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About Paul S. Brown, AIA
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
How to work with an Architect. What to expect for design fees. What services are normally included; what are not included? How do I find an Architect in my area? Why do I need an Architect? How to be clear about your space needs. Why time must be managed properly.

Experience
24 years involvement in the practice of Architecture, including some teaching experience. Most of my work has been within the employment of various firms, but I have also done some small-scale projects on my own. Particular interests include Environmental Design, "Green" Design, and Appropriate Technologies. LEED (TM) Accredited Professional. I have some specific experience with Historic Preservation, Medical Facilities, Commercial Interiors, and Public School projects.
   

You are here:  Experts > Arts/Humanities > Visual Arts > Architecture

Questions Answered By Expert  Paul S. Brown, AIA 
In Category  Architecture

SubjectDate Asked

Design fee cost breakdown10/1/2008
  Q: I want to know about how to get design fee cost breakdown.In that, what percentage of the fee goes ...
  A: I can give you an example from the experience I have over the past few years doing mostly public ...
permit process8/27/2008
  Q: What is the next step after the city building dept. issued a construction permit? The contractor ...
  A: I'm not sure of the context of your question. It sounds as if the architect prepared drawings ...
adding a basement8/11/2008
  Q: we are looking at buying a small house is the suburbs in Minnesota however it does not have a ...
  A: A much more cost effective way to gain area would be to simply add an addition. The new space could ...
adding a basement8/11/2008
  Q: we are looking at buying a small house is the suburbs in Minnesota however it does not have a ...
  A: Congrats on your prospective home purchase. Yes, this can be done; but it is not at all a ...
metal stud partition at center of horiz. sliding window8/10/2008
  Q: Paul, I would like to 1-office into 2-offices, at the mid point of the room there is a ...
  A: In most cases, this is solved by not actually intersecting the wall with the window. Instead, the ...
rural remodel8/9/2008
  Q: We live in beautiful rural setting with an early 1950's home that has had several additions cobbled ...
  A: It sounds like a lovely spot. Your plans are ambitious; this is definitely a project that needs good ...
Hiring a General Contractor8/8/2008
  Q: My wife and I are in the process of opening a patio style take-out restaurant (southern cooking). ...
  A: The bidding process is something that your architect can help with. Of course, you would have to ...
What do I need to be an architect?7/1/2008
  Q: My name is Nicol, and I am a 17 years old student living in Canada, Toronto. I have some questions ...
  A: (This will be my last response for today...) It sounds like you have some more research to do about ...
What do I need to be an architect?7/1/2008
  Q: My name is Nicol, and I am a 17 years old student living in Canada, Toronto. I have some questions ...
  A: Architectural design work is not important for your application portfolio. If you have some, and if ...
What do I need to be an architect?7/1/2008
  Q: My name is Nicol, and I am a 17 years old student living in Canada, Toronto. I have some questions ...
  A: Architecture is a great career choice, but also very challenging. It is hard work. What you need ...
2hr rated wall6/27/2008
  Q: (1) If I want to clad some decorative lightweight cement panels over a 2 hour rated wall, what ...
  A: (1) Technically, the 2-hour wall must not deviate from it's very specific UL-listed testing assembly ...
Plan check6/19/2008
  Q: Does plan check (with the city building dept) always require wet stamped drawings (from architect, ...
  A: Yes. for any commercial project, the local inspector usually wants a wet-stamped drawing to review ...
Architectural6/7/2008
  Q: what is an architectural lentil?
  A: It is the supporting structural member over an opening in a wall. Like over a door or a window, in ...
Roof deck6/6/2008
  Q: Paul, I am expanding a roof deck that is built on a sloped 7/12 pitch roof. Currently, the deck is ...
  A: It sounds like a nice enhancement to the property, and you sound like you know what you are doing. ...
Changing roof line and improving exterior aesthetics6/4/2008
  Q: I just came across your Q&A w.r.t changing an existing roof line to make it more appealing. I am ...
