Dominick Tringali Architects partners with Dow Chemical at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas!

Dominick Tringali Architects has partnered with Dow Chemical at the upcoming International Builders Show in Las Vegas (January 19-22). If you are planning to attend the show, we have some very unique events taking place at the Dow booth on the show floor, including our daily presentation titled "Affordable to Million Dollar Green," and our complimentary one-on-one 'Green Plan Review Workshop.' This workshop is a great opportunity for builders to have our designers review plans and suggest cost effective ways to make the product more green. DTA and Dow will also be giving away a set of our 'Affordable Green Home Plan' four times per day during the week of the show. To sign up for a complimentary green plan review session, visit Dow's website at www.DowatIBS.com.

Dominick Tringali will also be presenting with Tony Crasi, Lita Dirks, and Anne Olson on "Affordable Million Dollar Details" again this year for the NAHB. This seminar will be held on Thursday, January 21 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm in South 233.

Lastly, our design team will be providing complimentary plan reviews at the A.I.A. Plan Review Workshop. Tuesday 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Wednesday 9:00am -12:00pm, and Thursday 1:00pm - 4:00 pm in Central Hall 2, Booth C1755.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Top Ten Features in Kitchen Remodeling

Jean Patterson of Professonal Remodeler Magazine posted a great article on the web about the current top trends in Kitchen Remodeling. We thought this was a very accurate list of features to re-post on our blog because we are implementing many of these in our new home designs and renovation projects:

1.) Two-tiered cutlery divider: When the drawer is open, the top level can be slid back into the cabinet, allowing access to the lower level.

2.) Lift up doors: prevents bumping into open cabinet doors.

3.) Trash pull-out: Keep trash bins out of sight, but still easily accessible.

4.) Roll-out pantry drawers: Even if you have a separate pantry, it's handy to have some pantry storage for frequently needed items close to the food-prep point.

5.) Corner Lazy-Susan cabinet: This maximizes storage and makes stored items easily accessible. Even more useful are blind corner pull-outs. The first set of storage shelves pivots outward when the cabinet door is outward.

6.) Self-opening/closing doors and drawers: These doors open and close smoothly with just a touch. Motorized and non-motorized models are available.

7.) Pull-down shelving: A pull bar triggers a mechanism that moves high-shelving down to an accessible height. Useful for elderly or handicapped individuals.

8.) Filler pull-outs: Instead of covering filler space between appliances and cabinets with trim, have narrow pull-outs installed for storage of spices, trays, pots and pans, or cleaning supplies.

9.) Triple-drawer cabinet: The top drawer holds prep knives and cooking utensils. The deep lower drawers can be used for storing pots and pans or stacks of dishes.

10.) Pegged dish organizer: Handy for unloading the dishwasher and easily accessible to children, this low-level drawer has a pegboard base with dowels that can be positioned to hold dishes, bowls, cups, and saucers in place.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Announcing the 2009 Somerset Show Home and Living Green Design Center!

DTA is excited to announce the kickoff of the 2009 Somerset Collection Show House and Living Green Design Center!

In addition to this year's show home, the Somerset Collection is also introducing the Living Green Design Center which is adjacent to Saks Fifth Avenue on the first floor of Somerset South. The design center is a ground breaking presentation filled with “green” merchandise from the more than 180 stores at Somerset Collection, as well as “green” building ideas from more than 40 partners including Kohler, General Shale Brick, The Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, WXYZ Channel 7, Michigan Solar Solutions LLC, Planterra and more. The cost to walk through the design center is a $1 donation.

The 2009 showhome is located just one mile from the Somerset Collection on Willow Street in Birmingham, Michigan. Dominick Tringali Architects designed the showhome using forward-thinking environmentally conscious concepts. Also, as leaders in their field, Custom Homes by Derocher is constructing the home utilizing the latest in earth-friendly materials. This magnificent home will be furnished and accessorized throughout by the finest retailers of the Somerset Collection. Tickets for the show home are available at the door, or by visiting the Living Green Design Center. The cost to tour the home is $10, with 100% of your donation for both the showhome and the Living Green Design Center benefitting the following three charities: The Children's Leukemia Foundation, the Women's Committee for Hospice Care, and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center. Guests touring the home have the option to ride a complimentary shuttle that goes from Somerset South, directly to the show home. In addition, all visitors receive a gift card for a “green home” gift from a Somerset Collection store of their choice.

WXYZ Channel 7 TV will be featuring a special one-hour special program about the show home on Sunday, September 6th at 7:00 PM. Dominick Tringali will discuss the architecture and design elements behind the home, as well as some of the latest green and sustainable methodologies which were implemented.

