|
| |
|
|
Converting Dreams to
Reality - By John King CGR
From the Palace at Versailles to the Roman Coliseum, from the Great Sphinx
to the Eiffel Tower, humankind has managed to construct some of the
world's great treasures that not only inspire, but oftentimes amaze us at
the intricacy of form and function. These architectural wonders never
cease to amaze us, as these structures have stood the test of time. Since
the earliest days of man, the dreams and vision of an idea first took
place in the mind, and then were committed to paper. Genius transformed
from thought to dimension. The process remains steadfast to this day.
The dreams and vision may even belong to a single person or a group of
people, and translated into a one dimensional sketch or drawing by some
other individual. The dreamer may not be able to center on a unified
vision of what is intended at first, and may elect to revise the vision
over time. The sketch artist or drafting person(s) may need several
attempts at "understanding and interpreting the dream" prior to
it becoming his/her reality; that is, reduce it to paper and lines.
Today's architectural firms have the capability of CAD, three dimensional
computer graphics presentations that offer greater perspective into the
design and function of the project. The creative process from a conceptual
point of view is critical. Such is the "work" of the successful
architectural firm.
But great treasures of historical value or commercial endeavors are not
the limit to these creative people, the residential home is also a notable
target of this creative group. A glance at an issue of Architectural
Digest or Home and Garden, as well as other fine custom home publications
on any given month would suggest that the custom home could be a major
vehicle for those talents to best be utilized. Gorgeous homes boasting
award winning designs grace page after page. Award Winning Designs Abound.
A review of select neighborhoods anywhere custom homes are built will
provide terrific examples of architectural marvels and award winning
design concepts. In southwest Florida for example, full sub-divisions of
multi-million homes are up and down the Florida west coast; an amazing but
true fact. The city of Naples is growing into Lee County; Sarasota is
growing south to Charlotte County and north to Manatee County. Growth
seems to be a matter of fact here on the West Coast of Florida. Similar
neighborhoods are springing up across the country. High priced custom
homes with award winning architectural designs are in great demand,
despite what some refer to as a sluggish economy.
In the immediate Sarasota market, expensive homes have been built for the
past many years, and are reaching the age of the need for remodeling. The
Custom Builder performed their function and transferred the vision and
dream of the homeowner from paper to bricks and sticks. But as these fine
homes age, it becomes the responsibility of the Professional Remodeler to
add, not detract from the original design. The remodeling process is one
of expansion, renovation or a combination of both. It becomes apparent
that specialization within our industry is becoming more and more a
reality, as Custom Remodelers grow in professionalism. It is incumbent
therefore, that the parties involved in the remodeling of fine homes
operate in a team fashion to fully address the needs of the homeowner.
Architect, Custom Remodeler and the Trades Partners must subscribe to the
same professional standards required to reach a successful outcome.
As a Professional Remodeler, I feel I have a responsibility to protect the
integrity of the home, the neighborhood and community by respecting the
home's original concept, and remodel accordingly. Should the concept
require change, it is the job of the Professional Remodeler to respect and
adhere to the idea that the finished project should look like it has
always been that way. The Professional Remodeler has a duty to protect the
integrity of the home, and that is the approach that Rampart Homes takes.
The caretakers of Versailles or the Great Sphinx would not consider for
one second altering the original integrity of the structure. Even as
modernization occurs to accommodate tourism, the integrity of the edifice
is maintained. Through the use of written specifications (more about this
in next month's article), the architect's plans, the homeowner's dreams
and the Remodelers' responsibilities are laid out in significant detail.
It is the Professional Remodeler who orchestrates these specifications.
This begs three questions, however. First, who is best suited to remodel
these homes, the original builder, the architect or the custom remodeler?
Second, how will the interests of the homeowner best be served, and third,
to what degree does the architect or original builder play in determining
the final outcome of the project? The building industry needs and truly
values the contributions quality architects make to this great industry.
It is without question that the value of the Professional Remodeler is
becoming more recognizable.
History reflects the greatness of those that designed the world's
architectural treasures, but who actually used their hands and labored to
make them fully dimensional? It is this writer's opinion that as much as
architects contribute to the building and remodeling process, it is the
General Contractor (in my case the Custom Remodeler) that orchestrates the
efforts, and realizes the dreams on paper that the architect intended.
What mind made the connection between lines on paper and the finished
product? Who transformed the dreams on paper to fully functional space?
It is none other than the Builder or Remodeler, the Contractor, the
Craftsman; the manager of those expectations the dream or vision
"owner" hoped would become reality. The hands, mind and soul of
the Craftsman are those that transform one dimensional drawing into three
dimensional living space. It is the contractor that breathes life into
bricks, mortar, lumber and drywall and creates the testament to the dreams
and vision of the beholder.
As a Craftsman, the Remodeler, Builder or Contractor is head of the team
of professionals that erect or transforms the structures that eventually
will be called home. It is that person that serves as team leader. He/she
must interpret the plans, meet with the building permit personnel, and
arrange for permits and licenses and the like. The Professional Contractor
organizes the team of specialists that will construct the home, taking the
dreams and vision of the homeowner (by way of the architect's hand) and
transforming them into reality. The Professional Contractor therefore, is
responsible for managing the expectations of the homeowner, well after the
formation of their ideas is solidified. The written specifications
mentioned earlier are part and parcel to the management of the successful
project.
The management of the expectations of the homeowner is primary to meeting
allocated budget requirements, but also the insulate oneself from the
ongoing "changes in thinking, or enlightenment" of the owner
from time to time. Set price Remodeling or construction has a price tag to
it. That is not to say that there is an open checkbook from which to work,
however. It is the Professional Contractor that must relate to the
homeowner the facts that things cost what they cost. They become the relay
people responsible for keeping the homeowner grounded in reality. Once the
design is validated and found to be sound (by way of plans examiners and
structural engineers), it is the Professional Contractor that takes over
and manages the project to completion. Structural engineers, suppliers,
trades partners like framers, painters, drywall and maintenance personnel,
swimming pool installers and landscapers, electricians and the like all
receive their day to day instructions from the Professional Contractor.
The Custom Remodeler translates and coordinates the architectural
drawings, and the intent of the plans.
As a Professional Custom Builder and Remodeler, I recognize the value of
the architect in our industry, and I also recognize the value of the
personnel that handle the bricks and sticks. It is my humble opinion that
it is the Professional Contractor that truly orchestrates and delivers on
the "creative process" and deserves every accolade along-side
the architect at every juncture.
|
|
