The topic of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) continues to be a hot one in California. Ever since the state government reduced the restrictions on adding a second dwelling unit on residential properties, in an attempt to encourage homeowners to help the state increase its affordable housing supply, …
Ask the Architect Articles and Interviews (category)
Why a Long Beach Architect Would Choose to Work on Historic Homes
As a small business owner, you probably think a great deal about the types of services you offer or the types of goods you sell. Yes, you want to offer the things that your potential customers need and want, but you also need to make sure that your business is profitable. In other words, you don’t …
Ask the Architect: How Should I Have My Tenant Improvement Project Designed for Maximum Employee Productivity?
Tenant improvements, or TI, are a popular topic of conversation among architects right now. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and even now that we’re seemingly past the worst of it, business owners have been re-evaluating their commercial spaces. Those who have continued to let employees work from …
Ask the Architect: What Should I Look for in an Architecture Firm?
Hiring an architect can be exciting, but it can also be daunting. It’s exciting because it means the project that you’ve probably been thinking about, or even dreaming about, for a while is going to start to take shape. It’s daunting because you are probably well aware of how important it is to …
Ask the Architect: Do I Need to Hire an Architect in My City?
Here’s the latest question the Ask the Architect column received from a reader: “Do I need to hire an architect in my city?” This question can be taken two different ways, so I’ll answer them both! The first way this question can be read is, “Does my city require that I hire an architect for a …
Ask the Architect: Do All Remodeling Projects Need an Architect?
When undertaking a remodeling project—whether it’s in a commercial building or a home—finances are almost always a consideration. This leads some people to ask, “Do I really need to hire an architect for my remodeling project?” The cost to hire an architect can certainly add to the overall project …