A good start to any home design project includes defining your goals which means figuring out your needs, your wants, and how to pay for it. In Episode 90 and the 2nd installment of the Home Design Series on The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and residential architects Laura Davis and Holly Hall talk about what happens at the beginning of each home design project. Much time is spent helping their clients define their needs, wants, and budget. In this episode: Goals – why are we doing this? Your stage in life, desired lifestyle, and occupants will determine the types of rooms and size of space you need. Is your motivation driven by pleasure or pain? How will you enjoy the room after the remodel? What annoyance are you trying to eliminate? If you are designing around a large family with children you may want casual, open spaces with plenty of rooms that can close and hide messes. A focus on accessibility and aging-in-place may be important if grandparents will be living with you. Formal entertaining, art collections, and fine furnishings require a different approach to the design and architecture. What does your home say about you and what should it look like? Architectural style will influence on how rooms get laid out Contemporary vs. Colonial Open floor plan vs. more formal and separate rooms The difference between NEEDS and WANTS Make your wish list – divide it into two columns – NEEDS and WANTS. A Need is a requirement to meet your goals. A Want is an extra thing that would be really nice to have, but is not absolutely necessary. Architectural features can be considered a need or a want depending on the lifestyle you want to live: High vaulted ceilings, wood beams Arched openings Large porch, pool cabana, she shed, man cave Extra trim and details in wood work - beadboard wainscoting, crown moulding Think about the amenities you need or want in your home design: Plumbing - double vanities in your Master, His and Hers toilets, steam shower, Insta-hot water dispenser in the kitchen Appliances - gourmet Kitchen with extra freezer, 4’ wide commercial gas range, glass front refrigerator, double dishwashers, double laundry upstairs/downstairs Storage - large walk-in closets, stockpile room/pantry, specialty storage for silver, jewelry, shoes, hats, collections, holidays Technology - smart house controlled on your phone, video security, surround sound, powerful WiFi, extra outlets at specific heights (sewing/workshop) or for Christmas lights (eaves), built-in reading lights by your bed, universal remotes Room for hobbies, interests - wine cellar, dog bathing room, sewing or art studio, movie theater room, golf swing simulator How to pay for it: developing a home design budget Start a spreadsheet and list all the rooms and features that will be in the new house or involved in your remodel. Cost per square foot room comparisons - In Dallas, Texas these spaces can range from $300 (and up) per square foot for the expensive rooms like Kitchens and Master Bathrooms, and as low as $75 per square foot for the more simple spaces like a Garage. Your average pricing will vary depending on where you live. $$$$ - Kitchens, Bathrooms $$$ - Family/Living Rooms Rooms, Master Bedrooms, Laundry/Mudrooms (lots of cabinetry), custom Closets $$ - Bedrooms, Breakfast Rooms, Offices, Playrooms $ - Garages, Covered porches (be careful of expensive doors, lighting, or finishes) If you are not familiar with construction costs in your community, you might need to contact a few general contractors to ask what's average in your area. Switching out luxury items for less expensive versions can help get a budget back in the range where you want to be. Typical Room Sizes – measure what you have and decide if you need more or less space. Be honest about how much you can spend,

