The Prequel

I’ve committed to becoming a more semi-consistent blogger Poster for 2012. As such, I am pulling back the curtain and formally introducing myself. My intent is to afford readers a glimpse into my professional and personal experiences. Personalizing the ‘voice’ behind the posts should allow for a more open dialogue between us. However, you will not see inside my refrigerator, and there is no Cristal.

Personal Brief: Happily married father of the greatest daughter ever- funny how we all have those. Currently reside in Raleigh NC, formerly lived just outside of Washington DC. I have been ‘practicing’ architecture since 1994 and a licensed architect since 2004 (huh, long internship… perhaps a future post). I tend to have a parched sarcastic sense of humor, hopefully it will come through in my posts!

Professional Brief: By choice, my architectural experiences have been broad and varied. I have been involved with commercial, retail, residential, well you name it I have most likely been involved with it at some point. I have worked on XS, S, M, L, Xl, XLL, sized projects and everything in-between. However, I have always remained involved with residential single family projects. I keep coming back to them and find them extremely rewarding- perhaps a later post as to why. I consider myself a well-rounded architect, who rarely capitalizes the ‘a’ in architect. I take my work seriously, myself, not so much.

My daughter can further add to the introduction per a previous post- “Meet My Dad, Mr. Beard Maybe”

The other day I was throwing out filing old papers/artwork/collections, etc. of my daughter’s (aka reminiscing and weeping slightly) and I came across a piece she did when she was in pre-school. She was four. She was asked to draw a picture of me and then answer some questions. While ‘re-discovering’ this gem I began to smile and laugh…..kids they’re so smart.

His name is “Keith”

He “has dark black/brown hair. I think he has a beard”

He is very handsome “when he wears his work clothes. It’s a tie that he can knot on.”

At work he “use to work at klein design but they were mean to him. He draws buildings.”

For fun, he likes to “watch star wars”

He doesn’t like “to do klein design anymore.”

When we are together we like to “go to the beach and swim and sometimes collect shells.”

Dad, I would like to tell you “Do you want to play golf with me?”

In closing, Hi, I’m Keith, nice to meet you. While the intro was brief, I’m sure more exciting facts about me will surface in future posts- can you really levitate and juggle at the same time? Now that we have met, let’s enjoy the party…where are the free drinks?

Design On,

** I just copied the Wizard of Oz image from Google… let me know if it’s copyrighted and I will send an apology card and some ruby slippers ASAP!

The Poster

2012’s first post is well overdue, so much so it should have been the first post of 2009. Shocked that this blog is 3 years old? That makes two of us- three if my mom is reading… mom? Me, I’m more surprised the internet hasn’t demanded a refund, or at least an apology. So why don’t I blog more? The thought never crossed my mind until a friend and I were having dinner. The discourse of what is modern architecture (a future post) quickly crashed into: “Why don’t you blog more?”

Hmm, I thought (elbow on table and devilishly scratching goatee (come on, you saw the goatee coming))… should I order the veal or chicken… focus, focus… well, for one I am not a blogger… I am a Poster (thumping chest and grunting like a silverback), I am a Poster… holy crap, that’s it!

“Because I’m a Poster, not a blogger, can we order now?”

“Oh, a poser, I still don’t get it? The veal looks tasty.”

“NO A$$CLOWN! A Poster, not a poser, a Poster! I’m going with the chicken.”

“What do you mean? Poster, blogger- same thing…” No, two entirely different angels. Think Farrah vs.Cheryl. I explained the key difference of verbs and nouns- a verb conveys action. A noun is the name of a person, place, thing, or idea. He still wasn’t getting it, so I defined the two:

Blogger [blawg•er] verb: to add new entries, on a consistent basis, to a blog

Poster [poh-ster] noun- a person who posts information in a public place

“Oh, now I get it. So why don’t you become a blogger?”                                                                          (It sounded so magical, John Forsythe’s voice over a speakerphone says you’re a blogger, and poof, you’re a blogger)

I paused. I hadn’t ever tried to explain to someone why I am not a blogger. Lord knows I’ve plenty to say and some darn good opinions! So why don’t I? Maybe because I work at a firm and just don’t have the time? I work for myself, so that can’t be… besides, Bob Borson works at a firm and has arguably one of the best Architecture blogs, Life of an Architect- he finds time. Maybe because I am busy running my own firm and just don’t have the time. Nope, that’s not it. My friend Jody Brown runs his own firm and has a great blog, Coffee with an Architect-  he finds time.

