the approachable architect

031. the approachable architect podcast – solar systems and lease options

David — Sat, 15 May 2010 02:59:19 +0000

episode 031. solar systems and lease options

in this episode, i’m joined by attorney and “in the green legal” owner, raina bayas, and ryan pickering of akeena solar. we discuss raina’s business model of working with green businesses and delve into the world of solar panel systems and talk about the costs of purchasing a system outright along with the associated rebates as well as leasing options. BUT one very exciting program that is out now is the PACE program. this just may revolutionize the way solar systems are sold and allow many homeowners to install solar panels on their homes. you can find more information on raina at http://inthegreenlegal.com and more info on ryan at www.akeena.com.

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ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES: i specialize in providing architectural design services for environmentally friendly, healthy, high performance, and energy efficient homes including major remodels, second story additions, and new construction. please contact me at the studio at 310.391.9191 or david@residearchitecture.com if you would like to discuss your project.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES: looking to buy your first home or move into another home? i would love to help you find your next home. contact me to schedule a free 45 minute buyer’s consultation. i can be reached at the studio at 310.391.9191 or david@residerealestate.com.

030. the approchable architect podcast – greensense part i with author eric corey freed

David — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 01:19:21 +0000

episode 030. greensense part I with author eric corey freed

in this episode, i’m joined by co-host eric corey freed as we discuss his new book, greensense. we discuss the low hanging fruit, small projects that anyone, including renters, can do to cut their utility bills. for more information on eric, check out www.organicarchitect.com.

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029. approachable architect podcast – anatomy of a master bath remodel

David — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 23:47:34 +0000

episode 029. anatomy of a master bath remodel

in this episode, i discuss the factors involved in a master bath remodel including establishing budgetary numbers for individual trades and line items.

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028. approachable architect podcast – professional organizer, michele christensen

David — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 04:14:41 +0000

episode 028. professional organizer, michele christensen

in this episode, i interview professional organizer, michele christensen. join us as we discuss exactly what she does and how an organized home or workplace is the foundation of an organized life. you can find more information about michele at www.micheletheorganizer.com.

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027. approachable architect podcast – all about mold

David — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 00:21:36 +0000

episode 027. all about mold

in this episode, i’m joined by john mattoon of mold check professionals. we discuss the causes of mold (hint moisture and lack of ventilation are the main ones), the testing process, as well as the remeditation process. we also discuss how homeowners can take a look around their own home to see if there are any potential places for mold to grow. you can find more information about john and mold check professionals by clicking here.

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026. approachable architect podcast – why are architects talking about food?

David — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:51:39 +0000

episode 026. why are architects talking about food?

in this episode, i’m joined by co-host eric corey freed as we discuss the movie, food inc. and the impact of food on our health and economy. we also discuss similarities between the food industry and the building industry and how the two are very much related. for more information on eric, check out www.organicarchitect.com.

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025. approachable architect podcast – alternative uses for everyday items, altuse.com with benjamin goldfarb

David — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:19:36 +0000

episode 025. alternative uses for everyday items, altuse.com with benjamin goldfarb

in this episode, i interview founder of altuse.com, benjamin goldfarb. listen in as we discuss the genesis of altuse.com as well as describe alternative uses for coffee grounds, vodka, and more. altuse.com is quickly becoming an international resource for people looking to use products in alternative ways and it is 100% free for the users. visit the website to search for alternative uses or submit your own alternative uses that you have discovered. for more information about ben and altuse.com please visit www.altuse.com.

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024. approachable architect podcast – shelter movie with documentary filmmaker, lee schneider

David — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:26:18 +0000

episode 024. shelter movie with documentary filmmaker, lee schneider

in this episode, i interview documentary film maker, lee schnieder, and discuss the documentary that he is currently working on called shelter. we discuss how the film is socially responsible as well as socially relevant as we focus our discussion on homelessness and how architects and designers are tackling the problem. you can find more information about lee schneider and the movie, shelter, as well as follow his blog about the movie and even contribute articles to the blog by clicking the link to shelter.

