Where sustainability is concerned, architects have an inherent conflict. Because the most sustainable thing you can do is… nothing. Can we do more than “nothing” and still be green?
News
Expanding Outdoor Living Spaces
What changes will we see in home design in the post-pandemic world? We’re already seeing a trend in the expansion of outdoor living spaces. People are looking to socialize safely at home with covered patios, outdoor kitchens, and the like. For more thoughts on post-pandemic home trends, check out the Redfin article we were featured in.
A Wall Stood in the Way of a Downsizing Dream Home
The couple planned on downsizing to a smaller home in the city. They were thrilled to find two adjacent apartments in a high-rise that, joined together, would be less than half the size of their old stone house, but would be sized just right to start this exciting new chapter. What could go wrong?
Preservation Recognition Award
One of our recent residential projects has received a 2020 Preservation Recognition Award from the Chestnut Hill Conservancy. These annual awards honor outstanding preservation, restoration, and stewardship of historic buildings within Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood and surrounding areas.
Aging in Place
There’s a trend developing in home design that’s focused on aging-in-place and multi-generational living. More and more, we’re getting inquiries about renovating or building new to address these needs.
New House From the Ground Up
The new contemporary house we’ve designed for a New Jersey family got its construction start in December 2018 with the foundation excavation. We love to see a new building coming together in the field, so we’re sharing the fun with you here, and uploading new pictures as we get them.
Two Krieger Projects Win Chrysalis Awards
Two of our renovation projects earned 2020 Awards for Remodeling Excellence. They are very different projects, but share one important thing in common.
A Stress Test for Your House
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by COVID-19. After coping with many weeks of stay-at-home orders, you probably know more now about your own resilience–as well as your home’s limitations. If you are in a state of mind to be resolving these limitations, please read on to see why this may be the time to plan a home renovation.
The #1 Home Renovation Question
“What will my addition/renovation cost and would it be worthwhile from an investment standpoint?” How we answer that depends on the answer to another question: “What’s your timeline?”
A Path Forward for Architecture
Some of the most beautiful structures ever created by man were indigenous shelters and early places of worship that predate the profession of architecture. We believe the path forward for architecture should be to appreciate the past while taking advantage of new building technology.
Memorial Park in Wyndmoor, PA
Because Memorial Day is more than just a day of beach and barbecues: we’re providing design services for the Arthur V. Savage Post 100 of the American Legion, Springfield VFW Post 7919, and Springfield Township, to renovate and expand the existing Veterans Park in Wyndmoor, PA. The new park will contain curving pathways, a screen of trees, bench seating, and a circle of granite memorials to Springfield soldiers lost since World War I. It will be a green space for gatherings and ceremonies, or just quiet contemplation.
More Than Brick and Mortar
What are the elements that make a building visually rich and interesting? How does the design of the interior affect the appearance of the exterior? What do architecture and painting have in common? In a word: composition.
Sense and Sensibility
For a long time in our initial meetings with clients, we focused on “just the facts, ma’am.” Our approach was rational in the early days. But over time, we realized that emotions matter, too. They affect the enjoyment of the space, much more so than size or dollars in the bank to put toward the project. Now we know … for a successful project, we must delve into our client’s memory bank. There is a very well-known case in point, a house that the renowned architect Lou Kahn designed in suburban Philadelphia, the Korman House. Famously, Kahn asked his client, “How do you want to live your life?”
Remedial Schoolwork
We planned repair and restoration work to a Chestnut Hill school building in two phases so the work could be done without disruption to students and staff.
You Deserve More
Whether building a new custom home or vacation house, many people ask, “Do I need to hire an architect or a builder first when planning my dream home?” Though as you can imagine, I’m biased, here are three good reasons to go to an architect first.