What is the difference between $200 and $300 sqft?

[/pine]

Architects are generally either artist or engineer...the best ones are equally both...some are one or the other...
One thing all architects have in common is an awareness of new, cutting edge, state of the art materials and construction methods...new materials don't always have ideal long term studies of their durability etc...
For instance F.L.W. was an innovator in using cutting edge materials and construction methods often to overcome obstacles that previously were deemed unworkable...considering some of his "modern" structures are over 100 years old it's only natural there will be some deterioration...

In the building trades architects get a bad reputation because often they call for construction mechanics (masons, carpenters, roofers etc., etc...) to perform methods and techniques that they are not familiar with...or work with materials they have never used and get frustrated dealing with new learning curves...so they generally blame the architect for any slow downs or complications...

If someone wants a run of the mill custom house most builder designers are more than capable...
If you want an innovative, unique design an architect is the best choice...remember that many architects have spent as much time in the classroom studying their profession as some doctors...some of them are worth their salt...

 

[ovrszd]

It should be a pre-requisite for every licensed Architect to first be a licensed builder. Their time in the classroom is rarely the problem.

 

[s219]

Square foot cost can be misleading, and is driven up and down by all sorts of things. I almost think that it's a bad number to use as a measuring stick. People tend to view it as a measure of how nice or luxurious a house is, but that can really be misleading. When I think of the things that drove up our square foot costs over a typical house in this area, most of them were focused on making a better and more efficient house, such as geothermal, 2x6 walls, advanced insulation package, better windows, better roofing, etc.

The friend who built our house has since done 4-5 of the neighbors homes too. Since I grew up as the son of a builder and have an interest in that sort of thing, I frequently visited all these homes when under construction and got talking with the subcontractors and workers. It was interesting, as people have very different priorities on how to spend their money and what makes a nice house. Some folks really cut corners on the stuff that I view as important, but then go crazy with amenities and things like flooring and trim or appliances. There are a couple that look like mansions inside and out, but when I look at the specs for things like framing, roofing, siding, insulation, HVAC, etc, it makes me scratch my head in wonder. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

BTW, my sister-in-law and her husband are architects, and they helped us develop our floorplan. We started out making a flow chart of the different rooms and how they were connected, based on function and flow. It resulted in a great floorplan that is really functional and perhaps the best thing I like about our house. I think we paid them about $3K for their time, and it was money well spent. We later worked with the builder and his designer to do the exterior and styling. I think that might have benefitted from some architectural critique, but by then our architects were just about to have a baby and I let them focus on more important things. But anyhow, I was going to say that no matter who works on the design, you all need to be on the same page. We were on the same page with the architects when we did the floorplan, and we were on the same page with the builder and designer when doing the exterior and styling. It turned out to be a fascinating process in both cases and I learned a lot.

Another BTW -- one result of working up an efficient floorplan is that we deleted typical rooms that we discovered would be of limited use or a waste of space. Formal dining room didn't make the cut, nor did a traditional foyer. And when I look back on our previous house, those were the most wasted and poorly used spaces. We instead focused the square footage on a larger nicer full-time dining nook off the kitchen that blends nicely with the open floorplan of the great room and kitchen and has a great view. Instead of the foyer we have a mudroom with benches and cabinets that also connects to the side door coming in from the garage/workshop and a hidden utility bathroom with utility sink. The mudroom ends up being the "hub" between the front door, the garage/workshop, and the rest of the house. If you come in from the garage you see the utility aspect of the mud room. If you come in the front door, it's more of a pass-through to the rear of the house where there are windows and a view. To make an impression on guests, the front porch has lots of nice woodwork and stone and serves as the focal point of the entrance, both from the outside and the inside. When you come in the front door, your eye is drawn through the mudroom to the windows on the back of the house with a view. These are all things that would have gone right over my head, but having some input from architects, designers, and builders really helped. They had clever ideas, whereas I generally only have simple ideas (still good, but simple).

Final note on the floorplan -- seems like a lot of canned floorplans we looked at gave very little thought to where the 1/2 bath was located on the first floor. It would often be right next to the foyer, or the kitchen, or a living/dining space. Dumb places if you ask me. We tucked the 1/2 bath into a hall far from every room, where it's out of the way with some privacy and buffer.

 

[MossRoad]

I've always wondered why there are so many shows on TV about rebuilding his houses when he is such a famous architect.

Well, Eddie, I'll tell you why I think that....

As I've mentioned before, my father was an architect. We lived in a house that my father built by himself, that had a lot of FLW influences.... those being lots of wood, floor to ceiling glass, tiles, concretes, earthy stuff. The goal is to bring the outdoors in, so you kind of feel like you're a part of the landscape. Now, while trying to accomplish this, the architects experiment with different building materials, construction techniques, etc.... and pretty much every creation they make is an architectural experiment, meant to inspire ideas and concepts, not so much as to exemplify sound building practices! :laughing:

FLW as a person, had a lot of issues both professionally and personally. His works inspired a lot of people. There were three other "creative" houses right next to ours. All had that same FLW influence, and all the owners were quirky, too. I fit right in that neighborhood.

 

[teejk]

It should be a pre-requisite for every licensed Architect to first be a licensed builder. Their time in the classroom is rarely the problem.

And maybe every automobile engineer should have to work in a service shop?

 

[/pine]

It should be a pre-requisite for every licensed Architect to first be a licensed builder. Their time in the classroom is rarely the problem.

That's ludicrous...It's not part of the job description...Also many states that require and issue general contracting licenses do not require applicants to even have any hands on building experience what so ever...all that is required to take the exam is a college degree.

General Contracting is not necessarily building...states want qualified business people writing and signing building contracts...not carpenters that have worked at other trades and call themselves a GC...

 

[ovrszd]

And maybe every automobile engineer should have to work in a service shop?

Absolutely. Even more down in the woods in regards to auto, every dealership service writer should have to work as a mechanic first.

 

[Deere Dude]

Our houses #2 and #3 we went and bought half a dozen house plan books from stores downtown and bought a set of plans for $150 I think. It had everything and every dimension I needed although I blew the length out a few feet. Everything worked out well for wood savings and I picked out my own fixtures. I realize not everyone can do that without someone holding their hand but it worked in our cases. I would rather put the 6% fee into actual construction costs than an archie.

 

[MossRoad]

I'm only in the 3rd house I've ever lived in. My dad's. Our first house after we got married. And our current house. Heck, I'm only on my 2nd phone number. Same zip code! We have at least one more move in our future. Just not sure when. And hopefully, I'll die in that house of old age, when it comes.

Thinking of about a 12-1300 sq foot ranch with master BR, full bath, 1/2 bath, and living area and kitchen on the first floor. Full walkout basement with 2 BRs and a full bath, storage and living areas down there. Nothing too big.

 

[Dadnatron]

And maybe every automobile engineer should have to work in a service shop?

After trying to change the driver's side driving/dim bulb on my wife's 2008 Audi... I'd say I would like the engineer who designed it to have to change it and see whether he'd make an altered design.