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023. approachable architect podcast – green homeowners, tatjana luethi & mark buchheim

David — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:21:52 +0000

episode 023. green homeowners, tatjana luethi & mark buchheim

in this episode, i interview homeowners tatjana & mark. we discuss the major remodel of their green home and their experience with the design process as well as the construction process. we also discuss some of the difficulties they faced with dealing with their first contractor as well as discuss some of the cool green features of their home. we also discuss some of the lessons tatjana and mark learned during the process.

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022. approachable architect podcast – going green and the economy

David — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:14:00 +0000

episode 022. going green and the economy

in this episode, i’m joined by co-host eric corey freed as we discuss if “going green” is taking a backseat to the economic situation. we also discuss his recent visits to duluth and miami (one day apart) as well as his recent trip to disneyland on presidents’ day. for more information on eric, check out www.organicarchitect.com.

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021. approachable architect podcast – who is david doucette?

David — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:02:48 +0000

episode 021. who is david doucette?

this is a very different episode because i am the one being interviewed. i open up about me, your host for the approachable architect, and what makes me tick. i talk about how i learned to be independent at a young age and also describe my experience in architecture school in the ’90′s. i touch on the cross country road trip i took in ’98 and how my brother, derek and i lived in a tent for 6 weeks (happily so). i also discuss my mom’s passing from breast cancer in 1999 and my dad’s passing in 2002 (thank you hospice two times!). i also discuss when i met my now wife, wendy, and our two beautiful boys, jake and remy and fill you in on the tv shows i like to watch too. i also announce my new podcasting network, scmn.tv

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020. approachable architect podcast – a discussion of the parallels of dessert and architecture with the dessert architect, robert wemischner

David — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:38:01 +0000

episode 020. a discussion of the parallels of dessert and architecture with the dessert architect, robert wemischner

in this episode, i discuss the similarities of dessert and architecture with chef and author of “the dessert architect”, robert wemischner. we discuss how flavor becomes the foundation of dessert architecture and the amount of exploration, planning, and preparation that goes into each dessert. chef “bob’s” desserts can be thought of as both sculpture and works of arts as well as scientific experiments that lead to a fascinating and delicious feast for the eyes as well as the mouth. we also discuss some of his favorite recipes from the book as well as the benefit of using fresh produce from local farmers’ markets. this is one of my most fascinating interviews to date, so pull up some warm pie a la mode and have a listen, your senses will be delighted. you can find more information and order “the dessert architect” on chef bob’s website, www.robertwemischner.com

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019. approachable architect podcast – green painting with stephen winterrowd, certapro painters

David — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:37:21 +0000

episode 019. green painting with stephen winterrowd, certapro painters

in this episode, i discuss green painting how to’s and information with stephen winterrowd of certapro painters. we discuss the whole process of painting as well as best practices when painting green. we discuss the difference between flat and semi gloss paints as well as which kind to use for a particular application. we also discuss why cleanup and preparation is just as important as the paint job itself. you can find more information about certapro painters by clicking here.

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018. approachable architect podcast – water conservation with co-host, eric corey freed

David — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:47:23 +0000

episode 018. water conservation with co-host, eric corey freed

in this episode, i’m trying out a new format and have invited organic architect, eric corey freed, to be my co-host as we discuss water conservation and the issues surrounding a global problem. listen in as we discuss some of the problems and provide simple solutions that we can apply in our everday lives. for even more information, eric has generously provided some detailed information from his upcoming book “Green$ense: Rating the Real Payoff from 50 Green Home Projects” Coming March 2010 – Taunton Press. Also let me know what you think of the new format by sending feedback to feedback@residearchitecture.com or calling our voicemail listener line 1.800.476.5579.

