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EVstudio.info has Moved

Sean O'Hara — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:07:21 +0000

This is planned to be the last new post on EVstudio.info. We've moved and merged with the EVstudio.com blog. Check out the new home at www.EVstudio.com/blog.

EVstudio in an Architect Who Accepts Credit Cards

evstudio — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:00:19 +0000

We've had a few clients ask us if we accept credit cards for payments and yes, we're happy to. We have long realized that every construction project has a different financing and we want to work with you to make your project work. Architecture fees are often one of the largest items that you pay for prior to having your financing in place and a credit card payment can help stretch that out.

Now, we don't insist on credit card payments either. If you are able to pay with cash or check, that is still our preference, it saves us on the large credit card fees and we really appreciate that.

If you have any questions about the available options when hiring EVstudio as your architect, please ask and we'll figure out what works for you.

Originally posted 2009-03-22 15:49:38.

Q&A

evstudio — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:00:14 +0000

One of our primary goals in writing the EVstudio blog is to answer your questions about EVstudio and your larger questions about architecture, planning, development, construction, new urbanism, real estate, Denver issues, Colorado issues, AIA issues etc. Please let us know any questions or issues that you'd like to see addressed on this website and we'll turn around answers ASAP.

Looking forward to your input. Thanks

Originally posted 2008-06-01 21:41:36.

New Website Coming

Links from EVstudio.info to Your Website

Sean O'Hara — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:00:04 +0000

With the increasing number of link requests that we get from Consultants, Clients, Engineers, Contractors and Builders, I thought it would be useful to explain how to get EVstudio.info to link to your website.

First, an important distinction, generally speaking our evstudio.us domain does not provide links unless we have an interest in the company. Most of our linking comes through evstudio.info which actually has higher page rank anyway.

What we have devised as the most fair way to distribute links is that we provide links within posts where describe projects. That way if we're only working on one project with a certain company we are providing less links that if we are working on five projects with another company. Just let us know that you'd like to be mentioned in conjunction with projects and we'll make sure that we do. The blog currently has a page rank of 5, so we can really help out.

The other way is we provide links to organizations and blogs that our readers may find interesting, just email me and I'll look over your site.

We always appreciate any reciprocal links as it helps more people find us and the information that we have generated to let them know more about architecture and the architectural process.

Originally posted 2009-04-16 00:46:42.

Top 10 Myths About Architects

Dean Dalvit — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:59:48 +0000

Ok, I know that I can't speak for all architects, and there are certainly those few out there who are responsible for most of the misconceptions about the profession. But I would like to set the record straight for the great many of us who actually represent the profession. This is a list that I've been keeping in the back of my mind for quite some time and hopefully, it will serve to debunk a number of myths and misconceptions about architects and what we do...

1.) Aren't Architects eccentric and unapproachable?

While Hollywood movies often like to depict Architects as elitist, eccentric and generally too good to talk to you (watch or read "The Fountainhead" some time), this is simply not the case. We are ordinary people who just happen to have creative and scientific minds. We have families and hobbies outside of our work. Some communicate better than others, but rest assured that working with an architect should not be an intimidating experience.

2.) All Architects are the same and will do the same job.

Well, that's just crazy talk. Consider the countless variables that go into any design task. Every architect will bring a unique combination of experience, creativity, science and discovery to every project. Sure, we're trained in the basics and we all know what the golden ratio is all about, but what sets us all apart is our individual ideas and how we implement them. It's also worth noting that every firm has a different workflow process and crafts a set of plans differently, including more of some kinds of details while eliminating others. Be sure to look at a sample set of drawings from whomever you are speaking with.

3.) I can't afford an Architect.