Is there a time bank that knows no account of mine? Actually it’s pretty simple. I’ve made being a Poster my choice, that’s it. No transcendent reasoning behind the curtain.

Hi. My name is Keith. I’ve been a Poster since 2009, and I’m okay with that. I mean, everyone wants a Poster in their bedroom, don’t they?

Blog Post on!

** A resolution for 2012 is to become a more semi-consistent blogger Poster, let’s be realistic. With any luck I won’t go another 5 months without another post. No it’s not a threat, okay maybe it is…

GOODgc BADgc

You can have a great design, details worthy of graphic standards, wonderful renderings, specifications that read like a Tolstoy novel, awesome clients, and an unlimited budget… and yet the completed project can be horrific. No matter how great of an architect you may think you are, you are nothing without a good general contractor. A GOODgc is your best advocate and crucial to the success of a project. On the flip-side, a BADgc can ruin the best of all projects. Do you have a GOODgc or a BADgc? Hopefully, you’ve determined this prior to construction, if not, here are a few examples as to what type gc you have:

Scenario A: There is a problem with a detail as drawn, it just doesn’t work quite as intended.

Responses:
GOODgc: “Look at detail 23/A3.5, it doesn’t quite work. I’m going to fax over three possible solutions, when you’ve had a chance to review them give me a call. In the meantime we’ll work on the gilded bust of you in the foyer”

BADgc: “What sheet is that detail on? Oh okay, I see it now, detail 23/A3.5, it don’t work. You need to come out here and look at it and then get me a correct detail. I’m sending the crew to another job for a few days, call me when you know what you want me to do…oh yeah, it’s probably going to change the schedule and cost more.”

Scenario B: The laundry room doesn’t graphically show the equipment.

Responses:
GOODgc: “The laundry room doesn’t show a washer and dryer, you do intend for us to provide them, correct? Yeah, I thought so… okay will do. Oh, by the way, that bust of you in the foyer, are you sure the head is big enough? Just kidding, I thought you’d find that amusing.”

 BADgc: “What do you mean you want a washer and dryer in the laundry room? We bid the drawings as-is, there is no indication of a washer and dryer. Print something off your CAD machines and get it to me. Once I know what you want I will submit a change order. I’m sending the crew to another job for a few days, call me when you know what you want me to do.”

Scenario C: Ductwork soffits.

Responses:
GOODgc: (Phones prior to commencing work) “We’re getting close to running ductwork. Can you meet next week with us to review the duct layout? I see the note on the spec sheet and want to avoid any re-framing. The bust of yours is almost finished. I’m not sure gold is shiny enough though for your personality, what do you think?”

 BADgc: (Phones after the mechanical contractor has completed the work) “What do you mean look at the spec sheet… those are just boiler plate notes, we don’t read that! So just because it says in the spec sheet that I should submit all duct layouts to the architect for approval prior to the commencement of framing and that no extras will be given for any modification required to the framing due to ductwork, you expect me to pay to have this re-framed? I just don’t see the problem of having a soffit run across the ceiling of the new family room… it’s not like we centered the soffit or anything.”

Of course these are some extreme examples, typically gc’s fall somewhere between. You need to determine which GC’s are good for you and your work and keep them on the team, without a GOODgc you only get something built.

So what GOODgc BADgc experiences can you share?

** I’ve been careless on properly referencing the image to its source…meaning I haven’t and just used an image search engine. Inform me if I’ve used a copy written image and I’ll remove the image and send you something.

The ArchitecTypes Saga Conclusion- what kind of architect are you? The end.