The Architecture Happy Hour

Getting Real about Needs, Wants, and Budget for Your Home Design

What to Think About Before You Design Your Own Home You're thinking of starting a new home design project, but you're not quite sure where to start. Are you wondering, "How long does it take to build a house?" or curious about "How much does it cost to build a house?"? In Episode 89 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and residential architects, Laura Davis and Holly Hall roll out the first episode in their new Home Design Series, talking about the 7 Essentials for Starting Your Home Renovation or New Home Design Project. Join Laura and Holly as they talk about the 7 things you absolutely need and the questions you need to ask when you're starting a new home design project. In this Episode: The 7 Essentials for Starting Your Home Renovation or New Home Design Project WHAT would be included in your ideal home? Click on image to get your pdf download What's on your wish list? What will your dream home look like? What types of rooms do you need? What kind of home style you prefer? Traditional, modern, farmhouse? WHERE is the location for your ideal home? Where are you wanting to do this renovation? What do you need to know about local zoning regulations? Does your home owner's association have restrictions or design guidelines? WHEN is the best time to remodel your house? How long does it take to build a house? What is a typical design and construction timeline? Do you have life or family events we need to work around? WHY do you want to do this home design project? What is the goal of the project? How can your home support your lifestyle? Is this a short term investment or your forever home? WHO will be living in the home? Who is involved in building a house? Who will live in the house? Will you be doing much entertaining? Do you have kids or grandkids that need a playroom or space to run around? Do any of the residents have mobility issues; do you need to plan for aging-in-place? Who are the decision makers? HOW will your dream home become a reality? How will this project be managed? How much does it cost to build a house? Do you have a home building budget? How do I know if I'm going to overbuild for my neighborhood? TEAM members to make the project a success? Do I have a good realtor to advise me on home values and neighborhoods? Should I be my own general contractor? Do I need an architect or an interior designer to create floor plans? What other consultants will I need for my home build project? Download the Checklist Here! Have questions you'd like us to answer? Contact us here! Stay tuned for the next podcasts in the series and in the meantime, you might want to look at these related posts: building a new home 10 questions to ask before designing your new home

7 Essentials for Starting Your Home Renovation or New Home Design Project

Planning big purchases for your home this year? Knowing the best time to buy and planning ahead can save you big bucks on things for your home. In Episode 88 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and residential architects, Laura Davis and Holly Hall share the best times of the year to buy things for your home. In this episode A month by month guide on the best time of year to buy things for your home Linens, bedding Carpet, flooring Home decor, furniture Televisions, electronics China, flatware Cookware, kitchen accessories Paint Patio Furniture Appliances Holiday and seasonal items Home Design Tips Our favorite apps/websites that make shopping and saving faster and easier Rakuten.com Flipp.com Wikibuy.com Camelcamelcamel.com Smile.amazon.com Store apps price scan What is the Best Time of Year to Buy...? Large Appliances: September, October, and January This is when manufacturers roll out new home appliance models, and retailers are eager to move last year's inventory. (Refrigerators are the exception. New models come out in the spring.) Also, Thursdays are a good day because it’s before the weekend and the weekend rush when aisles are less crowded. The last days of the month are also good because stores are desperate to meet quotas and are more likely to dicker over prices. air conditioners & gas grills: Fall & winter because few buyers think about warm-weather appliances when leaves and snow cover the ground. dishwashers: December because they are much cheaper at the end of the year.  Indoor Furniture: July While January is also a great month to buy furniture (post-Christmas sales, new styles are released in February, etc.), July wins out over January because: Bringing your furniture home in snowy weather conditions is difficult. Overall furniture sales are down in the summer making the discounts go up. Office Furniture: January, after tax season & July Furniture styles are updated twice a year usually between February and August. This is a great time to take advantage of price cuts as stores make room for new inventory. Also look into any discounts on floor models. office supplies: august computers: july July is typically a slow month for computer sales—before the back-to-school rush—so you can often find some great deals! Outdoor Furniture: august to october Stores begin clearing out their summer items in July & August to make room for their fall inventory. Generally, the further from summer, the higher the savings on patio furniture. In early August, sales are approximately 20 percent off. gardening tools: february to april Save up to 50 percent on shovels, hoes, rakes and other gardening tools during these months. lawnmowers: april, may, august, september & october (per Consumer Reports). One popular school of thought is that it’s best to buy a mower right after mowing season ends. picnic & barbecue supplies: mid-may & june In anticipation of the summer grilling and picnic season, retailers want to sell their stuff, so you’ll find deep discounts on these types of items. swing sets: august Since swing sets take up a lot of floor space and lose their popularity after kids go back to school, August is a popular month for sales. above ground swimming pools: december to february The off season is the best time to buy. Some retailers will offer incentives to “early planners’ who purchase their pools in December/January/February. Carpets, Flooring & Linens: january Wait until January when prices have been lowered to move inventory. You can also often find a “white sale” on linens at the beginning of the year. Home Décor: january Some people like to redecorate in January to create a new look for the new year. So be on the lookout for sales and discounts at large retailers selling off last year’s looks. Cookware & Kitchen Essentials: late spring/early summer

