In this blog I will do my best to describe the process I went through in turning my 1957 Ranch-style house into a 2006 Craftsman house as inspired by the Gamble House in Pasadena. Please feel free to comment on anything I write and ask questions as it is the only way we learn.

Note: Since completion of the house I have also decided to allow guest bloggers to post articles related to remodeling. This continues the education process.


TIMELINE
Architect Selection - December 2002 through January 2003
Getting a Permit - January 2003 through November 2004
Construction - November 2004 through September 2006
Post Construction - October 2006 through ???



Retainer Given to Architect

Today is a big day! A retainer was given to Olympia Greer, our architect, to start work.
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Architect Selection

After interviewing several people, we chose to go with Olympia Greer. We chose her because she has a great design sense and lives and works in Palos Verdes Estates.
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Architect Selection Criteria

Craftsman Staircase Railing

We had certain criteria that we wanted met when we started to interview for an architect. They are, not necessarily in this order:

  • Must be local in case here are problems and we need to meet.
  • Must be intimately familiar with the Palos Verdes Estates Art Jury and Planning Commission processes as the requirements and hoops to jump through are very complex for the novice.
  • Must be able to understand what I want and run with it. I can describe only so much of the feel and expect the architect to elaborate on it and interject original ideas. For example, take a look at Olympia Greer's vision of a Craftsman staircase railing.

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Next Page

Be sure to browse the 2,000 picture Photo Gallery for more step-by-step construction details.