Blog Tags

1960's Contemporary 3-D Addition additions additions bethesda additions maryland American Institute of Architects Montgomery an attractive yard Anti-Mansionization Architect architects & master builders Architectural Architectural Detail Architectural Services Architectural Solutions Arlington Award Winner Architect bath addition bath renovation bathroom Bethesda big snow home tips brenneman & pagenstecher Builder Built-up roof buyer Chevy Chase Commission National Association of the Remodeling Condensation consider more expensive changes if necessary Construction Services Cotswold Cottage countertops County Historic Preservation curb appeal decks Design Design Build District of Columbia don't ignore the driveway dream home Edgemoor elegance emphasize pathways English Cottage EPA lead certification exterior first impression FSC Certified Wood Garden Glen Echo Heights Great Falls Green Green Building Green Remodeling home Home Remodeling Home Renovations House on a Hill HVAC unit's ice damage impact In House Building Industry Professional Remodeler Iron Railing Itallianate Villa Style Kenwood kitchen remodeling kitchen renovation kitchen renovations lead-based paint Light living space Low VOC major winter storm home damage make your entryway inviting Maryland Master Architects master bath Master Builder Master Builders McLean Mohican Hills mold and asthma mold on renovations mold remodeling Montgomery County New-Old House Northwest DC Not So Big House outdoor kitchens outdoor living space outdoor retreat paint resist moisture and corrosion patios planning to stay in your home polished Carrara Marble rug Potomac Prarie Style preprogrammed smart devices RefrigeratorsSmall regulations on Lead-Based Paint Remodel Remodel in Phases Remodeling Services Remodeling Solutions Renovate Residential Architect Residential Builder Roman Grille Roof failure room addition Room with a view Round Room sanding or removal of lead-based paints Scale sell severe mold snow damage snow damage diagnosis snow leaks on door snow leaks on windows Space special features Stone counter stone countertops stone tops kitchen Sustainability Sustainable Architecture Sustainable Building synthetic stucco mold Tear-Down termostats Thinking outside of the Box tile tile rug Transformation Transformations of Older Homes Turn your home into a Smart Home vinyl siding mold Virginia Virtual Washington, DC Whole House Makeover WindowsSmall

Michael Ullrich's Blog

Defining Design
Tags >> Architectural

Make your dream home come true

Posted by: Michael Ullrich on May 13, 2009

 

We have all seen countless advertisements on HGTV, for their "dream homes".  It's an enticing sales pitch.  A uniquely designed, fully decorated home, on a picturesque site.  Who wouldn't want that?   

Well, I see every home as a "dream home" waiting to be realized.  Far too often we focus on the negative aspects of our homes, instead of looking for opportunity and potential.  Intoxicated by television and print images, we "dream" of someday aspiring to have this or that, and it usually looks nothing like what we currently have.  As an architect who has devoted himself to remodeling homes, I love showing clients that their "dream home" is right in front of them. 

So what is it about these "dream homes" that make them so appealing?  To me it's the attention to detail.  Every space is tailored like a custom garment.  Architectural detail is not sacrificed, it is celebrated.  For many, the images flashing across their television screen define "home".  You can have this too!  And you don't need to move to the wine country of Sonoma, California.

Your house should be more than just a roof over your head.  It should be unique.  "Dream homes" evolve from the collaborative efforts of professional architects, master builders, and trusting homeowners.  Let me show you how to make your "dream home" a REALITY. 

                              

                                 We specialize in transforming older homes from ordinary to Extraordinary.

Virtual Remodeling

Posted by: Michael Ullrich on Apr 28, 2009

  We experience the world in three dimensions, yet most of the drawings I produce when remodeling homes throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. are representative of only two dimensions (plans, elevations, sections, etc).   This can pose a major challenge when trying to express the complexities of a design to my clients.  It is difficult for most people, architects included, to fully visualize a space when looking at two dimensional drawings.  Fortunately, computer aided drawing programs allow me to construct three dimensional models that I can inhabit with my clients.  The power of this technology is amazing, and is an essential tool used in all of my designs.

            Incorporating a 3-D design approach, I am able to walk clients through a virtual remodel of their home.  Together we remove walls, enlarge window openings, and explore different cabinetry and casework options. The interactive nature of a virtual model offers my clients the unique opportunity to inhabit their remodeled home before the first nail is driven on the "real" project. This goes a long way to building client confidence in the decisions they are making.

            Designing in three dimensions is of great benefit to me as well.  The freedom of a virtual environment allows me to balance technical know-how with artistic vision, resulting in a sophisticated, cohesive design solution.  I learn from the model as I build it, refining every detail until it is just right.

 

The construction of a 3-D model is no small undertaking, but its value during the design process makes it well worth the time and effort for all parties involved.