The Client's Role for a Successful Residential Project

A helpful video with balanced information regarding the Client's role in the construction process. If you are wondering what it is like to work with an Architect, and what you can get out of it - this is worth a look!

(Brought to us via CRAN (Custom Residential Architects Network), a Knowledge Community of the American Institute of Architects.)

How to Choose an Architect for Your Project

One of the most common question we get is "what does an Architect do?"

Well, below is a great link to CRANtv: "How to Choose an Architect for Your Project".  A fairly balanced and thoughtful video of how and why to choose an Architect for your project. 

Check it out...

7 Ideas for Decorative Longevity

1. Use neutral, warm colors on most walls. Let these be the background for your more decorative items, such as art, fabrics, or an accent wall. Personal favorites in the beige-gray family include HC-83 'grant beige' with accent color HC-86 'kingsport gray'; in the bluish-gray family, try HC-171 'wickham gray' with accent color HC-165 'boothbay gray' (all part of the Historical Color collection in the Benjamin Moore "Classic Colors" line).
2. Use the same color for trim and walls. Rather than calling attention to baseboard or window trim, create cleaner lines and a greater sense of space by using the same color on each surface. On walls, a matte or (washable) flat will provide the softest-looking finish and hide the most flaws. On trim, provide a little sparkle with a semi-gloss that matches the wall color. For interior doors, select a semi-gloss color one or two shades deeper for a bit more overall depth to the room.
3. Select furniture with clean lines in neutral, warm colors. Similar to #1 above, pick simple pieces that can stand the test of time, but may be dressed up with decorative pieces that are easily changed. Whether you lean more traditional, such as West Elm's upholstered Chester sofa, or more modern, such as Room & Board's Hayes sofa, pick something comfortable, then dress it up with some cool throw pillows or a pretty blanket. (Sometimes when I need a change, I create a new look by mixing up pillows from various pieces I already have.)
4. Take into account how you'll use a space and make sure the furniture fits. As enticing as a huge sectional may be, make sure it's what you need. For a media room used mainly for watching TV, a sectional might be just the ticket—one streamlined piece that accommodates everyone in the family. For a more formal living room where you entertain friends, you might consider a sofa and a couple club chairs. Ottomans and cubes are also great options, especially for small spaces where furniture can do double duty as an extra chair or table.
5. Whatever the configuration, be sure to select pieces that fit the scale of the room. For smaller spaces, consider furniture with low arms and visible legs—they feel less solid and create a feeling of more space. Also consider a loveseat, rather than a sofa—it's not often that more than 2 people will use it at a time anyway. A sectional can work nicely, as long it's configured specifically to work with the flow in your room—just keep in mind they're less flexible if you ever want to rearrange your room or use elsewhere.
6. Create a variety of lighting levels. This creates visual interest and ensures you have the light where you need it. Ambient lighting, such as recessed ceiling cans, provides overall light so you can see your way around a room. Task lighting, such as a table lamp, provides brighter light where it's needed to complete a task. Accent lighting, such as spotlights on tracks, highlights art or objects which require special attention. Switch up your look from time to time with new lamp shades or adjusting accent lighting to highlight a different art wall. Whenever possible, put all switches on dimmers so you can control the amount of light and further affect the look in the room.
7. Don't be afraid to throw in a few surprises! With a neutral background palette, you can afford to paint one wall your favorite purple color or use that sequined pillow you found on your travels. All the simple lines and muted colors are now in place, so reflect your unique style with a few things you really love!

Pervious Concrete

Pervious Concrete


A great material that is easily available through most local concrete suppliers, porous concrete is a wonderful option to control rain water run off. Good for trees and the watershed, for not much - if any - more money, this is a material that is becoming more popular for municipalities and projects where rain water run off is an issue.


Here is a video demonstration of this type of material at work - very cool.


Aesthetically attractive and appropriate for most low volume traffic and pedestrian uses, it is a great option to have in your design arsenal.  Pervious asphalt and various pavers are also readily available. 


Here's what the EPA has to say...


Just another example of a tweak to a common material can make it so much more friendly!

Design Your Own Door!

Why settle for run-of-the-mill stock doors when you can exactly what you want? TruStile, a manufacturer of residential interior and exterior doors, has a great tool to help you design just about any door you can imagine.

With TruStile's TruCAD Door Design Software, easily available through their website, you can select from dozens of styles, then customize to meet your specific size and profile desires. Want cherry with frosted glass? Primed wood with a square stick panel? Whatever it is, you can select it AND have it instantly drawn in the same window.

Once you've designed your door, you can print or save the file so you may share with friends or get a quote through local distributors, such as TW Perry and Smoot Lumber in the Washington, DC area. Check it out!

AIA|DC News - WAF: Architects Serving the Community

Shopping With An Architect

A recent article with Builder Magazine and Residential Architect. We went shopping with Nigel F. Maynard from RA to discuss what is good to buy and what is not at your local big box store.

Miles of Aisles

Hopefully this may give you some insight to what architects - and Studio CrowleyHall in particular - look for in materials, and pit falls to avoid.