Mark Michaels, Architect

Welcome

Mark Michaels, Architect uses the state-of-the-art 3-D computer programs that offer the following benefits:

* All designs are created and viewed in 3D

* Allows client to take a virtual tour of the interior and exterior of the proposed design

* Provides a "walk-through" of all interior rooms and spaces

* Permits the architect and client to make changes "on the fly"

* Facilitates the creation of multiple or alternative designs & allows them to be compared side by side

Call for a free consultation now 631-751-1910

1 Dune Court, Setauket, NY 11733

Telephone: 631-751-1910

.Choosing an architect

A successful project depends on choosing the right architect. Hiring an architect can actually save you money and result in a project that you can be proud of. A registered or licensed architect has had extensive formal training in design and all other aspects related to architecture. A contractor, designer, or engineer lacks these qualifications. Make sure the person you hire is a registered architect, licensed to practice architecture in your state.

The most typical breakdown of architectural services is that of preliminary or design drawings followed by the construction or working drawings. Once the preliminary drawings are complete, the architect should be able to give you a range of expected construction cost. The design phase is very important as it fixes the design and scope of the project. All of the rooms and spaces are shown including size and location, flow and functionality is determined, interior and exterior designs are settled, and materials are selected. For my own practice, I do all of my design work in 3D as this is an extremely useful design tool for me as well as an excellent way for my clients to see and "experience" their project both inside and out. "Walk-throughs" and "being" inside each room are very useful tools invaluable to understand the project as opposed to looking at two dimensional drawings, possibly not visualizing the project until actual construction.

When the preliminary design has been approved by you, the client, the construction drawings are produced. A good set of drawings are essential to obtain good and competitive process from the contractors. If the drawings are incomplete or otherwise inadequate, the bids will by necessity, be greatly varied.

You can also secure construction phase services of the architect if desired. This is usually at an additional expense and might be billed at an hourly rate. A few correctly timed visits can be productive and cost effective.

An architect can be an invaluable advisor on a number of issues including but not limited to design, construction costs, feasibility, recommending contractors they have worked with, recommending products, materials, subcontractors, and providing advice on the many other factors involved in construction. In short, the architect can be a vital advocate for you.

My Philosophy

Designing a building is a true art. When I was in college, periodically the entire school of architecture would assemble to do a "sketch study problem". This was a twelve hour design problem that each student would have to solve, complete with drawings to demonstrate their skills. They would each be given the program of the required rooms and spaces, along with the respective square footage requirements. I was always amazed to see that the more than 100 solutions were unique! Every one was different. Each saw the solution in their own way.

A well designed building evokes a sense of beauty and excitement. It endures the test of time. When I design a project, I first develop a program from the client. Then I zone in and "become the project". The process can be relatively quick or take much deliberation until at last, the "aha moment" is reached. The solution should be exciting, sometimes creatig little surprises. I design with a 3D computer program so that myself asnd my clients can visualize how the building will look.When you are looking at a building that has been well designed, it evokes a feeling. A sense of beauty, of excitement. A building is an enduring thing.

Use the right person to design your project and it will serve you well indeed. I take great enjoyment when I run into past clients who, unsolicited, tell me how much pleasure they get by living in my houses. They are like my children. I cherish them all.

Buying the Property

Purchasing the property or lot is the first step in the process of building your house. There are so many items to consider, I can't mention everything here but I'll try and go over what I feel are some of the most important ones. The items for consideration will vary depending on the location and situation. My first piece of advice before you even consider buying property is to have an overall budget figure for the project including the construction cost of the house plus a contingency for those items that will surely appear. This is a good time to contact an architect for advice before you even start the process.

First, there are the rules and regulations which pertain to the property that could effect the building process. What are the state and local building codes and ordinances? Is the property in an historic district and, if so, what are the requirements? Is there a homeowner's association with approval rights to construction or a local architectural review board with approval rights? Is there an easement on the property? Are there deed restrictions which come with the deed when you purchase the property? What is the school district? What are the potential property taxes if you build here?

Next, the general vicinity or neighborhood. Is there an attractive or unattractive feature nearby? An attractive feature can be a wooded preserve or a golf course or some other feature that can be an extra asset to your own property. An unattractive nuisance would be a nearby train station, firehouse, sump, or dump. Maybe an unkempt next door neighbor's house. Nearness to electrical transmission towers could pose a health hazard or disruptive interferences to your electrical appliances. Some people desire to be nearby a local school, some would deem it to be undesirable. The choice of neighborhood will not only effect the price of the cost of the lot, it will also effect the price of the construction of the house. Alot of people think that "the sticks don't know where they're going", meaning that the construction costs shouldn't be related to the location of the lot. But they are most definitely related. It costs more to build a house in Beverly Hills than it does to build a house in a poor section in California. You must take this into consideration when budgeting your project. Some construction cost methods call this the "city index multiplier". It's a fact of life.

Lastly, the physical properties of the lot are important. What is the size and dimensions of the lot? What is the acreage or square footage of the property? Is it on a corner, which generally requires two front yard setbacks. What is the topography? Is the lot level or sloped? If sloped, how steep are the grades? Is it wooded? If so, what are the size, caliper (diameter) and locations of the trees? What are the soil conditions? This could effect building, sanitary, and drainage conditions. Are there rock or boulders on the property? Where is groundwater? Is there water nearby? What is the elevation of the property ( how high or low is the grade)? Could there be a flooding problem? Is the property in a flood zone? Are there any underground springs or sink holes in the area? Is it in an earthquake or high wind or hurricane zone? Is the property free of any environmental hazards? Has anything been buried on the property? Has the land been filled in? Is the property "improved"? What are the available utilities? Water, electric, gas, telephone, cable, sewers. Do you need a well or is there public water available? Is the property on a public or private road? Who is responsible for maintenance and/or snow removal for the road?

