Architect 101: When to Call It Quits

When hiring an architect, you are hiring someone to come in and design your personal property to your liking. However, sometimes it just does not workout to your liking. That is when you may be thinking about relieving them of their duties. But when is the right time to do so? We are here to help and let you know when to call it quits on an architect.

Architect 101: When to Call It Quits
Save yourself time by reading up on these reasons to let go of an architect. Source: Keoni Cabral

Check out our published post on when to fire your architect that was published on the DCD Home website:

We have had a few clients who came to us after they fired their Architect. One client actually fired three different Architects before coming to us. They all live happily in their new homes in various gated communities in our beautiful valley. They have had various reasons, but the most common reason is the previous Architect’s inability to listen to their desires.

Architects need to keep their clients involved in every phase of a project. Starting with a proper analysis of the site, the client’s program needs to be developed primarily from client input. Program relationships follow suit here. The client’s involvement is most important during the conceptual design phase. A great concept with the full involvement goes a long way to a client’s embrace of the final results. An Architect who designs in a vacuum has done himself and his client a grave injustice. We say, “An Architect’s worst enemy is his ego”. Give up the ego and gain a satisfied client.

We, as Architects, are destined to provide our clients with professional expertise and design competence to fulfill their program requirements. A combination of art and science, sculpture and technical resolve, form the relationship of the Architect’s challenge to structure and site. Architecture is unlike the practice of medicine or law, because most people have a strong sense of what they like or dislike. Everyone has been in or seen a building they fancy. Few know the best medicine for their ailment or the most practical means of resolution to their legal woes.

Should I fire my Client?

Attentive clients are great. Those that share the enthusiasm we do make the process fun. This is an experience that takes at least five months in design and up to a year and a half or more in construction. The net result is a project that everyone can enjoy.

We have had to fire a few clients. One contracted for one size home and programmed a larger home. When informed their program exceeded their contractual size, they suggested we continue and see how it works out. When the completed home’s design exceeded the contractual amount, they would not pay the increased fees for the increased size.

Another case consisted of a client that was consistently absent minded of previous discussions. It made the process hell. The Project Manager was either contemplating suicide or murder. Life is too short to deal with people with no scruples.

Are Contractors good or evil?

We say Contractor make us look good. Sure we have to draw the right lines on the paper, but they are just lines. The constructed environment is far more difficult. Protocol in the office is if a Contractor calls with a question, stop what you are doing and help him solve his problem. We consider the Contractor an integral part of our team, Client, Architect and Contractor. Together we can make something great. The day of the Change Order Contractor is basically gone. Everything has value and someone is going to gain from it. Mistakes are inevitable, but the finesse of corrections is substantial.

Should I have fun?

Speaking of life being too short, if we are not having fun, doing what we do, then we stop! Architecture is a passion, far beyond a profession. It is in our brains, heart and soul. We get excited about the process and revel in the results.

Are we having fun yet?

Hell, yes. Come join us! It is how it should be!

If you’re looking to bring on a highly skilled architecture firm, contact us at TAB Associates, Inc. today.

Mountain Home Material Trends: Natural Wood & Stone

Mountain Home Material Trends: Natural Wood & Stone
Natural wood adds texture and a roughen appeal that exemplifies a mountain home.

Incorporating mountain home trends involves the use of natural wood and stone. Both materials are available in a wide range of styles, textures and colors and add the perfect touch in creating an atmosphere to reflect a client’s individual taste and vision for a mountain home.

Exterior: Natural materials make up the list of options for exteriors and include wood, stone, concrete, stucco, metal panels, timber and recycled wood. A modern upgrade is the use of glass sliding doors versus the traditional rustic style wood doors. Another option that focuses on melding the indoors with the outdoors is creating a design with more glass areas throughout the home.

Interior: Wood and stone are equally important in the interior where colors, hues and textures are blended using a variety of materials. From antique wood, quarried stone or polished concrete for floors to concrete slab kitchen countertops and hand textured walls, the possibilities in design are nearly endless. The combination of the outside materials incorporated into the interior design orchestrates a smooth and natural blending of the two.

As an authority on custom mountain and log home design, TAB Associates, Inc. can turn your vision into reality. For more information about our services, please call (970) 766-1470.

Current TAB Project: Avery Parsons Elementary School Addition

At TAB Associates, our Colorado architects don’t just provide people with the plans for the home of their dreams, we offer institutional dream projects, too.

Current TAB Project: Avery Parsons Elementary School Addition
TAB Associate is currently in the process of expanding the Avery Parsons Elementary School.

