What does an architect do?

Just because someone does not understand the value architects bring to a project does not mean they are not deserving of it.

Design PrinciplesKim AllenSeptember 17, 2020Studio BKA Architectsarchitects, architects role, construction, builders, developments, real estate, real estate investments, permit plans, construction drawings, engineering, Design

The IKEA Kitchen Experience - Part 2

The much anticipated follow up to our IKEA KITCHEN EXPERIENCE part 1 blog post.

Design Principles, Interiors & Materiality, Quick TipsKim AllenAugust 14, 2020before and after, interior architecture, interior design, ikea kitchen, ikea, ikea cabinets, new orleans homes, kitchen DIY, DIY projects, construction DIY, architecture, kitchen design

Portuguese Architecture: Escola Primária

Today’s blog post is pulled out of the vault! These summer days, dreaming of travel to beautiful places has to substitute for the real thing, so I thought I’d post this quick read from 2012, when I was working on a resort hotel project on the Portuguese coastline.

Travel & Lagniappe, Historic ProjectsKim AllenJuly 6, 2020architecture, portugal, historic, schools, abandoned, arches, coastline

Seven Weeks in Quarantine, Seven Projects

We’ve been fortunate to be able to spend our quarantine working tirelessly on a number of great residential addition and renovation projects of many shapes and sizes. Here’s a quick update of what’s on the boards and what’s going up in the field - 1 project for each week of quarantine so far!

Guide to Being Your Own General Contractor

Self or DIY General Contracting isn’t always pretty, but here are some insider tips from two architects who just finished their own house project!

Construction & Permitting, Quick TipsKim AllenFebruary 10, 2020do-it-yourself, general contracting, home renovations, house renovations, self GC, subcontracting, subcontractors, building trades, architecture, ikea cabients, kitchen design, house design, house plans, building yourself

Detail Hacks - Know Your Countertop Slabs!

Design Principles, Quick Tips, Interiors & Materialityben allenNovember 26, 2019countertops, quartz, marble, kitchen counters, kitchen design, kitchen islands, hanstone, ceaserstone, silestone, granite, kitchen plans, design hack, diy, detail hack, studio BKA

Punctuating with Paint!

Punctuating with light and color on buildings’ exteriors is not a new concept, but punctuating with light and color on the interior is making its debut in a unique way.