Talk to an Architect on September 11-12
by Rebecca Firestone with Mark English AIA | Work/News
Have you ever wanted a chance to ask an architect about your home? Maybe you’ve got some new idea and want to know what’s involved in making it happen, or maybe there’s just one thing you’d like to change but you don’t know how. Well, if you live near San Francisco and you’re planning on doing the San Francisco Living: Home Tours, then you can also bring your photos, idea books, sketches, and questions to the “Talk to an Architect” booth at the Home Tours headquarters.
Have you ever wanted a chance to ask an architect about your home? Maybe you’ve got some new idea and want to know what’s involved in making it happen, or maybe there’s just one thing you’d like to change but you don’t know how. Well, if you live near San Francisco and you’re planning on doing the San Francisco Living: Home Tours, then you can also bring your photos, idea books, sketches, and questions to the “Talk to an Architect” booth at the Home Tours headquarters.
The Home Tours headquarters is the Stable Building located at 2128 Folsom Street in San Francisco. Tours are Saturday and Sunday, September 11-12, from 10-4pm.
Last year, eight local designers volunteered: Mark English, Tim Mangan, Andre Rothblatt, Phil Rossington, John Klopf, Jonathan Feldman, Jim Cline, and Kathleen Bost. The Home Tours is only one program in the month-long Architecture and the City festival sponsored by the AIA San Francisco.
“Some people brought drawings or ideas, and we’d have a good exchange of information,” said Andre Rothblatt. “Architects could bring things to show as well, such as their portfolios or a sample drawing set. It’s about architects responding to the people,” he added.
Drawing details can be helpful for clients who want to better understand construction methods.
It’s OK for visitors to admit that they’re beginners, too, if they don’t know anything about the design process. John Klopf, another participant from last year, viewed it as a public service. “It’s helpful to have a knowledgeable practitioner with nothing on the line. Some people came with photos and specific questions, or different potential floor plan layouts that they’d come up with, and they could get honest answers to their questions. It’s also fine for someone to declare themselves a beginner.”
Other popular topics included how to work with a contractor, or exploring the possible costs for a potential renovation. “I didn’t do it in order to get new work. It’s more of a public service,” notes Klopf. “It raises the profile of architects in general when we make ourselves accessible. We know things that can help people. And this year, at the the Talk to an Architect program, we’ll have contractors sitting at the table with us for the first time, so visitors can talk to the whole team.”
An architect can advise on how to make a home more livable. Shown above: before & after photos of a San Francisco renovation by Andre Rothblatt Architecture.
The Talk to an Architect program is free and does not require pre-registration. Just drop by the Home Tours headquarters at 2128 Folsom Street on September 11 or 12, anytime from 10 to 4.