This one is probably the largest and most misunderstood myth. Design is the one task on every project that stands to carry the most value for the entire project. The design can make or break the realization of the project. Also, when you consider that the origination of just about every structure in the world is the direct result of an architect, planner or designer in some form or another, you realize that good planning and design is as important, and as integrated in the overall cost of a project as any other line item. Tract housing is designed by architects. Affordable housing is designed by Architects. Even mobile homes require talented designers! If the total project budget is appropriately crafted, then there should be a line item for architecture. Also consider that often, an architect's fees may be similar to a realtor's fees to market and sell a property, and then things really fall into perspective. To put it simply: you get what you pay for!

4.) Aren't Architects the ones who draw the pretty pictures? But can it really be built?

This may personally be the most frustrating myth for me, but that is because I also have an engineering background. This myth is likely perpetuated by a number of folks who perhaps once studied architecture, practiced architecture, but have transitioned into more of an "idea architect" where they come up with an inspired image, then let the others figure out how to build it. However, a qualified full service architect will understand structure and geometry alike. Architects are trained and tested on structure and while not all firms practice engineering in house, they are adequately experienced to design buildable designs. Both sides are important, you do need the inspired idea, but also the logistics to support it.

5.) I don't want a big expensive home, so I don't need an Architect.

A huge misconception about architecture is that it is only for the rich. As I mentioned in #3 above, every building needs a designer. While it is true that some firms will specifically market certain types and sizes of projects, the bottom line is that more often than not, the smaller homes have been architect-designed as well. It certainly is worth noting that the smaller the project, the more challenging it can be to design, and therefore, we often find that there is an inverse proportion to size of project and the need for a qualified architect.

6.) I'm worried that if I hire an architect, I'll be forced into having to go with their style.

There are plenty of designers out there that have branded themselves as being experts on a particular style of design, be it the prairie style of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Arts and Crafts style of Greene and Greene, or the International style of Le Corbusier. However, this tends to be more a personal preference from architect to architect but we are all trained in good design regardless of style. A good client-centered design firm should listen to the client's needs and craft a design that speaks to the client's desires, in a style that suits the client. But be watchful for the firms that do not put the client's needs first - for a lot of reasons!

7.) I don't have time to work with an Architect - I need to get building right away.

People like to romanticize about Architects pondering the quality of space for years before construction can begin, but this is not how we work. We are driven by the very same economics that drives developers: time is money. The fastest way to get through accurate bidding, permitting and into the ground is by going through an architect hands down. Architects are trained to expedite projects whether it's a home or a hospital. Often times, projects are even run design-build so a lot of design actually happens concurrent with construction and is the fastest delivery model available. And if you think cutting the design out of the schedule is a good way to save time, you'll have a sobering experience waiting for a building permit, not to mention the delays and change orders that come with an ad-hock plan (or worse yet, a plan that was designed for a different site and a different program).

8.) Architects must only specialize in residential or commercial design.

This one always comes up at parties. I tell people what I do for a living and 9 times out of 10, the very next question is "residential or commercial"? Now, it is true that design firms will try to go after specific project types as a part of their core business model, but to an individual architect, designing any building type is a comprehensive process that we are all trained to do. I simply tell people that I design buildings (and often times other things like furniture as well). It's not really about size of project either because some single family homes are larger than other commercial offices. And there are plenty of "residential" projects that are very commercial in nature - mixed use projects, live-work lofts, high rise condos and apartments. Even condotels and dormatory style housing. One thing is for certain, the ability to leverage what we know from one project type to another is priceless, to the more varied the projects an architect has the opportunity to work on, the more creative and innovative they wind up being.

9.) Doesn't the architect need to be located near me or the project site?

I'm a big advocate of seeing the project site before starting design, but the truth is, that with today's technology allowing us to model that site topography in 3-D complete with a solar study based on the location coordinates, and see the property virtually via digital photos and movies that can be e-mailed, and satellite images readily available in Google, it's not really a necessity as it once was. We have designed projects in remote places for clients that are even farther away. The tools and technology we use have allowed design collaboration in ways never before imagined. I regularly design buildings for out of state clients on sites that are in yet another state, and coordinating with a materials supplier that is out of the country. That is how easy it has become.

