Thanks to Roger Kelm for tipping us off to “Community First”. http://www.communityfirstinc.org/what.htm

Community First is a grassroots organization from Naperville, Illinois, that saw the ineffective tangle of legislation that tried to control development and came up with a better way. They created a workbook to guide homeowners and builders toward homes that fit their context.

We have ordered a copy of the workbook, since it seems that this might be a good model to pursue for the areas of Northfield that are adjacent to, but not in, the current historical district.

In general, we think most of us agree about what is or isn’t good design. We can tell when we see it, which often comes too late! After construction is not the time to realize the design could have been better. This workbook seems to fit our idea that well-informed design can create better, more liveable space, and fit your budget.

Our hope would be that these ideas could inform and improve the new developments that are springing up around Northfield as well.

Here is a journal about cordwood construction based in Merrill, Wisconsin, just north of Wausau. Topics covered include, of course, cordwood construction, sustainability, renewable energy and homesteading.

There is a trend in recent years away from the traditional separation of Architect (Designer) and Contractor (Builder), called Design-Build.

Two types exist, distinguished by who takes the lead. Architect-led teams tend to focus more on design, which Contractor-led teams tend to focus more on cost and construction methods with less emphasis on design.

As an architect, it is appealing to have the cooperation of the Contractor during design and pricing. It seems that there may be a potential time-savings in working directly with the usual team for every project.

However, as a client, the picture may less favorable for several reasons.

First, the traditional separation of Architect and Contractor sets the Architect as a neutral party in the event of disputes, and as the client’s advocate through the design and construction process. Without separation, both are lost to the client since Architect and Contractor are of the same entity.

Second, you as client will lose the clarity of costs between design fees and construction costs, and perhaps the ability to receive competetive bids.

Third, you as client may not get the same design attention with a design-build firm as with a design-only firm. Design firms build their reputation on their ability to create appropriate, affordable, responsive, and innovative designs that are right for you. Design-Build firms often limit your options, start from packaged plans and “customize” them.

Benefits of the Design-Build route might include single source responsibility and potential cost savings.

Mayor Menino of Boston recently summarized the benefits of green construction in his Green Building Task Force Executive Summary. More communities are embracing forward-thinking principles about resource conservation and healthy buildings.

These may be things you already know, but here is a brief refresher of the benefits of sustainable design, as suggested by
Alex Wilson of Environmental Building News (www.buildinggreen.com) in Volume 14, Number 4.

Benefits include:
first-cost savings (like reduced material costs),
operating cost reductions (like lower energy consumption),
other benefits (like positive image),
heath and productivity increases (such as reduced absenteeism),
community benefits (like reduced loads on municipal sewer systems),
environmental benefits (like reduced runoff), and
social benefits (support of the new sustainable business economy).