Designer Insight: Architects + Builders

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Creating your dream house requires proper planning and thought, whether you're starting from scratch or renovating your current home—but it can and should be lots of fun. Enjoy the process!

Insights from Diane

DESIGNERQ&A with Design Professionals

INSIGHT

DESIGNER INSIGHT: Architects + BuildersA Q&A with CEO / Executive Vice President AIA Connecticut Diane Harp Jones

Who are the architects you most admire and why?I most admire AIA Connecticut architects, who I have the pleasure of working with every day. Members of the American Institute of Architects distinguish themselves by having annual continuing education to stay at the top of their profession.

What is your favorite building and why?We live in a place where we are fortunate to be surrounded by great architecture. My favorite building at the moment is the Yale Whale because of its recent renovation. It was very exciting to watch it in its renovated state.

What is the best part about your job?Being able to work with interesting, creative and thoughtful people every day.

What makes a project great?Successful projects are those in which the value that has been created for the client is tangible.

When are you most inspired?I am most inspired when I am working with our AIA members because I am able to see their passion for excellence in architecture.

What are you most looking forward to doing this spring?I am most looking forward to spending my weekends outside in my garden.

MEET THE TALENTReady to live better at home? The right architect and builder can transform your space (or start from the ground up) and create something just right for the way you live. Your dream house could start with a call to one of these talented architects and builders. >

• Finding the right architect should always be your first step, followed by finding a great builder. They will be your partners on this project, so it's important to select based on qualifications, not just the price.

• It is a myth that architects are expensive. Your home is one of the greatest investments you will ever make. A good architect and contractor can save an owner well more than their fees by helping avoid mistakes during construction, and well-designed homes often command a higher resale value than those built without the expertise of an architect.

• Interview more than one architect before making your selection, and hire an architect with whom you have a personal comfort level. Speak with their former clients. Engage your contractor based on qualifications. And, finally, have a contract.

Saniee Architects LLC.

Phot

o by

: Nei

l Lan

dino

, Jr.

Architects

MAY/JUNE 2015 athome 35

S P E C I A L A D V E RT I S I N G S E C T I O N DESIGNERQ&A with Design Professionals

INSIGHT

Who are the architects you most admire and why? Edwin Lutyens for his creativity, Quinlan Terry for his commitment to classicism, and Thomas Jefferson for helping develop a truly American architecture from its European roots.

Do you practice only in Fair� eld County? We love working in a variety of areas. Aside from our Fairfield County work, we are currently

designing homes in Rye, New York City, Rockland County and Denmark.

When you are working in a new location outside of Fair� eld County, how do you become familiar with its regulations as well as its culture? Almost all towns now have a website where zoning and other regulations can be accessed. That gives us a general idea, but we will always meet with local officials early in our process to confirm that we’re not missing anything. For local context there is no substitute for spending time in the area and on the site. Describe your team. We are an eleven person firm with a variety of backgrounds and talents from historic preservation and landscape design to classicism and architectural interiors.

We also collaborate with a talented team of consultants in lighting, energy conservation and interior design.

What makes a project GREAT? “Good” is working closely with a client to provide a beautiful and inspiring place for them to live. “Great” is when years later they are just as happy.... and people are still commenting on how beautiful the home is.

What’s the best part of your job? The creative process of architecture. I’ll describe an idea to clients through pencil sketches, refine the details in technical drawings and scale models, and eventually guide the design through construction. For me, this series of drawing, client interaction and on-site collaboration is as fulfilling as the finished product.

Douglas VanderHorn, AIADouglas VanderHorn Architects31 East Elm Street, Greenwich, CT 06830203.622.7000 || vanderhornarchitects.com

36 athomefc.com

S P E C I A L A D V E RT I S I N G S E C T I O NDESIGNERQ&A with Design Professionals

INSIGHT

From where did you receive your degree? And who was your most memorable Visiting Critic? Cornell University and Harvard Graduate School of Design. Toshiko Mori was my most memorable critic. She is a masterful architect and educator who possesses a unique sensitivity to materials and a poetic understanding of architecture. It was also inspiring to cross paths with a successful female architect.

Who are the architects you most admire and why? Tod Williams and Billie Tsien Architects because their work reflects their belief that architecture “can give a sense of grace to life.”

Do you practice only in Fair� eld County? In addition to Fairfield County, we practice in metropolitan and suburban New York, and Rhode Island.

Describe your team. The office is structured like an architecture studio. I oversee every project from inception to completion of construction, relying on project architects and

longtime staff members to execute the design intention.

