This post first ran in 2016. Most people who pay attention to contemporary American architecture have heard of Eichler homes. Developer Joseph Eichler’s dream of bringing beautiful, affordable modern design to the masses was spurred by his admiration of Frank Lloyd-Wright’s soaring architectural designs, and the homes he built throughout California beginning in the late
This post first ran in 2017. Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials in the word. Globally, about ten billion tons of it are produced each year. Since the Romans pioneered its use more than a thousand years ago, architects and engineers have used it in everything from skyscrapers to suburban backyards.
This post first ran in 2018. Commercial design is an essential part of your business’s marketing strategy. Your building’s architectural design is a hallmark of your brand. Send the wrong message, and you may lose clients or customers. Send the right one, and you can enhance your brand identity and recognition with your target audience.
A version of this post first ran in 2016. With Covid-19 restrictions, lots of people are reassessing their housing needs, and either remodeling or up- or downsizing. A few years ago, I asked Marin/Sonoma Realtor Elizabeth Meyers for advice about what to think about when buying or selling mid-century modern homes. The advice she gave
This post first ran in 2018. Hiring an architect for your project is like choosing a doctor – you want an ideal mix of expertise, experience, ethics and bedside manner. So what are the most important things to look for when hiring an architect? Look for a Licensed Architect The architect you select should be
A version of this post ran in 2018. Roofing is one of those things you don't usually think about until it's a problem. With the rainy season on its way, now is a good time to think about whether your roof needs some attention, or even replacement If you’re looking to repair or replace your
This post first ran in 2017. Getting a building permit is among the top things people complain about when planning a building or remodeling project. It’s understandable: permits are sometimes a pain to get, they cost money, and they slow things down just when you’re eager to start on your project. It can be tempting
This post first ran in 2019. As a professional architect, I wear many hats. Designer, artist, draftsperson, construction manager, client advocate … It takes years of training to develop the skills an architect needs and years of experience to hone them. For me, it started in childhood, as I learned to really look at the
A version of this post first ran in 2018. ADUs are growing in popularity in California, and with good reason. ADUs – accessory dwelling units (also known as “granny units”) – are small living spaces that are on the same property but are separate from the main living space. They can be attached to the
This post first ran in 2018. In my 30-plus years as an architect, I’ve dealt with almost every kind of building project mistake. There are a few that come up over and over, delaying projects, frustrating clients and costing them additional money. These problems tend to arise from a few basic misconceptions. Here are seven