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017. approachable architect podcast – my new m.o. “passion” & an architect’s point of view with dennis gibbens

David — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:52:35 +0000

episode 017. my new m.o. “passion” & an architect’s point of view with dennis gibbens

in this episode i discuss my new m.o., “passion”. you’re going to be hearing a lot more “passion” in my episodes and i’m looking forward to opening up about me, david doucette, and letting my listeners know more about me and what makes me tick. as i open up more to my listeners, i hope to become less journalistic in my approach. through this, i hope to hear back from more of my listeners and the community and establish new relationships as well as strengthen existing ones. also in this episode, i interview my mentor, dennis gibbens. listen in as we discuss when i met dennis ten years ago after i moved to california. dennis discusses how he become involved in the profession of architecture as well as discusses his design philosphies and how he works with home owners. for more information about dennis, please visit http://dga-inc.com

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016. approachable architect podcast – green building contractor, turk o’connor

David — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:23:23 +0000

episode 016. green building contractor, turk o’connor, t.h. o’connor building corporation

in this episode i interview green building contractor, turk o’connor, t.h. o’connor building corporation. turk is no ordinary general contractor. he drives a prius and maintains a rigorous yoga practice. listen as we discuss the relationship between architect, general contractor and owner as well as turk’s personal philosophies when it comes to building and providing customer service to his clients. Turk also discusses the different ways that homeowners can work with general contractors. you can find more information about turk at http://thoconnor.com/.

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015. approachable architect podcast – anatomy of a kitchen remodel

David — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 01:22:57 +0000

episode 015. anatomy of a kitchen remodel

in this podcast, i read some comments from last week’s podcast including the first review left on itunes (thank you MMbot!). i also discuss the pieces involved in doing a major kitchen remodel and provide budgetary guidelines for each of the trades involved as well as an overall budget to consider. i also describe the process involved, from initial conception to final completion. this is a different format from the interviews i’ve previously recorded, so please let me know what you think as i could do more of these kinds of episodes for master bathrooms, second story additions, and master suite additions if this proves to be valuable information.

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014. approachable architect podcast – best of the blog 2009

David — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:04:55 +0000

episode 014. best of the blog 2009

in this special year end episode, i read 2 of my favorite articles from the approachable architect blog. the first article was posted in march as part of the get outdoors! go camping! series and is about the camping trip that i took with my son jake to leo carillo state park. the second article was posted in july and is about my dad and is appropriately titled, maybe my dad was right after all. these two articles are very special to me and i am honored to be able to share them in this podcast. i also want to thank my listeners and wish everyone a happy new year!

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013. approachable architect podcast – 5 gyres and plastic pollution with anna cummins and marcus eriksen

David — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 21:48:36 +0000

episode 013. 5 gyres and plastic pollution with anna cummins and marcus eriksen

in this episode i interview researchers, environmentalists, and husband and wife duo anna cummins and marcus eriksen. we discuss what exactly is a gyre and the 5 main gyres in our world’s oceans and the plastic soup that is becoming more common in our oceans. we discuss anna and marcus’ amazing research work of the north pacific gyer and how they try and educate politicians, the public , and school children on the dangers of disposable plastic. we also discuss the fact that disposable plastic and recycling is not a closed loop system and why a great deal of plastic waste finds its way into our oceans endangering sea life and ultimately humanity here on land. we also discuss eric’s cool plastic boat called “junk” that he built and sailed from long beach to hawaii to raise awareness of the plastic pollution problem. we also discuss their upcoming trip to explore the north atlantic gyre in january 2010. you can find more information about anna and marcus’ efforts at www.junkraft.com and www.algalita.org as well as follow along on their upcoming journey to the north atlantic gyre at www.5gyres.org.

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CONSULTING SERVICES: i am also available for phone, email, and in-person/on site consultation when you need an expert opinion or advice. whether you are trying to figure out how much things will really cost, interested in bulding green, or having issues during the design or construction process, i can help you. visit the consultation page for more information.

