Part 2:  Strategy 

During the initial design consultation and subsequent meetings with a client, the designer will elicit many ideas for the remodeling project.  This can be an overwhelming assortment of ideas for the customer to juggle, and without an experienced designer, could create havoc during the design process.  The designer’s professionalism and experience will be essential for combing through all the ideas and determining which will enhance or improve the design for the remodel and also which ideas are consistent with the client’s budget.  Some clients enter the process with very specific materials they would like to use while others may have a strong sense of what they like and don’t like but no specific products or ideas.  As the designer helps the client build a design strategy they will consider the materials, together with the costs associated with the project, prioritizing some while shelving others for later consideration.  In this first stage of planning, as the designer-client team narrow down the materials and design concepts, the client may struggle with letting go of some ideas that just aren’t working. However, as the final concepts start to materialize, a project that balances aesthetics with budget and quality will be worth the efforts. 

As a final step in planning the design, the designer and client will determine roles for the research of materials, finishes, fixtures, etc. needed to complete the design.  A designer is a resource, and not all clients choose to use this resource in the same way.  Some clients prefer to do the legwork for these projects all on their own, with modest amounts of time spent reviewing product with the designer.  Others clients prefer to have the designer do all of the research and then present options from which the client will select.  Obviously, the more the clients choose to use the designer, the more costly the design process becomes.  For the budget conscious client, a professional designer will provide them with the right resources and guidance to accomplish the research successfully. This will help avoid frustration, confusion and wasting Valuable time.  As part of the strategizing, the designer and client should review the design tasks and discuss options for task distribution, in order to stay focused on budget and insuring top quality results.

Morse Remodeling is proud to sponsor the Pence Gallery’s annual Garden Tour again this year.  This is the 21st year for this fantastic spring time event.  This year the tour will include eight gardens located in Central Davis.  The gardens will include a fruitful large vegetable garden, a low-water garden design, and a fascinating selection of native plantings and trees.  Local artists will be found in the gardens creating plein air paintings and a silent auction with a generous array of gifts and services will be held during the event.  Tickets are now on sale at the Pence Gallery and will be available at Redwood Barn, Newsbeat & Beyond the Garden Gate soon.  For more information, check out the Pence website.

As a design-build firm we have the opportunity to watch the remodeling process from its inception through construction and completion.  Over the years, it has become apparent that a good design and positive experience during the early stages is critical to a quality remodel.  As a team, we recently sat down and discussed what makes a successful design experience.  Over the course of the next several days, we will post the top 5 elements of a quality design process, based on our years of experience and the feedback we have received from customers.  Below is Part1. 

 Part 1:  Communication 

Undoubtedly, the number one factor pivotal to a successful project is communication.  This starts with the very first consultation, when the customer begins sharing their ideas, visions, questions and concerns with the designer.  Many of the elements that lead to a successful design experience originate from this interview process. Several months ago, architect Andrea Montalbano published an article on the Morse blog describing the client interview.  This is a great read for anyone considering a new design project or for those interested in entering the field as a designer. 

For the designer, this process begins with active listening during the interview. It is imperative that the designer pay attention to the customer as they share their ideas and issues regarding their current home.  Customers hire a professional designer to help them for a reason. A good designer is a good listener, who will hear the subtleties and then ask follow-up questions to get the full story. While listening to the customer’s ideas, the designer should also be picking up on clues to lifestyle, differing opinions or needs between partners, and other elements the designer must take into consideration that the customer may not have even considered.   Beyond the obvious questions such as color choice, active listening will produce some deeper questions such as how a room is used throughout the year – should it be flexible to make it easily converted for multiple uses?  These questions create an opportunity to help the customer dig deeper and think more in-depth about the design, and highlight when the desires and practical needs of the customer may clash.  Through active listening and good questions, a good designer can create a design that surprises the customer by satisfying needs that only become evident to the customer through the interview process.  The dialogue and communication during the design process should be one of discovery for both the customer and the designer, the end result being a design that exceeds the customer’s original goals.

Check back soon to read the next part in our series:  Strategy.

At Morse Remodeling, Inc. we promote a high-energy, creative & collaborative work environment.  As a design-build firm, communication and team work are keys to a fun and successful experience, not only for our customers, but for our team as well.  Our new lead designer will be essential to facilitating the positive flow of information in all aspects of our projects.  Knowledge of design and construction are essential as well as a keen understanding of marketing and sales.  If you or someone you know has the potential to join our award winning crew, please keep reading! 

