Laura and Larry share an e-mail from a potential client about being their own general contractor and discuss what to consider when asking yourself that question.

36: Can I Be My Own General Contractor?

hpd architecture + interiors principals Laura Davis and Holly Hall share their thoughts and tips on architecture, from helping owners select the right architect to never being too late to begin a career in architecture.

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Obtaining building permits through the City Permit Office can be a frustrating experience. These tips will help the process go smoothly.

Obtaining Building Permits From the City Permit Office

Every building and street tells its own story so taking in some architecture on the road will enrich any trip.

Architecture on the Road

Planning to make some changes to the interior décor of your home? Whether those adjustments are significant or minimal, one popular source of inspiration can be found on the latest mood boards from popular interior design experts.
A mood board is a digital (or hardcopy) montage to the styles, patterns, or textiles an interior decorator seeks to infuse into their project. Basically, a mood board provides a collage of images and materials which become the basis for the project’s vision.
			
				
				
				
				
				Ironically, some of today’s most popular mood board feature design trends that are equally nostalgic and current. While the panache is reminiscent of the past, the purpose is influenced by recent global events and society’s responses to them.
What follows are some of the latest interior design trends appearing on popular mood boards and shoppable collections should you want to incorporate some of them into your own home.
Nature-inspired surfaces and objects.
Our culture has become increasingly “green,” due to our heightened awareness of sustainability. You only need to peruse your local Target shelves to notice the countless house-cleaning products curated with oceans and forests and the animals that live in those spaces in mind.
In fairness, earthy shades have never really disappeared. Most people are comfortable with brown tables and furniture. However, this is also about texture, shape, and a sense of warmth.
The trends, then, are towards larger pieces featuring carved images and sculptural items. Also, there’s a move toward décor that connects the inside of the home to the outside. This doesn’t require an exterior renovation. While it’s better if you have a porch, patio, or garden nearby, implementing outdoor furniture styles and textures at select places inside your home is also an option.
 
			
				
				
				
				
				 
			
				
				
				
				
				Tactile textiles
It sounds redundant, but it’s not. In this case, what makes a textile “tactile” are the imperfections or the contrasting materials being used. Rough spots, stress fractures, raised portions, and the blending of harsh and smooth materials suggest a push against perfection which is surprisingly complementary.
It’s a bit like jazz music. Some interior designers have developed an appreciation for bending the rules when it comes to texture and appearance. I mean, the first person to make a charcuterie board was probably looked at as crazy until someone ate a cracker piled with mustard seeds, honey, jam, pickled cauliflower, and some meat and cheese they couldn’t pronounce.
Room dividers
One obvious response to the Covid outbreak was the need for the dual-purpose space. Few people have extra rooms in their home just waiting to be used. With more and more people working from home, suddenly the home office became your child’s science lab, or your kitchen became the corporate boardroom.
Portable room dividers date back centuries ago in Asia, and they allow users to have a space in the home that’s multi-functional. However, dividers don’t have to merely be privacy screens or portable walls. They can also be attractive Zoom backgrounds or, when moved elsewhere, may even serve an additional function in the home such as bonus shelving.
Be creative with this decision. Much like they were in years past, your room divider can become an attractive piece of furniture in your home.
 
			
				
				
				
				
				 
			
				
				
				
				
				Vintage accents
Years ago, the Millennials were all about the antique look. Today, that trend is still going strong; although, presently we see it with the popularization of thrift store shopping by Gen Z.
Essentially, we’re witnessing not only a desire to connect with our past but also an appreciation for the sustainability mentioned earlier. There’s a resistance to purchasing “new stuff” when perfectly good “old stuff” is available. So, any place where you reuse and repurpose materials is appropriate and preferable...

Interior Design Mood Boards Rock Retro Trends

In this podcast, Laura and Holly discuss protecting your current home from freezing temperatures as well as designing a new build to survive extreme weather.

Designing Your Home to Survive Extreme Weather (Temp)

Our prefabricated home build FAQ answers common questions about modular and panel home builds and prepares you to meet your builders.

36: Can I Be My Own General Contractor?

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