Crutcher Studio News

Recent Project

2012-01-28T15:12:00.002-05:00

New detached garage designed to replace existing garage for a single family residence. The client needed a two-car garage with small workshop and an exercise room. Within the small footprint we provided a flexible garage and workshop space with the exercise space in the attic. The space is heated using a heat pump system.

Pretty Brow Art & Spa now open

2011-11-19T13:31:00.001-05:00

Construction is now complete on the Pretty Brow Art & Spa. The spa is located in the Westland Mall Shopping Mall, Westland MI. The spa uses a threading technique to shape eyebrow and facial hair. They also provide facial treatment and massage.

Are you eligible for home improvement aid?

2011-08-23T22:04:00.000-04:00

Citizens Bank is offering to reimburse Detroit homeowners in select areas for half of the costs -- up to $10,000 -- to improve the exterior of their homes. • Homeowners must live in one of these neighborhoods: North End, Boston-Edison, Virginia Park, Hubbard Farms, Palmer Woods, Sherwood Forest, University District, East English Village, North Rosedale or Green Acres. • Home must be insured and

Crutcher Studio Rated on Thumbtack.com

2011-06-18T23:39:00.001-04:00

Crutcher Studio was rated among the top architects in the Detroit area by the web site thumbtack.com. Follow this link to see the rating: Architects - Detroit, MI Architects, Detroit, MI

Messiah Church Parking Lot Expansion

2011-06-17T17:16:00.002-04:00

Accessory Parking lot for Existing Church. Project will provide an additional 20 parking spaces for the church. A decorative metal fence and landscape will improve the appearance of the corner. Scheduled to be completed fall 2011.

Are you planning a restaurant or food based business in Michigan?

2011-02-23T16:59:00.001-05:00

Here is some information you should know.

Architect's Sketch over Coffee February 2011

2011-02-06T17:48:00.000-05:00

The sketch discussion went well. There were a lot of good questions concerning construction materials, processes and somethings to consider before you decide to renovate. Item that came up during the discussion: -The comparison between using metal studs or wood studs for construction. -Structural Insulated Panels -Zoning requirements and yard setbacks. -Baement or crawl space considerations -

The Raw Cafe Now open!!

2011-01-30T20:10:00.004-05:00

The Raw date is now open for business. Located at Woodward and Willis in Detroit, the Raw Cafe features a raw, vegan menu.Check out the menu!

Architect's Sketch over Coffee

2011-01-25T08:51:00.005-05:00

What is the first step in planning to build an addition to your home?Who do you speak to first when you want to build?How do I control the cost of my building project?Bring your project ideas for an open discussion with me on these and any other building or design related questions you may have. When:Friday, February 04 from 06:00 PM to 8:00 PMWhere:Panera Bread Farmington, MI 48335Email me

New Restaurant Opening soon

2010-10-23T09:37:00.003-04:00

From Crutcher Studio NewsThe Raw Cafe located be opening soon. Located in the former C-Pop Gallery at Woodward and Willis in Detroit the restaurant will offer a raw, vegan menu.Crutcher Studio provided architectural services to help the owners transform the former art gallery into the first raw, vegan restaurant in the area.Check out the Raw Cafe website for menu and opening date.

Builder and Contractor List

2010-07-07T21:51:00.002-04:00

Concept for a House in Kenya

2010-06-13T14:33:00.002-04:00

I am currently developing a concept for a house in Kenya. The house will have 6 sleeping rooms and will be located on a hill overlooking Lake Victoria.

Recent Project

2010-06-08T11:07:00.003-04:00

Greater Cutz Hair Salon, Madison Heights, MIOpening soon!!

High School Architecture Exploration Program

2010-02-03T13:07:00.003-05:00

I have an opportunity to hold an Architecture Exploration Program for Detroit area High School Students. This program is designed to introduce high school students to careers in the Architecture, Design and Creative Industries. Students will engage in a real world architectural design problem and utilize the current technological tools used by industry to develop high demand, high wage, 21st

Painting and Drawing

2009-12-14T11:30:00.005-05:00

I have been exploring painting and drawing in between architectural commissions. Some of my pieces are on my website.

Meals on Wheels

2009-11-26T15:04:00.002-05:00

Wednesday my daughters Girls Scout Troop and I helped the Christian Tabernacle Church’s Meals on Wheels 2009 volunteer campaign pack meals for seniors. We helped pack Thanks Giving meals for 5500 people. Help support Detroit Meals on Wheels.

I NEED YOUR HELP!

2009-10-26T11:29:00.005-04:00

October 28, 2009 I'm going behind bars for "GOOD"PLEASE HELP BAIL ME OUT!Your donation is my key to freedom! Be proud of the fact that together we're providing help and hope to kids and adults served by MDA in our community.MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides

Michigan Building Permits

2009-09-11T08:46:00.003-04:00

Every community in Michigan has some requirements for the construction or renovation of buildings. One of the first steps to take when planning any construction project (after selecting your architect) is to check with the local building department. I have begun to compile a list of links to Building and Safety Department websites in Michigan. The contact numbers are on most of the websites.

Residential Architect Magazine

2009-09-04T12:01:00.003-04:00

I was quoted in the Residential Architect Magazine article paid in full - with their clients caught in the credit vise, architects learn the fine art of bill collection.Source: residential architect MagazinePublication date: July 1, 2009 By cheryl weber, leed apFull article here

What are Architectural Services?