Best Time of Year to Buy Things for Your Home

If your home could make New Year’s resolutions, what would they be? Does your home dream of exquisitely appointed closets or cozy, inviting rooms for family gatherings? In Episode 87 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and residential architects, Laura Davis and Holly Hall talk about ways you can help your home be more healthy, better organized, and budget-smart in the new year! In this episode Sorting, purging, and organizing Donate to local charities, recycle, pay it forward Areas of the house that need attention, replacing, cleaning, and maintenance Air filters Clothes dryer lint exhaust Exhaust fans in bathrooms Batteries in smoke detectors Carbon monoxide detectors Fire extinguishers Lead paint Popcorn ceiling texture and asbestos Carpet cleaning Mold/mildew in bathrooms Weather stripping Low-flow shower heads and toilets LED light bulbs Water filter in refrigerator Home Design Tips How to make your New Year Home To-Do List Get organized to tackle projects each month Links AHH podcast episode 80: tidying up with marie kondo: expectations vs. reality Kidde recall on fire extinguishers Lead paint info from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbestos info from the EPA   Products and Resources Links below contain Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we might receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Air filters for furnace Carbon monoxide detectors Steam cleaners for floors Weather stripping Low-flow shower heads LED light bulbs 2700K color temperature Sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

87: New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

Front porch design is more important that you might think. A well-designed front porch delivers style, hospitality, and security to the front of your home. In Episode 86 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and architects, Laura Davis and Holly Hall talk about the many facets of front porch design and what steps you can take to turn your porch from outdated to updated. In this episode Front porch nostalgia - why Hollywood loves a good front porch Porch functions - shelter, leisure, social, aesthetics, safety Considerations when designing a new porch New technology for porch design Home Design Tips - Easy ways to update an outdated porch Sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

86: Front Porch Design: Outdated to Updated

What makes a home look the way it looks? How do you approach designing a home based on where you are designing it and what style to you like? In Episode 85 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and architects, Laura Davis and Holly Hall talk about influences that shape home design. In this episode How we are enjoying our new office What does a vacation to Hawaii have to do with home design? Designing from the inside out vs. from the outside in Classical architectural styles vs. site responsive design Geeking out over vernacular architecture How a San Franciscan deals with a hot car ride vs. a Texan Home Design Tips on Choosing Windows: available materials and choices in operation Designing from the inside out The shape and layout of this home on the island of Kauai in Hawaii is driven by the rooms on the inside and how they relate to the view of the ocean. The tropical house has large sliding doors to capture the view and ocean breezes. Deep cantilevered roof eaves serve as floating patio covers with no posts to obstruct the panoramic view. Photo from realtor.com   No upper cabinets to get in the way of the ocean view. Unusual cabinet configuration allows for interaction with guests and enjoyment of the scenic location. Photo from realtor.com   Orienting the house to take in the mountain view and maxing out the windows is common in custom  homes in Park City, Utah. Photo from realtor.com Designing from the outside in A classical revival style is designed from the outside in and is absolutely dependent on symmetry. This home in Highland Park, Texas was built in 1928. Photo from realtor.com Vernacular homes respond to the climate and culture of where they are built   In desert climates such as in New Mexico, adobe homes were the vernacular style developed by the native Americans to keep their homes cool in the heat of the day and warm at night. Photo from realtor.com   Large windows, deep wrap around porches, and raised foundations are characteristic of historic homes in hot, humid climates. This classic style house is in Savannah, Georgia and was built in 1894 when natural ventilation was a key. Photo from realtor.com   Designed from the outside in... In classical architecture homes the style, proportion and placement of windows take priority over what is inside.  This bathroom in an 1893 home in Savannah, Georgia has two large windows. Photo from realtor.com Thank you to our sponsor! Renlita Custom Opening Solutions offers custom, vertical, operable openings. Check out their website at www.renlitausa.com/ahh. If you are viewing this in a podcast app, these show notes and episode can be found at www.hpdarch.com/ahh85. Sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

