Blog entries from Michael Ullrich tagged Architectural Solutions

Adding Space without Adding Space - Part II

Michael Ullrich — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

What is the most underutilized space in most homes? The answer is right under foot, it’s your basement. For many the basement is a damp, musty space, devoid of natural light, disconnected from the rest of the home, useful only for storage. This is unfortunate, because I see the basement as useful lower level living space, and you should too.

Water management:

Moisture is the most common problem found in basements and left unattended can lead to noxious odors, conRead More...

Adding Space without Adding Space

Michael Ullrich — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

In the current economy, and with growing awareness of green concepts, it seems the desire for "big" houses is on the decline. This gives architects and remodelers an exciting opportunity and challenge: to make smaller houses live "large".

To me, a house should be tailored so that every square inch has purpose and usefulness in the daily life of its inhabitants. This concept is critically important in smaller homes. In the next couple of blogs, I will discuss diRead More...

Make your dream home come true

Michael Ullrich — Wed, 13 May 2009 05:00:00 +0100

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,Read More...

Sense of Scale

Michael Ullrich — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Scale - no, I am not talking about that thing we all dread stepping onto in our bathroom or at the gym. I am talking about proportion and the spatial qualities of an object or entity in relationship to its surroundings. Scale is measurable, but more importantly it has a sensory component. When you walk into a room, how do you feel? Does something seem off? Maybe the windows are too small, the room is too narrow, and the couch blocks circulation paths. EverythiRead More...

Thinking outside of the Box

Michael Ullrich — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Welcome to my blog. I am Michael Ullrich, AIA, an architect dedicated to residential design and remodeling in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you…

“Thinking outside of the Box”

It seems everywhere I turn; I am constantly reminded of the downturn in the current economy. Instead of talking about how bad things are, I would instead like to share a bit of optimism. Read More...