One of our current projects we’re working on is the Avery Parsons Elementary School addition. This school, located in Buena Vista, is adding on a wing for pre-kindergarten through second grade. This will replace the pre-kindergarten’s separate building.

One of the best parts is that though the design and features of the 17,800 square-foot addition will be similar to the 1997 structure, the day-lighting scheme will be different. This a great enhancement over the current structure, which is subtle enough so that it flows well with what is already standing. The teachers should not even need the electric lighting in their classrooms which will be automatically adjusted by daylight sensors.

Additionally, we will be adding a bit of site work, designing and implementing a new playground and pre-kindergarten playground. Possible additional funding may be provided by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO).

If you’ve got a project you’d like to see come true, our Colorado architects can help with every step of the process. Please contact us at 970-766-1470.

Modern Trends: Open Floor Plans in Mountain Home Design

Chen 3 Timber Springs Bunk House will utilize a variety of styles on the way to becoming a dream log house.
Chen 3 Timber Springs Bunk House will utilize a variety of styles on the way to becoming a dream log house.

One of the best recent trends for building mountain homes is going with the homeowners’ likes and dislikes and individual preferences. Of course, with all the choices one has with architectural design, it can get overwhelming on just what to choose for dream log homes. Though, one steadfast trend we’ve noticed in log homes that should likely never get old is the use of wide open space.

Maximizing sun exposure with seamless transitions from outdoors to indoors leaves residents with a feeling of elegance and serenity all rolled into one simple and beautiful home project. If the space is used correctly, through consultation with your architect, the square footage doesn’t have to be enormous in order to get the open space look and feel.

Quality of space is often more preferable to quantity of space. The elegance provided lacks the stuffiness of formal dining and living areas, but still retains its grand stature and openness.

Our current project, Chen 3 Timber Springs, utilizes this philosophy of open spaces that are efficiently used, with quality outweighing quantity. If you are interested in learning more about how TAB Associates can make your dream mountain home become a reality, call us at 970.766.1470.

Image via Flickr

What Are the Latest Trends In Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures?

At TAB Associates, part of our philosophy is to bring the very best to our clients, and that includes presenting the very latest innovative bathroom plumbing fixtures.

What Are the Latest Trends In Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures?
Form and function are married in 2013’s latest bathroom plumbing fixtures.

When it comes to bathroom plumbing, function is extremely important, but that doesn’t mean that form has to be sacrificed. To this end, we’ve noted the latest trends which are about a successful marriage of the two key aspects of plumbing fixtures — form and function. Here are the top three trends we’ve seen developing this year:

  • Freestanding bathtubs. Not only is this a triumph of design for spatial use, it’s sheer practical elegance.
  • High-functioning showerheads. This trend poses that the more a showerhead can do, the better. Intense massage, rain shower drenches, and pulses are just the beginning for a pleasant shower experience.
  • Touch-sensitive faucets. You no longer have to worry about shutting off the faucet with wet hands; simply touch the faucet anywhere on the Delta Touch20®, and you can keep your faucet clean while shutting off the water.

We believe that the most innovative bathroom plumbing fixtures, however, are what our clients want to see in their own custom designed buildings, and we assist based not only upon what’s trendy or popular, but what works best for the individual’s needs.

To learn more about how TAB Associates can help meet your architecture and planning needs, call us at 970.766.1470.

Image courtesy of Wikicommons 

Tab is Involved With Communities in Eagle and Lake County

Architects in Vail Valley do their part in serving the community and TAB Associates, Inc. is no exception. Founder and President of TAB Associates, Tab Bonidy, is a perfect example of someone who gives back to the community by providing monetary contributions, time and services to important educational and environmental projects.

Habitat for Humanity is one of  several local organizations to benefit from TAB's community involvement.
Habitat for Humanity is one of several organizations to benefit from TAB’s active community involvement.

Tab has contributed to an important program at Avon Elementary, allowing students to be involved in quality programs at Gore Range Natural Science School.

The Committee for Our Kids Future also had the benefit of Mr. Bonidy’s time and commitment in bringing to the forefront the need for new schools, renovating existing buildings, raising teacher’s salaries, and upgrading each school’s involvement with computer technology. Through the committees endeavors, a school bond issue was put forth and approved for these improvements.

Greg Macik, a member of the TAB team, does his part for the community as well by contributing his time, energy and resources with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Historical Society of Eagle Valley.

Further, TAB Associates, Inc. has worked with Habitat for Humanity of Eagle and Lake Counties by providing architectural services, at no cost, since 2004.

To learn more about TAB’s projects in the area, check out our Community Involvement page!