For more information about the show home and the Living Green Design Center, please visit http://www.blogger.com/www.somersetshowhome.com.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

DTA and Ameriprise Financial Hosted "Ask the Experts" Event on July 14th

Where is your money safe? This was the topic discussed by Dominick Tringali and three of our designers: Paul Samartino, J.R. Ruthig, and Steve McKay, along with Tom Smith, Vice President of Field Operations for Ameriprise Financial. Over 50 people attended and enjoyed hors d'oeurves and wine outside on the beautiful patio. Following the hors d'oeurves, everyone gathered in the board room to hear our five industry experts share their insight on the upcoming turning point in housing and finance and how homeowners can capitalize on it.

Tom provided his expert analysis on the current and future state of the financial markets. Dominick gave an overview of the housing market and how it relates to current and future projects. Paul discussed the importance of investing money in good design, and provided DTA case studies explaining why not hiring an experienced architect will cost more in the end. J.R. spoke about renovations and the popularity of outdoor living spaces, even in cold climates. Finally, Steve gave an introduction to green building and explained how homeowners can actually make money each month by choosing to "go green."

If you were not able to attend our event but would like to find out more about the topics above, the presentation will be posted on our website soon. If you were not able to attend our event but would like to find out more about the topics above, the presentation will be posted on our website soon. Do you have questions about how this information relates to your current home or a future project? Feel free to contact us. We would be happy to speak with you!

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Dominick Tringali Architects Announces Grand Opening of the New "Hot Spot" in Northern Macomb County

Santino's Italian Restaurant, Sports Bar & Martini Lounge is uniquely composed of three separate areas, each with entirely different functions - a casual, urban sports bar, a sleek and contemporary martini lounge, and a high-end Italian Restaurant which is expected to be open by late Summer. The architectural design and building materials throughout the space are attracting people from all over Southeast Michigan, and play an important role in the success of this venue since its Grand Opening on Thursday, July 9.

Imagine sitting at a table on a second-floor sports bar, watching your favorite teams play on state-of-the-art television equipment that surrounds the entire space. The walls around you are made of roll-up garage doors which will remain open for the majority of the year. The garage doors enable fresh air to circulate through the building as well as provide a unique way to transition the interior of the space with the outdoor patio. The interior is designed to be trendy yet comfortable, with brick walls and archways, colorful and contemporary lighting fixtures, and other unique materials that are not common in restaurants and bars around this area.

The martini lounge features a crisp, clean, plush elegance. Guests entering the lounge can immediately sense an organic, fluid motion with curved walls and ceilings that help move people through the space. The lounge offers the option to relax and enjoy a drink on the leather couches or to dance to a variety of music on the dance floor. The lighting fixtures are state of the art and the highlights of the lounge are the glowing walls and the countertop, which is composed of thousands of tiny light bulbs that flash in rhythm with the music.

The third area inside Santinos is the Italian Restaurant, which is nearly complete. This space features a simple, comfortable elegance, with clean, rigid lines and furnishings that welcome guests inside. The menu consists of a authentic, gourmet Italian Cuisine.

The architectural challenge presented during this project was designing three separate spaces inside an existing building, each with its own identity while still seamlessly transitioning into the others. The overall goal as the project architect was to implement design ideas and features that would create a buzz and draw people inside, in an economy where so many people are cutting back. Good design is playing an increasingly critical role in enabling entrepreneurs and owners of new businesses such as Santino's, to achieve the success and results they are looking for.

Santino's is located at 59259 Van Dyke Washington Township MI 48094, on the West Side of Van Dyke, just North of 27 Mile.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Introducing "The Yacht Series" Plan Package

What will the home of tomorrow be like, after the economic upswing? DTA has created an exciting opportunity for builders to prepare for the recovery or the market and gain a competitive edge, through a new package of plans that address the needs of future homebuyers.

The "Yacht Series" is a plan package we designed for the new market emerging now and after the economic upswing - families that are downsizing from the traditional +/- 5,000 square foot homes and looking for something smaller, more affordable, and more energy efficient, but with all the luxury and trends they had in their previous home.

What was the inspiration behind these new plans? In the conceptual design stage, our team conducted an analysis of how yachts are designed, since yachts are known to be the best of the best and known to have the most luxurious environments designed in small spaces. They used this analysis as inspiration for the plan package, meaning that they implemented the same luxury and craftsmanship of a typical $800,000 to $1,000,000 home into a 2,200 to 2,800 square foot home. At the same time we added energy efficient specifications and new floor plan trends such as flex spaces, computer workstations, drop zones, outdoor spaces, and entertainment areas. The plans are much more affordable to build as well because of the efficient design.

