FAQs

Do you care about the environment?

Absolutely. Whenever possible, I work to include renewable energy like solar power, water reclamation, drought-tolerant planting, rainwater run-off calming, and water table support. I also work with the site-specific sun and wind patterns to enhance your building's functionality without solely relying on mechanical systems. I am a signatory in the AIA 2030 Commitment, which is an actionable climate strategy that gives a set of standards and goals for reaching net zero emissions in the built environment by 2030. With an integrated design process from day one, I look to increase your asset’s value while also reducing operating costs for you long term, which increases your property’s marketability. More importantly, it gives you and your family a healthy, beautiful, and peaceful place to live or work while minimizing harm to the global atmosphere. This is part of a Passive House design approach. In addition, I believe in and studied topophilia as part of my graduate research. Topophilia was coined by the geographer Yi-Fu Tuan of the University of Wisconsin and is defined as the affective bond with one's environment—a person's mental, emotional, and cognitive ties to a place. Tying in this sensitivity to place in conjunction with a sensitivity to the environment I have found, yields deep bonds, respect, and a successful connection to a finished project.

What is a passive house?

This is a short 90 second explanation of what a passive house is. One thing I would add to this explanation, is that passive houses have been built by indigenous cultures throughout the world long before “technological advances” of mechanical systems were invented. Today’s “Passive House” includes high value insulation and highly efficient mechanical systems that greatly improves our indoor air quality and minimizes the need for typical HVAC mechanical systems. They incorporate carbon capture, can use materials that another industry may consider a bi-product, and use far less power than a typical house. Using less power translates to a minimal draw on mechanical systems, smaller systems, lower utility bills, and less carbon released into the atmosphere. These concepts were a part of my graduate thesis work, which also incorporated my own ideas of a “Dynamic House”, of working with the environment, to create experiential spaces based on our senses of differing climatic environments.

Do you do remodel work, additions or new construction projects?

All of the above. My projects range from new construction, whole house remodels, large scale additions, second story additions, and basement additions, to primary suite additions/ remodels and kitchen and bath remodels, as well as street-front aesthetic up grades. I have also worked on TI office spaces, code analysis, landscape design, public structures, restaurant/market places, and religious spaces.

What if I don’t know exactly what I need or want to change?  

As a recent and truly lovely client duo told me after working with another architect who delivered exactly what they had asked for, “We realized we needed someone to tell us what we actually needed to do, not what we asked them to do.” They reminded me of my not-so-typical role as a specialized architect, who sees beyond the surface. “Michelle, you are the fixer. We need to listen to you, and that’s why you are here.” So, what does this mean for you? You can relax and enjoy the process I will bring to you. I listen. I hear your problems, annoyances, wishes, dreams, and future plans. I can turn around quick progress in certain circumstances, and also encourage you to be patient in other areas so we achieve the end result that will bring you contentment for years.

Do I need to worry about finding a contractor?  

No, I have several wonderful general contractors that I will recommend to you based on the scope of your project. These are contractors that I trust, who do quality work, build beautifully crafted projects, and are kind, polite and respectful of you and your personal belongings. If you have a contractor that comes well-regarded to you by many sources or with whom you have worked with before, I am happy to make their acquaintance and start a new relationship.

Do you have engineers that you work with?

Yes, I have been working with my talented structural engineer almost exclusively for nearly 20 years. I also collaborate with qualified Title-24 engineers, surveyors and civil engineers who may participate in your project. You will contract directly with these engineers and I do not charge a typical mark-up.

Do I need an interior designer for my project?

No, I work with you to create all the permanent finishes and fixtures that you will see, use and enjoy once your project is completed. With your guidance, I will design and specify tile patterns, slabs, paint colors, grout, flooring, cabinetry, doors and windows, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, and roofing materials. My firm also offers full interior design services, creating suites of furnishings that might include furniture, rugs, window coverings, bedding, mattresses…even coffee cups, that compliment your new and existing spaces. 

How do you charge or what is your fee scale?

I charge hourly for schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding and negotiations, construction administration, purchasing, and interior design services.

Why is it important to work with an architect for the duration of my construction project?

A proper construction project will include an engaged architect throughout the job, making sure all details are executed according to plan and questions and unforeseen circumstances are handled in a timely, direct, undramatic yet creative manner. Beware of contractors that do not want to have an architect involved in the construction process. An architect is on-site to act as your advocate with a wide knowledge base of construction and how construction and billing processes should be handled. Read up and do your research. A contractor that wants you to themselves will have a lot of power over you, soon making you feel like you are 'over a barrel' as I have sadly heard from people that have made unwise choices about who to trust with their greatest investment. Also know that the lowest bottom line contract price is rarely the lowest price overall. Be ready for a lot of hidden defects, surprises, and change orders. 