What makes a project GREAT? A great project is the result of ongoing collaboration between architect and client. An involved client inspires the design team to create a home that is truly personal and exceptional.

To what extent does energy ef� ciency and sustainability in� uence your work? We are always looking to do more energy-efficient, environmentally sensitive and durable

buildings. We continue to expand our repertoire, learning from experts in building science, and teaming with clients and builders who share this priority.

What are you most looking forward to doing this spring? Our first LEED home is beginning construction this spring. We have taken what the client’s son described as an “ugly” “Brady-Bunch style” house and all but transformed it into an elegant glass and steel home with a strong connection to the outdoors.

Amanda Martocchio, AIAAmanda Martocchio Architecture + Design, LLC189 Brushy Ridge RoadNew Canaan, CT 06840203.966.5707amandamartocchio.com



INSIGHT

Who are the architects you most admire and why? This is difficult to nail down as there are many architects and projects that I have a strong respect for. On my post grad tour of Europe, I visited many buildings by Le Corbusier which I was drawn to. Louis Kahn also comes to mind. In today’s world, I think Santiago Calatrava is perhaps the most exciting new architect/engineer—his ability to

combine dynamic structures with a strong presence makes him great.

Do you practice only in Fair� eld County? We’ll travel anywhere for anyone who is interested in working on a design-oriented project. There is no specific area where we focus our work.

Describe your team. We are a medium-sized firm with approximately ten full time employees. My team is comprised of several junior architects, all who graduated with a degree in architecture and are passionate about their craft. My senior project architects have been in the business eight to twenty years and take on more of a management role for specific projects. David LaPierre is

my managing director for the entire office. Dave has been with me for over ten years and I rely on him for the daily operations and efficiency of the studio. I remain involved in many aspects of the office, but my focus is on design.

What makes a project GREAT? The ability to ascertain a high level of design through the entire process of developing the plans and constructing a home. Computers have allowed architects to easily recycle components of buildings they have completed in the past, but a great project is developed independently and documented meticulously for the specific client. RAC is focused on custom homes, each with their own personality.

Robert A. CardelloRobert A. Cardello Architects97 Washington Street, Norwalk, CT 06854203.853.2524 || cardelloarchitects.com

38 athomefc.com


INSIGHT

From where did you receive your degree? And who was your most memorable Visiting Critic? I received my degree from the University of North Carolina College of Architecture. Memorable critics were Charles Gwathmey for his shapes and openness and James Fox for his connection to nature.

Who are the architects you most admire and why? It might seem cliché, but Frank Lloyd Wright because he designed and built

absolutely everything in and out of the home, including furniture. He designed each home specifically for the location to be cohesive with its environment. [His homes] are not “objects” to admire—they are “experiences” inside and out.

Describe your team. I am the sole architect, designer and builder with a team of industry owners and managers that work with me and my clients to help implement my vision for “livable art.”

What was your most memorable project and why? An 8,000-square-foot home in the middle of woods surrounded by two ponds, an adjoining stream, and set atop a small hill. The client asked for a soft and inviting modern home at one with nature that captured the enchantment of the property. I shaped the home in a cross to create courtyards, constructed a stream and waterfall against the home while pushing the

limits of using natural materials and showing off its natural beauty.

What makes your work / work philosophy different from others in your industry? I believe in the absolute cohesion of architecture, interiors, construction and the environment. I personally conceive/design and build/implement, shaping and sculpting every component of and in the home from shape, form and what is traditionally thought of as architecture to the mechanical systems, framing, plumbing, property and furniture etc.

Where are you the most inspired?Deep down, I’m an artist. Any time I see another artist, in any category, show me their talent, I’m inspired to want to do more, think more, push boundaries. I look for the “what if”. I also feel inspired traveling through Europe, walking through the streets formed under different times and culture, and exploring museums of art and sculpture.

Robert M. BergerRobert M. Berger, AIAWestport, CT 06880203.259.3160 || robertmberger.com



INSIGHT

How did you get started in building luxury custom homes? My father came to this country as a cabinetmaker and later became a contractor. I was raised in the business and spent all my vacations, weekends and holidays working and learning from my father. I then took over the family business and in 1992 started Dibico Construction.

Describe your team. We have several project managers and supervisors, our own masonry crew, finish carpenters, cabinet shop, and a separate home maintenance division. To back up the field staff is our office staff, led by my wife, Regina.

What are you most looking forward to doing this spring? Seeing thawing ground and green grass.

What’s the best part of your job? For me, it’s as enjoyable to build a long-lasting relationship with the client as it is to build the home itself.