85: Home Design Inside, Outside, and Upside Down

in this episode Want to share with us which trends in home decor  you are seeing? Visit us on social media @archhappyhour or send us a message here Trends are a great way to refresh the energy, colors, and textures in your home Blend and combine trends for unique looks Choose elements that are easy to change and less expensive but offer big impact   It's springtime and we are ready to freshen up our homes. In Episode 84 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, host and architect, Laura Davis shares her favorite trends in home decor. Today we're going to be talking about trends in home decor as there are some really fun new trends coming along. You know this time of year when the weather gets warmer, we want to open up the windows and doors in our homes and kind of freshen things up. It's a great time to also freshen up the energy and the color and the texture in your home just to make things a little more interesting and fun and prepare for the summer ahead. So we've got four favorite trends that we're going to talk with you about today.  I think you'll find them pretty interesting and if you want to check in with us on social media, I would love to hear from you. What are you seeing from your clients and from your area of the country? What are you seeing as far as trends go? Before we get going on our topic today on trends in home decor, I wanted to thank our new sponsor, Renlita Custom Opening Solutions. Holly and I are really excited to have Renlita onboard with the podcast. What we're really excited about is that Renlita is a custom door company that makes the coolest vertical opening doors that can be used inside as well as outside. If you've got big commercial projects, they're fantastic for interior space management. Or if you're working on a restaurant project or really cool patio design, they're perfect for opening up, creating amazing views for indoor-outdoor spaces. And one of the things that we really love about this company is that they are entirely custom. So Renlita's people are really on the ball with working closely with architects and contractors to make sure that everything comes out perfectly. So go check out their website, Renlita USA,  and see how they can help you on your next project. Okay, so let's get started talking about some home decor trends. Trends in Home Decor - Natural Elements The first trend that we're seeing very strongly are natural elements.  We deal with technology and machine-made things all day long from our smartphones to our crazy smart cars that have screens and all sorts of automated AI technology to detect things around us. And at the end of the day, we just want to come home and relax and reconnect with nature and with something that is not machine-made. So really bringing in natural elements can help you really feel grounded and relaxed when you're back at home. One thing we're seeing is large print botanical and floral wallpapers. And fortunately, now you can even find these in peel and stick. So a lot of the options can actually be removable so you don't have to commit to something big that is going to be a pain to get rid of later. I know we've all been through taking down wallpaper and it is not fun. So to have an option that will go up easily and come down easily. That's a really fun option to sort of brighten up a room. Another thing that we're seeing in all sorts of places, even stores that you can walk into and get it off the shelf like Target or Home Goods or a place like that are wicker and rattan type occasional tables, side tables, coffee tables, and little accent pieces. They're really kind of fun. They look a little bit tropical and especially if they have an open weave, then they're going to bring a lot of air and movement into your room and a lot more texture and interest. And then if you want to just keep it simple, something like a natural woven basket would be really pretty.

84: Fun Trends in Home Decor

We are unbelievably saddened by the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019. With so many emotions and questions about the tragedy in Paris, France we wanted to express our support for the Parisians and the millions of people around the world who love this building as we do. A grave loss like this really brings home the importance of documenting our historic treasures. Not only to record their condition through the years, but for the unimaginable task of having to rebuild and restore a damaged building. We will be keeping an eye on this situation and we are certain to discuss the developments in future podcasts. If you are viewing these notes in your favorite podcast app, please visit our show notes page for Episode 83 to see photos and additional links. Image by Francois Guillot | AFP | Getty Images In this Episode: Shock and sadness of the devastating fire of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France Interview with David Sheppe about the restoration efforts at Saint Germain des Pres Church in Paris, Episode 81: Saving the Oldest Church in Paris How does a stone building burn? The treasures lost to the fire and extensive water damage Safety concerns and probably additional building damage during recovery Cataloging the remains and the importance of complete and accurate records of the building and artifacts sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

