What IS Construction Administration? I recently heard an architect friend compare it to the healthy food in a meal, but if we're to compare it to food, I see it more like a chef planning and carrying through a meal:

1. First, she determines what kind of event the meal is for (programming).

2. Next, she generates ideas for the meal (schematic).

3. Then, she begins testing the meal- putting the ingredients together and tasting them (design development).

4. Finally, she writes down the recipe (construction documents)

5. Lastly, she prepares the meal... or in this case, we'll say the restaurant prepares the meal with her oversight (construction administration). 

DIY is getting more and more popular and homeowners are interested in taking on their own design and construction work. I applaud this energy and support you completely in your endeavors! Many times, homeowners have come to me and asked if they could get just a concept. After happily obliging for many, many years for so many clients, I now offer this service with a LOT of caveats. Reason being, a concept design ends up being a frustration for the homeowner, the contractor, and myself, and here is why:

My background as a designer includes 3 years of working specifically on kitchen and bath projects and 3 years working in commercial on a variety of projects including hospitality, tenant improvement, and educational facilities. I like to approach residential and commercial design in a way that utilizes my background in both areas.

Common information to find on a floor plan includes the walls and furniture, but it also shows the casework (cabinets), the swing of the doors, window placement, and traffic patterns (yes, we think about how you move through a space). Some plans will show the electrical information (such as outlet locations and lighting). Major mechanical information will be displayed, plumbing fixtures located, and often times, we will note where to find the enlarged plans of specialty spaces like kitchens and bathrooms!

I met the owner of this gorgeous bedroom when he was looking at a house across the street from my own, and it was fate... if I believed in fate... for us to be the best of friends. It didn't take us long to discover that we had children the same ages, similar interests, and similarly goofy personalities with a deep-seeded joy for being completely inappropriate.

When he asked me for a color consultation for the home he ended up in (not across the street), I was more than happy to help! When it evolved into more design, I was ecstatic.

The focus of shopping with a designer is to... stay focused. It is easy to get distracted by all the products on the showroom floor, but they are not there to peruse... they are there to serve as examples. So... in we go, out we go!

After a year waiting list, your number one contractor even responds two months early, saying they have an opening. Yay!!! Day one: they come onto the site and ask for the plans so they can put together a team and schedule. 

... blank stare... The plans??? After composing yourself slightly, you simply describe the work in complete detail. It's not a tough project- just a little update. No plans needed, right? Wrong.

Furnishing and decorating a space is such a different ball of wax than construction projects that it requires a different approach to the design process. In fact, for the first ten years of designing, I designed with furnishings for about 3 months of that time. The rest of my time was focused on the interior architecture.

Our process differs with each client, but we have developed some great 'checkpoints' to make sure we've hit all the key points.

This beautiful farmhouse was screaming for an update. The 1920's kitchen had never been touched and the family had only one restroom on their main level in a home that frequently houses guests. I was so proud that they chose me to bring this beautiful home up to date, while preserving its original charm!

This Spokane kitchen design was the first project that was "mine", in my first design job! To this day, I am thrilled and proud of the extraordinary creative space we created!

Imagine this. A website invites you to sign in to share pictures of your child with family. 

Years later, this company starts using your child's information to sign up for something you are morally opposed to... but the terms are airtight. They've covered all their bases, and all the families who signed up in a frenzy to join this super cool site are throwing in their towels out of frustration. What can you do? Just give up?