What’s something new and different you’ve been doing recently?

With our woodshop, we have been designing and building custom furniture tailored to our clients’ needs. It’s been fun exploring the creativity and freedom of furniture building. I feel I’ve come full circle from where my father started when he first came to this country.

What are some of the thingsclients love about your company? They love that I’m personally involved with every project; that we are completely transparent in our billing; our quality craftsmanship; that our custom woodshop is at their disposal; and our home maintenance program which protects their investment for years to come.

Julio DiBiaseDibico Construction1194 King Street, 2nd Floor, Greenwich, CT 06831203.618.1219 || dibicoinc.com

PHO

TOG

RA

PHS

BY

PHIL

LIP

EN

NIS

40 athomefc.com


INSIGHT

From where did you receive your degree? And who was your most memorable visiting critic? I have degrees from

Princeton and UVA. My very first visiting critic for my very first studio course was Charlie Gwathmey, one of the “Five Architects.” I remember him as being quite a character, but a good critic .

Who are the architects you most admire and why?Louis Kahn, as much for what he said and taught as for what he built. He was a poet. Santiago Calatrava, for the incredible way that he elevates structural engineering into an art form. Cesar Pelli, for the way that he approaches the design process, where each design evolves from the particular attributes of the client and the site. Olson Kundig, for the creative way they use materials and the spiritual quality of their work.

Describe your team. I am very fortunate to have two colleagues (Brian O’Connor and Steve Gibson) who have been with me for over ten years. At this point, we can practically read each others’ minds. I like to describe our collaboration as akin to a tight jazz trio.

What is the best part of your job? The practice of architecture requires me to wear many different hats—artist, engineer, lawyer, psychologist, businessman. So each day brings a new series of challenges and experiences.

Neil HauckNeil Hauck Architects LLC859 Post Road, Darien, CT203.655.9340neilhauckarchitects.com

What makes a project GREAT? It is dependent on our client’s needs and lifestyle. Our definition of a successful project is creating a home that defines modern family living and exceeds a client’s expectations. A truly great project includes

quality, architectural design, craftsmanship, and classic details while maintaining the integrity of our town.

What’s the best part of your job? I like what I do. I am a third generation builder and grew up in New Canaan. I spent college summers on my father’s job site—he started building in New Canaan in the 1960s. Each of my homes is unique and special to me and I am proud to say that I stay in touch with many of my clients.

Where are you the mostinspired? New Canaan.It’s a great community. Wecreate spaces and interiorsthat are tasteful and suitthe pace of family life. Witha wife, three children and a large extended family, I candefinitely relate.

Rick SilloRick Sillo Construction691 Old Stamford Road New Canaan, CT 06840203.966.8305ricksillo.com

What are you most looking forward to doing this spring? Springtime in New Canaan is the best. This spring we have a lot to look forward to as we are currently building a new home—222 West Hills Road in New Canaan. We are excited to see that project through as well as a few others.



INSIGHT

Who are the architects you most admire and why? We have been fortunate to work with many talented architects. We especially enjoy working with architects who understand the building

process and who like to work together with us as a team.

Do you practice only in Fair� eld County? Davenport Contracting builds in Fairfield and Westchester Counties; we occasionally work on projects in Litchfield County.

Describe your team. Each project receives direct involvement from partners Koch and MacDonald. Davenport offers a full suite of services, from pre-construction estimating, fixed bid and construction management to post-construction property management services. An in-house estimator begins the process and ensures budget numbers are reviewed throughout the entire building process. Each project is assigned a project

Richard Koch and Brian MacDonaldDavenport Contracting, Inc.78 Harvard AvenueStamford, CT 06902203.324.6308davenportcontracting.com

manager and an on location site super. Davenport vetted subcontractors provide specialty services. All projects have a timeline with due dates, which keeps the client appraised of needed decisions and the whole team aware of the project’s process.

To what extent does energy ef� ciency and sustainability in� uence your work?

Increasingly, our projects are calling for geothermal heating/cooling and also cogeneration of electricity. Electricity produced on site by the geothermal wells is used to heat/cool the home and any over production is sold back to an energy company. Most homes utilize “tight house” construction techniques, such as foam insulation.

davenportcontracting.com

special advertising section?

we’re featuring...

Interior Designersin our September/October issue

want to be a part of our next

For more information please contact your Moffly Media representative or email [email protected]

DESIGNER INSIGHT

Designer Insight: Architects + Builders

Documents

Transcript of Designer Insight: Architects + Builders