residential construction.

Pros:

• Precise and better quality control than cast-in-place concrete
• Durable and long-lasting
• Concrete it is an excellent building material for areas that are at a high risk for flood zones and hurricanes

Cons:

• Unusual for residential architecture
• Limited future changes
• High embodied energy to produce concrete
• High degree of coordination prior to construction
• Panels have size and shape limitations
• Difficult to make last-minute construction changes

Thanks to Designer Rebecca Resnic for her research and writing for this article

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There are three phases to the Architect Led Design Build process. The Design Phase takes between 4-6 months depending on the size and complexity of the project. It involves a dialogue with you structured over a series of meetings with a particular theme: Big Picture, Space, Light and Form, Look and Feel, Systems, and Selections. The themes progress from general to specific as we work together to develop the design. We can also help you with furnishings for an additional cost, eliminating the need for a separate Interior Designer. This phase culminates with the Design Package.

The Documentation Phase starts with the Permit Set and ends with the Construction Documents where we create the drawings, details, and specifications to build the house. This takes between 2-3 months. Once the Construction Documents are complete, we will begin the Start Build Construction phase, starting with bidding. Construction may take between 6-18 months, again depending on the size and complexity of the project.

By using our Architect Led Design Build process your project will progress through these phases in the most efficient way. By comparison, the typical Design-Bid-Build process usually takes about 6-12 months longer.

To track the progress of the design and construction of your home step by step, we have created this illustrated game board as a guide. Sign up and the game board along with the legend and instructions will be delivered to your email address.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR GAME BOARD

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I love this Moon Vase in Dune from Myrth Ceramics, which is a studio run by a Boston-local husband and wife duo creating hand thrown ceramics. They recently developed a new line of glazes in muted blues. If you’re in the area, you can catch them at local craft markets or  you can make an appointment to visit their lovely studio and maybe meet the studio dog!

Sarah Lueck, Interiors Associate

The G3 Vessel series from Good Thing combines simple, playful design with affordable and sustainable materiality. The small, flexible, silicone bowls come in three shapes – Line, Dot and Double Dot – and five trendy colors; they are the perfect way to add whimsy to the composition of your dining table, counter, or desk….And a great under $20 gift!

David Ascher, Architecture Associate

The subscription service Turning Art was given to my wife and I as a wedding gift seven years ago and we liked it so much that we continued the subscription. The way it works is that when you select a work of art, they send you the frame and a print of the art. When you request a new print of a different work, they send you a box to send the old piece back. As you continue to pay for the subscription, you build credits that can contribute to half the price of an original work, so after some time it makes it easier to purchase the originals.

It is fun and easy to search different art genres, artists and even locations. We like to support the local artists of whatever city we are living in – and we have taken it with us through 3 cities. Whenever I am asked for gift ideas, this is always one of the first things I think about. The company is Boston based too!

Del Hepler, Architecture Associate

For building enthusiasts, Mini Materials are to-scale mini models of materials like bricks and CMUs which are really fun to play with. Andrew’s class at the Harvard Graduate School of Design this fall used these miniature materials to explore pattern and construction possibilities with concrete blocks.

Rebecca Resnic, Designer

These felt mug rugs were one of the first accessories I bought when moving into my first proper apartment 9 years ago. They are still functional, stylish and even survived two toddlers playing with them. It is made with 100% wool felt – an all-natural product made of sheep’s wool that is earth-friendly. It has a really soft texture but is also durable and absorbent.

Christina Broja, Architecture Associate

The post Unique and Beautiful Gifts for Design Lovers appeared first on Aamodt / Plumb.

The short answer is that it depends. But based on our experience designing these types of homes we have put together three cost ranges for a custom 3,000 square foot modern house to help you get started.

Excluded from this cost is the following: land, surveys, site excavation and preparation, design fees, permitting fees and interior design. To discuss the specifics of your project, please call Mette at Aamodt / Plumb at (617) 876-9300 xt. 12 or email us at mette[at]aamodtplumb.com.

