Every architect has probably had the experience of telling a new acquaintance they’re an architect, and being told, “I always wanted to be an architect, but I couldn’t handle the math.” While it’s true that most architects have to take calculus in school, the reality of architectural practice is that there’s very little math involved, at least in terms of calculations or high-level mathematical concepts. What architects do need is a good understanding of three-dimensional geometrical relationships and the ability to...
READ MOREFor many of us, dogs are much more than pets – they’re full-fledged, four-legged, furry family members. After welcoming a dog into your life, it can be hard to imagine arriving home without a wet nose and wagging tail greeting you at the door. But even the most dog-friendly homeowner recognizes that loving our canine companions can bring design challenges. Fortunately, skilled design can provide creative solutions, many of which will be appreciated by the two-legged residents as well! Maybe...
READ MOREWhen designing a new home or remodeling an existing home, the decisions that often have the most visible impact are the ones made regarding exterior finishes. As custom residential architects, we begin these discussions early on in the design process because the decisions tie heavily into what style of home a client is designing and at what budget – whether it is Nantucket shingle style, a sprawling modern, or a classic Georgian. The selection of exterior materials can also impart...
READ MOREDid you know that Purple Cherry Architects has a full-service Interior Design team? Our Interior Design services can be utilized independently or in conjunction with our architectural design services. Today, we tapped into the expertise of the design team to compile our top seven tips for selecting paint color and sheen for every room in your home. 1. Exercise your patience. Believe it or not, paint is one of the last decisions we make – and it is usually one...
READ MOREWith the pace of modern life seemingly increasing all the time and the boundaries of the nine-to-five work day expanding with unceasing electronic communication, who doesn’t sometimes feel the need to escape to a peaceful oasis of serenity for a relaxing interlude? Fortunately, that escape can be just around the corner with a well-designed, spa-like bath in your home. Far from the cramped, utilitarian spaces many of us remember from childhood bathrooms, a luxurious custom bathroom can be spacious and...
READ MOREAn old song says “you’re never fully dressed without a smile.” While it might not be as catchy, it’s also true that no house is complete without an attractive and watertight roof. While we won’t quit our day jobs to write song lyrics, we will note that selecting the roofing material for a house is a decision that must be made keeping a multitude of factors in mind. Not only is the roof’s appearance often a primary visual element of...
READ MOREOnce upon a time, new clients would come to architectural design meetings with piles of magazines or stacks of binders stuffed full of photos, each one representing an idea. A concept. A possibility. And every so often, an inspiration. Sometimes, a client finds just the right image: a picture that evokes a feeling or a mood that somehow calls to them. It may not be a specific design feature, or color, or style of window, but something about the image...
READ MOREPhilanthropy, purposeful, non-profit, and special needs – these are all likely terms you have heard associated with Purple Cherry Architects for years. That is because the work we do is not limited to just the residential work that you may see at Purple Cherry. However, it is those projects that allow us to do the purposeful and non-profit work that really touches your soul. For example, in 2013, Purple Cherry was blessed to be awarded the job of designing a...
READ MOREIf you are a follower of PCA posts on social media, you will see everything from exciting project updates, to blogs filled with interesting tidbits, to fun-filled event pictures and so much more! You will also see posts about various team members, in the community, giving back—something that PCA holds near and dear to its heart! One of the most long-standing philanthropy efforts you will see from time to time is the firm’s involvement at the Ronald McDonald House in...
READ MORENew decade, new Pantone color. A crisp blue hue, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is timeless. You may wonder, who is Pantone and why do they select a new color each year? The answer to that first question is they are a color consulting enterprise. In addition to selecting the Pantone color of the year, The Pantone Color Institute is the business department within Pantone that forecasts color trends globally, influences the top fashion runway colors, and provides guidance to companies...
READ MOREThe Journey from Concept to Completion Architectural design is not a job when you are a passionate architect who loves your profession. Rather, it is a design process that starts with the conceptualization process and ends with a complete design drawing submission and 3D presentation model. This process usually starts when the client or owner brings their ideas to an architecture firm. The firm takes these client visuals and verbal wishes and designs a structure with all appropriate zoning and...
READ MOREOur Pinterest and Houzz feeds are overflowing with imagery of twinkling lights, lush Christmas wreaths, and a big round guy. It’s that time of year again! Tis the season to make your holiday a little brighter and cohesive by using our six decorating tips! 1. Less is more. This motto can be used in most applications, but it could not be more relevant for modern-day holiday decorating. Gone are the days of every surface saturated in red and green. The...
READ MORETo Hire an Architect, or not to Hire… That is the question! Few people realize how complicated it is to build – that is until they find themselves lost in the maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws, contractors, and so on. Like a snowflake, no two projects are exactly alike. There is no single clear-cut path to navigate. A well-experienced architect is the one professional who has the education, training, and vision to guide you through the entire...
READ MOREYou know the name “Purple Cherry Architects”, but how well do you know “Purposeful Architecture”? If you google it, it’s the first thing that comes up. The logo looks strikingly similar to that of Purple Cherry Architects’ logo! That’s because Purposeful Architecture is a design studio within Purple Cherry Architects that specializes in “creating learning and living environments that inspire creativity and individuality in children and adults with special needs.” Purposeful Architecture and Purple Cherry Architects are likely names that...
READ MOREEvery year, the SPCA sees around 6.5 million animals surrendered to shelters nationwide. It may have been anything from puppies or kittens left in a box on the side of the road, to older or sick adult dogs or cats, or even malnourished dogs chained up outside for days without food or water. Of these 6.5 million animals, approximately 3 million are adopted, 1.5 million are euthanized and over 700,000 that have entered shelters as strays have been reunited with...
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