83: Notre Dame Cathedral is Burning

Is it time to make room at your bachelor pad for that special someone? Are you getting married and preparing to welcome your new family member(s) into your home? In Episode 82 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, hosts and architects, Laura Davis and Holly Hall offer ideas for decorating and remodeling your bachelor pad into a family home. If you are viewing this in a podcast app, these show notes and episode can be found www.hpdarch.com/ahh82. In this Episode How to tone down the tell-tale signs that a single guy lives here Discover your own style and translate that to your home Family friendly furniture Upgrades to your bedroom your sweetheart will appreciate What to focus on if you are remodeling Kid-ready areas you should consider Resources Mentioned This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase we may receive a small compensation in return. Elfa closet systems by The Container Store Rubbermaid closet systems IKEA storage systems About Your Hosts hpd architecture + interiors principals Laura Davis and Holly Hall are both registered architects and interior designers in Dallas, Texas specializing in residential design. Laura and Holly co-host the popular podcast, The Architecture Happy Hour, where they share their thoughts and tips on architecture and interior design, from helping owners select the right architect to never being too late to begin a career in architecture. Each month, Laura and Holly organize the successful, monthly, networking happy hour also called The Architecture Happy Hour. A social networking community in the Dallas, Texas area, the events are hosted by a different business each month. The group is for professionals in architecture, interior design, real estate, and construction and is focused on creating relationships and offering business referrals to people they know and trust. Sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

82: How to Change Your Bachelor Pad into a Family Home

We hope you are as intrigued about this story of Americans working to save the oldest church in Paris as we are. In Episode 81 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, host and architect, Laura Davis interviews David Sheppe, President of the American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés Church. This church, which is more than 1,000 years old is the sole focus of this organization's international preservation efforts. If you enjoyed your classes in European Architectural History, this episode is for you. If you have a passion for historic preservation, stay tuned. If you just love the romance and beauty of Paris, then stick around as we learn all about this fascinating historic church and the Americans who are helping to save it. See show notes and photos of the Saint Germain des Prés Church at www.hpdarch.com/ahh81   Night view of Saint Germain des Prés Church, Paris, France In this Episode David Sheppe’s background and how he came to be involved in these preservation efforts in Paris, France A history of the Saint Germain des Prés Church Americans don’t have the vast history of architecture to preserve like Europeans Who are these Americans who have become passionate about preserving a church in Paris? If our listeners have a building worth preserving in their community, how do they get started? Under the guidance of Architect Pierre-Antoine Gatier, a master plan of 7 tranches is being implemented Fundraising takes creativity – Adopt a Saint Germain Star™ Campaign Photos of the Church's Interior Restoration If you are viewing these show notes inside a podcast app, please visit www.hpdarch.com/ahh81 to see photos.   Restorer at work, Adopt a Saint Germain Star ceiling   Before and After Capitals   Conservators at Work   Conservators on Scaffolding   Monks Choir Before Restoration   Monks Choir After Restoration   Restoration underway   Stone & statuary restoration still needed. From around 1250, this statue is known as the "Vierge souriante", or "Mary, softly smiling"   Learn More www.PreserveSaintGermain.org Adopt a Saint Germain Star™ Fundraising Campaign Follow American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés on Facebook David Sheppe, President, American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés Inc., sgpusainfo@gmail.com Interested in learning more about the Saint Germain des Prés neighborhood where the church is located? Check out this book by John Baxter. (Click on book cover for Amazon affiliate link. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, but there is no additional cost to you.)   Links to The Architecture Happy Hour episodes mentioned on this podcast: 76: Saving the Alexander Mansion 62: Never Too Old to Become an Architect   About David Sheppe David Sheppe has enjoyed a long career in international banking and now works as a financial and risk management consultant. It was while living in Paris in the 1980s that he first took an interest in the church of Saint Germain des Prés, and he has been a frequent visitor ever since. From 2013 to 2016, he was once again a Paris resident, and it was then that he became acquainted with the work of the “Fonds de Dotation,” the Paris-based fundraising arm for renovating the church. Following his return to the US in 2016, David did volunteer work for the US-based American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés, before joining its board in 2017. He is now leading the charge on the current Adopt A Saint Germain Star™ Campaign in the United States. David is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Cornell University. He resides in southwest Connecticut.   About Pierre-Antoine Gatier, Architect Pierre-Antoine Gatier is the architect who is supervising the preservation efforts at Saint Germain des Prés. A student of École du Louvre in 1981 and a graduate of museology in 1983,

