J. Smith, Architect
@AmbitiousThnkr
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Man of Faith 🙏🏽 • Part of the 2% of Licensed Black Architects (Principal @ArchitectOwl ) • Design/Construction • Development • Lic: NY/CT | YouTube below 👇🏽
New York, USA
Joined June 2015
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Pinned Tweet
Happy New Year all! Welcome new followers. My name is Jared & I am a licensed architect in NY & run a full service Architecture Firm
@ArchitectOwl
servicing mostly NYC/Westchester & Rockland Counties. I post mainly about architecture, real estate, construction & investing.... 🧵
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Exterior- How it started and how it ended. Location: Brooklyn, NY. 🧵
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My son randomly had a conversation with my wife about real estate investing. He even pulled out my copy of
@AyeshaSelden
‘s Mud 2 Millions book. Can’t make this stuff up 😆😆 Full video here:
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On this day 9 yrs ago I passed my final test to become a Registered Architect WITH two kids under two. Talk about determination! 🧐🤨
#Architect
My biggest supporter being my wife.
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Christmas 2022: I am proud for my son’s advancements at school & home this year. Always thinking up inventive & creative ways to do things. He had been asking for a PS5 for some time. His excitement is unmatched ☺️🥰
@PlayStation
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When your gut tells you the Contractor doesn’t know the proper way to trim and install doors 🙄🤦🏽♂️ Site issues always arise but these installations could have been altered in a much better way.
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Hearing from son’s teacher that my 10 yr old son is always bragging about me as an architect, what projects I have going on and how proud he is of me is all I needed to start this week! 😢😊 Happy Monday y’all
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Just left a property where I was retained pre-purchase to assess renovation ideas. Client outright said we specifically sought out a black architect. They said I was local & more than qualified. Come to find out he’s a black attorney with a similar experience. He also mentioned..
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That feeling wrapping up a project just before year end so the owner’s family can move in. 😎
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Got the Letter of Completion for this one today from NYC Dept. Of Buildings. It’s been fun 🫡
Exterior- How it started and how it ended. Location: Brooklyn, NY. 🧵
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Had a buyer reach out about building a new single family house on this empty lot. Right out the gate, they sent me completed borings, structural & architectural plans and details from seller. Fishy yes.. why would an owner have this much info available for empty land 🤔 1/5
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First project I’ve been a part of with:
Black Owner
Black Contractor
Black Architect (🙋🏽♂️me)
Even a Black Plan Reviewer & Inspector!
Fully issued permits and City Pre-Inspection done ✅ Demolition has officially begun on this Westchester County, NY house.
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The lot owner seems to be peddling this lot for sale to unsuspecting prospective buyers saying that you can easily build on it. The lot cost is no small amount either. Due diligence before taking on a large endeavor- ALWAYS. 5/5
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When you think of famous architects, most think of Frank Gehry or Frank Lloyd Wright. The names printed on my hoodie are famous black architects. Their full names are: J. Max Bond Jr., Curtis J. Moody, Sir David Adjaye and Philip G. Freelon. Have you heard of any of these?
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Gotta love visiting construction sites as the Architect and seeing your designs coming to life.
#BlackArchitect
@ArchitectOwl
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“Your choice is your choice but the pool of who you choose from should be intentional.” Otherwise you may be excluding qualified people (architects) due to them not being in the mainstream. I think they found me thru
@NomaNational
article or black database
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I am now a licensed Architect in NY and CT 🤗
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This morn walked in to submit docs for a new 2-car garage build. Official says come in & he starts reviewing it right there. Asks a couple questions & makes a few comments. Says all looks in order. Says he’ll have permit ready this afternoon. Gotta love small town Building Dept.
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I don’t know what small business owner needs to hear this… but don’t lower your price for that client or customer that promises more work/services/purchases in the future. You’ll NEVER hear from them again. Trust me.
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If you’re immediately skeptical about paying for an architectural service, that’s a red flag for most architects/designers. We do not work for free. Even if it’s doing due diligence for the feasibility of a project. Knowing where & what to look for is why you’re retaining us.
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Got a Zoning Board meeting this eve for a renovation project I submitted to the Building Dept. almost 3 years ago. It’s absolutely atrocious that it’s taken all this time and energy to get to this point. Y’all please pray for approval so it hasn’t all been for nothing. 🙏🏽🙄
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Project is wrapping up. Contractor putting in the finishing touches. It’s the details for me.. 👌🏽
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PSA: As the new property owner of a newly renovated property, you ARE NOT entitled to the final set of drawings. These are instruments of service and owned solely by the Architect. Most all municipalities will have a set on record in the Building Department as public record. 😎✌🏽
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When working with a design professional on your project, whether an architect, engineer, interior designer, etc., your project goes as fast as you can make decisions. Project schedules do not usually account for extended periods of indecision and silence.