10.) The design process sounds daunting and painful.

Well, of all the steps that one will take to build a home, office or highrise, I think most who have done it would agree that the design phase is the most fun step of them all. It is the time to dream, explore and discover. There is a lot of learning that goes on, but at the same time, it is open ended and fluid. We look at the design process as having part entertainment value to the client. It should be fun and we go out of our way to make it so.

Originally posted 2009-05-21 15:25:46.

Architect/Client Privilege? What Does Your Architect Keep Secret?

Sean O'Hara — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:59:37 +0000

I'll start by saying that there is no legal sort of architect/client privilege where we can hide what you tell us from the courts. However, at EVstudio we will keep information private from third parties upon your request.

A common example is the client who has told us certain information that they do not want us to share with the contractor, bidders or potential contractors. It is very helpful for the architect to know information about budget, schedule and bidding that you may not want passed along. We will ask before distributing any of this kind of information.

Another common example in our commercial contracts is the project that hasn't been publicly announced. If you are putting together a project that you do not want publicized just let us know and we'll keep it to ourselves.This sort of secrecy can be very important in arranging deals.

Another example is the client who does not want publicity. As you are likely aware we talk a great deal about projects on our website and in our blog. Each of our contracts includes a waiver allowing this but if you want to keep your name or any project details quiet, just let us know and we'll modify the standard language.

Finally, we recognize who we hold a contract with. No matter how strong our relationship with another party, our contract is with our client and we fully respect their wishes. If you have any questions along the way or want to double check how we handle information, just let us know.

Originally posted 2009-03-05 23:32:05.

New Page on EVstudio.us "Top Ten Reasons to Choose EVstudio"

evstudio — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:21:05 +0000

There's a new page on EVstudio.us. We've listed the top ten reasons to choose EVstudio:

1. EVstudio is your architect for life. We are willing and able to work with you on any project type and we will still be here in 10, 20 even 30 years. With other architects you have to shop around. With EVstudio you know that we'll be able to help you on the next project whether its your home, your office, your child's school or your neighborhood church.

2. We listen to your needs rather than applying a preset solution on your project. Yes, we have our own personal preferences and we will lead the design but we know that you'll be the one living, working or playing in the space for many years. Therefore we do a very extensive programming piece at the beginning of each project and then work with you at each step to insure that we are meeting your goals.

3. We are flexible in our approach and will work with you to help you through the project. We have come to realize that each proposal that we provide to a new client is slightly different from any that we've done before. We tailor our services to meet your needs.

4. We have the experience necessary to design your project whatever the project type or style. We have experience in custom homes, multi family housing, offices, retail spaces, restaurants, banks, medical spaces, master planning, industrial buildings, warehouses, community facilities, schools, performance spaces and many other project types.

5. We will give you all of the information that you need to make decisions. If you have a question we will give you a thorough explanation. Our website and blog are indicative of our style.

6. We will explain our pricing to you and help you understand how the scope of the project ties to the fee. Our fees are standard rates and we clearly explain what is or is not included.

7. We have a broad range of ability that we bring to each project. In addition to our architectural knowledge we understand site design, structural design, electrical layouts, planning processes and other disciplines. On residential projects we take on these tasks and on commercial projects we lead the team in the tasks.

8. We have an unparalleled staff. This may sound a bit cliche but it is very true.

9. We have great references from our past clients. Please ask us and we can provide written letters of recommendation or give you contact information of past clients who you can speak with.

10. Finally, it is all about the quality of plans. We take great pride in the product and it shows. Each set is checked by the project designers and at least one principal architect before it goes out. Where there are tricky spots in the plans we draw the solutions. The plans are frequently cited as the reason we have many builders who only use EVstudio.

Originally posted 2009-02-01 00:43:20.

Project Team Collaboration in Building Design

Bill Foster — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:20:55 +0000

Working on larger building project teams will always be a challenge and it is the hidden strength or weakness of any Design firm that takes on the responsibility of managing the project.