81: Saving the Oldest Church in Paris

Decluttering and Organizing Can homeowners (who lack organizing superpowers) realistically be expected to succeed with the Marie Kondo Tidying Up process? What does decluttering really look like in reality? How is the process different if you work with a professional organizer? In this episode of The Architecture Happy Hour Podcast, Architects and hosts Laura Davis and Holly Hall review the Netflix series called Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and get candid feedback and helpful tips from professional organizer, Traci Olivares of Totally Organized. See show notes at www.hpdarch.com/ahh80. This post contains links to products we love. If you chose to purchase them, it does not increase the cost to you, but we may receive a small commission in return. The Tidying Up Movement By now you've probably heard of Marie Kondo and her #1 New York Times best-selling book called, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Her second book published in 2016, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up continued her popularity in the tidying up and organization arenas. In January 2019, perfectly timed with the dawn of New Year's resolutions everywhere, Netflix released the television series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. In HGTV style, each of the 8 episodes featured different families, couples, or single home owners struggling with their own decluttering challenges. We binged watched every episode eager to glean valuable tips and methods for transforming our own homes. https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/konmari-netflix/Tidying+Up+with+Marie+Kondo+_+Official+Trailer+%5BHD%5D+_+Netflix.mp4   Marie Kondo's tidying up process centers on the KonMari Method™. Followers of the method are instructed to sort through their belongings in categories rather than by location -- but it's an overwhelming process. Often her clients take weeks and months to declutter, and some take it on as a full-time project. How realistic is this really? We chat with professional organizer, Traci Olivares of Totally Organized who joined us to discuss how to manage all the stuff.   Show Notes Our home is our sanctuary [02:50] The KonMari phenomenon [03:00] Is the KonMari Method suitable for regular, everyday Americans? [03:24] Kon Mari Five Steps: clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous and sentimental [04:30] Leaving sentimental items for the very end [05:20] Deal with paper after achieving success with easier areas [06:00] Setting aside enough time to complete tasks within the Kon Mari process [06:50] Start with your personal things and personal space [08:25]  Climbing the clothes mountain [09:19] Look at an area as a whole system - not as individual drawers and cupboards [10:48] Objects that spark joy [11:54] It's not Mari's magic - it's your magic! [13:00] Taking ownership of the mess [13:37] Bringing items out of stagnant storage space where they can be seen and processed [14:42] Expressing gratitude and letting go [15:56] Keeping things out of guilt [17:12] Choosing which items to carry into your future [18:25] The difference between the personal approach of the KonMari Method and the work of a professional organizer [18:45] Busy working professionals may not have the time for Kon Mari. They want to spend free time with family - not organizing the garage [20:12] Dealing with things in categories [20:50] The KonMari folding method [21:30] Perfect folding is not always the most sustainable system. Find out what system will work for and set it up that way [23:12] Who sees inside your dresser drawers anyway, right? [26:00] Grouping and processing items by 'like kind' [27:03] In groups its easier to see when there are way to many of anything - like 26 coffee mugs [27:40] Seeing your items grouped can help you curb spending habits. Like do you really need another cute spiral notebook?