If you haven't already purchased the property you might want to contact an architect who can provide important advice regarding your potential selection.

Starting from Scratch

Building a new house can be a daunting task. If you haven't already purchased the property, be sure to read "Buying the Property". If you already own the lot, congratulations! Proceed on. I know that I am biased but I highly recommend that you retain the services of a registered/licensed architect to help you plan and design your project. Not only is he or she formally trained in all aspects to perform this task, he or she is unbiased in their recommendations. Whenever I provide information to my clients they know full well that I am not trying to sell them something, it is purely from experience and knowledge that I make my recommendations. Sometimes my advice is driven by code requirements, sometimes by pure aesthetics or experience. But always for the benefit of my client. Where there are choices, those options are provided.

It is vital to have a realistic budget. The size, in area or square footage, is directly proportional to the cost. Again, an architect can provide essential information regarding costs.

If you choose an architect who is experienced with residential projects, he will be of great assistance to you in determining what you can afford.

Establishing a detailed program is the next important step. Of course the program is directly related to the budget. The program is a detailed listing of all the rooms and spaces required. Room sizes or minimum areas can be included here. Furniture requirements for each room should be listed. Room functionality and adjacency requirements should be noted. Architectural style requirements, if any should be indicated. Some clients bring me photos or magazines of homes they admire. Whatever information you can provide to the architect is valuable and will assist him in designing a home that's right for you. Your day to day use of the spaces as well as the style and frequency of entertaining should be indicated. Special requirements should also be noted. Future expansion or phasing possibilities should also be considered. All of these items can affect the design and circulation or flow of the house.

Additions & Alterations to Residences

I always advise my clients that a successful addition/alteration project is one that once completed doesn't look like anything has been done. It should look like it "grew there", that it was built like that originally. It should not look like something was "stuck on". In fact, many times a good addition actually enhances or transforms an otherwise non-descript house.

There are many considerations or parameters to consider:

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state and local codes, rules and regulations

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local ordinances, including required setbacks, easements and other restrictions

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architectural review boards or homeowner associations which may require approval

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environmental considerations, rules and regulations regarding proximity to water, wetlands, historical lands, asbestos abatement, lead abatement, radon abatement, mold abatement, etc.

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structural considerations/ feasibility

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ease of construction

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project phasing and timing

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energy conservartion

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site and sun orientation

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existing topography

Probably most important are the design parameters which include:

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architectural style

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circulation flow & the relationship between the rooms/spaces - also called "adjacencies"

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listing & layout of rooms and spaces including size, shape, door and window placement, consideration for furniture placement and liviing habits and style.

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blending of old to new or perhaps a total makeover.

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material selections

Designing a project is almost mystical- assembling all of the parameters, going through many design possibilites, discarding most, while eventually arriving at the solution that fits. According to the movie "Shakespeare in Love", ......"we don't know how it happens.....it just does....it's a mystery" Such is designing an addition/alteration project. It is an artistic and technical result that is born out of what seems chaos.

Non-residential projects

A building is a living, breathing structure that, if effectively designed, can invite customers or clients, provide a friendly environment for its employees, and provide dividends to its owner for many years. I start each project anew, researching all criteria from scratch ensuring that the latest technology, design and code requirements, energy efficiency, and design philosophy regarding your project is applied and applied properly.

My 3-D computer program allows my client to get a virtual look at what I propose. 3-D exterior and interior views are displayed in real time as are virtual "walk-throughs". The design program also allows me to provide alternate designs and variations on a particular design easily and rapidly. It is a simple matter to compare two designs side by side- all in 3-D. This is a powerful tool and permits my clients to visualize the building during the design phase which makes for inexpensive changes . This is better than making changes during the construction phase which can be costly.

The production or working drawing phase can be as simple or detailed as you require. The drawings can be highly detailed, complete with door and finish schedules, millwork details, reflected ceiling plans, etc. Specifications can also be simple, concise, and placed directly on the drawings or can be a highly detailed, separate component complete with detailed specifications, general and special conditions, proposal forms, agreement forms, and special requirements.

Any required consultants can be assembled on an as-needed basis. Structural engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers are available. Special consultants such as food service, fire protection, acoustic, and media specialists can be utilized if required.

Construction phase services can be provided to the extent necessary. Job meetings, shop drawing review, project management, and project observation are all available services.

Serving the Three Village area of Setauket, Stony Brook, Old Field and all of Suffolk County including smithtown, head of the harbor, port jefferson, lake grove, nissequogue, miller place, mt sinai, poquot, st james, belle terre, lloyd harbor,deer park, northport, east northport,center moriches, southampton, east hampton, west hampton, quogue, sag harbor, shelter island, ridge, sound beach, medford, farmingville, southold, greenport, noyack, north sea,cutchogue, mattituck,jamesport, manorville, huntington, & all of Nassau County including brookville, port washington, syossett, woodbury, massapequa, wantagh, merrick, bellmore, upper brookville, jericho, dix hills, roslyn, manhassett, sand point, great neck, woodmere, hewlett, cedarhurst, lawrence, glen cove, glen head, lattingtown, oyster bay, oyster bay cove, Long Island, LI, New York

Designing a building is a true art. A well

designed building evokes a sense of

beauty and endures the test of time.

Each and every project is given the care & personal attention it deserves. Whether it is a small residential addition or a large new commercial building, the care and skills utilized are the same.

We provide full architectural services.

New Townhouse Complex, Southold, NY

Residence, Old Field, NY

Residence Addition, Setauket, NY

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