Phil Norman

Do I need an Architect?

    This is a recent article by a local architectural firm Joseph Spierer Architects. I think it adds insight and validation on hiring a team of professionals for your job.
Do I need an Architect?
Article by Joseph Spierer
www.calarchitect.com
    Most of us would agree that an architect was absolutely necessary to design the Ritz Carlton in Downtown Los Angeles. Most of us would also agree that there is no need to hire an architect when it is time to repaint the weathered exterior façade of your home. But what about everything in between? When is it okay to skip the architect altogether and go straight to the contractor for the end product?

    If we take a look at the letter of California law, anyone is legally allowed to design a single family residence or, if they so desire, to pick up a pen and paper and design up to a four unit apartment on their own. Of course, no one in their right mind would do such a thing: designing buildings is a complex process that requires training and experience.
    Architects have been licensed by the state to practice architecture. They have gone through a five-year University program, practiced during a 3-year working internship, and passed the ten tests necessary for licensing. That’s over 40 hours of testing! Creating an elegant piece of architecture involves quite a bit of complexity. A licensed architect has a wealth of knowledge that one simply cannot find elsewhere.
    But knowing that an architect is qualified for a job does not necessarily mean that you need one. Adding a third bedroom or a second story will, of course, require the work of an architect. However, converting a basement into a game room or changing that third bedroom into a home office will most likely not. A skilled, licensed contractor will be able to convert these types of spaces without the need to even have measured drawings. If, on the other hand, you want to transition that ugly commode into a master bath worth of royalty or if you want to upgrade your outdated kitchen to a chef’s arena that would make Gordon Ramsey jealous, deep consideration should be given to hiring architect.
    Although hiring an architect may seemingly add to the overall cost of your project, a skilled architect will likely be able to find cost savings in places you might never have thought. Of course, if you spend $30,000 to remodel your bathroom only to discover that the flow of the room doesn’t work or that the ceiling height is just a little too low to comply with the building code, you will wish that you had spent the extra cash.
    Not every project requires the expertise of an architect. Repairs, simple room conversions and material upgrades are prime examples of these cases. If there is a level of complexity where you just can’t get what you want by pointing and describing, it might be time to call on your favorite architectural design professional. All of us see construction around us all of the time, but real architecture is a much less common and more highly appreciated occurrence.
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    1. Custom home designed by: Architect - Louie Tomaro Architecture ,Interior Design team - Norman design Group ,Builder - Dave Baldwin Construction ,Estimated completion Fall 2012.
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          1. Recently completed project in Valmonte area of Palos Verdes Estates.
      Architect - Doug Leach: douglas@djleach.com ,Interior Design team - Norman Design Group ,Builder - Norman MacKnight: normanmacknight@gmail.com
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A Modern Twist on Traditional

I’m back with another “What Inspires Me”, this week’s post is Quadrille Fabrics. There are also many coordinating fabrics in this collection ranging from very modern to transitional. The fabric line offers some wonderful graphic prints on various weights of fine linen. Depending on your tolerance or love for color and prints, I would use this on headboards, chairs, drapery or just a simple pillow for a pop of texture and color.

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Another little know secret is ANY of their fabrics can be done on Sunbrella outdoor ground cloth giving me a huge palette to select from.

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Quadrille’s gorgeous prints are mainly seen upholstered on fabulous furniture or wallpapered in beautiful homes {you may recognize some of their gorgeous prints from Home Magazines}, but I’ve found use of their prints for many different uses in the home. For a dramatic focal point, I’d use their wallpapers for backdrops. For a burst of color, I’d turn their fabrics into custom runners.

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They embrace gorgeous bursts of color in their fabric. They also know how to rock graphic patterns. Quadrille’s designs exude those kind of happy colors and patterns.

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I appreciate you reading this blog post and please don’t be shy to contact me with any questions or comments Phil@normandesigngroup.com

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Finishing Touches

When clients are decorating their homes with me, I am a real stickler for the quality of finishes. What they show you is the depth and sophistication of the way reproductions should be finished. They stay away from the high polish, glitzy gold and one dimensional process. I require, hand rubbed, old world gold and sophisticated finishing techniques when I will create a piece like this for my client.
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I have finishers right here in Los Angeles that can do this incredible process.When I go to approve a client’s finish at their shop, I end up spending an extra hour looking and discussing finishes with Raul. I guess I just get lost in the process and I am just amazed at how these guys know how to do this fantastic work in today’s fast-paced world.

I appreciate you reading this blog post and please don’t be shy to contact me with any questions or comments Phil@normandesigngroup.com

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