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..had 8-10 attempts at development dating back to 1992. 🙄 None being successful. (From the triangular shape, it’s a non-conforming size and affects what can be built.) In addition- there’s a Stop Work Order on the land from early 2000s which remains on records. 3/5
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HELLO 👋🏽 to the many new followers that have come from the discussion of Black Architects by
@jkostecki_rei
. I am a licensed architect in NY w/ about 15 yrs in the industry. Unlike Paul R. Williams, I was fortunate to have several black architects to aspire to in my come up...
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Did a whole floor renovation as project architect at the Municipal Building in Manhattan (1 Centre Street). All terra cotta infill walls interior, exterior and ceiling. It had a steel frame. Marble facing at main corridors. Also found a massive vault! Here’s a short thread 🧵
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This week I had 2 new clients who were super intentional on finding a Black Architect. Often times w/ experience outside NYC. They’ve been grateful to find me. It’s refreshing every time. Having come from similar backgrounds, it’s a unique connection.
#BlackArchitect
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My professional opinion was not to purchase land. It would be a long uphill battle to overcome the challenges of the site and gain compliance from the Building Authorities. Plus the home would be narrow with limited design options due to lot size. 4/5
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That was first red flag- these documents wouldn’t be produced unless someone was previously trying to build on the land. Therefore someone invested time and $$$$ into this. Why didn’t it work out?? With some further digging, turns out the property.. 2/5
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Working on existing buildings is more challenging than new builds, especially in areas where 100yr old buildings are common. There are SO many unknowns b4 demo. The scope of work typically increases as it’s usually best to tackle the issue right then & there. Keeps me on my toes
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So I wanted to elaborate a little on
@GoodGuyGuaranty
’s thread for buying and renovating in NYC and the merit of his points. I won’t get too technical.. promise.
I have renovated many of these. Were I looking to buy a house in NYC to renovate and occupy, my game plan would be as follows:
1) Buy a brick house, not frame. Many reasons, including the potential to expand the envelope while retaining combustible structural members.
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Real estate investors- please don’t request that an architect, or any design professional really, should investigate a prospective property on your behalf w/o compensation. Their time & expertise in providing the info you need to pull the trigger on the purchase is invaluable. 🗣
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Any other designers/architects get excited for a week with no site visits or meetings planned?? Three projects in design which I can focus on! Excited to start the week. 🤩
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@Kierstensharris
I am one of only 2% of licensed black architects in the USA. My business is
@ArchitectOwl
.
High end interior kitchen renovation in White Plains, NY completed by
@ArchitectOwl
. Before & After THREAD 1/4
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@imbuyinghouses
@idlette
Gotta agree. Color choice and common finishes most buyers like is Flipping 101.
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🚨 Landed a new real estate development project last month. I am leading it until occupancy. I will be the Architect of Record for the building. I’d like to share the side of an Architect and my role as this all unfolds..
A Thread 🧵 [
@ArchitectOwl
]
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In 2 sittings, I finished
@AyeshaSelden
‘s book. A great breakdown of where your focus should be for financial independence. Appreciated anecdotal insight & straight-to-the-point writing style.
It’s a work in progress formulating my path. Goal: time freedom & generational wealth
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I cannot stress enough.. 🗣 PROPERTY OWNERS: MAKE SURE YOU GET A PROPERTY SURVEY WHEN YOU CLOSE ON A PROPERTY! It’s also known as Title Survey or Lot Survey...
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Brooklyn Brownstone renovation in the works. Looking forward to bringing this property back to its glory.
#BlackArchitect
@ArchitectOwl
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Got four.. yes four projects out to bid.. mannn... Spring going to be lit 🔥 I love being on construction sites. Plus I get to show all y’all my work. Let’s go!! 😎
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Mission accomplished 🫡
@Vans
My son’s been saving up through earned money around the house and is getting a new skate board this weekend. He wants me to get a long board. I kinda want to and have always wanted one.. 🤔 Not just thinking about the activity but also more bonding moments with him. Win-win.
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Being self employed I definitely see how the banking industry has their set rules for lending based on w2 income. Trying to refinanced & remove PMI. I have 58% LTV & they’re questioning my business income.. 🙄 God help me 🙏🏽
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There needs to be more shows hosted by with licensed Architects and Engineers IMHO. 🤷🏽♂️
Deep down…
Most real estate agents, house flippers and interior designers really want an HGTV show and that’s why they create the content.
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An aspiring architect asked me how it felt being an architect in a predominantly white male industry. I had to think a bit before responding. It take a sense of self & confidence. You have to believe you belong in that board room or on that job site just as much as any1 else...