We are seeing a common issue locally as well as nationally, where builders are now stuck with costly, undeveloped land. Building the typical, larger homes on these lots is a big risk, and would also drive the price point of the home up too high for the current state of the housing market. However, splitting these lots up and building smaller, trendy, more luxurious homes on them, like the Yacht Series, would reduce costs for the builder and the homeowner alike, and this is the product and community lifestyle that the new buyer is looking for.

To learn more about our Yacht Series Plan Package, visit our website at www.DTArchitects.com or give us a call at (248) 335-8888.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

DTA designed show home in Raleigh, North Carolina wins national Dream Home Award for "Best Custom Home 5,000 to 6,000 Square Feet"

Located in the 'Estates at Chapel Ridge' golf course community in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Chapel Ridge Show Home was the recipient of a prestigious architecture and design award this year. The "Dream Home Awards" is a national, annual architecture and design competition which recognizes excellence in the housing industry and acknowledges the very best in livable environments.

The show home was built by Choate Custom Homes and designed by J.R. Ruthig, Managing Designer at Dominick Tringali Architects. The design focus was to feature the latest design trends within a reasonable square footage. The architectural style is a blend of Country French and traditional Southern design elements. The home itself is just over 5,000 square feet and features unique design trends such as an outdoor loggia, entertaining areas and a bar in the lower level, a custom wine cellar that stores 1,300 bottles, and many more living spaces that are typically found in much larger homes.

The show home also features luxury custom details and materials such as limestone brick barrel ceilings, substantial wood trusses, a solid walnut custom staircase, and various types of beautiful woods used throughout the ceilings, walls and floors.

This project and the recognition it has received is another example of the growing popularity of luxury design trends in smaller homes. As we move forward and the housing industry makes a comeback, we will be seeing more and more clients seeking this type of custom home. To see this home, visit http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/dreamhome/awards09/index.php#/48

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Get Ready for The Market Upswing!

According to a recent article on HousingZone's website, a report released by the National Association of Home Builders shows that housing affordability and builder confidence rose in the month of May.

The report states that housing affordability is currently at an all-time high, with the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index for the first quarter of 2009 rising by 10 points from the fourth quarter of 2008. This index measures the percentage of homes that are being sold at a price that families with average incomes can afford.

Also, the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose in May 2009 for the second month in a row, but at 16 points, is still well below normal market conditions. The greatest gains were seen in the West, followed by the Northeast, and lastly the South. The Midwest did not see a significant increase in May, but did jump in April from 8 to 14 points.

Jerry Howard, the president of the National Association of Home Builders, states that these indexes are indicative of a market turnaround, but it is still a ways into the future. Economists predict the beginning of a turnaround in fourth quarter 2009, moving forward steadily into 2010.

What does this mean for builders? Start to prepare for the upswing. Hire a design professional to look over your product lines or to create a fresh product line. Ensure that you will be prepared with floor plans that offer the latest in lifestyle trends, and elevations with curb appeal and proper architectural detailing.

What does this mean for individuals wanting to build their dream home? It has become more critical timing than ever to consider building. Prices of construction services and building materials are well below the market average, interest rates are still the lowest they have been in decades. The housing market is bottoming out and time is running out as well to capitalize on these cost savings.

Don't wait! The time is coming to prepare for better times!

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Hillcrest on the Park Community Wins 10 SAM Awards

Another DTA-designed community earned great recognition on the evening of May 13th at the 2009 Sales and Marketing Awards, hosted by the Building Industry Association of Southeast Michigan. The 'Hillcrest on the Park' community, built by Arteva Homes with a marketing plan developed by Communication Associates, earned an award for every applicable category. Some of these awards include:

Best Multi-Family Community of the Year, 50 Homes or Less

Best Interior Merchandising of a Model Under $250,000

Best Website for a Builder Community 50 Homes or Less

Best Direct Mail Piece for a Community 50 Homes or Less

Best Broker / Realtor Promotion for a Community 50 Homes or Less

This community is located in Clinton Township, Michigan. It features amenities such as fountains, walking trails, and plenty of green space. Hillcrest is also located adjacent to a large memorial park, which offers serene views and a sense of peacefulness in an otherwise fast-paced area.

The success of this community can be contributed to the combined talents of a fantastic project team - unique architectural designs and efficient construction drawings, a builder who values quality and ensuring that architectural visions come to fruition, and a terrific marketing team who understands how to create promotional pieces that complement the original vision.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

DTA Launches New Interior Design Section on our Website!