  A: I enjoyed reading your question; your value of the appearance of the property and willingness to ...
Turning space for cars5/17/2008
  Q: What is the space required for backing out a a garage, turning, and driving out? We are looking at ...
  A: 10 feet wide by 20 feet deep is a good turn-around size for a single car; 20 feet by 20 feet for a ...
upper decking5/9/2008
  Q: We have an upper deck above a screened in porch. We put in an under deck roof. We have a lab that ...
  A: Well, I hope you won't hold it against me, but there really is no easy and good solution to this ...
Insulation5/7/2008
  Q: Building a new home in S C. Unsure how to insulate around bathrooms to cut down on noise but at the ...
  A: I should have mentioned that the acoustical batts come without any paper facing. You should not need ...
Insulation5/7/2008
  Q: Building a new home in S C. Unsure how to insulate around bathrooms to cut down on noise but at the ...
  A: There are 'acoustical' insulation batt products that are readily available for this application. ...
solicting to architecture firms5/2/2008
  Q: Any comments/insight you can deliver are/is most appreciated, however if you feel you rather not ...
  A: Sounds interesting. (I was in China this past fall. I did not see anything like this, but I was ...
HOME INSULATION4/23/2008
  Q: IS BLOWN IN INSULATION AS GOOD AS THE ROLLED OUT STUFF? DOES THE BLOWN IN STUFF HAVE A HIGH R-VALUE? ...
  A: Generally, blown-in insulation, when properly installed, is better than rolled because it does a ...
low slope asphalt roof3/25/2008
  Q: please tell me the manufacturers installation specifications for asphalt shingle roof installations ...
  A: I am very sorry to hear that you are having this problem. What an unfortunate circumstance, and ...
Architecture3/23/2008
  Q: I'm 16 years old going on 17 on July 12, I dropped out of high school on October 7, 2007 due to ...
  A: It sounds like you have a good plan going forward. Architecture is a great career. You will need ...
Percentage Costs to Architects1/17/2008
  Q: Good Morning from Sacramento, CA We are paying our architects 6.5% on a middle & elementary school ...
  A: It is really hard to answer this question as each project is very different from every other ...
2 entrance doors12/30/2007
  Q: My house built in aprox. 1923 had two entrance doors. One into the living room and one into the ...
  A: Sorry, no; I really don't know the reason. But here is a guess: Is you home located near a village ...
Our Designs Were Handed out for Competitive Bidding12/13/2007
  Q: What is the best thing to do when you find out that an architectural firm handed out the designs you ...
  A: Ouch! Mandy; this seems incredibly rude, at the least, if not downright illegal. But, I am not an ...
basement supports12/9/2007
  Q: I have a three year old house. The basement ceilings are approximately 10 feet high. The basement ...
  A: I am sure it is tempting, but ... NO ! At least, not without getting some real, specific, ...
What's the pros and cons of house framing?11/10/2007
  Q: I'm looking to purchase a home in North FL. The construction descrip. of these homes are listed as ...
  A: North Florida is nice; I hope you enjoy it there. Concrete block is a common building material in ...
putting a basement in an existing home10/25/2007
  Q: I was wondering if it is possible to put a basement in an existing home? Our home use to have a full ...
  A: Good question.... Yes, it is possible. But the next question is; how much will it cost? And then, ...
Cabin9/14/2007
  Q: I purchased a cabin in Arkansas to retire. It is livable as is, but I am a Yankee and must have a ...
  A: An east-coater going to the Arkansas woods - how cool is that?!? I grew up in Missouri; now am in ...
I wanted to be an achitect.........9/14/2007
  Q: my name is Eleonora, I love every form of architecture, interior design, painting, Frank Lloyd ...
  A: Since you are starting out, I would suggest that you work hourly. It will be hard for you to ...
I wanted to be an achitect.........9/14/2007
  Q: my name is Eleonora, I love every form of architecture, interior design, painting, Frank Lloyd ...
