Vanman at 2012 AIA-MN Convention

What is Architect-Led-Design-Build?

It is a design build delivery method where the architect takes the lead. It is the right way to do Integrated Project Delivery (IPD).

Vanman Architects and Builders has been doing this for 55 years, and I am proud to be a part of this team.

We also partner with high-design firms needing an architect of record, small firms needing the support of a larger firm, and all sorts of architects seeking a builder partner who works well with others, and believes in the value of an architect at the helm.

Learn more at the Vanman Booth #344 at the architect's convention Nov 6-9, 2012 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Or ask me! We want to partner with more architects in 2013.




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School into Church Code Study

Keeping people safe one calculation at a time.

When someone yells "FIRE" it better be self evident how to get yourself and loved ones to safety!

One of the most thankless jobs, but THE most critical.

Thank God for calculators!



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British Basement...phase 1.

The 9 foot ceilings in the basement of this 12 year old home coupled with a patient couple waiting for just the right time to implement their ideas permit a lot of variety within an odd shaped space.

The space becomes a balanced series of unique, defined spaces that explode into a sheltered outdoor room anchored by two unique fireplaces and a two level stamped concrete, stone and iron wood perch to admire their 200 acres and the rum river that runs through it.

Dark woodwork, coffered ceilings, slate and stone create this desired British feeling.

The design also gives more than a nod to the private and public activities of the family and includes a gallery for family photos.

A fun project...get to share with the client tomorrow.



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Reduced Scope Required!

When I started working on this project for LJ Level's client wanting to transform a family member's home into their own final home, they had plans to eventually retire in it. Budget was discussed, but priority was to create the spaces and features desired.
A sudden reduction of income changed everything. A strict budget became king. Phased construction became a possibility, significant DIY became necessary, and this home will likely now only be their primary residence for 3-5 years.
Phase 1 is now a new on grade primary entry & stair, master bedroom suite over a two car garage.
Phase 2 is the interior remodeling performed by the owner after moving into the MB suite.
Phase 3, if they decide to remain in the home beyond three – five years, are all of the "extras" not shown.
Pricing underway.
One benefit of working with a designer as well as a builder is you get to make decisions based on real design and real numbers while only paying for the "thinking" time to create these very basic concept sketches on trace paper... rather than starting demolition and hoping for the best.
Want to clarify your concept and get a price? Give me a call!

LOWER LEVEL

UPPER LEVEL

ROOF PLAN
larryfredlund@yahoo.com
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New entry

Wrote a nice long post, and BlogPress crashed. Must not like the new iOs I upgraded to!

So.....here is the plan and elevation of the final new entry former posts mention.

Thanks Pew for the encouragement....









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How to save a Beautiful Old MN Church

There are three possible futures on the table for this church.

1) limp it along (until nobody attends).

2) brace it's bones and give it a triple bypass and a companion (New HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems and a complimentary addition)

3) Raze it, and not the good kind (raise).

Hoping we get this job so we can execute number two. Based on the limited amount of info provided in the RFP, I have concocted a scheme to hopefully share once short listed further.

Sneak Peak.....if you know the church....shhhh for a few weeks.

(site plan shown sucks, replacing with a simpler less site-intrusive solution that lets the Parsonage remain as rental income for a while longer.)

All 15 ministries and general attendance have been shrinking....they need the Juice...and I gave this thing a large Monster energy drink baby!














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Sketching for Understanding

Until I get my residential standards up to speed in Revit (3d design software) I am still working in Autocad 2D.

To help my clients understand the design better, I spent a couple hours popping up the plan, sketching in the design, and finally shading and rendering.

It may not be art, but it helps get to a decision. Are we done, or do we need to revise the roof form (over the entry).

Stuff on the left is the new entry and kitchen addition (over basement expansion) to this Blooming home.






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Location:Durant St NE,Isanti,United States