Creating post and beam makeovers is our cup of tea! It elevates our heart rates. We love working with architects and clients and seeing the unique solutions created by the cross-pollination of ideas. In some cases, an architect will approach us with new construction documents or remodel plans and ask us to conjure up an artistic post and beam design to fit their plans. Sometimes builders call us to perform the same service at lightning speed.
A picture is worth a thousand words, but it is still an imperfect means of communication. If you have ever experienced the difference of viewing pictures of the Grand Canyon versus actually visiting it yourself, you know exactly what I mean. By the same token, the actual impact of a post and beam makeover is somewhat muted when conveyed in a picture format.
Step 1: 90 Minute Brainstorm Session
Step 2: Design and Planning Phase
Step 3: Construction Agreement
Step 4: Fabrication and Erection
Day #1: The builder called me around 2:00 PM to ask if ATF was interested in constructing a circular timber stairway. Of course, I was interested! He informed me that two steel contractors who had been scheduled to construct the stairway had failed to deliver. Time was of the essence.
Days #5-8: Here the design was finalized and measurements double- checked. The craftsmen fabricated the package at the ATF shop.
Days 9-13: What a challenging install! Space was tight and the man power heavy to shave time off the schedule. Potential safety hazards and lost productivity due to long hours were prevented by taking regimented breaks and eating plenty of good food. The install was completed with time to spare!
Brainstorming and design: Scott and his wife, Lynn, had compiled many pictures and floor plans they liked. We met at their property to talk about how the house would be situated and where the driveway would be located. In order to capture the view, the logical house site straddled a ridge. The plans Scott and Lynn had selected featured a drive-up garage in front of the house on the basement level.
My head designer and I focused on ways to avoid an entry at the basement level. Our first suggestion included a drive-through porte cochere straddling the ridge. The house itself was located to one side of the ridge.
Scott and Lynn interviewed architects I had recommended. Once they chose an architect, I began to work in tandem with him to help with elevation suggestions and building solutions to accommodate the post and beam style Scott and Lynn desired. When we got the rough draft from the architect, the ATF design team went into high gear. We exchanged ideas for the next month or so as the design progressed. The final design was completed about 14 months after I met Scott on his property that blustery November day.
To your motivation and success,
Bert Sarkkinen