  A: If you have talent, ability and enthusiasm, you should be able to find a way to work in the field of ...
college class for an architect9/13/2007
  Q: i hope your having a good day! i am senoir attending high school still, i actually have a quick ...
  A: Usually 5 years of college, including 4 years of design studio; usually two years of math (depending ...
Building Designer8/31/2007
  Q: I want to change my careerpath and want to go into architecture because it was always something that ...
  A: To become a building designer, there are many different ways to approach this goal. You will need to ...
Architecture8/13/2007
  Q: well hello, I am applying to some architecture schools this December,and i have several questions ...
  A: Architecture is a good career choice. Good luck with your college applications. Yes, art is ...
Anothers Point of View8/7/2007
  Q: Next year I am going to a special school for architecture but I am wondering from another persons ...
  A: Architecture is a great career choice. The most important thing for someone who is interested in ...
How do I find an architect in my area?7/31/2007
  Q: We want to add about 1200sf to our 2600sf house, located in Orange County, CA, but we are having ...
  A: It sounds like a nice project; I am sure you will be able to find the right fit. Of course, the ...
Pergola Design7/31/2007
  Q: I want to build a pergola over a 13' X 16' patio. Although adjacent to the house, the pergola will ...
  A: OK, yes, you are correct. The knee braces will effectively reduce the span - you are doing the right ...
Pergola Design7/30/2007
  Q: I want to build a pergola over a 13' X 16' patio. Although adjacent to the house, the pergola will ...
  A: Sounds like a great project. Are there any structural engineers on AllExperts? You might want to ...
Preservation Architects7/26/2007
  Q: We have been salvaging 1800's homes for the past seven years. We finally decided to start our own ...
  A: fascinating... I have done some preservation work in the past, so yes, I do have a suggestion or ...
Reply to General7/25/2007
  Q: Well basically i would like to build a house from scratch in the future and im not really sure how ...
  A: yes, that helps me understand better ... If you feel like you have particular needs and wishes for ...
How do I change overpowering brick exterior of this home.7/15/2007
  Q: I reside in Atlanta, GA and I am considering purchasing a 2 story home. This home resides in a ...
  A: Interesting question.... thanks for asking. Most people like the durability of brick, and want to ...
kits and plans7/12/2007
  Q: I am considering building a home that is a 'kit' from Lindal homes. There are some changes that I'd ...
  A: I don't have any direct personal experience with Lindal. But based upon general reputation, I ...
Raising the roof7/3/2007
  Q: I want to make my recently purchased home a lot more luxurious. The first-floor master is far from ...
  A: It sounds like an ambitious project, and will require some careful planning. My advice for a ...
architect design fees6/15/2007
  Q: can you please give me an idea of what an architect's design fee will run? also, i'm building on ...
  A: 6/22/07 Hi Again Pam: Thanks for the nice feedback. It's appreciated. I just noticed that it looks ...
architectural prints, collection of-a mystery!6/14/2007
  Q: I have an old ledger, 11x14 inches, bookplate of Theodore Woodman Gore. Contents are a collection of ...
  A: 6/21/07 Hi Again Peg; Just following up; wondering if you had any luck getting more info about the ...
living area5/11/2007
  Q: we planning on building a new home and are looking for plans online. When the plan says total ...
  A: Mike: Are you doing math on printed room dimension? Or are you scaling the plans yourself, and then ...
living area5/10/2007
  Q: we planning on building a new home and are looking for plans online. When the plan says total ...
  A: The garage should not be included in the "Total Living Area" calculations for a new home; but should ...
green architecture4/14/2007
  Q: I have been looking for an internship position with green architects in nyc. I have done extensive ...
  A: Are you in an Architecture Program at your college? But they don't offer any sustainable design ...
architect's liability3/22/2007
  Q: We are building an addition to an outside deck. Our architect's agreement states that his liability ...
  A: It sounds like a nice deck - good views? You have the right to be satisfied with the terms of the ...
Architectural Services3/7/2007
  Q: I in the starting phase of building a takeout restaurant. I have a civil engineer doing preliminary ...
