Planning Archives

Sometimes Going Forward Takes Compromise

Posted by richardcartright

· June 30, 2016

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People have different reasons for wanting to get something built. Usually, there is a disconnect between what they want to build and what they can afford to build. Recently a friend was working on a project for a non-profit, where the design committee had stated that the project budget was 20 million dollars. The project was well into designs and…

About tall ceilings

Posted by richardcartright

· October 21, 2013

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Tall ceilings help make a space, any space, feel larger. Raise the ceiling and instantly you feel like a weight has been lifted off your head. Buildings and houses built in the late 18th and early 19th century before the advent of air conditioning often had tall ceilings as a natural design element to help keep people cool. This was…

Making FF&E, Material and Finish Selections

Posted by richardcartright

· October 9, 2013

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The term FF&E is an acronym for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment. Furniture is movable items such as tables and chairs. Fixtures are the immovable items such as cabinets. Equipment is a machine such as a water-heater or air conditioner. All are used to make a house or other space suitable for living and/or working. Materials and Finishes, are generally talked…

Dear Construction Conductor

Posted by richardcartright

· July 12, 2013

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Dear Construction Conductor: What is the cheapest and best way to get several design ideas for my full kitchen remodel? I know I want to remove a wall, so I will have to use an architect. Sincerely, On a Budget, Austin, TX Dear On a Budget, Thank you for your question. The cheapest and best way to get several design…

The “Beat This” Strategy

Posted by richardcartright

· April 12, 2011

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Competitive Bidding The following is an excerpt from a discussion between a client and me. In his desire to try to get the lowest possible bid, he suggested a strategy and wanted to know what I thought of it. Client: I think there is one more bid out there. I think I should call a couple of companies and tell…

A plan for the investment house.

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· April 12, 2011

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There’s a certain panic in the air right now, all the lip service Ive been paying to these game changing house projects I’ve talked up. Up to now Ive had all kinds of things in my path, like Christmas shopping- the holidays- holiday take-downs and put-aways, and finally the Super bowl. So now I think I need a plan. Being…