It’s been a slow and torturous road but it’s finally come to a conclusion. The previous installments of ArchitecTypes covered The Allstar, The ‘Meeter’, The Academic, The “I’m an Architect, The Designer, The Pragmatist,  The Project Architect/Manager, The Studio Manager, The Poser, The Clueless, The 9 to 5’er, and The Lifer- they can be viewed here Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3. Let’s complete the discourse…

The Gentleman:
Key Characteristics: Well mannered, easy going, architecture is a hobby to them- much like competing in dressage and sampling single malt scotch- which they also do, does not have to be an actual registered architect, ‘real’ architects aspire to be but have a better chance of not debating fees with a client, ability to actually get ‘stuff’ done

Identifiers: Sometimes referred to as an armchair architect, member of an exclusive country club, has ‘people’ to do menial tasks for them, either highly educated, naturally intelligent, or just damn good looking, typically a proponent of modern architecture

The All Biz:
Key Characteristics: Sports double breasted suits, typically resides in a gated golf course community, mission to have a business of architecture but not overly concerned with the actual architecture, casual dress consists of mock turtlenecks or polos with the company logo, still finds it acceptable to drink liquor/beer at lunch (good/bad? debatable)

Identifiers:  Got their mind on their money and their money on their mind (oh yes I did), usually presence in office is minimal, prefers BMW over AIA, doesn’t know the names of their employees (been known to ask the copier repair tech how the new mixed-use project is going), thinks faux stone is actually from a quarry in France and sees nothing wrong with vinyl siding

The Gifted: 
Key Characteristics: Do not engage them unless invited to do so, they can doodle a sketch while talking on the phone while juggling that will solve all you have been trying to resolve for the past 3 ½ weeks, likes hard candy and mints, if they boast about how good they are it is a sign that the transformation to Starchitect has begun, their kids are in private schools- they are just soooo gifted that public schools can offer them nothing

Identifiers: Typically quiet, sweaters are a fashion staple, always has at least 10 markers on person (where they are stored is perplexing), ability to sketch upside down such that it is right-side-up for the person on the other side of the table, once and a while a members only jacket may be worn, pleasant, unpretentious, young ones have ipods with headphones, old ones have an archaic boom box playing NPR or jazz, if they are really gifted they move on to the pastures of starchitects

The Starchitect:
Key Characteristics: Typically began as one of ‘The Gifted’, so far gone they need an off-white alert on a ramen noodle package to find them, run their firm as a dictatorship, interns have been known to wet themselves (in a bad way) in the presence of the demigod, architects will publicly denounce them but in secret long to be one, they truly are the most interesting person in the room… go ahead ask ‘em

Identifiers: Speaks well with a vast vocabulary, usually elderly with a tad of dementia, speak of themselves in the third person, has a solid portfolio of early work… then something happened that is still unidentifiable, late work suffers from, well it just suffers, can vomit after a hard night of drinking and lower staff think it’s the best scheme they have ever seen for a mid-rise project, if your response to a project is “What the f$%%”, “Holy Crap”, “Are you serious, you’ve got balls” (literally the building has balls), or “ Is that veal skin cladding?” chances are it’s a starchitects’  building

________

** I’ve been unconscious on properly referencing the images to their source…meaning I haven’t and just copied from image search engines. Inform me if I’ve used any copy written images and I’ll remove the image(s) and send you a picture of some chipboard. Okay Brad Pitt, can I call you Brad? Just between us (and the 3 people who read this blog)… what was up with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button? It was a dare, right?

The ArchitecTypes Saga Continues- what kind of architect are you? part 3 of 4

If we were at Bed Bath & Beyond we’d be close to Beyond at this point. Numerous people have requested I complete this diatribe, I mean several, okay a few, no just one…whatever, it doesn’t really matter how many it’s the lack of content that’s important. Our previous two installments of ArchitecTypes covered The Allstar, The ‘Meeter’, The Academic, The “I’m an Architect”, The Designer, The Pragmatist,  The Project Architect/Manager, and The Studio Manager- they can be viewed here, Part 1 and Part 2. Let’s continue down the path of ArchitecTypes…

