About
Experience:
My design philosophy is foremost to listen to the client’s aspirations and vision of the Project, help evaluate, establish priorities and give aesthetic form to that vision.
What sets my firm apart from others with similar experience is that I pay attention to the details as well as the larger picture. I pay special attention to the rules and statute regulations that affect the Project. I strive to spell out everything.
I can share client references. My web site, www.alanetaylor.com, is available to see examples of my work.
When one hires my firm the client will be working with me and not an understudy. The full benefit of my long experience is directly available.
I have many years’ experience in the design and construction of various building types, foremost with custom residential- new homes, additions and remodeling as well as the ability to guide builders and to deal with bureaucracies having jurisdiction over a project.
Client understanding of the scope and sequence of the Project is facilitated by drawings and sketches.
The Project:
After entering a formal, written Agreement the Project is given priority to an agreed calendar to keep it on track.
Challenges for Projects are designs where an addition will not look “bolted-on,” proportions of new blend in with old and design is within budget. Occupied premises pose extra environmental safeguards and considerations of the occupants.
Important issues for Projects include chiefly budget, parts of work that may have to be phased around family and financial considerations.
The design “program” defines goals, needs, etc. elaborated on the preliminary scope outlined from initial discussion.
Estimated time table for Project construction completion is in accord with the construction season and client requirements.
Credentials and highlights of my background:
Bachelor of Architecture, the Cooper Union, New York, NY
Master of Architecture, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Resident and practicing architect in the Boston area many years
Registered architect in the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire
Experienced and versed in various building types, especially custom residential
Knowledgable about construction and codes affecting the work
Collaborative approach with owners and builders to achieve what the owner desires
Green Design:
“Green” or sustainable design stems from
Attention to building orientation to take advantage of southern exposure,
Fenestration techniques for light and air while mitigating unwanted solar gain,
Constructiion design to minimze infiltration and insulation placement goes a long way to enhance energy conservation,
Materials specified are proposed for a balance of cost, maintenance and longevity.
Passive techniques should have little or no premium cost to the construction.
I enjoy most of all the people I meet and the particular design challenge they present with which they would like me to collaborate. Over a long career I have many statisfied and happy clients.
Nobody is perfect. On rare occasions when I have had an unhappy customer. Rather than ignore I confront the situation directly, honestly and in a consultative, professional manner, striving toward constructive resolution. I take full responsibility for any error on my part.
Highlights
Specialties
Project type description
Square footage of project
Property type
Services needed
Photos and videos
Reviews
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jon P.
Robert P.
Joel L.
May
Lauren S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Generating a design is spread over three phases: Schematic Design, Design Development and Construction Documents. Further involvement of the Architect can include getting estimates and monitoring the construction.
1.0 Schematic Design
1.1 Meet with the Owner to discuss design objectives, goals, and budget.
1.2 Confirm zoning dimensional and use restrictions on the property that affect design.
1.3 Photograph and measure existing conditions pertinent to the project.
1.4 Draft existing conditions and preliminary design for discussion.
1.5 Meet with the Owner to review proposed design and discuss alternatives.
1.6 Revise sketches based on our meeting of
1.7 Meet with the Owner to review revised design.
2.0 Design Development
2.1 Expand detail in the plans, sections, and elevations for basis of 3.0, Construction Documents.
2.2 Confirm revisions for approved developed design before proceeding with 3.0, Construction Documents.
Once the scope is finalized in Design Development the next phase is Construction Documents to apply for a building permit - the working drawings that specify the technical information such as framing engineering, product specifications, dimensions and details.
3.0 Construction Documents
3.1 Proceed with basic architectural working drawings (plans, section, elevations, and framing plans) suitable for a general routine building permit of the scheme approved in item #2.2.
3.2 Conduct a progress meeting with the Owner about the Working Drawings for any minor changes and revisions.
3.3 Complete revised working drawings and provide to Owner. Meet with the Owner to review finished drawings. The drawings usually required to submit for a building permit includes information as outlined in the following pro-forma check list for one and two family projects as applicable.
3.4 A building department wants to see a level of completeness of scaled drawings and details to indicate and describe proposed work including location, size, grade and quality of materials and equipment to be used. These documents give the owner control over the scope and quality of the construction contract.
If elected by the Owner, the Architect can further assist the Owner in obtaining estimates from qualified builders and be available during the construction phase.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
- Bachelor of Architecture, the Cooper Union, New York, NY
- Master of Architecture, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
- Resident and practicing architect in the Boston area many years
- Registered architect in the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire
- Experienced and versed in various building types, especially custom residential
- Knowledgeable about construction and codes affecting the work
- Collaborative approach with owners and builders to achieve what the owner desires
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
1. Lump Sum or Fixed Fee: applicable if the scope of the project, the schedule for design and approvals, and the construction schedule and other variables can be determined with reasonable accuracy by the Architect.
2. Time basis: agreed-to hourly or daily (per diem) rate of compensation is useful when the services are difficult to determine in advance.
3. percentage-based Fee: links the fee for the Architect’s services to a percentage of the construction cost of the project.
How did you get started in this business?
I began at age 18 my formal training to be an architect. I interned with established architects while I obtained my under graduate and graduate degrees. After three years minimum full-time employment with architects I qualified to take my state licensing written and design exams spread over four days.
I passed and became a registered, licensed Architect. After a few more years full-time employment I struck out on my own practice. Note that for one to bear the title of “Architect” the individual must be currently licensed in the state having statutory jurisdiction over the practice of architecture for hire. The credible practitioner carries professional liability insurance as I do.
My fascination with architectonics began in my earliest years playing with building blocks, toy brick and erector sets (precursors to Lego) and in a sand box built for me by my dad. I began in the first grade to sketch buildings and structures.
What types of customers have you worked with?
My customer base has been varied over a long career:
1. Homeowners:
a. new homes,
b. second homes
c. additions,
d. second stories,
e. master suites,
f. accessory apartments (in-law)
g. game rooms,
h. finished basements
i. garages
j. accessory buildings
k. barns- storage; equestrian
l. decks
m. sunrooms
n. screened and three-season porches
2. Housing:
a. Single family- attached; detached,
b. two-family,
c. multi-family
d. elderly
e. townhouses
f. handicapped accessible
g. historical
3. Builders
4. Developers
5. Property Management companies
6. Institutional
7. Non-profits for the mentally or physically handicapped
8. Commercial
9. Industrial
10. Medical
11. Veterinary
12. Retail
13. Manufacturing
14. Municipal
15. Religious
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A project making a home accessible to a household with a member physically handicapped.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
I suggest that the customer interview at least two other architects to get other perceptions, a feeling of what kind of “chemistry” and comfort are felt to work with that person and a sense of a good fit for the project at hand. Of course I hope that the customer will choose to collaborate with me but I want that decision to be made after a sound vetting.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Customers should analyze and question
1. Design objectives?
2. What do they like about their location?
3. What do they not like about their location?
4. How long do they expect to stay in the present home?
5. Financial picture- short and long range?
6. Construction financing- refinance first lien, Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), second mortgage?
7. Other demands on finances such as elder parents, college savings, consumer loans, medical, retirement, etc.?
8. Consult with a financial planner?
9. Consult an estate planner?