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
Friday, September 4, 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.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Open House for The Arts League Of Michigan Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center
July 21, 2009
Crutcher 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. Carr Cultural Arts Center is the next step in the evolution of the organization and moves to establish it and The Arts League of Michigan as major participants in the cultural life of our community and the nation. Named in honor of Virgil H. Carr, past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arts League of Michigan, this facility will be recognized as the premier center for African and African American cultural arts programs and activities in the nation.
The Carr Center is located in The Harmonie Club, located at 311 E. Grand River. Constructed in 1895, the building and its subsequent club, known as the Harmonie Club was originated by the Harmonie Society, a musical society of German immigrants. Designed in classical Beaux Arts style, the building is four stories embellished by appealing stone work, and carefully designed curving windows, all reminiscent of the best in urban architecture of the late Victorian age.
Crutcher 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. Carr Cultural Arts Center is the next step in the evolution of the organization and moves to establish it and The Arts League of Michigan as major participants in the cultural life of our community and the nation. Named in honor of Virgil H. Carr, past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arts League of Michigan, this facility will be recognized as the premier center for African and African American cultural arts programs and activities in the nation.
The Carr Center is located in The Harmonie Club, located at 311 E. Grand River. Constructed in 1895, the building and its subsequent club, known as the Harmonie Club was originated by the Harmonie Society, a musical society of German immigrants. Designed in classical Beaux Arts style, the building is four stories embellished by appealing stone work, and carefully designed curving windows, all reminiscent of the best in urban architecture of the late Victorian age.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Pewabic Pottery
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 serve the nation as a unique common ground where artists and the public share interests and ideas about ceramic arts.
Consider becoming a member
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