DTA is excited to announce the launch of a new Interior Design section on our website, http://www.dtarchitects.com/interiors_landing.php. This section of our website showcases the work of our interior designer, Staci Meyers, ASID, LEED-AP, NCIDQ Certificate No. 021086. Staci joined the Dominick Tringali Architects team in 2007, after previously working with other firms on projects such as the District Lofts in Birmingham Michigan, The Royal Park Hotel in Rochester Michigan, and Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

Our site will feature a variety of projects Staci has worked on with DTA, ranging from custom homes and estates, to model homes, to commercial interior projects such as restaurants and retail spaces. We will be adding new projects to the section throughout the next few weeks, including our architectural design and interior selections for Santino's, a new Italian fine dining restaurant with a sports and martini lounge, which is currently being built in Washington Twp. Michigan. Other interior design projects we will be adding include the renovation of a Powerhouse Gym, located in South Lyon, Michigan, and a new 12,000 square foot custom home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Technology in the 21st Century House

According to an article written by David LaGesse in April 2009's U.S. News & World Report, scientists have set big goals for the evolution of new-home technology over the next two decades. They envision that houses could come with the capability to produce their own power, and that HVAC and electrical systems and windows could all be smart enough to communicate with each other. They see new types of insulation materials that outperform any insulation available today, and light bulbs that last for more than 50 years. The following is a list of some emerging technologies that could start to change the face of the construction and housing industry throughout the next several years.

1. Today's existing windows are typically treated to either reflect sunlight in warmer climates, or not reflect it in colder climates. This system doesn't work well in climates where the seasons change. The windows of the future will be smart enough to change their amount of tinting on demand, enabling each window to adjust accordingly to the amount of sunlight. Ultimately, this new window reduces the need to cool or heat a home, saving on energy costs.

2. Homes of the future will come equipped with home heating, cooling, and lighting systems that communicate with each other and with the internet as well. This network could result in lighting fixtures that know to dim or turn off entirely during sunlight hours, air vents that know to stop blowing heated air at open windows, etc. Scientists think that this type of system could cut out a third of the energy usage in a home or building.

3. Scientists and chemists are continuously building and improving upon existing materials used for home and building insulation. A new material has been discovered, called "Aerogel," which is made up of 99 percent gas but is one of the lightest solids known to man, and looks similar to a slice of solid smoke. According to scientists, there is no better insulation material available for its particular thickness. At this stage, the material is very costly and is undergoing testing in a few building and housing projects, but is expected to infiltrate the mainstream housing market one day in the future.

4. The fuel cell technology which has powered space flight for decades and is taking over the future of the auto industry is also being considered as a method for powering a home. It is believed that one day, electricity and hot water can be generated inside the home through fuel cell technology. This breakthrough reduces the amount of pollution created by traditional electrical generation, and eliminates waste in getting power from its source, into the individual homes.

5. Over the next two decades traditional light bulbs will become history, being replaced with compact LED fluroescent bulbs. These bulbs use about 12 percent of the energy used by a traditional bulb, and can last 50 years or more. LED lighting has already been used in some commercial buildings where lights are on 24 hours a day. Running at about $120 each, these bulbs are costly and aren't expected to generate a payback for eight to ten years. Over time the cost is anticipated to come down and these bulbs will become the standard method for lighting a new home.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program - DTA Helps Cities Make the Most of Their NSP Dollars

The US Department of Housing & Urban Development recently implemented the 'Neighborhood Stabilization Program' which provides emergency federal funds to state and local governments for the purposes of acquiring and redeveloping foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within their communities. These funds will enable qualifying local communities to purchase foreclosed or abandoned homes and rehabilitate, resell, or redevelop the homes to stabilize neighborhoods and increase home values.

Dominick Tringali Architects is now working together with several cities in our area, providing architectural guidance and assistance as they move forward with their NSP plans. How can working with a firm such as DTA make a positive impact on a city? We have created specific NSP Architectural Services to ensure that each city can get Dominick Tringali Architects caliber of architectural services, tailored directly to their particular needs and budget.

There are several facets to our NSP Architectural Services. Cities can pick and choose which services fit best with the plans established for their particular communities:

1. Affordable rehabilitation services - DTA will visit a community and analyze the existing architectural styles, take photos of each home slated for rehabilitation, and complete sketch overlays of each home with recommendations and suggestions for improving exterior elevations.

2. Affordable LEED design - by selecting pre-existing plans from our portfolio of green homes, or by using our consulting services to make existing homes or plans more sustainable, cities focusing on green housing can make their communities greener, in the most effective and affordable ways.

3. Neighborhood planning and visioning - DTA will visit a community and complete an analysis of vacant lots combined with existing homes, and create site plans which can be utilized as a guide for making the most practical use of each individual lot.

4. DTA's NSP Plan Portfolio - for tear-down and new construction infill projects, we have created a portfolio consisting of hundreds of smaller, affordable, efficient and easy to build plans. Cities can be confident that improving the value of existing homes and overall communities by infusing them with new homes which feature architectural authenticity and modern, functional floor plans.