  A: This sounds like an interesting project; good luck with your venture. I checked the National RD ...
start uparchitectural online selling plans2/27/2007
  Q: Again thanks fofr your very useful reply. I am still wandering about establishing such a business, ...
  A: It seems that you have a very good sense for the architectural aspects of this proposed business ...
limited liability insurance2/23/2007
  Q: Actually, it's not an addition. We're renovating the first floor of our house, which used to be a ...
  A: Yes, my answer would essentially be the same. Is the architect designing any tricky structural ...
limited liability insurance2/22/2007
  Q: We are considering hiring an architect, but in his proposal he wants to limit his liability to 75% ...
  A: From the amounts, it sounds like this perhaps an addition on an existing home? Limits of Liability ...
start uparchitectural online selling plans2/22/2007
  Q: Paul S. Brown, AIA I would appreciate if you could guide me on how to establish a web site dealing ...
  A: This sounds like a fun venture. I wish you well. My feeling is that this a very competitive market ...
Architect12/9/2006
  Q: I have a simple question , can an architect specialize in only doing renderings, or do they have to ...
  A: Campbell: Yes, it is possible to make a living doing only renderings. There are several individuals ...
redo a foundation12/6/2006
  Q: My husband and I are considering hiring someone to jack our house up so our current foundation can ...
  A: Is the existing foundation stone? or Concrete block? Yes, jacking it up is a viable option. One ...
Engineer & Architect ?12/1/2006
  Q: I'm a graduating Mechanical Engineering major. I use to study architecture in high school and most ...
  A: You should be able to find a program where you can jump right in and get a masters of Architecture, ...
which side of duplex will be cooler?10/27/2006
  Q: As you'll see, I know zip about building or climate-type issues and sorry if this is ignorant ...
  A: Not a trivial question at all, in San Jose! I'm not sure I have an exactly accurate mental image of ...
Roofing with porous tiles9/21/2006
  Q: I'd like to ask you this question; How is it possible that you can create a waterproof roof with ...
  A: Many roofs are covered with materials which are not entirely waterproof. Clay tiles certainly ...
New House/Garage Exterior9/21/2006
  Q: We just purchased 12 acres of land and are hoping to build our dream home. To begin with, we are ...
  A: Sounds like a great project! You could definately benefit from the help of an architect. It sounds ...
19th century fascade9/7/2006
  Q: I have purchased a property in an area where they would like to preserve the look of the 1800's in a ...
  A: It sounds like a great project! I'm not sure where Peace Dale is; I was just in East Greenwich ...
Beginning in the field8/14/2006
  Q: . my son is in the 11th grade and has (what I believe to be) an incredible talent at being able to ...
  A: Yes, it sounds like he would do well in a community college course in drafting, or any drawing ...
Ventilation8/2/2006
  Q: I'm hoping to improve/remodel a large room that was added to the house years ago prior to me. It ...
  A: If there is some particular unusual aspect to the problem, then an architect might be a good choice. ...
Ideas to mesh siding and brick7/31/2006
  Q: Long story, but I have a home where the first level has a brick facade and the second level will ...
  A: It sounds like you are on the right track... I am not familiar with 'Koma', but I get the basic ...
House Plans7/29/2006
  Q: We could not find a builder who builds the exact house we want. We selected a builder who had the ...
  A: If the plan is not changing too much, if only the elevation is changing; then the structural changes ...
Pitch of roof considering length or addition7/26/2006
  Q: To clarify- current ridge line runs east to west; ridge line of addition would run north to south ...
  A: OK; I am clear on the T idea; understood. But still not clear on the 'required width' question. ...
Pitch of roof considering length or addition7/26/2006
  Q: I am planning build an addition on to the back of our 28' x 55' ranch. The current roof pitch is ...
  A: I would like to help with this, but need some more information; or clarification. I am confused by ...
Home Building Startup7/14/2006
  Q: I am putting things together to start my own Home Building Company. I have a few questions that I ...