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A contractor that tells me “You’re not my boss. I don’t need to listen to you.” Or “I don’t need to respond to or answer your emails/messages.” is not one that I’ll ever work with again or recommend. TGIF y’all
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Got permits issued on a historic mansion project in a really difficult jurisdiction with no comments or objections! First time this has occurred. What a way to end the week.. TGIF 😎✌🏽
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The line of distinction between old and new, what was and what’s to come- the expansion. This will be the enlarged kitchen at a Yonkers, NY project. The blue tape on the floor locating the island.
@ArchitectOwl
#Architect
#Construction
#NY
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New client’s initial payment check bounced. Haven’t started any services yet. Bank says account is closed. Feeling a kind of way. 🤨
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Horrible on soo many levels. 🤦🏽♂️
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Took my son to a 1/2 day baseball training camp run by Aaron Judge’s foundation. It was very well run & an all around great time for my son & his peers. He met Judge & even got the chance to scrimmage w/ Judge pitching! Lots of engagement. Core memory unlocked!
@AllRiseOfficial
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Currently vacationing... First was Puerto Rico to see my wife’s family. Now Saint Thomas beach for a day! 🏖
#NoArchitecting
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People with no building experience and have never brought property- y’all better stop buying houses/buildings without an inspection. I’ve seen my fair share of bad things which the buyer has inherited. Trying to save a few hundred bucks??
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Aside from the general idea of retaining an architect, property owners looking to renovate or build are often confused by Construction Administration (or CA). I’d like to shed some light on it.
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Good Friday to y’all.. Didn’t get in the CRE program. It wasn’t the path God intended then. However connected w/ CRE lender & have been selected to lead two new developments projects! Boots on the ground. I hope to share the process from start to finish.
#Architect
LET’S GO!!! 🙏🏽
I pull trigger and applied for a CRE program. It’s a program geared toward broadening minorities in the industry. Want to plug the holes in my knowledge and gain experience to engage more. Hopefully I get accepted 🙏🏽 ..
#retwit
has continued to shift my professional goals.
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As an architect, I am continuously asked certain questions by homebuyers, property owners & real estate investors. This was even more apparent when I frequented online investment forums. So I did something about it.. wrote a FAQ E-BOOK!! TO BE RELEASE: Wed. 10/28 [
@ArchitectOwl
]
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2-Family Renovation. Brooklyn, NY
How it started. How it’s going.
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You really have to spend time speaking to Contractors on the phone to get stuff done. Most are not email people. Time consuming, yes, but at least you get to the bottom of the problem or get the update you need quickly.
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I have little patience for Contractors whom do not want to communicate w/ the Architect the Owners/Investor has hired. I, the Architect, am here to give oversight & ensure things go as planned, meet Codes & industry standards plus move in a timely manner. COMMUNICATION IS KEY!
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However for some reason, small projects are expected to cost far less. Economy of scales don’t apply and certain task, like obtaining permits, is nearly the same amount of work regardless of project size.
Small projects are actually much harder to take on than large ones. I end up wearing 6 hats for small projects, and one for larger. And teaching, there’s lots of teaching.
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Two types of new client energy: “An Architect is going help w/ the whole design & construction process to make my project spectacular.” OR “The City/Town/Board is requiring an Architect for my project.” They both have there place but the latter doesn’t initially see our value.
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Witnessed this wonderful construction at a prospective project site visit today.. 🙄🙄 Yes those are asphalt roofing shingles attached to the ceiling.
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Property owner ready to drop $600k-$1mil on a new development project but don’t want to pay an architect for a feasibility analysis to determine highest & best use. 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
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I am hard on Contractors when necessary. Especially if they aren’t coordinating their subs, aren’t meeting project expectations or just have poor communication to prevent surprises. Owners don’t know what they don’t know.
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I find many people are not realistic about the cost of construction. I know it’s hard to grasp.
Case & Point: Prospective client expected to do a full single family to 2-family conversion for $50k. Even the soft cost were askew. Real estate renos can be costly, especially in NYC.
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One way an architect can save you time ($) and excessive permit filings ($$) which saves you frustration and gets your project completed sooner ($$$). 🧵
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@Kyra_Ann24
@AyeshaSelden
Based on the intention of the question, financial literacy is the answer. You cannot create generational wealth by giving 1mil to your children if they do not have financial literacy. Generational wealth means many generations therefore it is not wealth for that one generation
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Funny how things can change in a yr.
2019 & Early 2020: Unhappy in corporate world
Middle 2020: Side Business becomes main business
In the works for 2021: A few large scale development projects, hiring 1-2 people & expand work area from just NY to NJ, CT & PA.
God is good. 🙏🏽
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Reason 208573 to hire an Architect- Had 2 separate project Building Dept. meetings where I represented client to refute objections & violations which weren’t accurate or not as the Building Code stipulates. Successful on both accounts. Both clients are very grateful to progress.