80: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo: Expectations vs. Reality

Looking for the perfect gift for a kid who is creative, shows a curiosity for buildings, and always wants to know how things go together? Dallas Architects Laura Davis and Holly Hall share great ideas for the best gifts for future architects. See show notes at www.hpdarch.com/ahh79. Visit our blog for the 2018 Architectural Gift Guide for All Ages.   In this episode In Episode 79 of The Architecture Happy Hour Podcast, Laura and Holly are inspired by a video featuring Elton John showing that gifts received as children can often influence who we become as adults. They reminisce about toys from their childhood, and offer ideas for picking that perfect gift for the design and architecture enthusiast in your life, both young and young-at-heart. Here's the video: Notable and Shareable Takeaways New technology and innovation are memorable and make an impression. Give gifts that will help the recipient grow into who they are meant to be. If a toy feeds a passion, it will be loved for a very long time. This post contains affiliate links to products we love. If you choose to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Picking the Perfect Gift Dive deep into a current interest NASCAR collection, race track model building and stop motion video app Exploring buildings and home design Barbie Dream House Lincoln Logs Tinker Toys Kenner Toys Girder and Panel set (Can't you just picture a little Holly playing with this set?!) H-O scale train sets Making, Designing, and Creating Ceramics Art supplies, colored pencils, paints Art kits Jewelry making and beading Sewing, quilting Leather, Weaving looms Costume making Macramé, knitting, crochet Paint by Numbers kits Stationery, stickers (Mrs. Grossman’s were Laura's favorite!), rubber stamps (she also loved Inkadinkado), and paper crafts Choose Your Own Adventure Books How do things go together? Puzzles Invisible Man and Woman models Show kids new ideas and new ways of doing things All About book series (Read about the Bathysphere and William Beebe here) Who Was book series (Laura's son likes these) This Old House and Hometime (premiered on public television in 1986 with Dean Johnson and JoAnne Liebeler) Tangent stories about black and white vs. color TVs sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

79: Best Gifts for Future Architects

How do you know if a home is going to be easy to renovate? What secrets could your house be hiding from you and how do you find out? Architect and Host, Laura Davis will walk you through how to research a property to reveal potential deal breakers and problems that will make remodeling or adding onto a home difficult or even impossible. See show notes at www.hpdarch.com/ahh78. in this episode In Episode 78 of The Architecture Happy Hour Podcast, Laura shares tips on how to research a property to uncover the secrets it’s hiding. Start by investigating your property on three levels: County Appraisal District City Zoning Property Survey Watch out for these potential deal breakers: Floodplain Max lot coverage Noncompliant or unpermitted structures Other information sources to check are: HOA Architectural Review Board Property deed restrictions resources and links Dallas Central Appraisal District Dallas City Hall Zoning Map FEMA Flood Map  sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