The Poser:
Key Characteristics: Has a deep admiration for George Costanza’s work on the Guggenheim, especially that it wasn’t really that hard to do, able to speak with authority on subjects they have no clue in- and more importantly come across that they know what they’re talking about, mid-life crisis hits them hard and they want to go out and drink with all the interns who are 1/3 their age, adhere to the mantra of “it’s not a lie if you believe it” (much like the Studio Manager), elusive and always on the move such that they create the illusion of importance in the firm

Identifiers: Trendy shoes, accessories, clothing, and must haves all obtained from Kenneth Cole or approved equal, thinks a good parti revolves around grey goose, employs mouse for hair styling (yes it’s still made), typically in upper management and on track to be a principal, usually drives the same vehicle as the firm owner, look for the office filled with design magazines sporting un-cracked bindings and you’ll find the poser posing

The Clueless:
Key Characteristics: Graduated from an NCARB certified school… not sure how, but they did, still can’t come to grips with a 2×4 not being 2×4- they think it’s a riddle to be solved, usually have a nervous tic i.e. clearing of throat, use of chapstick, tapping of foot, etc., phobia of speaking with contractors (even the gal who services the coffee machine), tendency to sport confusing patterns of clothing, indecisive- ask them to look out the window and tell you if it’s raining… go ahead do it, you’ll see

Identifiers:  When discussing interpretations by the ICC they hope that the new InterCounty Connector reduces their commute time, clients specifically request this person not be involved with their project, usually a principal and if the first response when talking about them to consultants is “who?” or “f$%% no, we don’t want him involved”– yup, they’re the clueless one, always busy but gets nothing done, they walk erect even though they lack a spine

The 9 to 5′er: 
Key Characteristics: Typically has a related architecture degree (a drafting institute certificate will suffice) but could care less about architecture- let alone design, wants to be told every task to do, will question nothing and assumes no responsibility whatsoever, does what told- no more no less, predictable to a fault

Identifiers: Desk at 9 lunch at 12 door at 5, knows all the good restaurants for lunch and dinner and which has the best happy hour for any day of the week, has all the latest CAD Drafting certificates from AutoDesk and knows how to create a functional happy family in Revit, well scented but believes Axe spray is pedestrian

The Lifer:
Key Characteristics: Life is ARCHITECTURE, architecture is LIFE, they dream in layers and filters (or whatever the Revit = is), family vacations are no fun because everything turns into a damn sketching/design exercise, intelligent but typically lack common sense in the “where are my glasses… hey dumbass they’re on your head” kind of way, poor financial skills, however, their quality of embracing something so fully is admirable- and disturbing

Identifiers:Daughter and son are named Ray and Eames, presents a slide show of their lunch walk to Quizno’s and lecturers that the corporate imagery is a resurgence of new brutalism reinterpreted to take into account bread bowls and bullet shaped sandwiches, has so many initials after their name they don’t even know what they stand for- but are almost certain they’re licensed to operate heavy machinery while under the influence of diazo fumes

________

Still can’t relate? Stay tuned, the following sub-species shall be presented in the final ArchitecTypes ‘installment’: Part 4: The Gentleman, The All Biz, The Gifted, and The Starchitect

** I’ve been careless on properly referencing the images to their source…meaning I haven’t and just copied from googles’ image search engine. Inform me if I’ve used any copy written images and I’ll remove the image and feel a bit remorse.

Driving Miss Design

One of a client’s ‘first impressions’ of their architect is based upon the architect’s arrival to the initial meeting, and nothing is more blatant than the type of vehicle driven… and we architects know every choice made says something about our design ethos.

Early in my career I drove a Ford Escort, to be exact, the Pony model (look it up and you’ll wonder how I ever got a date). When my career in architecture was starting out the car was over 10 years old. The car’s paint had oxidized to a matte black- at least it was black so that was good. However, the left side of the car had decided to drop paint- it randomly fell off one day and I was left with pink primer in splotches along the left side.

Why do I mention the Escort Pony? Even in my architectural infancy I realized this car spoke volumes to the client… like “Holy crap we can pay him in spray paint” or “What? Seriously? This is the guy we are going to trust our dream home to?” or “Honey, the pool boy is here.”

