The addition is taking shape. Everyday, less imagination is needed to envision what this place will actually look like. Here is the roadmap we have been using:
New master suite addition in the lower right hand corner. Utilizing what used to be an “office” for new closet. Expanding the closet to the north and adding on master bath and bedroom.
This plan was conceived by our friend and architect, Paul Nelson of PEN Architects. Paul is a cool character that clearly has a passion for his job. I sat down with him to ask him a few questions for a segment we’ll call “Meet the Architect”.
How long have you been in the architectural industry?
22 years. That is just a number though. I prefer to measure my career in terms of projects rather than years. So, a more meaningful answer is that I’ve had my hands on about 240 separate projects. I usually have about 10 – 15 projects going at any one time. I may be doing a very conceptual plan for someone in the morning and then visit a muddy construction site the same afternoon. PEN is small (1.5 people) which means I have to be very hands-on during each aspect of the design work. I have chosen to be small and will probably always be a “smallish” design shop. I like the great architectural potential that exists through my own personal involvement on high quality and unique projects. In other words, what feeds my soul as an architect is the creative interaction that comes out of each client / architect relationship. A comparison to this is the difference between production art that you buy off the shelf versus commissioned art. Although I can provide both in terms of architecture my preference and highest reward is to design each project as a special and unique commission.
You do a lot of commercial work as well. What’s the main difference in your process between commercial & residential?
Commercial work is much faster paced and there is less time to discern important decisions. At the mercy of real estate closings, high rents and a ticking clock; commercial clients are usually in a big hurry the first day they call you. The design of a new home, renovation or addition is a longer journey and needs to include time for clients to contemplate options that surface through the process. Homes involve very personal spaces to people and the location of a special light switch or cabinet knob can have an impact on how they live.
What projects do you currently have going?
Yours of course… under construction and soon to rise out of the mud. I have a hand-full of similar projects to yours which are a variety of home additions and renovations. I am just printing the drawings for a renovated restaurant in Salt Lake City. There will be two large, new contemporary style homes added to the District 66 area soon and hope to be completed with the design of both this year for a 2016 construction start. I always seem to be working on something down at the Mastercraft Building which is a project I’ve been highly involved with since 2005. A new hair salon is almost complete in the Lakeside Commercial District. Also visit the newly completed Smoothie King at 90th and Center.
Any specific thoughts on our project?
I am looking forward to seeing the addition compliment and complete your beautiful house. Sometimes it is tempting for an architect to make his or her individual mark on a place. But with this project, the right approach was to be contextual and sure that the new addition would not conflict with the healthy historic character already present there.
hinrichsexperience 