We get a lot of calls here at BUILD from clients who are thinking about buying a piece of real estate and taking on a project. They’re usually pretty serious about a particular house or lot, however, it’s typical that there are a handful of unknowns about the project. The issues may include: placing their program (needs, wants) within that property, the allowable buildable area of a challenging site, easement access to the property, or the practicality of building the desired home within pre-existing neighborhood covenants, to name only a few of the possible issues. They’re all very good concerns and a savvy home buyer knows that an unfavorable code, provision or covenant can be a show stopper.
At the same time, good property is becoming increasingly difficult to find here in the Pacific Northwest, and while a potential homeowner is sorting out the value vs. risk equation, someone else (with more insight or less aversion to risk) may scoop up the property.
So it’s a real conundrum for potential homeowners who don’t have a good system for assessing the value vs. risk equation. We’ve worked with enough clients now on this very scenario that we think it’s a good time to document the BUILD strategy for securing property while limiting risk. This system applies to mid-century remodels, new homes on existing foundations, new homes on fully-demolished structures and new homes on blank lots.
We’re pleased to announce that team BUILD has pulled off our second annual charity bicycle ride: a 2-day, 187-mile jaunt from Seattle to Vancouver, BC now officially christened as the S2V Invitational. We ask our friends, colleagues, and progressive business owners to ride or just sponsor, and we’re delighted to send the not-insignificant proceeds to *social* profits doing important work.
Participants (top row L to R): Kevin Eckert, Ryan Linton,Josiah Johnson, Donald Summers, Albert Shum, Bill Reilly, Steve Oliver, Mike Mackie, Greg Plaunt, Aaron Pambianco, Scott Bleistein, Chris Patano
(bottom row L to R): Derek Birnie and Jorji Knickrehm of Washington C.A.S.H., Bill Wiegand, Bart Gibson, Duff Bangs (not pictured): coach, driver: Gary Plaunt
It’s a big day here at the BUILD World Headquarters and we’ve got some exciting news to share. Several months ago we collaborated with the talented folks over at FRANK on a documentary short film based on the work of BUILD LLC and our design inspirations. Today we’re happy to announce that the film is complete and available for your viewing pleasure. The footage dives into some of our favorite projects, allows us to speak about our design philosophy, and gives a peek at some projects that powerfully influence us. Pull up a seat and check it out here:
We’re big fans of the dynamic nature of architecture and the film does a wonderful job of capturing the movement, light and tactile qualities of design. We had a blast working with Brandon, Kevin and Melissa on the filming and we’re honored to be the focus of their hard work and expertise. We want to extend a huge thanks to our friends at Parallels for taking an interest and funding the film. It’s just extraordinary to see individuals and groups come together, get involved, and create a cultural piece like this. We’re flattered to have a role and hats off to the hard working people that made it happen.
We’ve been swamped with great work and interesting activities lately- more so than at any point in our previous 12 years; so we figured it was a good time for the team to take a moment and share the scoop.
On the travel front, we just returned from New York City where we attended the Chase JarvisDasein show at the Ace Hotel –an energetic photography exhibit that focused on the raw human existence of “being there”. Over 15,000 snapshots (submitted by all types of folks from all kinds of places) created a thread of understanding and interpretation of the world. A super cool show with a heck of a wrap-up party. Big thanks to Chase and his crew.
Over the years we’ve experimented with many different types of countertops covering a range of materials, manufacturers and methods. The countertops that we’re using today are, for the most part, the ones that have proven themselves. We’ve rounded up a bunch of past projects and it’s a good time to share what we know and what we like about countertops. Like anything, take it with a grain of salt – this is just what experience has taught us.
As you may know, the BUILDblog is a huge supporter of Shelterbox. About a year ago we took a thorough survey of disaster relief organizations and Shelterbox was by far the most sensible, innovative and strategic of the groups out there. When we donate resources, organize fundraising events or participate in events, we know that it results in direct benefits to the victims on the ground with Shelterbox. We just can’t give enough props to this extraordinary organization.
The news from Japan has been horrendous and alarming. The volume of pictures, videos and coverage continues to be incredibly informative; at the same time this inundation of media brings about a feeling of powerlessness. It hits home all the more here in the Pacific Northwest, where many of the same natural variables exist. We’re directing our money and our time at this concern and we’ve got a few important items to post today, should you choose to join us at chipping in and helping out some people in serious need.
BUILD LLC just wrapped up a nice remodel to a mid-century modern home north of Seattle for a couple of great friends and it’s a good time to share the results. The project was a pleasure to work on and it’s just the kind of housing type that we love applying our skills to. The residences from the 1950’s were well designed and have great bones. Now that these homes are getting up there in age, certain areas need updating. With some strategic planning and a good system in place, the lives of these homes can be extended for another 60 years +. Intelligently remodeling an existing house to make it last for another couple of generations is also one of the most sustainable things a homeowner can do.
A current project of ours involves the substantial remodel to an older house in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. It’s a quaint little house but, despite the fact that it’s been remodeled a number of times over the years, it doesn’t work. Like many homes from this era, the biggest obstacle of creating a functional home is the roof line; and gable roofs don’t allow for adequate living space on the second floor. Gable roofs make for cramped spaces with awkward little rooms that you can’t stand up straight in. The shortage of windows always makes for dark cave-like interiors and the closets always seem to be at waist level. They just don’t work.
Part two of our Gordon Walker series focuses on some of his large-scale projects. It’s been a real pleasure sorting through the Walker archives and several noteworthy characteristics stand out to us.
Whether you’re from the Pacific Northwest or not, you should be familiar with the work of Gordon Walker. His knowledge of design and construction is exceptional, he’s pushed the envelope of architecture for decades, and he’s been instrumental in establishing a modern aesthetic here in the Northwest. Gordon has been practicing architecture in Seattle since 1962 – he has worked for Ralph Anderson, has co-founded Olson Walker Architects, and was a principal at NBBJ. He founded Walker Architects in 1992 and is currently a consulting principal at Mithun. He may very well be the wisest architect in town and he’s got our full respect.
We get a lot of calls here at BUILD from clients who are thinking about buying a piece of real estate and taking on a project. They’re usually pretty serious about a particular house or lot, however, it’s typical that there are a handful of unknowns about the project. The issues may include: placing their program (needs, wants) within that property, the allowable buildable area of a challenging site, easement access to the property, or the practicality of building the desired home within pre-existing neighborhood covenants, to name only a few of the possible issues. They’re all very good concerns and a savvy home buyer knows that an unfavorable code, provision or covenant can be a show stopper.
