New Architect Hunt

The search for a new architect started last night. First things first, we really need to think about the product of an architect and evaluate whether that's something we want to work into the budget.

An architect is really more of a concept aggregator. The usual process requires the sponsor of the project to do little more than loosely guide the architect's direction, and then respond to the proposals with appreciation or redirection. That was the rub with our quitters (see last post). They wanted to be more of a design lead, where we wanted to really guide the design in a hands-on fashion.

The alternative is to work with a design-build company, or to go straight to a construction company and work with their designers. Basically, it's the same workflow, but they vary based on whether the designer or the contractor own the company. This is good because it saves money for people coming in with plans, but it doesn't work as well if your ideas aren't 100% fleshed out.

So last night we talked to an architecture firm that morphed from a design-build shop to a straight-up architecture firm. They are definitely good, they have a good sense of taste and seem to enjoy getting as much input from the customer as possible. We need them. While we have the room divisions and outer structure all conceptualized, the physical space and the interior fixtures aren't my bag. The alternative option to hire a design-builder or a contractor with a design sub-contractor won't work for this. They'd be basically designing what they intend to build, which doesn't provide for us the strength of having an advocate for our design ride out the construction process.

We have an appointment Friday to meet with such a contractor, who comes with strong references from a co-worker, and we'll see whether we want to work with them, and in what capacity. Right now, I'm leaning toward sailing with this 2nd architecture firm, and finding a contractor with an understanding of the more modern construction techniques. More on Friday after our meeting...

First Casualty - Our Architect Quits

You heard it right. The architect quit today. I suppose I'm not dismayed by the news, but I am very surprised. If you're following our plight, you probably noticed that I didn't mention the name of the firm, and I'll stay true to that unless I'm contacted to provide a reference. Regardless, the news was very surprising. This already -expensive process turned out to be a mix of silver linings. With the $5000 we spent, we had the opportunity to flesh out our ideas, and learned a lot more about the process than any class we'd take.

One thing is for sure, if you're reading this for advice on a project: Don't sign anything that locks you into any multi-phased effort until you're over 90% sure that you won't regret your decision later. This architect was actually prescient enough to present a separate 'schematic phase' contract with a full project contract as a rider. I, accidentally brillantly, only signed on for the schematic phase and I'm totally glad I was such a genius when I didn't really know what I was doing.

That said, here's his feedback, followed by my interpretation:

You have very strong design ideas, and many of these are reflected in the design to date. However, as the design develops, per your direction, it has become clear that you are more comfortable generating design solutions, rather than giving us feedback on what the goals and problems are. You may be better served by designing the home yourself, and working with a drafting service or design-build firm

True. The process started with my drawings of the exterior. The first iteration commensed with me submitting layouts of the entire interior. The last iteration ended with me resubmitting the drawings of the exterior (see prior post). I'm definitely going to take his advice and address my needs with a d/b firm.

We took this project on as a challenge, to design a modern home that did not have to be expensive. We have attempted to design to your stated budget, which has consistently left you dissatisfied. We are in the difficult position of having to choose between following your design direction or meeting your budget.

Whatever. When I addressed budget issues with them, they waffled consistently. I offered to make MAJOR shortcuts on luxuries like a master bed/bath to keep this under cost. This firm's creative guidance assigns cost to appearance, rather than innovation or practicality. The 'challenge' that they took on was met by designing the simplest, barebones, least innovative idea available: a drab, featureless box.

As we both know, communication has been difficult for a number of reasons on this project. The stakes are relatively low at this point, but as the project moves into permit and construction drawings, and ultimately construction, communication and a positive working relationship are critical. I am not optimistic that this will happen.

Their communication was neither preemptive or reactionary. They let the drawings do the talking, and failed to respond to my requests to update their drawings when I spoke my language (words) or their language (drawings). When they failed to meet our expectations on things like a back door or, well, a back door, I made suggestions and carefully communicated my dissatisfaction with the negative progress. They failed to respond, and they continued to make changes to the plans that totally violated our requests, which were submitted in spirit, in precise wording, and in inarguable drawings.

Finally, your e mail regarding a face to face meeting on “fiduciary” issues raised a flag. Excuse me if I am making incorrect assumptions about the purpose of the meeting. I will readily admit that a portion of the hours spent by our office to date have led in tangential directions. However, we have consistently tried to respond to your stated goals. The design to date reflects this. 65 hours have been billed to date. In reality, 118 hours have been spent through March 7, 2007. I did not bill actual hours to account for the detours. You would not ever be billed for the difference. To date, we have received $670.00 in compensation. There is a portion left on the contract, (which is hourly to a maximum), that we do not plan to bill. This is a very favorable situation for you.

If they devoted 118 hours to this, my name is Nell Carter. There is no way in god's green earth that they spent almost 3 person-weeks on this, unless they're drawing with their feet. To be honest, I was calling that meeting to have them justify their billing for the 65 hours. With this, I think I'd bite off more than I could chew because they'd run their bills up to the limit, which is another $2000 on top their already high fees.

Truth be told, Eazy and I were already discussing the best way to make a clean break from these guys. There's another paragraph in his email that enables us to make a clean break and still own the schematics, so that's huge for us. I still owe them about $4000, which we don't really have to spare, but I'll find the money somewhere. Long story short, this voluntary break plays right into our hands. It's a surprise, but it's more like finding a dollar in your pocket than it is getting crapped on by a bird.

I replied to them to say that the bills will definitely be paid. We pounded out a schedule with them that had us filing for a permit by this time, having started the schematics in mid-December, and filing the permit before the end of April. That would have set us up with the artifacts necessary to start a construction loan application, and the financials would have flowed smoothly from my bank account to the loan.

New External Elevations Drawings

Z z z z...

These are, at least I hope these are, first drafts. I almost fell asleep looking at them. We're really pulling for a structure that's inspiring and museum-quality, but these drawings are just a dirty box. Take an extra second to notice the color scheme. No offense to the architect, but they look like a standard Pacific Northwest pallette. You don't really see these colors together since the end of the 1990's. They kind of remind me of an outdoorsy guy's clothes. Fleece vest, jeans, and those suede laceless sneakers.

I replied to him with our impression of what we want. It's basically a re-draw of a very early 3D sketch I did to get my thoughts on paper. The main thing is an unbroken line that frames the building and provides an overhang for each run of windows. My drawings are a really rough idea of what I'd like to see, so I'm eager to hear back from him.

First, the elevation drawings I received. Below those are my submissions back to him.

OK Baby!

Elissa went to the doctor's today. We heard the heartbeat, and the nurse practitioner told us that once you hear it, you're pretty much locked in with a much lower chance of "things like a miscarriage". Great news! David Lee's heartbeat is almost exactly twice as fast as Elissa's, which is great.

Another appointment in 4 weeks or something? Eazy is pushing for designer maternity jeans, which I find hilarious. We'll see if she shuns our frugality agreement to get them, I'm going to let her do what she wants.