  A: Many home builders run their businesses "on spec", meaning "on speculation", meaning that they buy a ...
skylights - replacement7/14/2006
  Q: We are replacing a roof on a property of which there are four units. We own one of the units. We ...
  A: Wow; 9000 ft.! I'm trying to guess where that could be; maybe a Park Service building in Yellowstone ...
designing house7/2/2006
  Q: In the next year or so, we will be building a house. We have 300 acres and have narrowed the home ...
  A: Sorry it took so long for me to answer; I was away on vacation and forgot to note that on my ...
adobe house6/20/2006
  Q: I live in Reedley, California, about 200 miles north Los Angeles. About six miles north from ...
  A: Interesting question.... I am really not an expert on the structural issues related to earthquake ...
drafting6/8/2006
  Q: thanks traci
  A: The only advantages I can think of: 1) it's cheaper; just pencils and paper; no computers or ...
drawing6/6/2006
  Q: hi ya paul traci here i was jus looking to know could u describe to my what auto cad is and hw is it ...
  A: Sure: AutoCad is a software program sold by the AutoDesk Corporation; architects and other building ...
Architect vs. Draftsman6/3/2006
  Q: I live in a 2 bedroom home built in 1930. We need to add a bedroom or two and renovate the kitchen, ...
  A: It is possible to get the answers you seek without spending a lot of money. But, you will need to ...
Finding building adice online5/5/2006
  Q: I'm also an expert on allexperts.com. I'm a roofing contractor and my field is roofing advice. ...
  A: nice to 'e-meet' you. Short answer: No, I don't already have a favorite 'how to build a house' ...
Review and comment5/2/2006
  Q: I am building a new colonial style home with an attached barn. My hope is to make these buildings ...
  A: What a cool sounding project!! I'm not sure what part of the country you are in, but I would advise ...
What are the requirements...4/30/2006
  Q: What are the requirements for one to become an architect?
  A: Generally, you need to have at least 5 years of college and get an accredited Bachelors of ...
Pavilion4/5/2006
  Q: I want to build an outside Pavilion 16'long x 10'deep.I want to use 6 x 6 posts in each corner, do I ...
  A: Essentially what you are doing is building a post and beam frame structure to support your roof. You ...
Hi Paul. I'm hoping that...1/9/2006
  Q: I'm hoping that you can answer these questions for me. Thanks. 1. Was it easy for you to find a ...
  A: Christina: hi; is this a homework question? If you are asking because you seek serious help with a ...
How important?12/9/2005
  Q: Hey I'm a senior at high school who wishes to become a great architect one day. My question is, how ...
  A: I am glad to hear that you are interested in this profession; it can be very satisfying and ...
Commercial Architect10/7/2005
  Q: Brown: I have a large (everything's relative, I know) commercial project I've been working on for ...
  A: Kathleen: First, my apologies for taking so long with my reply. Perhaps you have already gotten some ...
Architects/Designers - Drawings for Remodel9/9/2005
  Q: We are currently working towards remodeling our home (Dec 2005) and have drawn out our ideas on the ...
  A: I taught a course once at my local High School for the Adult Continuing Ed program titled "How to ...
is it common for drafters...7/16/2005
  Q: is it common for drafters to be self employed? if so, how does one go about getting started? ...
  A: Yes, it is becoming more common. But most drafters probably still work for a company as a regular ...
------------------------- ...6/27/2005
  Q: I am a student in architecture, i know Vector works and Autocad very well. I do not have my ...
  A: I don't think that being in the D.R. should prevent you from doing this sort of work; (of course, I ...
Hi Paul I am a student...6/23/2005
  Q: I am a student in architecture, i know Vector works and Autocad very well. I do not have my ...
  A: Claude: Hi. Yes, absolutely you can. You should not try to be responsible for doing a structure ...
STUDENT6/12/2005
  Q: my name is khald nice 2 meet u i'm a student in the college of archeticture there is 2 quistion a ...
