我做的大部分是加法 & 现有房屋的翻新. 对于这些项目, I find inspiration in the existing house itself, especially if it’s an older home with some character. The neighborhood influences me too—I want to design something that fits in. 也, the homeowners usually have some specific requirements that I like to focus on as a starting point, and they’ll usually have images of what they like (from photos they’ve collected, 杂志, 书, Houzz, Pinterest, 等.) that provide a stimulus for the design. 我很少说这样的话, “I saw this in a magazine and I’d like to try it on your house,” or, “这是现在的潮流, 让它成为你设计的一部分.”

I’m not big on any particular past or current architect or style—though I do like some more than others. I’m usually taking cues from the existing house, so I guess the original house’s architect or builder has the most influence on each particular project. Beyond that, in general, my greatest influence is my family. 我为自己的出身感到骄傲, and I want to provide a good example for my kids, 所以我真的很想把工作做好, 每一次. 这是足够的动力. 

I always tell people my style changes depending on the project. What doesn’t change is that it’ll be creative, human-scaled, approachable. Complementary to the existing house and neighborhood, which means (usually) a traditional style and (hopefully) fitting in seamlessly. I’m not a cutting-edge architect by any means! 

Currently, my biggest struggle is keeping up with 工程造价s, which keep rising. I’m very upfront about the process with potential clients—timing, 费用, 工程造价, 时间表, 等. For the type of project I do the most of I’ve got a pretty good idea of how long it’s going to take and what it’s going to cost. I feel that people want to know these things right away (I would!), and I’m being disingenuous if I don’t share my knowledge on these matters. Of course, I’m not right all the time, but I don’t duck the questions. 

Designing homes for family members up in Michigan. It’s so rewarding to see them happy in something we worked together to create and to actually get to spend time in these houses during holidays and vacations. A bonus is I get to see how the structures are aging and what works well (or not) over time.

Delivering a creative, timeless, functional design that delights and is well-built. But the real bottom line for me is happy clients. I want them to have a hand in the design, 享受过程, and feel that their homes and lives have been improved by using me as their architect.

Well, like everywhere, I think first-floor master suites are increasingly in demand. I’ve been designing a lot of “outdoor living” spaces too—covered patios or decks, screened porches. A design trend that’s big on the east side of Cincinnati is tear-downs—replacing an existing house with a new one or multiple new ones. Occasionally the original house is in terrible shape and really needs to go, 但在大多数情况下, I’d like to see more preservation and less razing of good-quality homes.

I think environmental sustainability in my field starts with really looking at the possibility of renovating rather than razing existing houses, so I’m usually going to push for that. I support high-efficiency mechanical systems, windows, sustainable materials, 等.—it’s good general design—but I typically don’t go after “green construction” certifications unless the homeowner wants that. 

For my typical project—an addition to a house with the associated renovation of existing spaces—I’ll do zoning research before I meet with the homeowners, then meet with them to discuss what they do and don’t like about their house, 他们的希望/梦想/目标是什么, 时间表, 预算, 等. 我经常倾听. 取决于项目和地段, we might have a frank discussion about zoning and constructability. Then I go through my process, fee structure, timing, likely 工程造价, and 时间表. I send them a proposal for architectural services within a day, 希望, I’ll send them a contract soon thereafter. Once I start the work, it’s Schematic Design (measuring & 记录现有房屋, 速写设计方案), Design Development (detailed drawings for construction pricing), Construction Documents (drawings suitable for permits and construction), Construction Consultation (job site visits, 回答问题, 等. 根据需要).

My 时间表: I work for myself, so I’ve got a backlog. I don’t put anyone in front of anyone else—I work on projects in the order they come in.