Stealth driving was my only remedy. I planned my routes to client’s homes such that upon arrival only the good side of the car shown. This was difficult as most of the streets were one-way. Interns please take note, I do not condone this… however, sometimes you must drive in reverse down a one way street while presenting the illusion of moving forward for the greater good of architecture.

In 2000, I purchased a then brand new, Nissan Xterra- black in color of course. I have driven this daily since. I mention the year because subsequently there has been a lot of frivolity added to the vehicle. So what does this vehicle say about my design beliefs? I think it speaks volumes, most importantly it says:

- I value good no-nonsense design
- I value versatile design… drive off-road wash it up and then drive to an AIA black tie event
- I value rugged dependable design… design that will hold up to time (paint is still glossy)
- I don’t need to be extravagant to showcase class
- Subtle can yell
- Every once in a while you wish you had a design do-over… stickers all over the fairing attest to that

So what kind of vehicle do you drive, and more importantly what does it say about your design beliefs?

P.S. I tried contacting Morgan Freeman for a photo shoot with my Xterra.. turns out he gave up car modeling soon after the Unforgiven… I just assumed after Bruce Almighty he took it up again, I was wrong.

The Assault on Creativity

1976… 0800 hours… Outpost Sidecut… Saturday morning………

The radio is down. The crackle of a creature feature rustling in the distance is the only audible. We can’t see them, but we know, we know. The make-shift roof held taught off the floor between the wall and couch via tacks and Encyclopedia Britannica, sans 16, where the hell is 16! Cover was drawn and we firmly held our position to defend the empire. It’s quiet, something’s up… Oh crap!  We forgot about the flank! The Huns rained water bombs down. Damn the Huns of the hall, damn you! Fall back, fall back!

The quickest means to the valley below was to ride a hovercraft-mattress down the stepped formation. We prepared for descent of Treadriser Mountain. However, pressed for time and we hadn’t resolved the equation of speed vs. flailing limbs. Gathering speed as we hit the 90 degree turn, the pilot made every attempt for a smooth transition out of the apex- not all who started the descent made it to the valley. We poured a SunnyD to the departed and those who survived forged on to the harbor with optimism.

The wounded ship rocked fore and aft against the waves. The crew knew what was not spoken, it was no saving grace, she was going down. Weeks prior we got to know the workings of the ship inside and out as if by Revell. Now a voice screaming “what is that noise and smell” came cracking from the distance. Followed by, “you better not be blowing up another model ship in the bathtub again!” We retreated in haste.

We gathered at the well and drafted our final assault plan, some wouldn’t survive and we made peace with that. We forged on through the forest, past the old Hoyt farm and across the raging trickle creek. The closer to our destination the thicker the air and the more acidic it tasted… this was going to be a battle like no other. The assault began and nothing could stop us, that is except Dad yelling that is was time to come in. We gave up the campaign and ran home for dinner!

2011… 0645 hours… Outpost Summerton… Tuesday morning………

It’s been years since we were born and we never forgot the campaigns or our comrades. Sadly, many let the innocence of childhood slip away. We didn’t make it to our destination that day. However, we would have other days. The important thing was that we knew what we were fighting for and where it was… it was creativity and it resided in our childhood. Our childhood held the prize we were after, the essence of creativity- viewing the world as we want it to be not how the world says it should be. The Assault on Creativity Rages On!

 

**This post was written as part of the Lets Blog Off series “What is Creativity” although I didn’t read the rules, I think I nailed it! I’ve been careless on properly referencing the image to its source…meaning I haven’t and just used an image search engine. Inform me if I’ve used a copy written image and I’ll remove the image and send you an apology card.

Marketing 101: When Einstein met Julia

As Architect’s we get so excited about working on projects, researching new materials, designing some detail we have never thought of before, etc. However, we are often oblivious to the tasks we must constantly manage to ensure we have projects to work on. A while back I posted CONTRACTS 101, so it made sense to post MARKETING 101.