Image via Wikimedia Commons

LEED Gold Project Spotlight: Navarro-Wear Residence

Picture above, The Navarro Wear Residence is one of the LEED Gold projects completed by TAB.
Picture above, The Navarro Wear Residence is one of the  certified LEED Gold projects completed by TAB.

Here at TAB Associates, we specialize in The Architectural Balance and catering projects of our clients’ needs. One such example of our versatility in planning and customization is the is the Navarro-Wear residence project, which is LEED Gold Certified.

The LEED – Leadership in Energy and Design – rating system was first developed in 1998. The rating system sets the bar for homes, neighborhoods, and green buildings in terms of construction, performance, design and operation.

There are four levels of LEED achievement: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each level has a required number of points that can be earned from five categories in various sustainability categories.

The Navarro-Wear residence is a prime example of incorporating green options such as rooftop photovoltaic collectors, solar thermal collectors, exceptional insulation using R-30+ and R-50+ for walls and roof, and a continuous flow of fresh air via air-to-air heat exchangers.

With the LEED gold certification, the Navarro-Wear project became part of an elite group of certified buildings that include the illustrious Empire State Building.

If you have any questions about custom architecture and planning, please contact TAB Associates, Inc. at (970) 766-1470 today!

Call on TAB Associates, Inc. for Your Architectural Needs

When it comes to Colorado architecture firms that can efficiently handle new residential and commercial structures, renovations, additions, and interior design by offering the utmost in attention to detail, style and vision,  the professionals at TAB Associates, Inc.can turn your dreams into reality.

Call on TAB Associates, Inc.for Your Architectural Needs
TAB Associates should be your first stop for residential and commercial architectural needs.

With more than 30 years experience, the architects at TAB Associates understand the importance of maintaining a positive balance for each client in terms of budget, requirements, and the initial vision the client wants reflected in the project. At TAB, the goal isn’t to create what the architect wants but ideally to design and implement the original concept of the client.

TAB architects undertake many types of projects from master planning, from the mid-rise complex of villas at The Ocean Club in Flamingo Bay, Costa Rica, to the addition of a 2-bay garage for Eagle-Vail Metro District Pumphouse which is used for storage and equipment.

Staff also provide interior services providing a wealth of expertise in interior remodeling and renovation options such as those used in the Marcus townhome project, where two townhomes were combined into one dwelling.

TAB Associates, Inc. is located at 0056 Edwards Village Boulevard, Suite 210 in Edwards, approximately a two-hour drive west of Denver.

Image via TAB Associates

Fine Art Spotlight: Carrie Fell

A refreshing inspiration to the world of art can be found in the artwork by Carrie Fell. Her attention to expressive details complimented by a harmony  of colors evoke thought provoking and visually appealing pieces that satisfy both the mind and spirit.

Fine Art Spotlight: Carrie Fell
Inspire yourself with the artwork of Carrie Fell.

Fell’s Wisdom Bringers collection is a prime example of her focus and ability to tap into the history of the west and bring the elements of nature along with the spirit of the people and wisdom of the animals that made, and still make, our journey one of meaning.

In her artwork, you will see strong influences of Native Americans, western cattle ranchers and cowboys, landscapes, horses and buffaloes in an original and imaginative manner that present themselves clearly to the observer. Each piece speaks volumes without being garish or overdone and sends a message of peace, serenity and understanding.

To see a sampling of Fell’s work, visit Carriefell.com for a preview of originals and limited editions available for purchase.

If you are planning to upgrade or renovate your home or office or redo the interior to reflect a newly acquired piece of artwork, consider using the architectural services of TAB Associates, Inc. whose professional staff will turn your vision into a stunning reality.

Major Architectural Trends for 2013

Architectural trends are a helpful tool for getting the lay of the land in your industry. Because, what could be as helpful as the creative point of view of others who share your passion? And in 2013, there are many architectural trends that will be prominent in this new year.

Major Architectural Trends for 2013
2013 is a new year for innovative architectural designs.

One area busy homeowners and business owners share is the need for quality construction with low maintenance materials. Durability in the materials used is a vital element in low maintenance architecture as it decreases the frequency of replacing, repairing, and upgrading the structure.

With the housing market the way it is, not many people are looking to sell their homes and buy new ones in 2013. This is where home extensions come into play. Extensions and conversions can not only add versatility to homes and accommodate growing families, but they also increase the home’s value.

Vintage architecture has its place in the modern world. It is a link to the past, a part of history, and adds an element of continuity to a neighborhood.  Preserving these structures will be a positive issue going forward in 2013.

In Colorado, TAB Associates, Inc. stays current on what’s new in styles, design,  and durable materials to provide a plan of action that reflects a client’s individual vision.