Why architecture?
with Director of architecture - Michelle Howard
22 August 2022
EHD’s own architect Michelle Howard answers common questions about architecture. She and founder Elizabeth Hales discuss architecture styles, nature in architecture, architecture and interior design, when to hire an architect, and other recommendations.
1// How did you get started in architecture? What inspires you?
Michelle: For as long as I can remember I was interested in architecture. When I was young, my uncle built an innovative home but it was also well designed. There were things like a round deep window next to the trees to curl up with a book, and his wife loved to cook but she was shorter so they made the kitchen the perfect height for her. It was fascinating to me that architecture could respond to the way we live. Winston Churchill once said “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” That is a huge reason why I became interested, architecture shapes our lives.
What inspires me is architecture that is very intentional, that is thoughtful, and has a lot of heart or emotion in the design. I also teach architecture at the University of Utah and am fascinated by the concept of architecture as communication, my favorite architecture is architecture as poetry, that has a very thoughtful and condensed meaning.
2// What is your background before EHD?
Michelle: Interestingly my background is in fine art. I was lucky to have great art instructors. I had often heard the quote that architecture is the highest form of art. I looked in to it but unfortunately, I listened to a counselor who said architecture is not a good field for women. So I made a pivot and pursued fine art. I actually worked with designers and builders. At one point I was telling my daughters the importance of education and to follow their passion, I realized I needed to show them this, not just tell them. So I went to back to school for my masters and it was amazing. I was able to get a travel fellowship after graduation and a scholarship that gave me a lot of confidence. I’ve been working since 2017 after graduating and was fully licensed in 2019, I've had great mentors over the years. I've worked from residential, to multi million dollar commercial, and everything in between. It's been great to work in more small-scale residential and commercial to be able to dive into the design, especially luxury. It just makes my heart happy to focus on that aspect.
3// What is the difference between an Architect and Drafter?
Michelle: They are very different. One way I think about it is an analogy of the medical field. There are cnas, nurses, and surgeons, sometimes you just need a cna, or drafter and others you need a surgeon, an architect. A drafter is someone trained in software, a fully licensed architect is trained in many aspects of architecture. For example when looking at sites, they consider its elevation, micro climate, solar studies, views, etc. It’s a higher level of expertise than drawing up a couple of walls. At our firm it's important for us to streamline the process for clients, architects provide that. The level of expertise is better with a licensed architect, they are there for the entirety of the project, it is a more elevated and in depth experience working with an architect. As an architect we also act as an advocate for the owner, to make sure construction is meeting intent. We take documents to a higher level of detail so there are no questions or room for error. It becomes a liability contract you can use as a protection to you.
4// Are architects needed for a renovation?
Michelle: It really depends on the renovation, a good rule of thumb is with anything structural like moving walls and rooms, permits need to be submitted and approved for your specific project. Otherwise you won’t need an architect.
5// How do architects work with interior design?
Elizabeth: This is one of the biggest reasons we brought an architect in house, we have worked with many nationwide. I love different perspectives but individuals or firms who have the same expectations and values are most important to us. There have been times we have come into projects and the architecture doesn't work with the interior. By having an architect in house, it moves the project forward smoother and faster.
Michelle: It is so nice to turn to the interior designers. I can say, here are a couple options, what works with the design you’re thinking of? Or they’ll come to me and ask if we can make changes to support the interior design. It's magic when we are on the same page and dancing together in the process.
6// How do you connect your design to nature?
Michelle: The design process is collaborative, if nature is important to the client then finding that connection to nature is something we love to help with. This can be visual, bringing the outside in, ventilation, eco friendly efficiency, indoor-outdoor features, or views. That is something I'm personally passionate about and just one of the reasons why I work at EHD.
7// When to hire an architect? What stages of the build do architects help with?
Michelle: An architect can be brought in at any phase, but really the sooner the better. They can be brought on even before selecting a lot and the very conceptual phase, there are benefits architects can bring into that process. The most important phase would be in early concept, or discovering you and your desires, to help you discover your goals and dreams and bring them to reality. The sooner we are brought in the better the result. You can really capitalize on your lot, and create the best space that way.
8// Can I use you for interior design even if the architecture is already drawn?
Michelle: At times we will get clients with need for revisions or completely new plans. We can also work with the architect if they stay on the project to make sure the architecture supports the interior design.
9// Do I have to have an architect, my builder says they can do it?
Michelle: Your builder cannot architect. Clients will bring this up, but we warn that is not what you think it is, they’re usually using someone and will still charge you for the time and work. Finding the right architect is the best investment you can make, it’s foundational to your space. In my opinion you have 3 decisions to make whens starting your project. Who is going to design it to make sure the structure is what you want. The interior design, how you want the home to feel and function according to your life and aesthetic. Then the builder who can execute that.
Elizabeth: You can make the decision to use your builder if you’re worried about budget, again we advise that you ask about cost. We work in luxury projects so it’s my opinion and our client’s to not skimp on the architecture, and interview so you get what you want in the end. Sometimes it's easier for the builder to design according to how he wants to build it. If you want it designed for you, you need an architect. Recently we have had builders work with us and mention loving the process after going through it, the detail and streamlined process we offer provides a clear and fast build journey for all involved.
10// What is the best material for exteriors?
Michelle: Natural wood. There are a couple that are thermally treated, that keep the beauty of the natural wood but are resistant to weathering. One thing I love about natural wood is that it's almost like they are still alive, their appearance changes over time. Though they can be tricky if you want no maintenance or the same look over time. For specific types there is Acoya, and personally I love shou sugi ban, depending on the species, some won't look over time after install. Also depending on climate, decisions might be different. We recommend different materials for different geographical locations. We take time and do research to find the best materials for our clients specific projects.
11// Do you struggle with builders and executing the Scandinavian modern style?
Elizabeth: I don’t have struggles with builders and styles, we take accountability to design a well executed and detailed space so that it can be built as designed. I find the best builder who I believe can execute the space how it has been designed. We don’t take commissions from specific builders, we vet the right builder for you.
12// What does the process look like when working with you?
Michelle: In one word it is collaboration, both discovering goals and taking what clients give us to open up new possibilities they haven't thought of. The same with interior designers, we work collaboratively and intentionally. We have 5 steps to our architecture projects I can briefly go over. We start with programming or goal discovery, assess what the site or site options bring and look at options. Next is schematic design, where we make those conceptual goals come to life, we get digital models and floor plan options built. Once we decide on the design we move into making concrete architectural decisions like how walls should be assembled, and as needed we pull interior designers in through the process. Once we establish the design for architecture, we hand it off to the interior designers. While they work, the architects translate designs into construction documents, this is a very important step as far as being able to, in detail, document the decisions into the drawing which communicates to the builder the design intention and makes sure there are clear expectations, so we don't ever get to a point during construction where there is confusion on execution. These architectural plans are your contractual forms for how your space is to be built from the outside in, the more detail, the more protected you will be during the build. The last phase is construction, where we work as an advocate for you. We are onsite to make sure that everything is meeting design intent and moving as smoothly as possible.
Thank you for reading. If you would like to learn more about what we offer in architecture you can visit our page here. If you have a project you would like to explore with us you can fill out an inquiry form on our Contact page.