CRAVER Architects

Schematic Design = Brainstorming Sketches

Exploring the possibilities of design through rough sketches (lots and lots of them) is a fast way to see what works, what doesn't.

 
 

While the best solution is often clear from the start on some basic projects, the more complex the set of needs, the more a back and forth conversation between the architect and the client is needed. This collaboration with the client develops a deeper understanding and fuels a level  of consideration and detail that makes for the best outcome.

 

 
 

Achieving goals, solving problems, making your home a place you love...it's it's what we enjoy most about our work.

 

 

 

 

Happy Memorial Day!

CRAVER Architects will be closed today in honor of all those who serve, especially those within my own family.

 

Happy Memorial Day!

Laundry and Mudrooms: Two Workhorse Rooms

More and more, the number one item on my clients wish list is for a combination Mudroom/Family Entrance, which in many cases also includes a Laundry Center. These workhorse rooms are rarely large or glamorous but they can play such a vital role in the day-to-day running of the household, particularly when there are children (or pets).

 
 
Simple solutions in the layout and design can put everything at your fingertips, streamline the process and build in efficiency that results in less time spent on chores. And there's no need to tuck these utility spaces out of sight. With a little care, their design can be integrated into a more public area and still look great.

 

 
Designing your house around your specific needs really puts it to work and in so doing, makes your home your best tool for living easy.

Density, Sustainability and Aging in Place

The next generation of suburbia has some retooling to do as the increasing growth in the Washington DC Metro areas coupled with an aging population, living healthier, longer, more active lives demand more housing options. New high-rise, mixed use, walkable communities have great merit but only in a more urban setting. Here in the burbs, we need our own solution, one that can work with what is already in place. It's how we can transform the existing suburbia that is the real creative challenge.

In the recent Build A Better Burb competition, the winning student's proposal suggested single family dwellings be converted into multi-family units with individual entries that maintaining a shared, common yard. Another variation of mixed use. Currently, this possibility is being addressed in the Zoning Ordinances as Accessory Dwelling Units. Here in Fairfax County, these are limited by several conditions, the most prominent being: Owner occupance and a minimum age of 55 for either the owner or the renter. While limiting, as more projects are successfully completed, the guideline may become broader as is the case in Arlington and Montgomery Counties.

On my own street alone, three of my neighbors have moved out (leaving their homes sitting vacant for now) because they are no longer able to afford to live alone. Providing income for those aging in place and an affordable suburban rental option, would create stability in the community and preserve the quality of life for the owner and the whole neighborhood. This is a subtle way to increase density while preserving the attractive appearance and nature of the neighborhoods with little or no need for new infrastructure.

FAQ's

Another in our series of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE?

This is one of the most common questions and not surprisingly so - after all everyone and every project has a bottom line. We understand that and while there is no one-size-fits-all answer, we will work with you to find the best, most cost effective pathway towards achieving your goal. So, if you think you can't afford an architect, you might be surprised. There is no charge for our initial consultation at your house.

 
Project designed in three phases.

And just as our design solutions are individualized for each client, our contracts are tailor-made as well, with services to meet your personal project needs.
 

Making Small Spaces Feel Big

If you’re familiar with the Harry Potter book series, you’ll know what I’m talking about when I say that many of my clients wish for a magical tent. This is to say a tent that’s bigger inside than out. Often, the owner’s “wish list” adds up to more space than the house can have, either because of zoning restrictions, structural considerations or other restraints. The result is frequently a compromise on size. However, small spaces don’t necessarily have to feel small. There are certain guidelines we try to follow in these situations to help make the most of what you’ve got.

Instead of a single open space, we explore layouts that blur the edges between more distinct areas. This creates a plan that still feels open and spacious but allows each area to maintain its own character. Sharing light and vistas and connecting people between rooms can add a great deal of functionality, even in a smaller foot print.

Another thought is to keep the eye moving smoothly. This means minimizing changes in heights of elements along the boundaries of the space. Particularly in bathrooms, aligning tile, trim, counter and backsplash heights can help keep the room visually organized and uncluttered.

But small rooms don’t need to mean boring. They can benefit from the visual interest and sense of largeness that a taller or shaped ceiling can add. Where there is the option to bring light in from several levels (clerestory windows and skylights), this can add a dynamic element to increase the sense of openness. Built-ins can add a sense of depth to the space as well.

Even though the room sizes may be smaller than wished for, many things can be done in the design process to expand the perception of the space.

Happy Holidays!

Moving through this procession of year end gaiety, gatherings, feasts and reflections, I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of my clients (current, past and future!) for making this year, despite its unique and unexpected challenges, a fulfilling one.

 
                                                                                                                                              Photo Credit: The New York Times

Let's look forward to the New Year and have a very Happy Holiday season, Everyone!!!

Craver Architects will resume normal business hours on Thursday, December 30.

 

Fitting In When Adding On

A common challenge in home additions is making the new fit with the old. In some cases, the entire look of the original house is altered to work as part a new whole, which can generally be a very successful approach, particularly when the original structure or design is lacking in appeal.

Frequently though, the original house sits so well with it's neighbors, in both appearance and scale, that "re-skinning" doesn't make sense for the design or for the budget. And when the goal is to add significant square footage, that's when things get tricky.

 

This Virginia addition (seen here from the side) uses many of the principles we learned from working with the design guidelines for Nantucket Island. Ideas such as breaking up the volume to reduce large masses and varying the roof lines to create a rhythm to the look are a couple that we incorporated into this design. The addition has a footprint almost as large as the original but tucks itself discreetly behind and keeps the fit with it's surroundings.

Updating Photographs

Over the next few weeks, we will be heading out to several completed projects to take photographs to update our portfolio. There are three large additions to show you in addition to small projects that are great examples of making the most in a tight space or conservative budget.

 
We're looking forward to updating the Galleries!

Hollin Hills 2010 House and Garden Tour

Tucked in among the hills and trees, about 10 miles south of our nations' capital is the unexpected and delightful modern neighborhood of Hollin Hills. This Saturday afternoon, several homes will open their doors and garden gates for the 2010 House and Garden Tour. It is a wonderful opportunity to see the original designs of Charles Goodman from the inside, and how each has been customized, renovated and expanded.

 
Photo: Chris McNamara (www.cmc-photo.net)

This elegant addition, designed by Roger Miller, was my very first carpentry experience in the neighborhood (that's me in the red hard hat).

 
Another CRAVER Architects' designs just up the street is also featured on the tour. Tickets are still available and with the weather promising to be spectacular, it should be a wonderful event. You can visit www.hollinhills.org for more information about the tour and the neighborhood.