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 comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education
What Your Dollars Will Buy
Contribution Service(s)
$85 One minute of research
$100 One support group session
$150 One physical, occupational or respiratory therapy consultation
$200 Professional fees related to initial diagnostic work-up at an MDA clinic
$500 Assists one person for one year with the repair of a wheelchair or leg braces
$800 Sends one child to MDA summer camp
$2,000 Assists one person with the purchase of a wheelchair, leg braces or communication device
Please donate here
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Michigan Building Permits
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. Some communities also have a building permit application available for download.
Feel free to bookmark the site for future reference.
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. Some communities also have a building permit application available for download.
Feel free to bookmark the site for future reference.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Residential Architect Magazine
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 Magazine
Publication date: July 1, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
What are Architectural Services?
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 will spend with us, your architect. It is at this time we discuss the requirements for your building: how many rooms, what function the structure will have, who will use it and how. It is also the time when you begin to test the fit between what you want, what you need, and what you can afford to spend.
Step 2: Rough Sketches
Once we have defined what is to be built, we will then do a series of rough sketches, known as schematic designs. These sketches will show you the general arrangement of rooms and of the site. If you have difficulty understanding the sketches (many people do), ask and we can explain the ideas. Depending on the project and budget, we can also make models of the design to help better visualize it.
Step 3: Refining the Design
This step, called design development, is when we prepare more detailed drawings to illustrate other aspects of the proposed design. The floor plans will show all the rooms in the correct size and shape. Outline specifications will be prepared listing the major materials and room finishes.
Step 4: Preparing Construction Documents
At this point, we prepare construction documents, the detailed drawings and specifications which the contractor will use to establish actual construction cost and to build the project.
Step 5: Hiring the Contractor
There are a number of ways to select a contractor. We can make recommendations, or if you already have someone you want to work with, you might send the construction documents to him or her and negotiate fees and costs. Or you may wish to choose among several contractors you've asked to submit bids on the job. We will discuss the pros and cons of these methods with you to help you decide what will work best for you.
Step 6: Construction
This final step is often the most anxiety-producing part of the whole process. Up until now, your project has been confined to intense discussion, planning, and two-dimensional renderings. When construction begins, your project moves from an abstraction to a physical reality.
Ready to start?
If you are ready to start I would like the opportunity to discuss various issues relating to your current or future design needs. Please contact Crutcher Studio, Inc for a project consultation.
Our full description of services.
(Adapted from the AIA publication "A Beginners Guide to Architectural Services")
Step 1: Deciding What to Build
This first stage, called programming, is probably the most valuable time you will spend with us, your architect. It is at this time we discuss the requirements for your building: how many rooms, what function the structure will have, who will use it and how. It is also the time when you begin to test the fit between what you want, what you need, and what you can afford to spend.
Step 2: Rough Sketches
Once we have defined what is to be built, we will then do a series of rough sketches, known as schematic designs. These sketches will show you the general arrangement of rooms and of the site. If you have difficulty understanding the sketches (many people do), ask and we can explain the ideas. Depending on the project and budget, we can also make models of the design to help better visualize it.
Step 3: Refining the Design
This step, called design development, is when we prepare more detailed drawings to illustrate other aspects of the proposed design. The floor plans will show all the rooms in the correct size and shape. Outline specifications will be prepared listing the major materials and room finishes.
Step 4: Preparing Construction Documents
At this point, we prepare construction documents, the detailed drawings and specifications which the contractor will use to establish actual construction cost and to build the project.
Step 5: Hiring the Contractor
There are a number of ways to select a contractor. We can make recommendations, or if you already have someone you want to work with, you might send the construction documents to him or her and negotiate fees and costs. Or you may wish to choose among several contractors you've asked to submit bids on the job. We will discuss the pros and cons of these methods with you to help you decide what will work best for you.
Step 6: Construction
This final step is often the most anxiety-producing part of the whole process. Up until now, your project has been confined to intense discussion, planning, and two-dimensional renderings. When construction begins, your project moves from an abstraction to a physical reality.
Ready to start?
If you are ready to start I would like the opportunity to discuss various issues relating to your current or future design needs. Please contact Crutcher Studio, Inc for a project consultation.
Our full description of services.
(Adapted from the AIA publication "A Beginners Guide to Architectural Services")
Friday, August 28, 2009
Farmington Schools Facilities Study Committee
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 the Board of Education.
-Determine whether preschool classes should be in centers and/or elementary schools.
The Committee will present the recommendation and rationale to the Board of Education on January 26, 2010.
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 the Board of Education.
-Determine whether preschool classes should be in centers and/or elementary schools.
The Committee will present the recommendation and rationale to the Board of Education on January 26, 2010.
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