Responsibilities include:

• * Working with customers to design their project as well as identifying all products needed for that project.
• * Lead design and estimating meetings with customers, trade partners and vendors.
• * Sales skills and knowledge associated with the home improvement industry.
• * Ability to solve design questions and problems between design and production staff.
• * Move projects forward in a timely and efficient manner.
• * Accurately Measure existing structures and provide detailed floor plans for design development.
• * Create drawings as needed for clarification, specification, and detail pertaining to a larger scope of work or design.
• * Create & manage libraries of design resources customers can use in order to assist them with design development and inspiration.
• * Manage remodeling and construction budgets and client relationships as they pertain to their projects.
• * Create detailed estimates and project descriptions to be used for clear communication of the design for construction use.
• * Continually work to improve skills and knowledge within the interior design and architectural field.
• * Manage multiple projects efficiently and professionally, meeting all deadlines.

 Requirements:

• * Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design or Architecture is preferred, but not required.
• * Two years plus industry experience via internship or work experience is desired.
• * Understanding of residential remodeling and construction practices which includes knowledge of all trades & industry products as well as their applications necessary to complete a project.
• * Must have strong technical graphics skills, free-hand drawing design skills, and drafting skills.
• * Ability to read and understand building plans and associated codes.
• * Proficiency in: MS Office, CAD (Vectorworks, Auto Cad, Chief Architect) in addition to a strong design portfolio demonstrating knowledge of finish materials, industry standards and code requirements.
• * Possession of a vehicle and a valid California driver license is mandatory.
• * Individually motivated and works well in a team environment as well as independently.
• * Excellent time management, organizational, and communication skills.
• * Critical thinking and reasoning skills.
• * Highly motivated for career success.

To apply please email resume to mary@morseremodeling.com. 

No phone calls please.

What are the five most important elements to consider when hiring a contractor to work on your home?

 License and Insurance

The first and most important element is to check the status of the Contractor’s License and make sure they are current with their Worker’s Compensation Insurance, or have on file that they are sole proprietors and do not require Worker’s Compensation. You can check status on the California State License Board’s website www.cslb.ca.gov.  Another important factor to consider is liability insurance. Many contractors do not maintain a liability insurance policy. This type of insurance covers the contractor and your home should a flood, fire, or damage to the project occur during the course of construction project.

 References of past and current projects

This one is simple. Get in touch with the contractor’s current and former customers. (Take pause if the contractor does not have current customers; good contractors typically keep themselves busy). Ask the contractor’s references the hard questions: Was the project finished within the expected timeframe? Was the project finished without additional costs or added work to the scope?  Was the job site maintained and kept clean and orderly? Would you hire the contractor again for a similar project?

Quality

Choosing a contractor that has been in business for several years typically means that the company is knowledgeable and hires seasoned and skilled carpenters and trade partners. However, I commonly step into situations with a prospective customer and get to see the quality of work from previous projects with other contractors.  Sometimes the lack of quality can be hidden behind walls and come back to haunt the customer later. Other times, it is in plain sight and the finish is substandard. Being clear about the quality of work you expect is very important before the project begins.

 Detailed Estimates

One of the most common issues that customer’s complain about  is that the project surpassed the agreed upon price when the contract was signed. One of the main reasons this happens is because the scope of work was not spelled out in detail and there was neither a clear expectation from the customer or the contractor. Being thorough with estimating takes a great deal of time and energy, however, it is mandatory for a successful project. Design/Build firms specialize in the planning, design, and estimating phase of the project and use their building knowledge to successfully predetermine all costs prior to the commencement of the project.

Communication

Is the contractor setting up expectations during the planning of the project? Is the contractor responding to your phone calls and following through on items that were discussed prior to entering into the contract? Remodeling and construction projects are complex and require a great deal of communication. If the communication is poor at the estimating phase of your project, then imagine how it will be during the course of construction. Good communication is paramount to the success of a renovation project.

 I hope you find these elements useful as you plan your next home improvement project. If you have any questions with regard to remodeling, please feel free to email me at marty@morseremodeling.com.

Recessed LED lights are becoming more and more popular in new homes and home remodels.  Not only do they save a considerable amount of energy but they require less maintenance.  Unlike, the typical incandescent light bulb that needs to be replaced every few months, an LED bulb can last for years.  Part of the savings is that LEDs allow the homeowner to adjust the brightness of the light using a dimmer switch, saving on energy consumption and longevity for the product.

When selecting a recessed LED light fixture, consumers will have two main types to select from:  CREE or HALO.  Both of these products have a clean look with significant energy savings over traditional lighting and come with a 50,000 hour or 5 year warranty.  They offer a variety of lens types and trim colors.  The CREE fixture operates at 2700 Kelvin producing a slightly warmer light temperate and sells for about $35 more per fixture than the HALO.  The HALO operates at 3000 Kelvin which gives it a whiter light that appears brighter than the CREE but actually emits less lumens.

Morse Remodeling is pleased to share this video of the World’s Greatest Bicycle Parade that took place in Davis last Sunday. We had a great time serving up coffee to all the parade participants and guests. Enjoy!