For more information about our NSP Architectural Services or to view examples of projects we are currently working on with our local communities, contact Jamie Qualls at JamieQ@DTArchitects.com.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Demand for Green Building Materials to Reach $80 Billion by 2013

We came across an interesting study conducted in February 2009 by the Freedonia Group, called 'Green Building Materials.' The study was posted in this week's Building Design & Construction Magazine weekly e-newsletter. According to the study, the market for Green Building materials in the United States accounted for $57 billion in sales in 2008, and is expected to grow by 7.2 percent annually to over $80 billion dollars through 2013. The following is a summary of which Green Building products are expected to grow rapidly from now until 2013.

1. Forest Stewardship Council certified lumber and wood panels - expected to be the fastest growing green building products. The demand is projected to more than triple between 2008 and 2013, more than three times faster than all types of wood panels combined. FSC certified products are produced using envionmentally responsible forestry practices.

2. Water efficient plumbing fixtures and fittings and energy-efficient lighting fixtures - expected to grow at a double digit pace through the year 2013.

3. Green floor coverings - green carpets and floor products made from rapidly renewable resources such as cork and bamboo are considered green building materials in the highest demand, and will see the greatest gains in growth.

4. Concrete made from recycled materials - products such as fly ash and blast furnace slag had the second largest share of green building materials demand in 2008 and accounted for over 15 percent of the market total. Using these materials not only reduces waste sent to landfills, but also enhances the performance of the concrete.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

DTA Cited For Innovations in "Going Green"

Recently, the team at Dominick Tringali Architects was cited in a HomeTownLife.com online article that discussed how 'Going Green Is The Way Of The Future'.

"Recently, one of our Chamber members, Dominick Tringali Architects, worked in conjunction with a local builder to put the finishing touches on an affordable home that has been submitted for LEED-certification. The one-story home built for Habitat for Humanity Oakland County in Pontiac will soon become the residence of a family of nine". The Full Story...

Content courtesy of HomeTownLife.com

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or Contact Us.

Commentary From Dominick Tringali

Written By: Dominick Tringali, AIA NCARB

I just returned from visiting two of our national projects where European Copper's new Freedom Gray color chimney caps were installed. The Freedom Gray caps, designed by Jack Arnold, blend wonderfully with French Country style homes. I have started to mix these chimney caps with zinc gutters and downspouts on some of my homes, which seems to be an affordable alternative in today's marketplace. The quality of European Copper's chimney caps are the finishing touch - as they project majestically over the home, they are the perfect architectural detail for high end homes. You can view the entire line of European Copper chimney caps at http://www.jackarnold.com/copper-chimney-pots.html

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or our Custom and Luxury Home Design Blog.

Two New LEED-AP's on DTA's Staff - How Can This Benefit You?

Written By: Stephen McKay Jr. Associate A.I.A., LEED-AP, CNU, Certified Green Professional

Dominick Tringali Architects recently added two LEED-AP's to their staff. Mark Garagiola and myself have passed the LEED-AP exam and are now qualified to provide consultation for your project to achieve LEED certification.

A little bit about the LEED-AP exam first...(Check out http://www.gbci.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=28 for more info on what a LEED AP is). LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (http://www.usgbc.org/). Our study and testing process was very rigorus. The exam prepares you to design and construct a project taking into consideration Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Environmental Air Quality. The point based scoring system takes into consideration your compliance with these factors and rates your proposed building against set point values to determine your score (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum). Mark and I are now accredited to assist developers, building owners, investors, etc. design their project to these standards, and assist in the certification process.

So what exactly does this mean to you? Here are a few facts and figures first to provide you with some info on where the "green market" is going...

-Consumers estimated spending double on green products and services during 2008, totaling estimated $200 - 500 Billion.

- 70 percent of consumers said they were more or ‘much more inclined’ to invest in a green home over a conventional home in a down market.

- 63 percent of green homeowners were motivated by lower operating and maintenance costs that come with energy and resource efficient homes.

-In addition to lower maintenance costs, environmental concerns and their ‘family’s health’ were significant factors for going green.

-I recently found a diagram describing a cast study of building cost lifecycles. For the same building type, for an office building that cost $10.0mil and was built to code, it would have nearly $350.0mil in operating costs over its life.

For a building built to LEED Platinum standards the design/construction cost would be $12.1mil, but have $62.2mil in operating costs over its life. That is nearly a $285.0mil in savings, not to mention the marketing potential of this building!