Do you like inspirational design images and how can I share mine with you?

Yes, please see my Instagram feed by clicking on the camera icon at the middle or bottom of the page. You can create your own folder of inspirational design images on sites such as Houzz (for residential projects) or elsewhere like Pinterest and share the folder with me. You can also keep hard-copies collected in a binder that I can keep on-hand while designing your project. My office walls are sure to be adorned with your inspirational images as I design your project. 

Do you have references?

Of course!  I will send a list at your request. You can also reference my google and yelp reviews which are linked to the last two icons shown below.

Where are you located?

You can find my office on Church Street in Los Gatos, in the Casa Antigua building. We are across Main Street from the Los Gatos Library and the Town Civic Center. To find my suite, enter from the street through the "Casa Antigua" right set of iron gates located near the center of the building. Go down a set of beautifully worn brick steps from the 1800's, and straight on to Suite 1.

Can I bring my children to our meetings in your office?

We love kids and invite them to sit at our design table to be part of the conversation. Since meeting time is precious though, I expect them to be well-behaved and respectful of our time and the property at the office. Please note that our meetings may last up to one or two hours. You are responsible for your child while in the office. Only you know what he/she can handle so if you plan on bringing your child, please let me know their limit and I will tailor the meeting time to work with your family. If they are young, they can play quietly with the books and toys we have here in the office during meetings. Children should not be wandering around at any time. If any furniture should be defaced or damaged by your child, you as the parent assumes responsibility for the replacement, delivery and break-down costs of the original piece. Lastly, if your child is sick, please make other arrangements for them or ask to reschedule the meeting. I understand situations like this come up and am happy to work with you to find another time to meet. 

What if my project is located in a historic district?

Not to worry. I have much experience with Historic Preservation Committees, working with Historians to complete historical research, and being sensitive to historic design details. Towns that have charm and resultant high property values are greatly due to the diligence that historical committees provide to the built environment. Great schools are also a reason for high property values, so be sure to thank the next public school teacher you meet, and do what you can to contribute to their classrooms. It makes a difference!

What is your feeling about artificial turf?

This may seem like an odd question for an FAQ page, but I've been asked about it many times. I see it in neighborhood front yards, backyards, pet parks...it is even at the local high school covering acres of land on all of its sport fields. Here is why I discourage it:

1. Artificial turf is made from polyethylene, an oil-based product, that is not biodegradable.

2. Synthetic turf does not capture atmospheric carbon nor does it provide any wildlife habitat value.  Organic debris that accumulates on the surface will not be able to infiltrate the ground below, preventing an opportunity for natural nutrient recycling.

3. The impermeability of artificial turf does not allow for groundwater recharge.

4. Petroleum products used in manufacturing artificial turf can begin to off-gas as toxic substances, adding to air pollution and create respiratory problems. They get hot in the sun and aggravate the urban heat island effect. By comparison, a natural lawn is 50% cooler.

5.  Installation costs can be high and the lifespan is short. The high school I mentioned above is already considering replacing it, within 10 years of its installation. Think of all that plastic in the landfill…when watering a more drought-tolerant species of grass with reclaimed water could have been a healthy and more cost-effective long-term solution.

What is the deal with designers and design-build firms?

A long time ago, I worked in a design-build firm. After being there, I realized that as a registered, licensed architect, who’s job it is to protect my clients’ interests, that was impossible to do in a design-build firm. There are no checks-and-balances on the construction team, its process and procedures, when the architect or designer works for the contractor.

A designer can be fantastic in certain ways, but there are no requirements for education, for hours working under the guidance of a professional, for passing extensive written and oral tests, nor insurance requirements for being one. A lawyer or a doctor is not someone who went to school, but also did years of extensive supervised training in their field and passed numerous board examinations. It is similar for architects. It is illegal to say you are an architectural designer, or that you do architecture, if you are not a state board licensed architect. There is a lot to this job, that goes far beyond creating a beautiful picture. An architect’s first job is to protect the life, safety, and welfare of the public.

Is architecture just a design? or a concept? or is it a deep pool of thought?

To that, I would say, it depends. Architects are people and so there is a great variety of ways how someone might approach design. I try to keep with the concept of Design Thinking, which brings innovative solutions to life based on how real users think, feel and behave. This is a human-centered design process which I meld together with my environmental and topophilia driven designs. For a talk on how I created designs for Temple Emanu-El of San Jose, see this youtube link.