2009-08-31T01:19:00.003-04:00

The process we follow for the Design and Construction of projects involve several steps. Typically, projects go through the following six steps or phases. However, on some simple projects, several of these steps may be combined; on other more complex types there may be additional steps.Step 1: Deciding What to Build This first stage, called programming, is probably the most valuable time you

Farmington Schools Facilities Study Committee

2009-08-28T13:40:00.001-04:00

Kenneth Crutcher has been selected to participate on the Farmington Schools Facilities Study Committee. The committee's responsibilities are to:-Develop a plan and time line for maximizing the use of the District’s facilities with an emphasis on maintaining high quality instructional programs and financial efficiency.-Establish specific criteria to develop a recommendation for consideration by

Open House for The Arts League Of Michigan Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center

2009-07-22T20:09:00.003-04:00

July 21, 2009Crutcher Studio, Inc. assisted The Harris Design Group with the interior design for the new home for The Arts League of Michigan Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center. The Arts League of Michigan is a center that develops, promotes, presents and preserves the African and African American cultural arts traditions within our multicultural community. The development of the Virgil H.

Pewabic Pottery

2009-07-17T09:02:00.004-04:00

I have been invited to join the Pewabic Society, Inc. Board of Trustees. The Pewabic Society, Inc. founded in 1981, is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Pottery as a ceramic arts learning center, museum/archive and gallery, as well as its cultural and community outreach programs.The Society ensures that Pewabic continues to

My Daughters

2009-06-28T17:28:00.002-04:00

My youngest daughter had her first communion This Sunday. I have to share this their first performance as a string duet. Candice on the Bass and Caitlin on Violin.

Masonry Deck for a Residence

2009-06-24T13:06:00.002-04:00

I have just completed the design for a deck using brick and concrete. The owner wanted the low maintenance and durability of masonry and concrete. The structure of the deck will be structural steel and enclosed with brick. The floor of the deck will be stamped and stained concrete on a metal deck. A gazebo on the deck will have a metal roof.

Build-Up Detroit/Detroit Sustainability Center

2009-06-24T12:55:00.003-04:00

Kenneth Crutcher has been invited to co-chair of the Build-Up Detroit/Detroit Sustainability Center Committee for the Southeast Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. The Detroit Sustainability Center (DSC) is an element of the Build Up Detroit (BUD) Program developed by Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice (DWEJ). The vision of this program is to establish the groundwork for a green

Hip Hop Meets Architecture

2009-05-14T15:44:00.002-04:00

Kenneth Crutcher is mentioned in the article "Hip Hop Meets Architecture in the Work of U-M Detroit Design Center Prof" By: Dennis Archambault. The article is about the recent book by Dr. Craig Wilkins, "The Aesthetics of Equity," published last year by the University of Minnesota Press.

Interior Renovation: Reconfigure a master bathroom

2009-03-25T18:05:00.005-04:00

Renovation of a Master Bathroom and closet.The challenge was to provide a steam shower and increase the usable closet space.The proposed renovation takes advantage of the existing plumbing locations to create a more open plan for the bathroom and provides an increase in closet space.

Ten Ways to Get More from Your Architect Than You Paid For

2008-12-20T13:28:00.002-05:00

I have in the past had clients ask for ways to reduce the fees associated with a project. Here is a great article that presents some great ways to get the most out of the services of an architect. AIA Article

Kenneth Crutcher Elected toNOMA Detroit Board

2008-12-20T12:57:00.002-05:00

Kenneth Crutcher has been elected to the position of President of the Detroit Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects. His one year term begins in January 2009.

Studio Sketch Service

2008-11-21T23:43:00.004-05:00

As part of our Studio Sketch service, you will receive an architectural sketch of your project. The sketch will include a floor plan and exterior or interior elevations, custom-designed for your project. The sketches are sent via e-mail and hard copies are sent via regular mail. You will also receive a free construction cost estimate and follow-up consultation. With our Studio Sketch service, I

Recent Project

2008-09-28T20:04:00.002-04:00

Crutcher Studio has completed design work for RSMS Motors Car Dealership Facility.Located on a small triangular site on the west side of Detroit, the building will house office and repair facility for a used auto dealership.http://www.crutcherstudio.com/new_page_4.htm

Recent Project

2008-09-28T19:31:00.005-04:00

Crutcher Studio has completed the design for an addition to a residence in Inkster, Michigan. The addition to this small house is designed to provide additionalliving space to care for a disabled relative in the home and to allow the family to interact in the common areas of the house.The remodeling of the existing kitchen will allow barrier free space for the family to eat together.http://

Crutcher Studio, Inc. joins The 1%, a program of Public Architecture

2008-09-22T10:11:00.002-04:00

10 firms join The 1% in July; AIA issues "Pro Bono Guidelines" draftThursday, August 14, 2008Public Architecture extends a welcome to the 10 firms that joined The 1% in July. Hailing from diverse locales across the country, these firms have become part of the network of architects providing quality design services to those who normally do not have access to them.http://www.theonepercent.org/About

Kenneth Crutcher appointed to the Farmington, MI Planning Commission

2008-09-16T10:46:00.005-04:00

At their special meeting of July 18, 2008, the Farmington City Council appointed Kenneth Crutcher as a Commissoner on the Planning Commission. The three-year term expires June 30, 2011.

Welcome

2008-09-14T13:56:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Crutcher Studio News Blog.