Photographers: Chuck Choi (top left), Jane Messinger (top right), Casey Dunn (bottom)

Simply Modern

$900,000 – $1,350,000

Features:

• Gourmet kitchen
• Semi-custom cabinets
• Stone or concrete countertops
• Hardwood floors
• Wood or stucco exterior
• Painted drywall interior
• Premium wood windows and doors
• Painted wood built-ins
• Simple landscaping
• 2.5 bathrooms
• Conventional heating and cooling
• Radiant heat in bathrooms
• Structurally simple forms

Photographers: Jane Messinger (top), Casey Dunn (bottom)

Modern Luxury

$1,350,000 – $2,100,000

Features:

• Gourmet kitchen and pantry
• Custom kitchen cabinets
• Stone or concrete countertops
• Hardwood or stone floors
• Wood, metal or concrete exterior
• Large custom windows and doors
• Wood built-ins
• Plaster and wood interior walls
• 2.5 bathrooms
• Outdoor terraces
• Second level roof deck
• Outdoor kitchen
• Professionally designed landscape
• Custom stairs and handrails
• Geothermal heating and cooling
• Basic home automation system
• Pool

Modern Masterpiece

$2,100,000 – $3,000,000

Features:

• Large gourmet kitchen and pantry
• Premium custom kitchen cabinets
• Specialty stone countertops
• Oversized custom windows
• Oversized custom glass doors
• Extensive wood built-ins
• Wood, metal concrete or stone exterior
• Plaster, wood and stone interior walls
• Wood or stone floors
• Extensive home automation system
• Pool and spa
• Covered outdoor terraces
• Covered second level roof deck
• Gourmet outdoor kitchen
• 2.5 bathrooms
• Professionally designed landscape
• Custom stairs and handrails
• Audiophile home theater
• Geothermal heating and cooling
• Radiant heat
• Large cantilevers and complex forms

Download this report for free and receive bonus content!

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We are actually responding in a traditional way when we build houses that are consistent with our national temperament and technological progress. There is all the opportunity in the world to make a modern house reflect good living and a happy approach to life. But it requires spending some time with matters of the mind and spirit. – Carl Koch

The Inspiration Behind The Deck House

A “deck house” typically refers to a type of affordable mid-century homes found clustered throughout the country built using panelized prefabricated components in a post and beam construction. This allows for vast expanses of glass and an open floor plan. These homes utilize natural materials like wood and stone throughout, and are typically found nestled in a wooded setting, with little disruption to trees or other natural occurrences around it.

Carl Koch is the lead figure behind the creation of deck houses. According to At Home With Tomorrow, he began his lifelong mission to create “the good, the beautiful, and the inexpensive” in housing while at Harvard under the guidance of Walter Gropius, who is famous for the development of the Modernist Movement in architecture. Gropius’ interest in utilizing industrialization and his work with German architect Konrad Wachsmann in developing a prefabricated “Packaged House System” clearly influenced Koch during his education.

At Home With Tomorrow” by Carl Koch. Published by Rinehart and Company in 1958.

Koch was further influenced in Sweden working for Sven Markelius, giving him a foundation in clean Scandinavian design. And his time spent as a Monuments Man in the MFAA during WWII is said to have fostered his interest in alternative building systems using surplus material left over from the war. After the war, he turned his focus on the housing shortage, a symptom of the Great Depression, WWII, and returning Veterans with growing families and VA mortgage loan offers.

The Original Acorn House in Concord, MA. Photo by Ezra Stoller.

In 1946, Koch built, together with John Bemis, the Acorn House, which could be considered the prototype for all future deck houses. Located in Concord, MA, this house was based on a central core, with rooms that could be “unfolded” around it. The structure used innovative skin-like panels made from paper impregnated with plastic. However, the experimental skin system did not prove easy to mass produce and in the end, the Acorn House proved to be a learning experience for Koch.

Techbuilt: The Prototype of Deck Houses

In 1953, his Techbuilt house was launched, after a decade of research. According to NC Modernist Houses, the American Institute of Architects awarded it “Best Development House” and The New York Times cited it as “People’s Choice”. This home would be a prototype for his future offerings at his company, Techbuilt, which were characterized by a modular panelized assembly system, as well as the use of post and beam construction to free up the interior of unwanted partition walls. The structures were also incredibly affordable.

Architectural Rendering of a Techbuilt house. Source: Techbuilt Brochure.

The process of building a deck house happens today much the same as it did in the 50’s and 60’s. A client or builder selects the floor plan of their choice. Some customization to the plan is made depending on site conditions and client needs. Techbuilt, or today, Acorn Deck House Company, builds the wall, floor and roof panels off-site, as well as pre-cuts the framing members. These components, along with interior cabinetry, doors, and windows, are delivered to the site. There, a builder who has been trained by the manufacturer assembles the house. The client has their choice of interior and exterior finishes, and local trades install plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems.

