Architects and Designers: Spot the Difference

Residential Architect or Residential Designer?

A fellow Chamber member was surprised when I told her that Texas does not require an architectural seal for residential projects. (And I say that broadly, as I’m sure some jurisdictions might, depending on the type of project. I know Dallas would be fine if I left my seal off the drawings.) She simply assumed to design houses you needed to be a licensed architect.

Nope.

I cannot tell you the number of times I’ve seen project drawings from designers, design associates, designs studios, etc. Some good. Some not so good. Some really not so good.

Not to disparage designers. I know several people who despite having an architecture degree simply do not have a license for one reason or another. One person, in particular, was designing very high-end homes in Dallas and California when I was still in high school and could draw circles around some of the best. However, because he never completed his exams, he spent his career unlicensed.

Except after 40 years of practice, I still considered him an architect.

A licensed architect will typically possess a master’s degree in architecture; have completed a multi-year internship; and sat for and passed a series of exams administered by their state architecture board.

To be a residential designer, you simply call yourself that. You can have zero education. Or a degree. Or simply experience in one drafting class and you can hang out your shingle.

For the residential client, one must hope that the designer they hire is cognizant of building codes and various ordinances. That they understand structure and how buildings really go together. Know what an energy review requires. Or just have insurance should something go wrong.

Which means any client must do their homework and not be afraid to ask some basic questions:

• Where did you graduate from?
• Are you licensed and what’s your license number? (Any architect should be able to rattle that off in their sleep!)
• How long have you been working in residential design? (Important to ask because not all architects are comfortable with residential projects. The head of one of the largest commercial practices in Dallas hired a residential architect for his home because he only knew commercial design.)
• Are you insured?

And if there are any doubts about any of those answers, there’s always Google and the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.

Because, as I told my fellow Chamber member, anyone can call themselves a residential designer.

Literally.

Anyone.

 

 

Big Gay Architect Podcast

What good are plans for renovation when you don’t have a home constructed yet? Well – that’s a good question! As you’ll come to find out, construction and renovation go hand in hand. On this week’s episode, Stephan Sardone and Larry Paschall talk first-time industry experiences, construction, and the difference between kitchens and bathrooms!

Stephan Sardone, founder and owner of Sardone Construction, has been in the construction industry for almost two decades. In 2010, he formed Sardone Construction, a design-build firm located in Dallas, Texas where he has built a reputation for efficient designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and great customer service.

He believes that remodeling a home begins with a commitment to customer service before, during and after construction and he strives to exceed customer expectations in every facet of the construction process.

Stephan achieves this by helping clients realize the vision for their home and make wise decisions during all phases of design, development, and construction.

“I’m here to help advise and consult. With a lot of listening, discernment, and asking good questions… we can help our clients focus their thinking and prioritize. what they desire most.”

–Stephan

 

LISTEN here:

 

No One Said

I’ve been corresponding with an architecture student for the last few years following a chance meeting at the AIA conference in Orlando. He’s involved in a co-op program, so he’s been working off and on while pursuing his degree – well on his way to becoming an architect.

Except his most recent e-mail indicated his career trajectory was taking what most people would consider a turn for the worst.

At some point this past fall, during his study abroad semester in Germany, he reached the conclusion that he really didn’t want to be an architect. That despite his best efforts, architecture is not for him.

Did I mention he graduated in May?

I’m not sure how his parents are going to feel when he makes that announcement. However, I must give him props for not completely freaking out the moment he had the realization. Four plus years of school and work (or more) only to realize you should be doing something else? Most people would be devastated.

Except no one said he has to be an architect.

And that’s the hidden secret behind an architecture degree. So many opportunities are available that don’t follow a traditional architecture path. Off the top of my head I was able to mention three people I know that do anything but architecture with their degree.

Furniture design. Set design. Stained glass art. Videography. Business development. Computer animation. All are possible with an architecture degree.

And the list goes on and on.

If nothing else, he’s created a mindset that will see the world in different terms, no matter what he decides to do. He will appreciate the beauty of the environment he is in. And hopefully, his architecture background will have an influence in whatever he decides to do.

Besides, no one said he has to be an architect.

Although I’m sure his mom and dad would probably appreciate it.

Real Talk With Dallas Realtor Weston Pugh

The relationship between the architect and the Realtor is really the relationship between the alpha and the omega. An architect ultimately begins the project – before it is even a project, rather an idea. The architect is able to bring the ideas and thoughts of a developer to life, where a builder can then bring those ideas it to fruition.

The other end of that spectrum is where we find the Realtor. Once that beautiful is idea is conceived and created, there is hopes that it will get sold. And someone has got to sell that house.

Enter Weston Pugh of UpdikePugh Real Estate Group.

Weston’s experience in real estate is second to none. His warm personality and “can-do” attitude carry him a long way toward satisfying his clients’ needs.  Weston began his career in real estate working for a local real estate office entering MLS cards into the master file and delivering the MLS books to agents. After college, he moved to San Antonio and got into sales in a variety of businesses settling in new home sales for Medallion Homes.  

He moved to Dallas in 2007 and met his current business partner, Jeff Updike. They began working together and realized quickly that they make a great team. Weston enjoys spending time with his brothers and sisters and the variety of niece and nephews. He also enjoys making and viewing art and working out.

LISTEN as we discuss business, HGTV and staging your home.

Still can’t get enough? Check out the Vlog below where Larry Paschall of Spotted Dog Architecture joined the cast of Weston’s Vlog, SOLD.

 

All Things Gay – All Things Architecture

There is something to be said for new beginnings, and I am thrilled to launch this next chapter for myself, and for Spotted Dog Architecture. Throughout my career, friends and family have asked me questions that while I may not find that interesting, they do. That taught me something: folks must really dig what I do. So having podcasted in the past, I revisited  the idea of creating a new, fresh approach to chatting about all things architecture, through the eyes of the gay architect.

When we were in the development stages of the podcast, I really had only one request: it isn’t dry. I, myself, have listened to a number of architecture podcasts, and have snoozed a few minutes in. I really wanted to create something that people both inside and outside of the industry would enjoy listening to, and find it both informative and interesting.

We have lined up a phenomenal guest list of folks that will join me every other week that are in some way related to architecture – both directly and indirectly. Realtors? Yup. Interior designers? For sure. We’ve got window folks and lighting gurus, contractors, photographers and students.

And so it begins.

For this first episode, I thought it would a good idea to lay the foundation for why I wanted to start the podcast. So I invited on Waylon Tate, my publicist, who continued to push me to launch.

Check out our chat below & provide some positive feedback. Be nice. 😃

The shameless promotion stuff discussed in this episode.

My publicist: Waylon Tate of J. Waylon & Associates

Waylon’s realtor: Hunter Dehn of Hunter Dehn Realty.