Hi, this is Matt, founder of Paragon Building Artisans. Thank you for visiting my blog.
My goal when working with my clients on design is to give them precisely what they want. If they don’t have a clear picture, I help them figure it out.
My other goal is to think of everything in terms of functionality and long-term use. Many times I have seen a design feature that seems acceptable on paper, but in reality becomes the bane of the customer’s existence. Scraping ones knuckles on the drawer below, or having to strain to get a hat out of a cabinet, are two examples.
To remedy this, I ask lots of questions like,
“What’s the height of the person using this storage space?”
“What would I hold on to if I slipped here?”
“Will children use this space?”
“Where will the light come from?”
“How would this work if I were taller, heavier, better looking, etc?”
In short, I work to whatever extent necessary to arrive at a design my clients love, not just for the beauty, but for function and purpose.
Matt here, at 2 AM studying for my LEED exam.
In preparing for the exam I came across some fascinating articles on green building that might be of interest to you. Here they are:
1. “A Green Approach” about green lofts in California’s Bay Area, click here.
2. “Wind Now Employs More People Than Coal,” click here.
3. “Green Building Trend Picks Up Pace in County,” click here.
By the way, I’ve decided to join the twitterverse. Follow me at www.twitter.com/paragon
Matt here! Thank you for visiting my blog.
As many of you know, Paragon Building Artisans is making bold moves toward sustainability and green building. Our goal is to be 50% green by June of 2009. This requires lots and lots of studying on my part. There’s so much to learn out there, and yet, there’s still so much that is unknown.
I’m taking my LEED Professional Accreditation test on March __ so wish me luck. When I pass, this means that I have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles governed by the Green Building Certification Institute.
Right now, Paragon is working on a commisioned coffee table made from recycled material and a 8 story hallway renovation using low VOC paint, carpet and wallpaper, ceramic stone and Energy Star lighting fixtures.
