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Posted by Gordon Feingold on April 15, 2008, 5:39 pm
On Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:51:52 -0700, "Chuck News"
>
>I agree with the comments above. There are architects and there are
>ARCHITECTS. Engineering in CA is critical for the size of structure when it
>comes to structural framing and seismic design especially in CA. The latest
>Building codes are more intense then in previous years.
>Construction documents are not hand drafted any longer they are produced
>with CAD systems on computers ( AutoCad and Micro-Station ). Small
>architects don't have CAD or have the money to hire engineers that do larger
>structures related to large residential construction. Even so, if the
>smaller architects get the project they will also charge fees to pay for the
>engineering as necessary and other accessory's. I can almost guarantee you
>will be very pleased with what you get with the architect you like. Make
>sure that you have meetings as necessary with the architect. Communication
>is critical to get exactly what you want. Also include your wife if you are
>married, take my word for it. Schematic design during the process will let
>you see what they architect has in mind. You can then make changes as
>necessary. When you see the final design you will know it. It will then go
>into 'Design Development'. When approved construction documents will be
>completed for cost estimating, permitting, construction and construction
>management.
>
>Good luck...
>
>CID...
>
Thank you for your comments, Chuck. There is no question about their
capabilities. They're a good sized firm (for Santa Barbara, anyway)
and the lead architect that we'd be working with understands our
tastes and goals and is very enthusiastic and highly-motivated to make
us happy. Yes, my wife and I are co-conspirators. We've even set up a
web site to manage communications, which, as you point out, are indeed
critical. (If you haven't seen it already, check out Basecamp by 37
Signals http://www.37signals.com/ with is perfect for coordinating
projects between multiple parties.)
Gordon
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