ZELDA
Architectural Advice & Consulting
GALLERY
Here are some cases from real clients where we offered solutions for their design issues
LAYOUT ASSESSMENT
"A client approached me with the following request: they had built an addition onto their house which created a large attic space leading out onto a balcony with fantastic views and privacy. They wished to move their master bedroom up there. They knew what they wanted -- a significant amount of closet space and a luxurious bathroom -- but found the large space hard to grasp. They also indicated an interest in having a stand-alone bathtub as seen in many designer magazines and movies. I provided them with several sketches and explained how the space could be blocked out. Some included the stand alone bath tub, some didn't. My goal was to help them prioritize and utilize the large space effectively. Using these sketches, they could probably have a qualified contractor complete the work with no need for detailed working drawings."
NEW SECURITY ROOM
"Many building additions in Israel are motivated by the need of a personal security room. Ever since the scud-missile attacks form Iraq in 1991, Israel has moved away from public bomb shelters. Buildings without their own bomb shelter are encouraged to have each home-owner add his own. In this case, the apartment owner has provided me with a copy of the building permit. From that, I was able to sketch a proposed layout including the functions they requested: a bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, a family bathroom, a laundry nook, and an uncovered balcony. When they found the sketch agreeable, they hired me to draft plans. This step achieves two things: the sketch ideas are drawn to scale and proven to work; and the client receives materials that can go to contractors for price estimates."
SPLITTING THE DUPLEX
"This client lives in a duplex apartment situated directly above a duplex apartment. They were able to buy the duplex from the neighbor below and want to split it such that their apartment becomes a triplex and the remaining lowest floor becomes a separate unit. They have an interior designer and contractor already working on the project, but have had difficulty deciding where to add the stairs from their existing apartment into their new level. I visited the location and provided 3 options, two involved adding external staircases, and the third involved continuing their existing staircase. While the third option was preferable to all, it was unclear if it was feasible. Upon receiving images of the building plans, I first calculated the proposed stairs, drafting them to scale. Convinced the existing stairs could continue, I incorporated them into a sketch of the top floor of the downstairs apartment. While at it, I provided a sketch of the downstairs lower floor, indicating important solutions for light and air. It will be interesting to see which ideas the interior designer puts to use. Meanwhile the client is reassured that all factors have been taken into account and pleasantly surprised how much information can be culled from just a few drawings."
HELPING THE REAL ESTATE AGENT
"A friend and regular client of mine is a fantastic real estate agent who always goes above and beyond for his clients. Often this includes hiring me to illustrate a given property's development potential. He represents one building in which I've assisted him on several occasions. In this case, a client wanted to buy two apartments and join them, but needed assurance that the conjoined apartments would suit her needs appropriately. This is a valid concern. Not all cases of adding on space result in a cohesive and attractive residence. While there is a project architect involved, they can't offer the sales team the kind of support they need to answer this potential client's legitimate requests. That's where I step in, first providing some hand drawn sketches of possible solutions, and later drafting the agreed upon sketch."
HELPING THE REAL ESTATE AGENT (CONTINUED)
"After providing several solutions to different apartments in the same building, I became aware that two apartments, one above the other, were proving difficult to sell. They were both on the North side of the building with no particular views. One had no balcony whatsoever, though it was spacious. The other had a huge balcony, but the apartment itself had only 2 bedrooms. As a favor I sent the real estate broker a sketch of how I would suggest combining the two properties into a luxurious duplex. The apartments could be connected via a spiral staircase. Though attractive elements, spiral staircases have limitations, such as moving furniture up and down. However in this case, each level had access from the main stairwell and elevator. The resulting duplex would have been truly luxurious. As it turned out, the top apartment did sell on its own, but only after I was recruited yet again to provide the client with a layout that met his particular demands."