Therefore, as our society places more value on green products and living environments, the demand for LEED Certified buildings increases. Across the country, LEED Certified offices, medical buildings, daycare centers, etc. return greater rates than non certified buildings as occupants place a premium on healthy buildings. In addition, we have seen a dramatic increase in new client interviews asking for green, healthy homes. This has just been reinforced by the recent stimulus package passed by The President has also placed greater incentives on sustainable buildings and technologies.

DTA currently has two projects seeking LEED Platinum Certification. We recently completed a 1768s.f. 5 bedroom home for Habitat for Humanity which will be constructed for less than $100k. In addition, we are completing a project seeking LEED Platinum Certification in Birmingham which will be the 2009 Somerset Showhome.

We will be conducting additional tours and educational presentations throughout the coming months. Please contact JamieQ@DTArchitects.com for more information.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

DTA is gearing up to launch a brand new website!

Dominick Tringali Architects will be launching our brand new website on Friday morning!

Over the past few months we have been very busy working on the new site, which will feature all new imagery of custom residences, commercial projects, and award-winning communities we have designed. We will also have a section featuring on-the-boards projects which we are currently working on across the country.

We will also feature two new online services - our Online Plan Review Service, where clients can submit existing plans or elevations through our website and our design team will review and mark them up to make sure the floor plans are efficient and livable, and the elevations are properly designed with correct massing and materials.

The second service is a quick and easy portal for purchasing our pre-drawn plans over the internet. Now builders and custom clients can view our designs and order affordable, DTA designed plans in just a few mouse clicks.

Be sure to visit the website tomorrow and check out all the new features! The link is listed below.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

DTA Blogging From the Recovery by Design Event in Cleveland Ohio!

Greetings from Ohio! Several of DTA's staff members are currently headed to Cleveland, Ohio for tonight's "Recovery by Design" Event at the Trevarrow Inc. showroom.

Tonight's event will consist of hors d'oeurves and wine, along with a strolling tour through Trevarrow's state of the art showroom. Following the tours, Paul Samartino, DTA's Lead Designer, will be giving an inspiring presentation geared to help builders understand how critical it is to have proper, authentic architecture to sell homes in these challenging economic times.

Trevarrow Inc. is a distibutor of Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. DTA designed both their showrooms, located in Auburn Hills, Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio. Both showrooms features numerous kitchen vignettes which help to give clients creative ideas and inspiration for how their dream kitchen can look and function.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Timeless Residences By DTArchitects

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom, and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com.

High End Coastal Cottages

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com.

Luxury Estate Video

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom, and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or to see the rest of our videos visit our company wiki.

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Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom, and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or check out our new company wiki complete with project pictures and videos.

Preserving Historical Authenticity - From Design to Construction Documents

Written By: Randy Hatchard, Vice President of Operations

The team at Dominick Tringali Architects approaches every project with a distinct passion and mentality to ensure that each home or building is designed and drawn correctly, regardless of the type or size. No matter what we are working on, we spend as much time and effort as is necessary to get each project drawn according to the clients needs and according to the scope of that particular project.

Recently, while working on a project which placed heavy emphasis on historically authentic architecture, I discovered the book 'Get Your House Right,' written by Marianne Cusato. The title caught my eye and it turns out to be one of the best manuals I have found for following architectural guidelines, historical references, and proper detailing. This book is available online at www.Amazon.com

It is important to note that any design ultimately depends on how it is reflected in the construction documents. Our designers create a product according to specific architectural guidelines. Proper execution depends upon our construction document team taking the drawings to the next level. They do this by researching how to correctly draw each detail, so that out in the field, builders are able to execute the same level of quality, authenticity, and detailing that was intended from the original design.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com

Michigan Architect Set New Standards For Affordable, High-Performance Homes

Dominick Tringali Architects (DTA) in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is raising the bar for Habitat for Humanity homes built in the Detroit area with a model designed to achieve LEED-Platinum and Green Built Michigan certifications. The first unit in Pontiac was completed in November.

“Our goal was to create a sustainable prototype home for Habitat for Humanity that meets LEED requirements and raises the benchmark for future affordable housing,” says Steve McKay, lead designer for DTA on the project. “We’ve incorporated sustainable building practices that will reduce construction costs, reduce energy operating costs, and create a healthy living environment for the occupants.”

Habitat used this first unit for training and will eventually adopt the same green specs for all of its homes in the area.

The 1,768-square-foot, five-bedroom, two-bath model was designed to house a multigenerational family on two floors. It includes siting, energy, resource, and health-related features that combine with the affordable cost considerations to meet DTA’s goals, as well as the high performance requirements.

The exterior elevations of the home were designed with deeper roof overhangs determined by using solar calculations to both maximize and minimize the sun exposure based on the time of year. In addition, authentic window canopies further shade the South-facing windows and protect the wall and window openings from water intrusion.

