High End Kitchen Remodeling

With the holidays right around the corner, it seems a thought on many people’s minds is remodeling their kitchen. Whether it be that they need more space, a refresh of materials, or just browsing for high end kitchen remodeling ideas… there is a common theme.

Interestingly, many people aren’t sure what to ask of their architect for a high end kitchen remodel. The added value that is brought to the table includes the experience to help choose durable materials, good workflow and floor planning to maximize space.

Since the kitchen has become so centralized for family and entertaining purposes, a well-designed and attractive space can provide years of enjoyment, as well as added value to your property.

I have linked an HGTV article on my website that goes over some basics to consider when considering your high end kitchen remodel. This is a good starting point to browse, before contacting an architect for a kitchen remodel.

You should also view my Silver Ridge residence, which features a high end kitchen remodel in Austin.

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November 4, 2010

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AIA Houston Architecture Home Tour 2010

Nine (9) architect-designed houses will be open Saturday, October 23 and Sunday, October 24 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm each day. Tickets are $25 ($20 for bike riders) and may be purchased at any of the houses the day of the tour or at the AIA office, 315 Capitol, Suite 120 after October 11.

Sustainability, open floor plans, connection of indoors to outside, abundant light, and a mixture of modern and traditional materials mark key features of this year’s houses. Comfort and elegance are consistent traits. Houses were chosen for the tour to showcase a variety of styles and types including single family houses, town homes, live-work places, and incorporation of a residence into an historic commercial strip. The houses are in Bellaire, Southampton, Mid-town, and River Oaks and range in size from 2,000 SF to 6,500 SF and from modest budgets to generous ones, demonstrating that excellence in design is not limited by size or dollars.

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October 8, 2010

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AIA Austin Homes Tour Architects

The AIA Austin Homes Tour was this past weekend of October 2 – 3, 2010. Want to know more about the architects on the AIA Austin Homes Tour?

As has been the case in years past, there were 12 architects represented on the AIA Austin Homes Tour for 2010. These architects and their properties ranged from remodels to completely new construction, with some utilizing more traditional aesthetic to some integrating a quite modern design.

This year, it did appear that the AIA Austin Homes Tour architects were more commonly represented by contemporary designs and methods… it has seemed in year’s past there was a bit more diversity in the architects on the AIA Austin Homes Tour.

Last year, for 2009, my Enfield Property was featured since I was an architect on the AIA Austin Home Tour. It was quite an experience… several thousand people walk through a property in a 2 day timeframe… and the amount of overheard comments, feedback and discussion is extraordinary.

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October 4, 2010

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AIA Austin Homes Tour 2010

AIA Austin is holding its annual Homes Tour the weekend of October 2 – 3, 2010, 12 noon – 6pm each day.  This year marks the 24th anniversary of the AIA Austin Homes tour, which has earned both a regional and national reputation.  The AIA Austin Homes Tour is a self-guided tour of 12 homes in the greater Austin area, and it’s a pretty cool method to see a variety of styles and technologies throughout the greater Austin area.

Visit our AIA Austin Homes Tour Website for more information or commentary about the upcoming AIA Austin Homes Tour for 2010, or if you would like to see a AIA Austin Homes Tour Map.

Tickets are on sale now!  See the link below to purchase tickets online for the AIA Austin Homes Tour.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.  Tickets may be purchased by credit card at AIA Austin and by cash/check at Zinger Hardware and Five Elements Furniture. They may also be purchased at each of the homes on the weekend of the tour.

For questions about the AIA Austin Homes Tour, call AIA Austin at 452-4332.

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September 24, 2010

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Bang for Your Buck

My personal residence was just recently featured on HGTV’s Bang for Your Buck. I have to admit this was a bit of a gamble-would I come out on top or would I further perpetuate the notion that architects are out of touch with what things truly cost? As the episode progressed, I was more and more confident that I had made solid, value-added decisions about the design and the finish selections.  The result: 100% return on my investment.

So, architects can add yet another value to your next project-how to get the most out of your budget. The design process is all about leveraging one thing against another in a delicate balance that can result in functional, cost-effective and beautiful spaces. Contact us at: www.jaycorder.com to find out more about how you can get “Bang for Your Buck”, too.

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August 2, 2010

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Searching for a New Home?

Have you ever considered how an architect can be invaluable in the process of a new home search?  When you consider the sizable investment you are most likely about to make, enlisting the aid of an architect can be a really smart move. Whether you are searching for a new home or an empty lot an architect can make the decision process less stressful, more efficient and (gasp) even fun.

