Architecture Blog

Why Hire an Architect #1. Team Leader

Tue, 3 Mar 2015 13:10:24 -0600

The Architect is the Quarterback or conductor of your team. A typical project will have contractors, sub contractors, suppliers, building inspectors, banks, appraisers, interior designers, and landscapers as part of the process. This can become very confusing, and a number of times, the building owner may be confronted with multiple and sometimes conflicting advice. The architect is one of the few team members working solely for their clients best interests. Especially if this is your first project, an architect can help make your project less stressful.

Tailwaggers

Tue, 28 Oct 2014 09:51:01 -0500

Recently completed project in DePere, WI for Tailwaggers Doggy Day Care. We converted this old rundown metal building into a state of the art boarding facility.

Dynamic

Wed, 11 Sep 2013 22:12:54 -0500

Here is a project that was recently finished. This was an old 2nd floor storage space that was converted to this modern office. The conference room has a overhead door that can be opened based on the needed use of the space

Interactive Home Design

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:53:32 -0500

Do you want to be involved in a social media experiment and interested in being involved in designing a home. I am starting a new project/experiment. I will be designing a home and maybe build it and for sure sell the design. The client will be social media. I would like to throw out ideas and have people select and drive this design. Hopefully, this project will be completed over the next 6 months and be available for spring.

I have a few goals that I want to drive this project
1. I want to create a desire for a new home to be built in an urban setting.
2. I want to create some excitement and publicity for downtown Sheboygan.
3. I want people to learn to appreciate design and learn that design matters.
4. I want to show that good design is for everybody
5. I want to explore sustainable construction features
6. I want to show that a good home does not have to be large and expensive.
7. I want to create a social media buzz
8. I want to explore crowd funding sites for possibly funding construction
9. I want to have this picked up as a possible HGTV type show.

With that all being said, this project will mostly be communicated via my facebook site and possibly this site. So please follow me on facebook and forward this link to any friends that might be interested in following this project.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aspire-Architecture-Design-LLC/279720011500

Indiana Ave Sheboygan

Tue, 9 Apr 2013 10:15:25 -0500

Here is a proposed rendering of a potential renovation project on Indiana Ave in Sheboygan. This restaurant would be renovated similar to its original form and would also include a new patio on the west lot. This historic preservation would add glass to some of the filled in panels, and create a new siding pattern that would break up the side elevation. Transom windows would also be added. Existing brackets and cornice would be painted in a 3 color scheme. Aspire Architecture is proud to be the architect for this proposed project.

Recent Rendering

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:49:19 -0500

Here is a rendering for a storefront in Port Washington, WI that I am working on. We are utilizing glass block and recreating a real storefront to something that was changed 20-30 yrs ago. I will post construction photos as this progresses.

Adaptive Reuse is not a new idea

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:53:22 -0600

To some, Adaptive Reuse seems like some far fetched idea. It has been around for centuries. Here is a building we found while traveling in Rome. The base of this building was part of a forum and at some point was converted into some sort of housing or offices while maintain some two thousand year old structure. And who would of thought that it still standing and being used today.

Photo of the Week-Sicily

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 12:14:02 -0600

I love this square, the checkered tile, the outside seating and the people hanging out overlooking the Mediterranean Sea on one side and Mt. Etna on the other. All a couple thousand feet down the hill.

Architectural Photography

Wed, 7 Nov 2012 15:07:01 -0600

Yes, I do do architectural photography. Please let me know if you are interested. This is medical complex in Appleton that has utilized Building Stone Products stone.

Hurricane Sandy

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 07:00:55 -0500

Here is a quick picture from some waves from the Hurricance that reached out all the way to Michigan. Its a little grainy because I went out there too late.

Scott Matula

Residential Architecture Brochure

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 14:14:18 -0600

Contact Aspire Architecture and have us discuss the advantages of hiring an architect for your next renovation or new home. Architect-designed homes have a higher value and perform to meet the needs of your family better than non professional designed homes. Professional designed can be more cost effective and more sustainable then builder designed

Frequently Asked Questions-Working with an Architect

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 12:08:02 -0500

How can an architect help you with your project? Do you have any questions about the profession, Feel free to ask me.

California Architecture

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 14:45:12 -0500

I was recently in California and was able to check out some nice modern homes. I wish the midwest would be more open to architectural styles. I want to push the envelope on some of my homes. I like the open spaces and the way some of these homes take advantage of the ocean views Let me know if your looking for a custom home that pushes the envelope a bit.

Age In Place Assessments

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:09:02 -0500

www.aspirearchitects.com
I am writing this week about a new service that I am offering. I am now providing age in place assessments for homes to help people live in their homes longer. Aging in place is a trend that is becoming more popular and quite frankly makes more sense. Living at home is better for you, keeps you more healthy both mentally and physically, and is usually more cost-effective then living in a nursing home or similar place.
As a licensed architect, I am quite experienced with universal design and working with the Americans with Disabilities Act. I also was a developer in River Park Place, a single family community that utilizes many universal design techniques into its floor plans. I am also assisted by Mylinda Barisas-Matula OTR, an Occupational Therapist who has focused most of her career with geriatric clients.
Our services consists of a site visit to access your existing living conditions and provide a checklist of features that can be done . This list will provide both simple and more complex solutions to achieve an accessible home. We will also examine potential future needs and provide possible recommendations for those needs. This report will also provide estimated costs for these repairs.
Some examples of the items that we will be looking at including in our assessments

General Issues
Accessibility into the building
Safety/Security
Sight Lines
Maintainance Issues
Ramps/walkways/stairways
Kitchen
Lighting
Storage
Work area
Safety Issues
Access to cooking appliances
Bathrooms
Safety Issues
Access to Showers/baths
Grab Bars
Storage
Accessibility into bathroom
Lighting
Adequate counters
Living Areas
Furniture Layouts to maximize accessibility
Lighting
Condition of flooring/trip hazards
If you know anyone who would be interested in this service or are contemplating a renovation, please feel free to contact me to see how we can incorporate universal design techniques into your next project. I can be reached at 920-457-4884 or scott@aspirearchitects.com

Photo of the Week-Chicago

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:39:40 -0500

Taken through a window at the Hotel Intercontinental, I just love the lights of the city. Pictured are the Tribune tower, Wrigley Building, Trump Tower, and the Sears Tower in the background (I don’t acknowledge the Willis Tower name)