Everyone has heard the following:

      “You need a marketing strategy”
      “You need to brand (not in the cattle sense) yourself”
      “You need a 2 minute sales pitch”
      “You need to loose 10lbs… wait, that might just apply to me”
      “blah, blah, blah, etc., etc., hoochie mama, serenity now”

While having such is great, it is not required. Remember the basics and you might be surprised with the results. A few weeks ago a potential client contacted us about designing a new home- we got very excited and for the next few weeks we corresponded, we sent sketches and such, a fee proposal was prepared, and a construction cost estimate was established. And as of writing this post, it still may mature into a real project. Wow! That’s great……hold on, rewind the tape, how did this come about?

Then it hit me- how did the client find out about us? So I did the obvious, I asked. The response:

“It was through the AIA website. And by the way, too many architects registered there don’t have a website, let alone a good one to see what type of work they do–and I am amazed at how many don’t even have an email address or phone number!! So kudos to you for doing so. Good marketing on your part”

So I thought that cannot be, we architects are marketing whores, and I mean this in a Pretty Woman sort of way. So I looked around the AIA’s architect’s directory – Holy Crap fellow AIA colleagues, the client’s correct! Why register your firm (and pay upwards of $1,000 in AIA dues- the magazine doesn’t count for anything) if you’re not going to use membership to your advantage? Posting your firm information and portfolio is great, but useless with no means of contact.

So here it is Einstein, Marketing 101- Provide contact information so a potential client can actually contact you! Remember the basics of marketing as you do the basics when designing a decent structure- if the basics are clear and concise, beautiful things can result!

**Reference to our website was a direct quote, I know it needs work… but the basics are there! I’ve been careless on properly referencing the images and just used an image search engine. Don’t try and use my contact information to get in touch with me- I’m on to you grasshopper!

You want BIM with that order?

Lately I’ve been getting a lot of phone inquires that usually go something like this:

Me “Hello, cogitate design, how can I help you” (keep in mind I do my best Isaac Hayes impression on the phone)

Potential Client “I got your name somewhere, I have a lot and I want to build a (insert building type here)”

Me “Wow, that sounds like an interesting project, would you like to meet and discuss further?”

Potential Client “No, I just need plans”

Me “Yeah, that, um, that’s not something we just ‘have’”

Potential Client “I don’t need much, can you just sell me some plans you’ve already done?”

Me “No, not really, we craft buildings per the client’s needs and specific site…”

Potential Client “Can’t you just sell me some plans from your cad machines?”

Me “No, it doesn’t really work like that…”

Potential Client “Jackassarchitect…”

Me “I’m sorry, what was that?”

Potential Client “Oh, I said Jackson Browne’s car is next…”

Me “That doesn’t even make sense…”

Potential Client “Does to…”

Me “Does not…”

Potential Client “Jackson Browne’s car is next…”

>click<

Me “Bueller… Bueller… Bueller… Bueller…”

So then it hit me, we architects exist to get scraps for compensation and make it as easy as possible for others to profit. I can do that. Then an apparition of Ray Kroc appeared. I can make it even easier; I’ll offer a drive-thru service and a value menu! Introducing the cogitateDESIGN VALUE MENU:

(click menu to enlarge)

Meet My Dad, Mr. Beard Maybe

The other day I was throwing out filing old papers/artwork/collections, etc. of my daughter’s (aka reminiscing and weeping slightly) and I came across a piece she did when she was in pre-school. She was four. She was asked to draw a picture of me and then answer some questions. While ‘re-discovering’ this gem I began to smile and laugh…..kids they’re so smart.

His name is “Keith”

He “has dark black/brown hair. I think he has a beard”

He is very handsome “when he wears his work clothes. It’s a tie that he can knot on.”

At work he “use to work at klein design but they were mean to him. He draws buildings.”

For fun, he likes to “watch star wars”

He doesn’t like “to do klein design anymore.”

When we are together we like to “go to the beach and swim and sometimes collect shells.”

Dad, I would like to tell you “Do you want to play golf with me?”

Please keep in mind that this is unedited and I assume expressly subversly and outright blatantly that I in no way might or may share the same views as the original author nor do any of my tiny little subdivision companies.

** This time I’ve been referenced the image to its source…my awesome daughter!