New regulations on Lead-Based Paint

BRENNEMAN & PAGENSTECHER — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:25:40 +0100

The use of lead-based paint in home application was banned in the U.S. in 1978. Prior to this, lead was commonly added to paint as it increased the durability of the paint, shortened drying time, and helped the paint resist moisture and corrosion. As of April 2010, all contractors that work in a potential lead-contaminated environment must be certified by the EPA to do so.

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...

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...

Blog entries tagged Green Building

New regulations on Lead-Based Paint

Adding Space without Adding Space

Sense of Scale

Thinking outside of the Box