As a professional trained in the art of what makes, or can make, great spaces, an architect can truly be an asset to the search.  They can provide insight as to what you might expect to find during a remodel, what can realistically be done to a house to improve it’s innate value and what a realistic budget may be.  In concert with your realtor, an architect can provide you with a solid base from which to make your potential new home not only an educated buying decision but a beautifully realized home as well.

In my practice I provide free consultation for any potential buyers as well as to realtors.  Contact us at: jaycorder.com for more information about how we can help you. And check us out on facebook (Jay Corder, AIA) to see how we have helped realtors and buyers both visualize the potential of any listing-free of charge.

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June 2, 2010

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Kitchen Essentials

In my practice we are doing more and more Kitchen remodels and it has been my experience that planning is critical to the success of the project.  Finding a layout that suits the space you have as well as the way you cook and entertain are key elements.  If you are planning to remodel or plan a new kitchen it is essential that you allow time and effort for the design to grow and that all the Kitchen Essentials are well in hand.

Layout- there are several simple rules of thumb to optimize the layout that suits your space and the way you cook. Maintaining these standards can make all the difference.  I suggest Terence Conran’s Kitchens book as a great place to start.  There are many thoughtful sections on how to plan your Kitchen as well as some truly fresh and compelling images. Additionally, I recommend visiting nkba.org. The National Kitchen and Bath Association is a great place to find qualified professionals as well as a great Guidelines document on what you need to ensure your project is a success.

Kitchen Designer or Architect?-Once you’ve done a little homework of your own a good next step is to determine and select a design professional.  My advice: find a reputable designer through a reputable source.  Both nkba.org and aia.org are ideal places to start. Any solid design professional will be knowledgeable of local building practices and will most likely have a qualified stable of contractors from which to select based on budget, scope and personality. The question then becomes do you need an architect or will a kitchen designer be better for you?  In some cases, both are ideal; in others one or the other is sufficient.  Here are some basic guidelines to help you decide:

  • Are you planning the kitchen as part of a larger scope of work?  If the answer is YES then an architect is definitely the way to go.  In my practice we routinely do Kitchen Remodel Design as part of a larger effort to update a residence.  Because there will no doubt be structural issues as well as larger issues such as circulation and flow to deal with, an architect will be much more fully equipped to deal with the Kitchen as a smaller part of the whole.
  • Are you simply upgrading your existing Kitchen? A YES here points strongly toward a Kitchen Designer.  They are expertly equipped to maximize and optimize your existing space. And they have a wealth of resources from which to draw so that you get exactly what you need.
  • Are you planning to design and build a new house? A YES here and you should strongly consider enlisting both architect and Kitchen Designer.  When used effectively, this team of designers can fully-realize your project in a way that one but not the other could do.

There is a wealth of information on the internet.  Do your homework, hire a qualified professional or professionals and you will be rewarded with a thoughtful, functional and livable Kitchen.  For more information, visit my website at:  www.jaycorder.com.

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May 20, 2010

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Cool House Tour

I encourage anyone in the Austin area to check out the upcoming Cool House Tour. http://www.txses.org/solar/content/cool-house-tour. This year there are 12 houses and for the first time a net-zero energy house will be on display.

While you may not be necessarily looking for the greenest home in Austin this is a great opportunity to learn about this rapidly advancing aspect of architecture and how it can positively affect your potential or upcoming projects.  For more information see the link above or check out: Austin Energy Green Building.

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May 12, 2010

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Inherently Green

Technology has rapidly become the forefront of Green Architecture, but did you know that most good buildings are inherently Green? Successful buildings, new residences in particular, take into account site-specific conditions and are thus inherently or what I would call “passively green”.  In my practice, I focus on this aspect of green design-proper siting for dealing with sun exposure, wind exposure (either desired or undesired) and overall orientation to maximize the buildings potential to be an efficient but livable machine.. Likewise, proper fenestration with respect to site and exposure can work hand in hand with capturing view and connection to the exterior . These subsequently become innate to the design of the building and by extension your interaction with it.

Lesson for the day: focus on inherently green design and then carefully decide on complimentary building systems that make sense for where you are.  Here in Texas, efficient air conditioning systems as well as whole house dehumidification are critical.  Good insulation and rapid or tankless water heater systems are also simple and affordable.

A good blend of inherent strategies coupled with sound, logical choices in technology can make all the difference. Go (inherently) Green!

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May 5, 2010

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AIA Austin Open Architecture Downtown Studio Tour

As a previous participant, I want to highly recommend the AIA’s Open Architecture Tours.  Upcoming is the AIA Austin Downtown Studio Tour. This inexpensive and informal tour of offices in the Austin area is a great way to really get a feel for the diverse culture of design in Austin.  And it’s a great way to meet Austin architects in an informal setting to really get to understand not only their work but the environment in which it is produced.

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April 29, 2010

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