78: Property Secrets You Need to Know

Do you feel like you are drowning in STUFF? Are all your possessions stressing you out more than they bring you joy? It's time to break down the steps for sorting, purging, donating, and organizing your things so you can sleep at night! Join us on The Architecture Happy Hour podcast as residential architect, Laura Davis shares how to get rid of your stuff to re-imagine your home. See show notes at www.hpdarch.com/ahh77. in this episode In Episode 77 of The Architecture Happy Hour Podcast, we are talking about your stuff and how it’s taking over your life. Here’s how to get started getting rid of your stuff so you can make room for what’s important. Where does your house feel congested? Where does stuff go and never leaves? Closets Kitchen pantries, drawers, and cabinets Bathroom cabinets Garage Sort and Organize Call a professional organizer if you need help Consolidate items together – clothing, hair accessories, desk supplies Purge broken, duplicates, or outdated items Questions to ask yourself when decluttering: Do I use this frequently? Is this item in the most convenient location? Does it bring me joy? notable and shareable takeaways Items to Donate: Eyeglasses with the wrong prescription Old cell phones Shoes you don’t wear Clothing that no longer fits or you haven’t worn in a year Old towels and bedding you haven’t used in years (elastic fails, stains won’t come out) – animal shelter will take these Utensils and appliances you don’t use Sell these things: Collections you no longer love Furniture in good condition Clothes and handbags with designer labels or price tags still on them Kids’ clothing and baby stuff Tools Sports equipment What items should you put in storage: Holiday items Temporary move – furniture, household things you can live without during renovation Documents and files you have to keep for a business or for tax records College student’s possessions who is going to study abroad or relocating temporarily for an internship. **Do Not Store items because you don’t want to deal with – or give yourself a deadline otherwise you’ll never go through it. Things that should be tossed or recycled: Expired pantry items Miss-matched food storage containers Magazines and newspapers Kids school work, daily assignments Old technology – cordless landline phones, old tube tv's, remote controls and cables for equipment you don’t have any more   show notes Getting ready for spring cleaning by sorting, organizing and getting rid of stuff [00:55] Reevaluate how you file and store things based on how you actually live. [02:00] Kitchen pantries, drawers, and cabinets are a good place to start your purge. [03:12] Getting started might seem overwhelming but keep your eye on the prize.[06:06] There are skilled professional organizers that can help if you need it. [07:00] Ask yourself have I used/worn this item in the last year? [09:50] Donate, sell, put into storage, throw away or recycle? [11:43] Donate glasses, cell phones, clothes and give stained towels and sheets to animal shelters[12:40] Sell things you no longer love online or in local consignment stores. [17:21] Making the best use of a storage unit. [22:56]   sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

77: How to Get Rid of Your Stuff to Re-Imagine Your Home

Where do you start if you are planning to restore a historic home? Laura and Holly walk you through the steps they are following in the restoration of the Alexander Mansion in association with The Dallas Woman’s Forum. See inside this architectural gem yourself by joining Laura and Holly at several upcoming events at the Alexander Mansion. Links and dates to the events open to the public appear below. See photos and full show notes at www.hpdarch.com/ahh76.   in this episode In Episode 76 of The Architecture Happy Hour Podcast, here’s what we learned: The Alexander Mansion was built by Charles H. Alexander in 1904 and is located at 4607 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas. The Dallas Woman’s Forum purchased the building in 1930. There is a specific order you should follow if you are going to begin a home restoration project. Top priority in a home restoration or in maintenance is to keep water out A historic home is something to be celebrated and appreciated no matter what stage the restoration is at. Come visit the Alexander Mansion and see why we love it so much! Alexander Mansion, built in 1904 notable and shareable take aways Where do you start if you are approaching a home restoration project? Water intrusion – stop the water from getting in – check the roof, cracks in brick, leaks around windows and doors, and seepage at the foundation and basement Stabilize the foundation – cracks that will let water in can be caused by foundation movement Mechanical – air conditioning units, look for condensation, mold, make sure HVAC units are working properly Plumbing – look for cast iron pipes that could be broken, rusted, or blocked by mineral build up inside the pipes Electrical – old wiring can be a risk for fire Interior finishes – only after the home is dry, stable, and safe from flood and fire should you invest in restoring the fine finishes on the interior of the home Hand carved door surround   Cracking brick mortar in basement foundation walls   Dining Room at the Alexander Mansion, original mahogany paneling resources and links The Dallas Woman’s Forum Belo Mansion Siplast Roofing 2018 Dallas Woman's Forum Events at the Alexander Mansion Girls Night Out – October 19 Craft Fair at the Alexander – October 20 Halloween Costume Ball – October 26 Trunk or Treat Halloween Family Festival – October 30 The Dallas Woman’s Forum Holiday Home Tour – November 30 – December 2 European Holiday Tea Room December 5-9 & 12-16     sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

76: Saving the Alexander Mansion

hpd architecture + interiors principals Laura Davis and Holly Hall share their thoughts and tips on architecture, from helping owners select the right architect to never being too late to begin a career in architecture.

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The Architecture Happy Hour

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