A little space planning

Every once and a while I get to work out some architectural solutions a school district. Here are three option for an existing MN high school
needing some adult/community toilets and changing/shower areas accessible off the swimming pool. There are pros and cons with each option....but three viable options are a great starting point for a discussion with the principal and community education director.


Scheme A provides two toilets with changing/showering areas, but sacrifices significant equipment storage from two areas. This was the original wish list, but...


Scheme B leaves one storage area alone, but consumes the other. Only one toilet/shower/changing area, the other is just a showering/changing area.


Scheme C still only has one toilet/shower/changing room, one changing/shower area, but permits both storage areas to keep some of their spaces intact.

Location:Duluth LSDR

Biz Card Designer

Received a few layouts from the graphic designer, but after 8 hours of doodling options, came up with a new idea. If my iPad ever let's me, I'll share some concepts with you.....arghh. No Flash on iPad stinks, photo uploads will not work!

There, found an app for that. Here is best layout from designer, simple and clean start.







Here is my new concept....comments on both welcome. The red to green will be colors stolen from a fall maple leaf...Dina and my symbol.

Casura Screen Porch and Deck - CONCEPTS

Sometimes the simplest design can be tweaked just a little bit to make something ordinary into something extraordinary. Here are 3 simple deck/screen porch concepts recently forwarded to my clients for review.  The couple selected the option B, because of the little extra's, and the future family stories staged on this design.

• Him - the drink rail where family and friends can line-up and watch/interact from a distance with all the activities that occur out on the yard below.
• Her - the couples outlook at the bottom right. Provides an intimate destination and focal point where special things can happen.
• Both - they got their screen porch sized for flexible furniture and dining table layout. They got their outdoor built-in grill area, close to the patio door into the kitchen.
• Me - Happy they had just a few minor changes that wil make the design work a little better for how their family will use the spaces. Door and bottom of stair locations shift.  While I had reasons for the placement of these items - a collaborative approach like this - give and take - ensures that the design fits the family long term.

DO YOU WANT A NEW STAGE FOR YOUR FAMILY STORIES?
My bill to them for initial meeting, drafting background, initial concepts, 3 detailed concepts - $400.00. 
Remaining work: minor revisions, 1 meeting, minimal permit/construction plans -$300.00.
For a $700.00 up-front investment in planning, This family get's a space that's especially tailored to their needs, home and site. All for less than the material costs of the two screen doors!

Comments welcome, referrals appreciated, projects needed. 
I'll post revised plan and hopefully photos as they build it this summer.

Business card design & Using Experts

I just sent off a package of info and direction to a graphic design "expert" referred to me by a fellow BNI RRR member whose card I liked the best out of all 40 other members. I am practicing what I preach about using an expert for the best, and most efficient, result.

While I have legitimate graphic design training and experience, designing an effective biz card is a unique skill.

Note my lame execution of a biz card that can be used as a scale by my clients at a design meeting. I hope the expert can make this simpler and more effective. More excited to see his own concepts from my design problem statement.

I need to send him a logo now, my old one from 10 years ago is pretty lame too...but cannot afford a pro logo w/ no income! Round two maybe.

USE OF EXPERTS FOR BUILDING: I'll coordinate the best team to accomplish your families' dreams for a new or remodeled home, or reach your business goals with a better or renovated commercial building. I'll bring the right experts to you. I'll review your ideas, goals, dreams, thoughts and discuss all the options to create this new reality with you. We'll set up a realistic scope, budget and concept. We'll hire a Building type Architect/specialist in to design what we cannot together, hire efficient drafters to get just the plans needed for permitting, design/build pricing, or hard bidding. I'll introduce you to a few contractors that fit that particular project, and let them, and your preferred contractor(s) bid apples-to-apples to provide the your desired end-result....one contractor cannot do every type of project! If needed I'll stay involved during construction to resolve any issues with the city, architect, contractors, sub-contractora, etc. - always to protect your best interests.

My expertise comes from over 17 years as the practical architectural project manager in various MN architect firms. Ifyou let me manage your project I'll protect your interests.....not those of the hired contractor, architect, or drafting firm.

The nice thing about using an expert - is that regardless of whether it's his best or worst work - - I know it'll be better than I can do.  And just like I'll ask you - I rely on my business card expert to correct my thinking where it's faulty.

Here's the TEMP card I threw together and printed on perforated biz-card stock. LAME!