012. approachable architect podcast – the homeowner & the real estate agent

David — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:39:14 +0000

episode 012. the homeowner & the real estate agent

in this episode i interview seasoned real estate agents, courtney smith and kurt wisner of nourmand and associates in hollywood, ca. we discuss the different roles a real estate agent can play, from a buyer’s agent to a seller’s agent and the differences between each. we also discuss the best way to find a real estate agent and the 3 most important criteria you should consider when looking for an agent to help you with your needs. we also discuss the importance of obtaining pre-approval from a lender before beginning the home buying process as well as discuss the home buying process in california including escrow and its requirements. finally we discuss the state of the market in los angeles and what to look for in 2010. you can find more information about courtney smith and kurt wisner at www.courtney-smith.com.

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011. approachable architect podcast – eco-renovating with darren moore, ecovations part 2

David — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:44:25 +0000

episode 011. eco-renovating with darren moore, ecovations, part 2

in this second part of our special two-part podcast, we continue our discussion with eco-mcguyver, darren moore and talk about the importance of the burgeoning industry of home performance inspection as well as the cost of having an inspection performed and the costs associated with a having a retro-fit performed on your existing home. we also discuss his work on television for the “alter eco” show on planet green featuring adrian grenier of HBO’s entourage, and his (hopefully) soon to be upcoming appearance on “let’s make a deal” where he will be giving some lucky audience member a mini-retrofit of their home. darren also talks about his preference to not have a dumpster on a job site as well as why everyone should install a whole house water filtration system in their home. finally, darren discusses working with ed begley’s jr’s organization, www.greenwishing.org. for more information on darren moore, please visit www.ecovations.com.

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010. approachable architect podcast – eco-renovating with darren moore, ecovations part 1

David — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:40:35 +0000

episode 010. eco-renovating with darren moore, ecovations, part 1

in this special two part podcast, i make a big announcement about branching out and establishing “reside real estate”. i also interview darren moore, ecoxecutive of ecovations in venice, california. join us as darren discusses being born into the building industry and learning the value of hard work early in life. he also explains how he had his mid life crisis in his mid-twenties and travelled the world for two years, one of which was spent living in india after his visa expired. we also discuss the pivotal moment that happened in australia when darren discovered his true calling in life, getting involved in the green building movement in a big way. he’s eco-renovated ed begley jr.’s home, was a host on planet green’s “alter eco” with fellow eco-activist adrian grenier of entourage fame, and is currently spreading the word about the importance of retro-fitting existing homes to become more green. we also begin a discussion of the growing business of home performance inspection. we cover so much material, it had to be split into two episodes. you can find more information about darren at www.ecovations.com.

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009. approachable architect podcast – sustainable flooring choices with robert rickun, carpet design

David — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:13:45 +0000

episode 009. sustainable flooring choices with robert rickun, carpet design

in this podcast i welcome some new facebook friends and read comments from the previous episode. i also interview sustainable flooring expert, robert rickun of carpet design in west hollywood, california. we discuss why wool is the best choice for environmentally friendly carpeting, the luxurious feeling of alpaca rugs, and the petroleum based nylon carpets and why you should avoid them. we also discuss sustainable choices for hardwood floors and discuss the different types available, finished on site, pre-finished, and pre-engineered and the pros and cons of each type and discuss those liquidator type stores as all flooring is certainly not created equal. we also discuss how to choose FSC (forest stewardship council) hardwood flooring. most importantly, we talk about the priority that should be given to indoor air quality and how to make smarter material choices for your home. you can find more information about robert rickun and carpet design at www.naturalfloorcovering.com.

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008. approachable architect podcast – airstreams and the open road with uwe salwender, area 63 productions

David — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:18:20 +0000

episode 008. airstsreams and the open road with uwe salwender, area 63 productions

in this podcast i interview vintage airstream trailer restorer, uwe salwender of area 63 productions. join us as we discuss all things airstream, including how uwe became involved in the business after his rock-n-roll career in the custom guitar business and the restoration of his ’63 overlander that started it all. we also discuss things to look for when buying a vintage airstream trailer, what’s a good trailer size for a family of 4, what the difference is between “full hookups” and “boondocking”, and the costs of getting into airstreams. and yes, they still make those. for more information about uwe salwender and area 63 productions, please visit www.area63productions.com.

