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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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Projects Outside of Colorado

Sean O'Hara — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:46:34 +0000

The majority of EVstudio's projects are in Colorado and the projects that we do through 157 Architecture are all in Texas. However we have done work in quite a number of states and we enjoy practicing in new areas. In the last couple years we've done work in Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, South Dakota, Michigan, Illinois, New York and some feasibility work for clients overseas.

The primary concern with doing work in a new state is verifying that you are meeting the requirements of that state's architectural registration board and those requirements vary widely. In many states you don't have to have an architectural license to produce residential drawings, but you may need one to produce structural drawings. Some states set a restriction based on the size of the project and you'll also find municipalities that don't even have building permits. Some states require that you are licensed there prior to even starting a project, some require that you're licensed before the permit is issued.

One of our first steps with projects either in state or out of state is to investigate the requirements of the state and the municipality. With a little bit of research we can greatly reduce the headaches that could happen late in the project.

Thankfully, in recent years states have greatly simplified the process for reciprocal registration. I hold a Certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) that makes reciprocal registration much easier. In fact, some states don't even allow reciprocal registration without an NCARB certificate. This certificate gives EVstudio the flexibility to practice in new states after meeting a simplified set of requirements.

Originally posted 2008-06-01 15:49:24.

Residential or Commercial

Sean O'Hara — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:46:32 +0000

Even when I was in college, people would frequently ask me if I wanted to do residential or commercial architecture. There seems to be a belief that there is a distinct difference in architects who choose to do residential and architects who choose to do commercial. There are definitely some differences, but I always wanted to do both. Dean and I share this fascination, so EVstudio does a roughly even mix of residential and commercial projects. We also do multifamily residential and hospitality work which must fall somewhere in the middle.

Originally posted 2008-06-14 00:01:36.

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EVstudio Denver Office Location Map

evstudio — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:46:29 +0000

NOTE: THIS POST REFERENCES OUR OLD PHYSICAL ADDRESS ON SANTA FE. EVSTUDIO'S NEW DENVER LOCATION IS IN THE EVSTUDIO BUILDING AT 1117 CHEROKEE ST., SUITE #100 DENVER CO 80204

The EVstudio Denver office is located at 771 Santa Fe Drive, Ste 200 in Denver. We are just south of the corner of Santa Fe Drive and 8th Avenue.

If you are arriving from I-25 or 6th Avenue the best way is to take 6th Avenue East while staying in the left lane so that you can turn left on Santa Fe and we're 1.5 blocks ahead on the left. If you are coming from the northeast you'll need to lap the block by taking take 8th Avenue west to Kalamath south and then 7th east to Santa Fe north. The map may make more sense.

Parking is generally available on Santa Fe for two hour parking and on other side streets for extended parking. Our logo is on the door and our office is at the top of the stairs.

You can also find us by looking for EVstudio on Google Maps.

Directions and Map for EVstudio Evergreen Office

Originally posted 2008-10-23 15:55:09.

EVstudio is Builder Friendly – An Example

Kacy Landsittel — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:46:19 +0000

An architect must be able to think creatively and a truly successful one considers how things are put together in the field. This requires understanding what makes things easier and more efficient for the tradesmen who build the various portions of a structure. When such information is implemented into the set of plans for the builder, this makes the set of plans very builder friendly.

In addition to knowing the structural capabilities of materials in a building, understanding the logistics and process of construction is priceless for the success of an architect's relationship with a builder. The well rounded experience of the EVstudio team means that builders can count on a top quality set of builder friendly plans.

An example can be found in the set of plans for the Atwell residence and its decorative wood accent features. Framers prefer, whenever possible to use standard angles, like 22.5, 30, 45, 60, and of course 90 degrees. Dean and I worked out this detail where I made the angle of the 6x6 brace pieces 30 degrees from the vertical wall. This is a fairly common architectural detail where this specification of a 30 degree angle cut can make the job of cutting multiple wood members, assembly and installation much easier for the tradesmen in the field while creating less waste. EVstudio always strives to provide a builder friendly set of plans.

Originally posted 2009-09-01 00:01:25.

What is your architectural style?

Sean O'Hara — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:49:57 +0000

When I speak with potential clients, this is one of the first questions that I'm often asked. They want to know what style and design tastes I'll bring to their project. The simple answer is that I will design the style based on the preferences of the client. At EVstudio are not looking to impose an architectural style on our clients.

Now, that's not to say that as individuals we don't have any preferred styles. Obviously each designer and architect in the firm has styles that they would prefer if they were designing the project for themselves. Who wouldn't? But our job as services professionals is to bring the clients desires into our solution. We will design what we believe is the most appropriate design but the client has the ultimate say.

Now what sets us apart is that we are still bringing our design abilities into every project no matter the style or the size. Good design transcends taste. Any building can have good balance, energy efficiency, appropriate materials and a well designed plan. If you peruse the website and the blog you'll see a variety of styles and building types on display. Each one blends the clients program and style into an great solution.