Features that contribute to the affordable construction include a sealed and insulated crawl space; value-engineered framing, including single top plates and reduced-lumber corners, headers, and window-opening assemblies; and engineered roof trusses.

Energy performance goals are attained through an enhanced and air-tightened shell, including R-10 Dow Styrofoam–insulated foundation walls and crawl space floor; caulked seams, joints, and shell penetrations; R-25 walls with Nu-Wool cellulose cavity insulation and 1-inch-thick exterior R-5 Dow foam sheathing; Nu-Wool attic insulation; Simonton Energy Star–rated, low-E windows with argon gas fill; and a high-efficiency, sealed-combustion furnace rated at 90%-plus AFUE designed for short duct runs (all ducts installed in conditioned space).

The HVAC system includes make-up air features in response to the reduced air leakage, and all caulks, adhesives, and finishes used in the house are either low- or zero-VOC to meet indoor air quality provisions.

The first home was built by Brooklyn Homes, an area green builder, with supervised sweat-equity labor contributed by the owner-family. All LEED and Green Built Michigan construction and performance requirements were site-verified by Nelson Energy Seal, a HERS- and USGBC-approved green rater. And, as part of the overall mission, jobsite waste was minimized as much as possible and sorted for recycling throughout construction.

Dominick Tringali Architects has developed the DTA Green Guide CD, a collection of green building construction details and suggested specifications available for $199. Contact DTA at 248.335.8888 or www.dtarchitects.com.

Source: Rick Schwolsky of EcoHomeMagazine.com

Photo Credit: SteveM

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Infrared Cameras Can Help You Reduce Energy Bills

Written by Jeff Ziegelbaur, Director of Design Development for Dominick Tringali Architects

As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners or business owners frequently ask us how they can decrease the cost of operating their home or office. One of the first things we typically recommend is to have someone walk through the home or building and inspect it with an infrared camera.

Two companies in our area which specialize in this service are Nelson Energy Seal (Don Nelson) and Draft Stop Energy & Insulation (Bob Carey) These companies will scan your home or building with an infrared camera and determine the location of air leaks and any possible moisture problems. Homeowners then receive a report documenting where any problems are and also receive some suggestions for correcting them.

Some of these solutions can be fairly inexpensive, such as replacing weather-stripping on exterior doors or applying foam around all exterior plugs and switches. Other solutions will cost more but significantly lower your energy bills, such as adding insulation to your attic, replacing older fiberglass rim joist insulation with a closed cell foam insulation, or replacing old aluminum windows.

No matter what your budget is for home improvement projects - the most important thing to remember before you consider improving your home energy usage is to know where the problems are from the start and how they can be properly corrected.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Wrapping Up the International Builders Show

Dominick and our Design Team returned from Nevada and it's back to the drawing boards at DTA after another great week at the International Builders Show. Attendance was lower than previous years due to the economic challenges that builders and vendors across the country are facing. However, our team met a number of builders who were inspired, energetic, and ready to face the changing demands of the housing market. It was uplifting to see so many builders being progressive, and who were dedicated and committed to staying successful in this industry.

Many builders showed their enthusiasm for building in 2009 by taking advantage of the AIA Plan Review Workshop. A group of the nation's most talented architects and designers offered half-hour sessions to sit down with builders and discuss their existing plans. Dominick, Paul, and J.R. each met with four builders during their sessions. Some of these builders included Goodall Homes and Communities in Tennessee, Beaman Building and Realty in North Carolina, and Elite Homes in Kentucky. Dominick helped a builder rework a floor plan to open up the overall flow and include a living triangle area instead of separated dining and family rooms. Paul and J.R. revised elevations to properly balance the architecture and suggested a few cost-effective products that could give the home a fresh new look. Each builder left their session ready to build these revised plans.

Other builders chose to attend the variety of educational programs offered at the show. The DTA team spoke about about three topics which are extremely relevant to today's housing market - Mainstream Green Home Design, Generation X and Y Design, and Achieveable Million Dollar Details. Each program had a good, interactive audience of industry professionals who asked questions and left with some new, helpful information. Handouts and additional information about these programs can be obtained by contacting JamieQ@DTArchitects.com.

As we sort through all the information we brought back and the things we learned at the show, we look forward to having opportunities to share it with everyone. We will be educating the rest of our staff about new products and trends, showing our clients new products that will save them money, moving forward with our green design initiative, and also implementing some of the design trends we saw and learned about in our current projects.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Dominick's 10 Favorite Products at the Builders Show

Dominick returned from the Builders Show today with a fresh perspective on the new national trends and with a mountain of product brochures and pamphlets that he met with vendors and tradespeople about on the show floor.

