Encore Sustainable Architects

AIA Baltimore HRC Presents: A Had Hat Tour of MacDonough Hall at the US Naval Academy November 2, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CEU: 1.0 LU/HSW (Limited to 20 AIA members) AIA Members can take advantage of the rare opportunity to explore the interior and exterior of the massive 128,000 SF, 1903 MacDonough Hall at the US Naval Academy. The building, used as the Navy’s physical education and training center, is currently under renovation and provides a unique up close and personal peek at a variety of historic features, including the restoration of exterior granite walls, steel and terra cotta windows, and the copper roof. Ten levels of scaffolding wrap the building to support the work – an eye-opening sight by itself. Don't miss this special tour led by Naomi Doddington, project manager for Consigli Construction Co., Inc. and Ward Bucher, Historical #Architect with Encore Sustainable Architects and co-chair of Baltimore AIA, Historic Resources Committee. https://ow.ly/ztxO50TzwpL

AIA Baltimore HRC Presents: A Had Hat Tour of MacDonough Hall at the US Naval Academy November 2, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CEU: 1.0 LU/HSW (Limited to 20 AIA members) AIA Members can take advantage of the rare opportunity to explore the interior and exterior of the massive 128,000 SF, 1903 MacDonough Hall at the US Naval Academy. The building, used as the Navy’s physical education and training center, is currently under renovation and provides a unique up close and personal peek at a variety of historic features, including the restoration of exterior granite walls, steel and terra cotta windows, and the copper roof. Ten levels of scaffolding wrap the building to support the work – an eye-opening sight by itself. Don't miss this special tour led by Naomi Doddington, project manager for Consigli Construction Co., Inc. and Ward Bucher, Historical #Architect with Encore Sustainable Architects and co-chair of Baltimore AIA, Historic Resources Committee. https://ow.ly/ztxO50TzwpL

Encore Sustainable Architects is no novice at quick turns on envisioning plans for an adaptation of an existing building, or design of a new one. Check out this quick turn. https://ow.ly/zsnF50TljGk

Historic Building Project Tip: Understand Historic Guidelines and Modern Codes Before you buy a #historic property, know the rules and guidelines when it comes to renovation. And they can vary. If you are using a historic tax credit or grants to fund a historic #restoration, you’ll have strict parameters to follow. Additionally, if your project is in a historic district, they’ll have their own controls to follow. When you have the historic approvals, you still have to adhere to modern building codes, ADA compliance, and health department regulations. There is a lot to keep track of. Tip: If you are on a tight deadline to open your business in a historic building, have your #architect advise on the sequence of applications to multiple decision-makers to speed up the approvals. Example: A new kitchen addition and porch is added to a building built in 1824 for a restaurant project. https://ow.ly/lGJM50TlgI5

Encore has just begun yet another project at Montgomery Park's Waters House, built in the 1790s. Over the past few years, Encore worked with the county to conduct a sustainability assessment, advise on slate roof repairs, develop a storm water diversion plan and oversee stonework repointing. https://ow.ly/Exwu50TlhKb

We love it when our clients are pleased with our work. Here's a note from Rick Brown, B&B Investments, on our project with the Bethesda Theatre: “Ward Bucher did a phenomenal job on repositioning our 1937 art deco theater into a 500 seat supper club! Creating a kitchen, a bar, redo the floor, stage, etc., his work was timely and professional… would highly recommend his services.” https://ow.ly/se4x50Tljmk

Setting Realistic Budget Expectations for a Historic Building project When building out a #historic property know this: unknowns aren’t known…but there are unknowns. It might sound like a tongue twister, but it is extremely important to understand that when you are dealing with older buildings, there are surprises hidden behind the walls that must be fixed. Tip: Do the demolition early in the process to help uncover structural or other issues so you can address them sooner rather than later and include a contingency in the budget. This image shows a retail client needed reinforcements under the retail floor due to the weight of massive jewelry safes to be installed in a new store location. Get more tips: https://ow.ly/Ah5550TlfZ5

Summer might be officially over, but you can take one more refreshing dip into history with this peek at #historic swimming pools from the National Trust for Historic Preservation! https://lnkd.in/eSZm4Yyc

The imposing pair of paneled doors at the front entrance of the Hawley-Hutzler House are three-feet wide, eight-feet tall and three-inches thick. The oak veneer finish is a half-inch thick, 8 times thicker than the normal 1/16-inch thick door veneer. Why is everything so oversized? My theory is that the answer has to do with churches. Learn more: https://ow.ly/6jzw50SRuMY

So Who Do You Use for Your Project? There is a difference between design work and draft work. Which professional you decide to work with depends on the scope of your project and your budget. If you have a simple remodel of a room or two, you may want to go with an experienced draftsperson. If your project is more complex or a #historicpreservation or renovation, a licensed #architect will be better suited as they are trained in #sustainability, structural safety, codes, and of course artistic design. Let's learn more: https://ow.ly/kWlG50SRuzV