Originally posted 2008-07-10 11:57:02.

Designing Your House – Part 1

When Should You Contact an Architect? What Phases of Your Project Can an Architect Help With?

Sean O'Hara — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:49:52 +0000

There is a common conception that the architect is the person you contact when you need plans for your project. That is only partially correct. In addition to your plans, a good architect can help you with many of the other phases of your project. Some of these services they will perform themselves and some of these services they can hire for you. At EVstudio our services have included:

Land selection and evaluation
Real estate services
Pro-forma, rent and cost analysis
As-built surveys and drawings
Conceptual design drawings
Schematic design drawings
Pricing and opinions of probable cost
Demolition plans
Design development drawings
Construction document drawings
Bidding, negotiation and contractor selection
City processes and planning services
Detailed specifications and product recommendations
LEED and sustainability consultation
Master planning
Site planning and civil engineering
Structural engineering
Mechanical, plumbing and electrical engineering
Construction administration
Construction management
Plans review
Local partner for out of state firms
Plans library development
Subject matter experts
Evaluations of existing structures
Entitlements and permitting processes
Interior design
CAD system design
Three dimensional models
Computer renderings
Marketing materials
Changes of occupancy
Contracts and agreements

The important thing to remember is that the architect has experience with most of the aspects of the project. They've seen many projects through. Choosing to involve them from the beginning to the end of the process will allow you to utilize their expertise and will allow them to help execute the right design for your project. Please feel free to contact EVstudio at any point in your process and we're happy to get involved with your project.

Originally posted 2009-03-31 13:00:11.

EVstudio is Quoted in Article at ForResidentialPros.com

Dean Dalvit — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:19:33 +0000

I was recently interviewed by ForResidentialPros.com to comment about recent hiring activity here at EVstudio. The article they published in their newsletter is as follows (click here for the original article)...

Previously, ForResidentialPros.com reported on a remodeler and architect who are both hiring. Denver-based architecture firm EVstudio is another company that is hiring multiple positions. Dean Dalvit, AIA, PE, principal, shares who the company is looking to hire and advice for other architecture firms and applicants.

Hiring: "We are currently advertising for an architectural engineering intern to complement our structural engineering team and we hope to be hiring an architectural intern for our architecture team some time in the first quarter of 2012. EVstudio is always looking for talented people who can complement our growing team," Dalvit says.

Why: "EVstudio has been fortunate enough to stay busy and continue growth in our core service areas year-over-year since day one in 2005. We have done this by diversifying our service offerings to include fully integrated architecture and engineering services, and also by penetrating multiple local markets with EVstudio locations in Denver, Evergreen, Central Texas and most recently, Colorado Springs," he says. "A relentless pursuit of marketing new work certainly has helped as well."

Advice to companies: "Hiring is risky even in the best of times. Payroll is our single largest expense. I don't think that people 'can't' hire. Rather, I think that when the cash flow is tight and the backlog is weak, it isn't a good time to add expenses unless that potential hire can increase either of those facets. That's just sound business practice," Dalvit says. "EVstudio has always looked for certain qualities in people that will benefit the firm in the long term. If a candidate has strong character, great values and a solid work ethic, then they can contribute to the firm in more ways than what they may be hired for. Marketing new work is a part of the culture at EVstudio, and every member of the team is encouraged and expected to do so. We have always hired because of a need for resources on projects, but we have retained because of the greater value that each of our team members have added to our business. We always say that if someone can assist in bringing work into the firm, then there's a job at EVstudio for them."

"Tell me why you're different and what you can do to create a niche at EVstudio and I'll listen" - Dean Dalvit, AIA, PE
Advice to applicants: "In two words: Stand out. Everyone has a great master's thesis to show or some production experience from somewhere. Skills can be learned but excellence in character is hard wired. Tell me why you're different and what you can do to create a niche at EVstudio and I'll listen," he adds. "These days, we receive a few unsolicited resumes every week. A job advertisement results in literally hundreds of resumes in a short time. Filtering through all of these is a daunting task in itself.

"We're always astonished by how uncreative some of these are considering we're in one of the most creative industries around. You have to demonstrate why we should pick you among hundreds of other applicants. Do your homework to understand our business and our culture. What can you do to make our firm better, more profitable, or get more work? Leadership roles in local groups or trade organizations like the AIA or ASCE also help to augment an otherwise typical resume that blends in with all of the rest."

Links from EVstudio.info to Your Website

Sean O'Hara — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:02:53 +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.

Map for EVstudio’s Texas Architectural Office in Copperas Cove

evstudio — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:02:25 +0000

If you're already in Copperas Cove, our office is easy to find, just off 190 at 913 South Main Street.

If you're not familiar with Central Texas, our office is north of Austin and west of Temple, within easy driving distance of the major Texas cities.

Originally posted 2009-06-02 00:05:59.