World’s Greatest Bicycle Parade Video

As a design-build firm, Morse Remodeling considers the client interview the most significant component in a successful remodeling project.  This is not a single interview, but a process that occurs throughout the design process wherein the designer learns about the unique tastes and lifestyle needs of the client in order to create a design that is both aesthetically pleasing and fully functional. Morse Remodeling is pleased to welcome Registered Architect Andrea Montalbano to the Morse Remodeling team.  Andrea brings with her a wealth of experience in architectural design, specifically in the Client Interview process.  Below, Andrea shares with us a history of the client interview and why it is so relevant to the work we do.

Andrea Montalbano-Registered Architect, pictured above on the left with Eric Coppola-General Manager & Estimater (center), and Amorette Ramirez-Interior Designer.

The Client Interview

   Many clients come to a designer with a detailed description of why they are not happy with a space in their home but they unknowingly omit crucial information. After all, translating ideas about 4 dimensional life into three dimensional space is not a simple task. A professional, practiced in the art of client interview process, understands that there is a plethora of hidden information critical to the success of the project that needs to be uncovered. To insure these details are addressed, the designer needs to dig deeper, asking the right questions to allow for these spaces to function appropriately year round and to allow for the space to be flexible enough to evolve over time. Most of the time small nuisances can be overlooked as the client ploughs through their daily lives but these functional and aesthetic irritations can be brought to the surface and addressed by the skilled interviewer – the cupboard sized guest bathroom that requires a gymnast’s flexibility to navigate, the obstacle course-like kitchen layout that functions okay for most of the year but becomes a nightmare during the holidays, or the narrow entryway that makes a welcoming home feel cramped. 

     Not long ago, the job of a designer was to design a home from their own ideas of how a family lives, and presented it to the client as a finished product. The client then had to make their lives conform to the home, rather than have the home conform to their lives. Intensive client involvement in the design process evolved slowly, and was influenced by Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology.

     One of the earliest pioneers of creating a home uniquely designed for the client was Richard Neutra. Neutra was born in Austria in 1892 and emigrated to the U.S. in 1923 where he designed the so-called “Lovell Health House”.  Completed in 1923, it is a prime example of the design process he pioneered.  Influenced by Sigmund Freud, whom he knew personally, he performed in-depth interviews with and created questionnaires for the future home owners, their children, and their staff of servants. Every detail and idiosyncrasy of the family’s daily life, both their good and bad habits, were recorded by Neutra and added to the design stew. Neutra asked his clients about childhood memories of their homes and associations they had with spaces in the home.  Pleasant memories, such as napping in a sunny window seat, or negative memories, like being trapped in a dark cellar, were recorded as important associations for Neutra to keep in mind when designing the home. He believed that eliciting this information from his clients, digesting it, and creating a house that reinforced all of the positive qualities and avoided the negative ones contributed a healing power to both the independent and communal life of the residents, greatly benefitting his clients.

     Although he became an internationally renowned architect, his views on client involvement were not widely regarded, repeated, or copied until much later on. In the 1960′s, many architects, sociologists and city planners, independently and collectively came to the realization that using the tools developed in the Social Sciences, namely, qualitative analysis, could be used as a tool for creating more satisfying spaces – not only in residences but in office buildings, hospitals and schools as well. A whole generation of architects, to varying degrees depending on the school attended, was educated to be aware of this movement, and to be aware of the possibilities afforded by these tools. They were encouraged to take advantage of them in order to create greater end-user satisfaction.

     As an architect, it is important to me that the client’s unique needs are addressed during the design process.  I have studied the methods of the client interview process while working on my Master of Science in Architecture degree at one of the Universities that first recognized the importance of the interview; UC Berkeley. I then practiced the art of the in-depth interview for the design of numerous single family residences and even a few institutional clients such as the Crossroads Homeless shelter in Oakland. Working at Morse Remodeling gives me the opportunity to combine my love of the investigation of the client’s unique world (Design) and the physical creation of beautiful, useful objects and spaces (Build). That’s why the Design/Build firm is such a wonderful place for someone like me to work. The designer can see the process all of the way through from concept to fruition, and can be sure the client’s needs and desires are fulfilled all along the way.

On Sunday, October 16th, the community is invited to the free Cool Davis Festival at the Veterans Memorial Center from 1:00-5:30 p.m..  The second annual festival will connect low-carbon lifestyle choices with a healthy environment, personal well-being and a thriving community.   Over 50 local exhibits are designed to provoke thought and direct visitors to resources and solutions.  They include information, demonstrations and activities in the areas of alternative transportation solutions, home retrofit and alternative energy approaches, water and energy conservation, efficient household systems, healthy and local food choices, preventative health care alternatives, gardening practices, green living demonstrations, and earth-friendly children’s activities.  

Mary Parton, the Business Manager at Morse Remodeling, has enjoyed working with the Steering Committee during the planning for this event.  She has been helping with volunteer recruitment (still need more volunteers!) and other tasks to help the committee make this a phenomenal year!  She is really excited about the bike rodeo hosted by Davis Bicycles & the free food samples that will be offered by local restaurants. Yum!