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007. approachable architect podcast – designing interiors with celebrity interior designer kenneth brown

David — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:41:27 +0000

episode 007. designing interiors with celebrity interior designer, kenneth brown

in this podcast, i interview celebrity interior designer, kenneth brown. we discuss how it all started for kenneth as well as his desire at one time to become an architect, his warm and contemporary style, the new and exciting QVC line, the babys r us line for babies, and most importantly, his new family. you can find more information about kenneth at www.kennethbrowndesign.com.

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006. approachable architect podcast – repurposing and upcycling with ecodiva taryn hipwell

David — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:13:37 +0000

episode 006. upcycling & repurposing with ecodiva, taryn hipwell

in this podcast, i interview ecodiva, taryn hipwell and her sister janell hipwell. we discuss taryn’s passion for fashion, the concept of repurposing (which taryn was doing at 14 years old before anyone knew what it was), the concept of upcycling (the now trendy term for recycling), and her green efforts at warner brothers studios. we also discuss taryn’s ecodivas brand (which is pronounced with a long e, not eh) and the exciting future for ecodivas. you can find more information about taryn and ecodivas at www.ecodivastv.com.

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005. approachable architect podcast – green and more green with organic architect, eric corey freed

David — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:05:41 +0000

episode 005. green and more green with organic architect, eric corey freed

in this podcast, i interview organic architect, eric corey freed. we discuss how eric “enlisted” into the architecture profession, how he has zero tolerance for all things fake, why he uses all three of his names, why his firm is not called “crappy banal architecture”, and the books he is currently working on. we also discuss the term “greenwashing”, his facebook status updates AND his plan to solve the energy crisis (this you will want to hear!). you can find more information about eric at www.organicarchitect.com.

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004. approachable architect podcast – the wing house and sailing with architect david hertz

David — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:51:29 +0000

episode 004. the wing house and sailing with architect david hertz

in this podcast, i interview colleague and friend, architect david hertz. we discuss david’s amazing project, “the wing house”, which is a house designed to incorporate the major components of an entire boeing 747 airplane including a main house utilizing the wings and a meditation space created from the nosecone of the aircraft. the project is located in the hills of malibu, california. we also discuss david’s love of sailing and his new “old” boat babysaan III. david is principal and owner of the studio of environmental architecture, www.studioea.com.

the wing house under construction

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003. approachable architect podcast – energy efficient lighting solutions for the home

David — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:34:49 +0000

episode 003. energy efficient lighting solutions for the home

in this podcast i discuss the following topics:

what is an RSS feed?
energy efficient lighting soultions with steve stannard, southern california edison
choosing the right light bulb for your home
what’s Kelvin and color temperature?
what’s the color rendering index (CRI)?
compact flourescent lighting, what’s with the mercury?
LED’s, are they the wave of the future?

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002. approachable architect podcast – yoga & design

David — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:05:09 +0000

episode 002. yoga & design

In this podcast, i discuss yoga & design with yogis anonymous founders, ally hamilton and dorian cheah. ally and dorian discuss their experience of developing a new kind of yoga studio, from the early design process to creating the class schedule. they also discuss their star studded cast of yoga instructors and explain what a donation studio is all about. ally also discusses the experience of having “twins” during the process. you can find more information about yogis anonymous, including the class schedule, on their website www.yogisanonymous.com.

ally & the four d's: dorian, dylan, devin, & david

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001. approachable architect podcast – what does an architect do?

David — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:00:05 +0000

episode 001. what does an architect do?

In this premiere podcast, i discuss the following topics:

what is a podcast?
what to expect from ”the approachable architect podcast”
what does an architect do? here’s a link to the 5 phases discussed in the podcast.
what’s the difference between an architect and a designer?
when do you need an architect?

enjoy this first podcast and i look forward to your comments and questions!

like what you’ve heard? please submit a review to itunes.