In two ways:
First, with over 16 years of specific experience in high-end residential design throughout the Colorado Rockies, we can bring a thorough background in vernacular design, knowledge of the stringent climatic restraints and opportunities and a design sensitivity to an owner's needs, budgets and desires.
Secondly, in addition to our architectural experience, having built more that 30 custom homes as well as townhomes and commercial projects gives us unique insights from a builder's perspective. We approach our designs with "build-ability" in mind. We approach our drawings with an understanding of how they will be interpreted in the field. We approach our budgets with an awareness of current construction costs and viable alternatives to various materials and methods of construction.
We don't have a particular 'style'. But we do believe that there are underlying design elements in any great design. If you go back to the main menu and click on "Logo", you will get a pretty good idea where we're coming from.
Computers are a tool - and we feel we use them very successfully to take our designs through full project documentation. We are able to create 3D images of interior spaces and exterior forms. We use the internet to relay information to owners, to our engineers and even to architectural review committees. A recent design received full approval by being made available electronically over the web. With a tour of our office, we'd be pleased to give you a demonstration of our capabilities.
Your primary point of contact will be with one of the two principals, Phil or Cheri Gerou, each with more than 25 years of architectural experience. All work in the office is provided under their direction. In addition, highly talented and skilled project managers and architectural interns provide technical expertise and 'manpower' to produce projects of all scales.
The more information, the better. The more 'footwork' you've done, the more quickly we can focus in on your specific design wishes. This footwork may be taking pictures of houses or interiors you like, reviewing books and magazines for details or designs, deciding on specific rooms and room sizes, even sketches you've made. Anything that helps convey or demonstrate what you like, what you're looking to accomplish.
Our initial meeting may be only introductory - a chance for us both to decide if our working together is a good match. The second meeting - the kickoff - will be, what we like to call, 'the mind dump'. We will spend several hours taking in every thought, every sketch, every detail you can provide. We may ask for additional information such as detailed site information, the size of your immediate and extended family and those relationships, what types of social relationships are typical, who does the ironing! The design process for a home is very personal - you may even find out some things about yourself that weren't obvious earlier.
We all visualize differently. Some people can 'see' in three dimensions with no problems; architects usually do. Others look at a drawing of the front view of a house and only see a bunch of lines. Through three-dimensional drawings or computer modeling we can usually provide you with enough information so you can visualize your project. Occasional, a study model is require to completely convey the design. We all see things differently. Our job is to assure you have a good understanding of the project before it leaves our office.
The design can be done quickly, if that's your wish, or it can take as long as you need. Several years ago we designed a 'family retreat' in the Rockies. For each member of an extended and spread out family to have the opportunity to have input into the design, we took each step slowly and considered each contribution carefully. On the other hand, we had builder once ask for a design - he was "breaking ground in the morning"! We'll work with your schedule and your needs.
With you. Our job it to present you with our expertise and help you through the process. If you ask for something we don't feel is right for you or the project, we'll give you our reasons why, so you can make a fully informed decision. You make the final decisions; we'll help you do that.
Our fees are based, quite simply, on the time it takes to do the work. This can vary widely. If you have determined who your builder will be, a rather abbreviated set of construction documents may be all that's needed - a "builder's set". This allows the builder to have input into items such as the window manufacturer he has worked with in the past or a cabinet supplier he believes would be good for the project. If your intent is to have the drawings bid by a number of contractors, then a far more complete set of drawings will be required. These will include some specifications of the plumbing fixtures, the interior doors and trim details, flooring materials, etc. This requires more work on the architect's part but also more work by you, the owner. You will be required to make decisions on many details of the design and leave little flexibility to the discretion of the builder.
Based on how you intend to contract for the construction, the scope of the project as well as meeting to discuss the level of design and detail you're looking for, a fee range can be established. This fee will be based on an estimate of the time and manpower required to complete the work.
In our preliminary meeting, we can give you a pretty good idea of your anticipated costs. A few fairly basic questions will establish what your project will require. How difficult is your site? Where is the site – how close to sources of labor and materials? What level of finishes are you expecting? How much unfinished space or garage space will you have? Every project and every client has a budget. With our background in actually building over 30 custom homes, we can help you to resolve your project scope with your budget constraints.
Gerou & Associates, Ltd. has completed a number of projects with various level of electronic sophistication from simple computer interface to full home electronic automation. One system recently installed will allow the owner to view the interior and exterior of his home remotely from any internet-connected computer terminal. He will also be able to monitor and control individual heat zones within the house, open and close all window coverings, control the electronics throughout the house - all from any remote location.
In recent years, there's been a lot of press given to these subjects. As it turns out, we've been doing it all along! As newer technologies and materials come available, making the best use of resources during design, construction and during the life of each building has always been an underlying theme of our designs. Making use of alternative energy sources and renewable natural resources is the only responsible approach, for our clients, our environment and our posterity.
You bet. We will be as involved in your project as much as you like. Construction is a difficult process. Your three-dimensional image has been transferred - presumably successfully - to the architect. He must take that 3D image and distill it down to a two-dimensional format. The drawings will then be read by contractors and subcontractors with varying backgrounds and a set of preconceptions that will give the word 'interpretation' a whole new meaning. Working closely with the people actually doing the work is the only way to assure that your 'dream' gets built.
Construction of a private, custom home can be wrenching - or it can be the most fun you'll ever have. Understanding that it is a very involved, time-consuming process. If you are looking for a house to live in, you should consider buying one already built. If you are looking for an experience that will take your self-image, your life style, your dreams, and turn them into an environment that will support, nourish and invigorate you for years to come, then, perhaps, the design and construction process is for you.
E-mail any other questions to phil@gerou.net and we'll get back to you.