Category Archives: Collaboration
Stucco
With the recent stretch of warm dry weather, Big Horn Plastering, Inc. was able to make great progress with our stucco. All they have left is some detailing at the windows and a portion of our west wall which was purposely left unfinished in order to install a pass-through window above the counter-top. The curves [...]
Framing Crew
Pete assembled a great framing crew for this project. In addition to having the strong skill set required for custom home framing, they are well versed in sustainable building practices including Advanced House Framing Techniques and Jobsite Recycling. My own background in construction includes lots of framing. I’ve learned to judge quality on the jobsite by studying the [...]
Collaboration
I’m inspired by a collaborative design process. When all team members share in the outcome, the sum of everyone’s input is greater than the parts. Throughout this process, I watched the design develop in unexpected ways as each person allowed the ideas to play off each other. I think it’s human nature to try to [...]
Francisco Reina, New Homes Manager – Lightly Treading, Inc.
Francisco Reina, New Homes Manager with Lightly Treading, Inc. was hired to estimate the projected energy performance of our new home based on the intended design. Francisco used computer modeling software to generate a report showing our relative energy use index called the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index. During and after construction, Francisco [...]
Karla Dakin, Principal, ASLA – K. Dakin Design, Inc.
Karla Dakin, Principal, ASLA, K. Dakin Design, Inc. is a partner with Evo Design on various projects. For our project, Karla will take the conceptual Permaculture Landscape Plan completed by Lisa Benjamin and prepare a CAD file with enough detail for landscape contractors to bid and execute. Karla has a strong background in permaculture landscape [...]
Kitchen Design Development Process
This is a series of drawings that show the evolution of our kitchen design. The first is a sketch that Michael and I generated after completion of the preliminary Main Level Plan. We didn’t have many pre-conceived notions about the look of kitchen, but I leaned toward open shelving and different colors for upper and [...]
Warren (Trey) Austin, PE, CGD – Geo-Energy Services, LLC
The Merten team members interviewed three geothermal companies for our project and were excited to tell us about Trey Austin, with Geo-Energy Services, LLC. Early in the process, Trey spent extra time understanding our house design in order to provide the most efficient solution. When I met Trey, I was impressed with his depth of [...]
Lisa Lee Benjamin, Principal – Evo Catalyst, LLC
Since our earliest discussions about this project, Michael talked about getting Lisa Benjamin of Evo Catalyst on our team. Michael had worked with Lisa on a couple of commercial projects in the past and talked of Lisa’s ability to bring innovative ideas to the table. Lisa suggested a plant shelf suspended under solar tubes in our [...]
Peter Grant, Project Manager – Merten Construction
Pete jumped aboard upon completion of our schematic work with Rob and Donna. His first task was to price construction costs based on our original design. This was a key element in keeping us in line with our budget. Based on the numbers that came back, we were able to pinpoint what we needed to [...]
Robert Ross, AIA, LEED AP – Merten Design Studio
Michael and I interviewed three architectural firms for our project, and while each had its strengths, none had the enthusiasm for our idea to integrate sustainability with design and affordability as much as Merten. Rob’s openness to new ideas and dedication to finding solutions to all of our design challenges has been remarkable. Michael also [...]