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Just had one of the most important meetings of my professional career. I can just feel it 🤗 Don’t underestimate doing good work and networking with those doing what you want to do. 🙏🏽
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Working on this basement conversion in a 2-family brownstone. Originally dedicated to storage & utilities (boiler, hot water heater, etc.). The objective is to convert this space into a separate unit, making this a 3-family. Here are some things I’ll have to review... [THREAD]
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Putting together a proposal for a really awesome project. Pulling together a team of professionals for a superb and top notch experience. Different feel as Principal Architect vs Project Architect. 🧐😎
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I have to agree on this. It comes down to craftsmanship and also how the space is designed. For example if the space is poorly laid out, regardless if high-end finishes are selected it can miss the mark of that “luxury” feeling.
The more projects I work on, the more I believe that luxury is not necessarily related to cost.
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The accuracy lol 😆
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I run a firm out just outside NYC in Westchester (
@ArchitectOwl
) helping property owners, homebuyers, & real estate professionals take on property improvements & development projects. I really love what I do. In this ever changing industry, I am continually learning & adapting.
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Why my landscaper has like 5 acres and rental properties further upstate!? Well he didn’t know I was an architect. Now we’re working together. He wants to expand one of his houses so he can command more rent. Let’s Go!!
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@moseskagan
When I realized as a licensed architect in a corporate office in NYC pre-Covid, I was paid $45-50/hr yet was billed to client at $200+/hr. Raises that didn’t come close to even inflation. Got me thinking.. there’s gotta be a better way than this.
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@ArchitectsFront
No way a 7-8 year experienced project architect should be making $65k in any part of lower NY. 😳😳
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Every year.. why do I wait til the last minute to finish my Architect Continuing Education credits 😫
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I have ALWAYS preached this. Please understand the chemistry of masonry and that it need to breath. Therefore the coating needs to also or the brick and mortar will crumble under the coating.
DON'T PAINT BRICK
(with standard latex paint)
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Just found out my Cuban mother-in-law markets my architectural services to her salon clients. She’s totally old school, shows my projects to them off her phone. Talk about free marketing.. gotta love her.
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If you can’t tell a load bearing wall, then leave it or have it checked by a pro. Former owner of my client’s house pulled down an entry wall unbeknownst that it was load bearing. The adjacent wall became load bearing & the weight from above sagged the floors. Fixing it all now!
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Not being able to sit face to face with plan examiners is a big hinderance to obtaining construction permits expeditiously during pandemic. Every architect knows a reviewer whom you reiterate in your objection responses that an item is on your documents but was overlooked.
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So when the stairs collapse, the owner will find soggy rotting wood under brick steps. 🤦🏽♂️ With wood prices right now especially, why not CMU!?
There is a builder in my neighborhood that has built the same house several times. They use pressure treated wood for the sub-structure of the brick stairs. I would not recommend this method.
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I would like to showcase a recently completed project for my business. Despite many issues with the Contractor, I am proud of how this renovation came out. The owners were very happy with the results and as their Architect, that’s my goal.
High end interior kitchen renovation in White Plains, NY completed by
@ArchitectOwl
. Before & After THREAD 1/4
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This is truly comical. I’m sure ALL my clients and those who see the true value would beg to differ.
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Did a showcase for this Park Slope, Brooklyn project we completed last year. Photos are in! This was an extremely narrow lot. Only 12.5 ft WIDE!! But we packed in more than enough for this family to live comfortably. Floor plans included. What do you think?
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@georgevaldes
@mwmoedinger
If they want me to do anything immoral or that puts my license in jeopardy, definite 🚩 Ultimately, if even after explaining the service they can’t justify the associated fee then it dies right there. I don’t discount my fee based on their lack of understanding why I am necessary
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What people think architects should be paid is astonishing at times. Some get all that goes into the design/coordination of a structure. Some just don’t & will fight you that architects do little to nothing. Makes me want to leave the profession, but then I re-focus & move on.
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New project on deck. Measuring up a 1920s mansion. Scope includes kitchen expansion and the 5 bathrooms. Also new ducted HVAC system to coordinate. TGIF y’all 🧐
#Architect
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Why building a container homes does not save you money or make construction any easier than most traditional methods. (A THREAD)
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My daughter, knowing very well that I’m an architect, causally walks into kitchen and ask for a sky deck off her room. Yes a sky deck OFF HER ROOM... like Princess Jasmin from Aladdin. 😳😳
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Wrapped this small two car garage project. Small town projects like this are done so quickly. Wish it were that way for other places 🙄
[**
@ArchitectOwl
**]
BEFORE and AFTER photos below
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Newbie real estate investor will approach me regarding something they’ve never done before & expect me to give them a step by step guide on how to do it on their own, w/o any compensation to me. It’s as if they want the milk for free w/o paying for the cow. Why is this so 🤔🤦🏽♂️
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