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Architectural design and permit drawings for residential remodels, additions, and custom homes. I emphasize careful istening and personal attention.

WORK PROCESS

Every client gets my personal attention, and I work on every phase of a project. I take pride in clear communications and returning calls promptly. We will start with you telling me your needs, wants, and dreams for your home. Then I will design a functional and attractive home for you using a 3D CAD computer program, which makes it easy to show you a realistic picture of what the new design looks like. Once you approve the design, I will produce permit and construction drawings, help you apply for permits, and keep an eye on the contractor during construction.

I worked in the construction field for several years, specializing in carpentry, but also doing foundations and cabinetwork. This has given me a strong advantage in residential architecture—I have a clear understanding of what can be built, and what is economical and functional.

SERVICES

• Consulting
  
  You can start with a consultation if you need help deciding what you want to do with your home. I can provide advice and information on feasibility issues, zoning research for your property, and preliminary design ideas with consulting to fit your needs.
• Feasibility
  
  The first step in a full-service project is finding out if what you have in mind is feasible. I will help you figure out what is possible in terms of local zoning regulations, design options, construction issues, budget, and scheduling.
• Design
  
  The starting point of the design phase is to develop a clear program outlining what you want and need in your home. Based on that program I will develop creative, functional, and attractive solutions, offering you several different schemes to choose from.
• Permit Applications
  
  Once we have refined your favorite design scheme, I will produce the drawings and information needed for you or your contractor to obtain a building permit for your project. This includes coordinating with a structural engineer and other consultants as needed. Your general contractor will also use these drawings and supporting documents to build the project.
• Construction Observation
  
  I can assist you in finding and choosing your contractor. When construction is under way, I will make periodic site visits to see that the contractor is following the design intent of the drawings.

HISTORY

I graduated in 1981 with a degree in architecture from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo, California, and went on to work in an architectural firm in San Francisco for several years. Then a unique opportunity called me away.

In 1986, I had the privilege of spending a year apprenticed to Christopher Alexander, the author of A Pattern Language. He is a theorist who seeks out what actually works and feels right in a building.

In addition, I had the opportunity to help build one of his residential projects, which whetted my appetite for learning more about construction. For the next eight years, I put theory into practice as I learned carpentry, framing, trim, and foundation work.

Ultimately, however, my love of architecture drew me back to the field, and I reentered the design world in 1994, working in several architectural firms over the next ten years on residential and commercial projects. Always, I found that the residential projects were the ones I enjoyed the most, and I finally decided to start my own practice in 2003 and concentrate exclusively on residential design.