At EVstudio, we have the advantage that we have our disciplines under one roof and thus we have all worked together on many previous projects and can build on successful collaboration strategies with each project.

Collaboration at its core is about keeping everyone on the same page and in this article I wanted to discuss some of our methods for doing this on one of our current projects: Warriors in Transition, Soldier Family Assistance Center and Company Headquarters.

For this project we have a project specific FTP site which facilitates regular uploads of all of our BIM models (Bentley for this project) as well as 2D Backgrounds and other raw project information. Whenever an incremental improvement is made to one of the disciplines work, all of our designers have instant access to it and can always be confident they are working with the latest information when making their own design decisions. A similar digital master model method was used in the design of the Boeing 777 which was designed and built without traditional prototyping, a first in the aviation manufacturing world for such a large project. This example is important for the construction industry, because the building industry produces mostly unique structures and only rarely is their an opportunity to prototype our design work.

In addition to the FTP site, we also have a more public website hosted by Basecamp where announcements, schedules and submittals are published for use by our Design Build partners. Having this 2 part collaboration system allows us to keep the most up to date information that is vital to our designers but only partially finished separate from the information that is finalized and ready for pricing and client review.

In terms of the nuts and bolts of collaboration we use Bentley Projectwise Navigator to do our Clash Resolution. Using Clash Resolution software allows us to leverage the work each discipline has put into modeling their design. For example, we can do rapid comparisons of Structural to Mechanical to see if there are places where changes need to be made to give everyone room. On this project we have the advantage that everyone is using Bentley software, but Projectwise Navigator can also be used to coordinate work with Revit and other Autodesk products which we also use on other projects.

At the end of the day all of the tools we use are only as good as the people using them and we are fortunate at EV Studio to have many technically and professionally talented designers who continue to embrace the latest technology in the pursuit of a better product for our clients.

Originally posted 2010-12-03 00:01:54.

Draftspeople

Sean O'Hara — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:20:54 +0000

EVstudio has chosen to be a firm without draftspeople (the politically correct version of draftsmen). We have found that there really isn't a roll for someone who is purely drafting a project, instead at each step you need someone who is drafting but also designing and thinking through the sections and details. As a result we hire project designers who work with the principals and architects throughout the project. Each project designer has a college degree in architecture and experience working with at least one other firm. They have been chosen to bring a smart mix of design and technical skill to each project.

In addition, the firm principals are capable draftsmen and the designers of EVstudio's CAD standards. This aids the firm in flexibility, but it also means that the principals are much more capable of gauging how long tasks will take and knowing what the software is capable of.

Originally posted 2008-05-31 16:03:55.

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What’s in a name?

Dean Dalvit — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:20:38 +0000

What started as a one-man business called Eagle View Architecture has grown into 7 professionals (and counting). When we first doubled in size, we shortened the name to EV (now you all know where that came from) Studio. When we first came up with that name, simplicity was one of our goals. Well, Murphy is at it again and we now have a list of names that we've been known to go by. We are officially registered as EV Studio with the State, but we have been addressed as EV Studios, EV Architects, EV Studio Architects, and some others I probably shouldn't mention. People often confuse the caps and spaces too... EVstudio, Evstudios... you get the idea... I also like Evergreen Studios (a presumption of a vendor who figured we shortened the address of our Evergreen Address).

We are also guilty of appending and amending from time to time when the situation is appropriate (our logo itself has no space and studio has no caps). I've even been known to identify myself as EV Studio Architects just so the person on the other end doesn't think I own a hair salon or something.

Well, for the record, we don't really mind what you call us as long as you call us. As we grow, we will also likely add more components (planning, engineering, etc.). As it is, some of you may not know that there is already an EV Real Estate that is connected to the EV family of services. Just more ways to confuse the name I suppose, but eventually, EV is all that you will need to know.

Officially, we are EV Studio, but informally, you can call us anything you like. Just keep it clean out there

Originally posted 2008-06-09 11:29:04.

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