TRANSFORMED # SMALL DWELLING by Karel Verstraeten architect (Belgium)

Originally posted on ___ architecture for the 99:
From the architect. After purchasing a discarded construction trailer for just €15, owners Kris and Griet together with Ghent-based architect practice Karel Verstraeten have transformed it into an inhabitable space. Wanting to create a small dwelling that could be used for either studying and resting or partying, the unit was pulled…

A Local Hero

Upon the start of the war, Greene enrolled in the militia at the lowest entry level. At the end of the war he had a reputation as George Washington’s most trusted officers.

Mountain Jam

Every year, thousands of people attend one of the biggest festivals in the North East, Mountain Jam. Held at the Hunter Mountain Ski Resort in the Northern Catskills, four days of great music is an experience that draws a crowd of over 10,000 people. The Jam hosts dozens of bands. The music is almost continuous.…

A Day at the Park with Half-Strangers

It was supposed to rain but clear up in time for the picnic. The weather was surprisingly kind and gifted us with a sunny day start to finish. Kaaterskill Associates has always been a company that tries to show appreciation for its employees whenever there’s an opportunity. The company picnic is no exception. Owner John…

Hiring an architect is a great start to designing your dream home. As with any professionals there are often misconceptions about what they do. A few of the common thoughts that architects continually spend time explaining are: 1. “Just give me the blueprints” or “I just need you to draw the picture.” There’s more to it than “drawing” pictures. Some might think architects sit down with a client, outline a project then go to their desk and sketch out a picture. While many architects are very artistic, their schooling has taught them how to focus on an over-all plan. Before a drawing or blueprint can be created, there are many things to consider. There might be time spent researching the best way to do a project and orchestrating the different aspects of a design. (Picture of free-hand drawing) 2. “An addition is something I can do myself, architects are a waste of money.” While not every home renovation needs an architect, when a substantial change is being made to a house an architect can be an important part of the design team. It may seem like a large cost but what an architect can contribute is helping you start the project with a plan in mind. With function, ascetics and budget in mind an architect can help you save money by thinking through pitfalls you might not be aware of and consolidating efforts because having things planned out allows you to do that. (Picture of do-it-yourself building project) 3. “I don’t need an architect for a small residential project.” This can be true. If you are on a tight budget and are looking for a very basic design there are websites you can find basic plans and keep costs down. However, if you are building your dream home and want to take the opportunity to customize and make it stand out, an architect is the way to go. Even if you do find design plans online but want to tweak a few small things and customize the plans to your property lot, an architect can help. Often plans found online need work to bring them up to code or flesh out the construction details to make sure it will be built correctly. This can be a median price that gives the best of both worlds. 4. “I can tell you what I want and you can make it work.” Every architect strives to create something that the client will be excited about. However, their job is also to collaborate each aspect of building a home to meet code, fit in with the overall plan and consider things you might not be aware of all while designing a home you will love to live in. The reason you hire a design professional is because they are able to draw plans in consideration of all the factors.

4 Misconceptions About Architecture

Hiring an architect is a great start to designing your dream home. As with any professionals there are often misconceptions about what they do. A few of the common thoughts that architects continually spend time explaining are: 1. “Just give me the blueprints” or “I just need you to draw the picture.” There’s more to…

The ABC’s of Building a House

ABC’s of Building a House From looking at just a cardboard house it is easy to see how much goes into building a home. Before a contractor ever steps foot on your property, there’s a long process. Some of it is fun, like designing and imagining the layout. Then there’s the tedious but strategic and…

http://nypost.com/2011/08/28/ny-cleans-up-after-dodging-killer-storm-mayor-says-worst-is-over/

Rebuilding: Hurricane Irene 2 years later

Hurricane Irene came with a vengeance. Even though it was 2 ½ years ago, the damage is still visible. There are some place where trees still hold debris and there are many buildings and structures that are in the process of rebuilding. When Irene hit, it hit hard. Even though the Catskills are nowhere near…

It’s All About the Math

The phone rings. It’s the next door neighbor, who happens to run an outdoors events center. “It appears that the driveway you’re using is on our property and we’re going to have to charge you for using the part of the driveway that belongs to us.” Pay for the use of my own driveway? Time…