The Next Generation of Modern Housing

The exposed Douglas fir beams, wood panel ceilings and mahogany trim and window casements are what give the deck house a lot of its signature aesthetic. A wall of glazing, open floor plan with sloping roof rafters extending beyond the walls and a low placement in seemingly untouched nature are further elements that have endeared these houses to the modern homeowner. A move to restore abandoned deck homes instead of razing and building anew is becoming more common as awareness is raised on the history and spatial qualities these homes embody.

Before and After Photos of the Tuxedo Park House. Photos by Carl Bellavia via Dwell.

In addition to the renovation of deck houses, we also need to revisit the practice of designing houses that are small and affordable yet can be built quickly, using materials that are sustainably produced, while achieving high quality space. This is lacking in the developer designed housing tracts currently being built. The reasons for the current housing crunch are different from the 1950’s crunch, but the drive for a solution is as strong now as then.

Using further advancements in material and fabrication technology, allowing a small footprint to work efficiently and sit lightly on the site, and taking into consideration the modern family’s needs, there are many reasons to revisit Koch’s lifelong work of creating housing that is good, beautiful, and inexpensive.

There are many reasons to revisit Koch’s lifelong work of creating housing that is good, beautiful, and inexpensive.

David Fixler put it nicely at the end of his “Hipsters in the Woods” article on mid-century deck houses and communities in Massachusetts:

“The communities and their houses have renewed relevance in our present circumstances. They embody the American dream of a commodious single family home in a supportive community without material excess and in maximum harmony with its environment – a minimal touch on the land… They serve to remind us that Modernism still has much to teach us… Driven by disgust and exhaustion in contemplating the excess of the last two decades, as well as economic need, more people are discovering the full panoply of values that are inherent in these neighborhoods. And to my sons, and many of their generation, they’re just plain cool.”

Here’s to the next generation of affordable, ethical, and beautiful modern homes.

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Typically, an architect’s fee is calculated as a percentage of the project’s final cost of construction. Architects’ fees range from 10 to 20 percent for residential projects. However, when you first start the design process, it is difficult, if not impossible to accurately determine the final construction cost. During this initial time period (before a good estimate of the final project cost is possible) the architect may charge an hourly fee. An architect may also ask for an up front retainer to begin work. Keep in mind that the final cost of construction is not the total project cost. Total project cost is the sum of hard costs (construction) and soft costs (fees and testing). For budgeting purposes you should assume that soft costs are an additional 25 percent of the total hard costs.

Want to learn more about how to hire an architect? Check out our guide, How to Hire an Architect!

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Architects’ Basic Services are defined by the AIA and are commonly included in any architect’s proposal. However, before Basic Services begin you should commission an architect to help you formulate a clear project brief. This phase is called Pre-Design, Feasibility Study or Needs Analysis. This is the first and most important step. It is the foundation upon which the rest of the project is built. An architect will guide you through a Needs Analysis to determine your goals and priorities, the constraints and opportunities of your site and the feasibility of your timeline and budget. Avoid rushing right into Schematic Design without completing this phase, as this can be very costly down the line.

Basic Services include the following phases:

• Schematic Design: Establish the conceptual design, scale and relationship among spaces.
• Design Development: Refine the design and prepare plans, elevations, building sections and typical details.
• Contract Documents: Prepare detailed working drawings and specifications for construction.
• Bidding and Negotiation: Solicit bids from contractors and negotiate the contract for construction.
• Contract Administration: Observe construction to assure the project is built according to the drawings and specifications.

Interested in learning more about how to hire an architect? Check out our free guide!

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Be sure to visit the websites of your candidates. Look at their previous projects. Does their work inspire you? Would you be thrilled to live in one of the houses they designed? Think twice about hiring an architect with a traditional style to build your modern urban home. Spend some time thinking about what kind of architecture you love and find examples. Having examples facilitates discussions and the creative process with your architect. Websites like Pinterest and Houzz are great for collecting images.

Do Your Homework

Once you have found a few candidates whose work you like, give them a call and start a conversation. But before you call gather your thoughts and key information about your project. Here is a list of things you should know before you call:

• Square Footage: How much space do you want to build or renovate?
• Budget: How much money is available for this project?
• Price Point: Is this a budget project ($200/sf) or a luxury project ($600/sf)?
• Schedule: When do you want or need the project completed?

Interested in learning more about hiring an architect, check out the complete guide!

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