  A: Nice to meet you; don't worry about the spelling! I assume that you are not a native english ...
becoming an architect?6/1/2005
  Q: Your idea about interior design is very interesting. I've actually thought about that as a career ...
  A: Sorry it took me a little longer this time; busy since yesterday! (and thanks for the nice ...
becoming an architect?6/1/2005
  Q: I am a 33 year old woman with a BFA in textile design. I enjoy what I do, but have found it very ...
  A: Sounds like an important question; let me see if I can help at all... With your background in ...
Big Plans5/24/2005
  Q: I am looking into starting a big project. My father passed a few weeks ago and we have the ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your father's passing; he sounds like he was a good man. Good for you for having ...
architecture vs drafting5/15/2005
  Q: What is the difference between an architect and a draftsman?
  A: In a legal sense, the Architect is the individual who is responsible for the life safety of the ...
GPS survey map5/13/2005
  Q: I can't seem to find a category on allexperts that is more direct, so perhaps if you can't answer my ...
  A: I own 30 acres of land in Maine, and have tried using a GPS to walk the corners, so I have some ...
Courses required to be an Architect5/12/2005
  Q: I'm a gr 9 high school student and I would like to know what courses I should take to become an ...
  A: I think it is great that you are considering Architecture. Freehand drawing and sketching is ...
Dear Sir or Madam, I am Ilma...4/29/2005
  Q: I am Ilma Calite, a high school student at South High in Torrance, California. In chemistry, I was ...
  A: Wow; that's a lot of questions... here goes, in order: Generally, a five year accredited bachelors ...
Becoming a Professional Building Designer4/7/2005
  Q: Brown, I have been wanting to take home designing courses at a local college for many years, but ...
  A: I'm not sure what state you are in. You should contact your state licensing board to get the rules ...
I want to know how much an...3/14/2005
  Q: I want to know how much an architect earns with each project and how is the work load ? Are you ...
  A: The workload is very demanding. Many people don't understand that the thought process involved in ...
Medical clinic design3/7/2005
  Q: Mr. Brown: For a social service project I am involved in we are in charge of the design of a clinic ...
  A: You should probably start with this document: Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and ...
Draftsman never finished1/29/2005
  Q: Sir, I started with an acclaimed (read expensive)architect which accepted that he will do the ...
  A: David: I can understand why you are disappointed. No, I don't know of any sort of draftperson's ...
CAD1/19/2005
  Q: I know this might not have anything to deal with you, but i need your help. I was wondering if you ...
  A: If you go to this website: http://www.sketchup.com/try/try_forme.php you can download a free trial ...
Universal Design1/17/2005
  Q: Brown, Do you know of a place that is universally designed or an idea of a place that can be ...
  A: ‘Universal Design' is a term used to describe building design which is fully accessible to persons ...
hospital architecture design & planning12/17/2004
  Q: where can i find materials for the above on the net?
  A: There are many resources. But you should probably start with this document: Guidelines for Design ...
Home design, design costs10/21/2004
  Q: I'm doing some rough draft designs of a home I want built for my family. This will be the first ...
  A: Fees charged by Architect vary widely, and sometimes vary wildly. :) Don't be afraid to shop around. ...
information on angkor10/5/2004
  Q: respected sir, Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for reading this letter. iam ...
  A: Please excuse my delayed response to your important and detailed question. I am only familiar with ...
HOW DO I FIND BLUE PRINTS ?9/23/2004
  Q: Paul - We are in hurricane country and have a new concept for "hurricane" homes. I need to find ...
  A: Rosemary: First, please accept my appology for a delayed response; I missed your message due to a ...
hard to be designer9/11/2004
  Q: I want to pursue my dream, so I start my own design service, I enjoy doing design work, but connect ...
  A: Your feelings are very common among Architects and designers. It is a very difficult profession, ...
3D design8/30/2004
  Q: I like to know what is best 3D design software in the market? for landscape and architecture. ...
  A: JJ: I am not an expert on all of the various available 3-D design software packages. My personal ...

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