The essential first step towards beautiful results in design is hiring the best person for the job… But as a layperson, it can be difficult to separate the good from the best! Everyone needs a few guidelines when choosing the right person to hire for a given project. When reviewing your options, use the categories listed below to assess the designer, architect, or builder in question. Let what you see in their work guide you in deciding if they’re right for your home project. Tell Me About Myself The first thing an architect or designer should do in describing their work is to tell their client’s story — and when reviewing someone’s past work, it can be very informative to ask what story is being told. For example, a kitchen expansion might tell the story of opening up space for a growing family; a landscaping project might describe the client’s love of the wild outdoors or, by contrast, their penchant for manicured perfection. A story can be defined by the limitations of a space – for example, the lack of natural light in a remodeled basement. A story can be told simply by the likes and dislikes of the client — as in a house that showcases Italian marble in surprising places. Whatever the inspiration for the story, a successful architect or designer tells it poetically, proudly, and clearly. Prioritize the Details The old adage that it’s “all in the details” was never truer than in good design. Every element of a built space serves a purpose – whether structural or decorative – and that purpose is reflected in the little details necessary to making something work. When even a simple wall is built, a designer makes many choices: what material to build it in, how high to build it, how it should be finished, how it will relate to the other walls and surfaces in the space. Using these choices as opportunities to elaborate on the stylistic theme of a project is what sets successful designers and builders apart from the competition. Be Bold Humans have been designing and building since time immemorial; and while there have been plenty of experiments throughout history, we tend to follow a set of basic rules. Some of these rules are required by physics, while others are simple convention. Successful architects and designers find ways to express themselves through bending or even breaking these conventions – like a window tucked unexpectedly into a corner, unusual use of old material in a new place, or using mixed materials to turn an exterior into a work of art. Break Your Own Rules Most of us have an innate need for at least a little order in our lives and in our living spaces – but it is the occasional departure from that order that elevates a design from a strictly utilitarian one to a work of art. When a designer has created a safe container with the overall look of a project, they can afford to mix things up a bit – as in the single stroke of metallic glamour in this otherwise classic parlor. A good design will bend to suit your tastes no matter how outlandish they may be! t is imperative to connect with the past work of a designer, architect, or builder before hiring them for your project. Look deeply, read between the lines, and let their creations work themselves into your skin. Keeping these four essential qualities in mind – storytelling, details, boldness, and flexibility – you can be confident in finding the best person to turn your design dreams into reality. ...read more
By Smith Brothers August 09, 2016
If you're a homeowner, business owner, realtor, contractor, or someone that just needs surveying done, Wesley T. Tengan, Land Surveyor is here for you. We provide quality site surveys for residential and commercial properties. Wesley T. Tengan, Land Surveyor has been providing the Honolulu, HI area with superior site surveys at affordable prices. You can count on us 7 days a week from 8:00am to 5:00pm to take care of all of your surveying needs. Wesley T. Tengan, Land Surveyor offers FREE estimate and / or consultations by phone. We are locally owned and operated and strive to give you the best possible service. Our team has worked on residential, commercial, and some military accounts. Weve also done many projects and jobs for realtors. Boundary mapping is a crucial element for our clients, and we make sure to pay attention to every detail. Call us today for a FREE estimate. Wesley T. Tengan, Land Surveyor provides high-quality site surveys for your home. If you are looking to do a personal remodel or youre building a new home, count on us to give you an efficient and thorough site survey. Do you need a site survey for your commercial property? Wesley T. Tengan, Land Surveyor provides quality site surveys just for you. With over 38 years of experience, you can trust that you are getting the best possible survey in Honolulu, HI and the surrounding areas. Wesley T. Tengan, Land Surveyor specializes in all of your certification needs. If you need a site survey to measure a flood zone prior to building or constructing a home or building, we can do it. Call our experienced professionals today for a FREE phone consultation or a FREE estimate. Contact Wesley T. Tengan, Land Surveyor today for a FREE estimate for your surveying service. You can rely on us for your residential and commercial surveying needs. Call or email us today to learn more about our services. ...read more
By Wesley T Tengan Land Surveyor January 20, 2015
Smith Brothers Construction understands the importance of incorporating your personal design style and vision into your home. Our in-house certified interior designer and interior design partners are committed to providing a tailored service to conceptualize this vision and meet your budget. We perform residential interior design to include interior space plans, furniture and electrical plans, selection of finish’s, fixtures, sourcing of materials, window coverings, wall coverings, floor coverings, furniture and furnishings. The Design Process in Creating a One-of-a-Kind Interior: I. Your Home. Your Style. Your Vision. In order to design the home of your dreams, we need to get to know you. We would have a meeting to better understand how you live in your home, what visions you have, and what general style you are wanting to achieve. II. Conceptualizing your Vision Using what we learn from our first visit, we will create a couple concept options to present. The presentation can include perspective drawings, floor plans, color schemes, pictures showings finishes and fixtures, and whatever else needed to give you a visual representation of the overall feel of what your home could be. We welcome your feedback and use this meeting to fine tune and settle on a design direction. III. Design Development&Design Documentation In the next step, we will create drawings to include floor plans, furniture plans, interior elevations, and electrical plans. We fine tune cabinetry design, start sourcing and pricing fixtures, finish materials, and furniture. Depending on how involved you wish to be, we meet as needed to review the designs and get your feedback to ensure that every detail is to your liking. Once we have your approval of the design as it has been developed, we continue to document the design to create an interior design drawing package that accurately shows everything we have designed so we are able to get accurate competitive pricing for building and installation of the design. IV. It’s in the Details Once all of the construction details are finalized, begin final selections and start the purchasing of furniture, window treatments, rugs, lamps, artwork, and accessories; all of the things needed to make a house a home. We encourage our clients to be involved at the level that suits them. Activities often include going to design showrooms, buying trips for accessories, and working with artists and art dealers in creating and/or sourcing artwork. In the end, our primary goal is to create a space that functions well for your lifestyle, reflects your personal taste, and makes you smile every time you walk in the door. ...read more
By Smith Brothers January 21, 2014
The key roles of individuals who serve in construction management project positions include project management planning, cost management, contract administration, CM professional practice, and time management. If you are seeking a career in this field, keep in mind that there are several ways to train... ...read more
Construction managers are responsible for dealing with the various design, planning and execution of construction projects. In most situations hands-on experience is the best precursor for this position, however, a degree in construction management can greatly enhance your work performance. ...read more