Michael McCann architect Westchester,Architectural process with Clients,Architects Westchester, Google Maps architects Westchester

When a homeowner begins to think about making changes to their house, the prospect of where to start can be daunting. They might begin by going to a window store to get ideas or perhaps to their local town building department to see what is necessary as to filings, permits and regulations. But very often the conversations come around to the real first step, finding an architect since an architect is needed to file the building permits with the town before any construction can take place.

Like any profession, there are practitioners with varied backgrounds and experiences. If an architect specializes in high rise office buildings, that architect might not be accustomed to dealing with a factor found in residential renovations or building - that is the emotional component of talking to clients about their most sacred space, their homes. Therefore, an architect speaking to homeowners about their residences has to have a very important quality - he or she must be an excellent listener. This process is not about the architect's ego, it's about finding a solution that takes into consideration the needs and wants of the owner and their family, including financial considerations.

Therefore, the homeowner must make a time investment in the architectural process. Michael McCann architect Westchester, splits his fee into phases. The first phase is the design phase - can he solve the problems the homeowner presents. This way the homeowner has made a small investment in the design process. If the architect solves the problems presented by the homeowner, the next phase gives the homeowner an idea of cost. Since Michael McCann is both an architect and a builder, he has a very good idea of construction costs. Often an architect will throw a cost per square foot at an owner, which can be wildly different from what the actual costs truly are. By getting the homeowner a cost on an actual design early in the process the owner can then see if this project is financially viable for him or her or whether the project has to be modified to fit the client's budget. It makes no sense to over design a project outside of the owner's budget. Michael McCann AIA has found that as an architect and builder in Westchester and Fairfield, costs can vary greatly from national norms and that realistic cost estimates based on actual drawings is the most efficient way to help the client.

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HouseHampton 21 Houses for the 21 Century Michael McCann architect Westchester

The newly published book HouseHampton, 21 Houses for the 21st Century, is now for sale in the gift book section of Womrath's Bookstore in Bronxville NY on Pondfield Ave.

The book features local architect Michael McCann who designed a 8,000 sq ft home in Quogue NY for a New Canaan family. The book features only 21 houses and all the photos were taken by Ron Papageorge of The Hamptons. The dutch colonial designed by Michael on Shinnicock Bay is shown on 8 pages of HouseHampton.

HouseHampton 21 Houses for the 21st Century profiles Westchester and Fairfield architect Michael McCann

Michael has been profiled in a recently published book, HouseHampton 21 Houses for the 21st Century. The book, which showcases a home Michael designed in Quogue, New York, is exclusively devoted to beautiful residential architecture in the Hamptons. Michael's project graces 8 pages of the book. The book should be available in bookstores in about one month and online with Borders and Barnes and Noble booksellers. Several bookstores in the Hamptons will carry the book.

The coffee table sized book is published by Prestige Photomedia Corp and features the photography of Ron Papageorge, a noted architectural photographer.

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Architectural Scale, architecture Westchester cty and Fairfield cty

Sometimes when planning a renovation to an existing residence or choosing a new home, people believe that soaring spaces create a feeling of openness and grandure. But I have found that these huge spaces with extremely high ceilings lack the feeling of coziness that people innately crave. There is a sense in most people of human scale. While on paper, designs that incorporate large open indoor spaces, whether residential or commercial, have the occupant feeling somewhat lost and uncomfortable and unable to relate to their surroundings. This is especially true in a residential setting. After dealing with the pressures of daily life outside the home, most people want to come home to a comforting living space which gives a peaceful feeling. Hard surfaces and high ceilings with no architectural detailing and a perception of being out of human scale often do not provide a relaxing setting for the occupant. It is important for anyone considering a renovation or new home to remember that someone's artistic vision for your space or the latest architectural fad must translate to the homeowner's sensibilities and how they want the space to serve them.

Fairfield County residence in New Canaan, CT architectural by Michael McCann, AIA

Kitchen in New Canaan, Ct home designed by Architect Michael McCann AIA of Fairfield and Westchester counties.

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