Inside that mountain, there were a few building products that Dominick thought stood apart from the rest in appearance, energy efficiency, or simplicity of installation - and here they are:

1. Quattro Corbel - Pre-engineered, appearance grade, easy-to-install wooden corbels add architectural detail and authenticity to exterior elevations. www.quattrotimber.com.

2. Loyal Iron Doors - Nice looking door with a one-price package system that includes everything needed for installation. www.LoyalIronDoors.com.

3. AgileWaves - An in home system that monitors the use of environmental resources and calculates monthly energy costs. www.AgileWaves.com.

4. Escea Outdoor Fireplace - Gas outdoor fireplaces with a sleek, modern look. http://www.escea.co.nz/us/us.

5. Rehmeyer Wood Floors - Wood floor planks that come with a variety of finishes and edges. Styles such as 'Old Trail, Frontier, and Pioneer' come with metal pegs that give the appearance of a century old wood floor. www.rehmeyerfloors.com.

6. Noritz Tankless Water Heaters - Save space, conserve water usage, and last longer than regular water heater tanks. www.Noritz.com.

7. Logix ICF System - Contributes more LEED points than most other building materials. Energy efficient, easy to use, and provides excellent sound resistance. www.logixicf.com.

8. Faux Wood Beams - These are artificial wood beams made of foam. They look identical to a real wood beams but much less expensive and much easier to install. www.fauxwoodbeams.com.

9. DOW Styrofoam SIS Insulated Sheathing - Provides an excellent source of structural bracing, insulation, and water resistance. www.DOW.com.

10. Gemstone Walls by Eldorado Stone - Easy to apply stone wall systems transform wine rooms, wellness areas, and family rooms into a retreat with unique, textured, stone walls. www.eldoradostone.com/gemstones/.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

The 2009 International Builders Show in Las Vegas, Nevada - Day #2

Our team has been busy at the International Builders Show this week, meeting new faces, touring idea homes, and getting familar with the new, sustainable building products available this year. In addition, we are also doing our part to help educate and give insight on design trends and new ideas for floor plans and elevations. Dominick Tringali and Paul Samartino each offered three hours of their time at the A.I.A. Plan Review Workshop on Tuesday and Wednesday. The purpose of the workshop is to provide complimentary sessions for builders to sit down together with an architect and review their existing plans. Both Dominick and Paul met with several builders from across the country at the workshop, reviewed their plans, and offered insight on how to retool floor plans and elevations to meet the current demands of today's new homebuyer. J.R. Ruthig will also be available for sessions at the Plan Review Workshop on Thursday afternoon.

Our company has also partnered together with DOW Chemical Company this year. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Dominick is presenting 'Mainstream Green Home Design' at the DOW Educational Theater on the show floor. Dominick is also a panelist for the program titled 'Achievable Million Dollar Details' on Thursday and Friday. This has been a very popular and beneficial program for builders for nearly a decade running.

For progressive builders who are looking to catch the next wave of homebuyers, J.R. Ruthig will be giving a presentation regarding 'Design for Generations X and Y' on Friday morning.

For more information on presentation times or Plan Review Workshop times, contact Jamie Qualls at JamieQ@DTArchitects.com.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a residential, custom and community architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

Dominick Tringali Architects at the 2009 International Builders Show

The International Builders Show kicked off on Tuesday in Las Vegas, Nevada. So far we have seen a large crowd of our industry colleagues who are hopeful about what this new year will bring. We have heard many promising stories and met builders and trades people who are excited to refresh their philosophies and building practices in conjunction with the changing demands of the housing market. Throughout the show floor, we have also noticed a common theme of 'affordable, easy- to-use building products.' With the great crowd this year and all of the innovative products we have been introduced to, we are feeling pretty invigorated about 2009 and a hopeful economic upswing.

Monday night was DTA's first event at the Builders Show - the celebration of the 2008 Best in American Living Awards at the Wynn Hotel. Professional Builder Magazine hosts these awards each year. BALA is nationally recognized as one of the most prestigious national awards recognizing the best product in the housing industry. Six of DTA's projects were selected for finalist awards, and we are excited to announce that one of our projects, the Erickson Residence, won best in its category for 'Semi Custom Home Under 1,800 Square Feet.' It was also one of four projects selected as a finalist for the best home in our region of the country. Dominick Tringali and Paul Samartino accepted the two awards, which will be proudly displayed in our office.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a custom architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

DTA Partners with Dow Chemical at the 2009 Intl. Builders Show

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jamie Qualls, Marketing Administrator (248) 335.8888 ext. 227

DTA PARTNERS WITH DOW CHEMICAL AT THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS SHOW

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, January 2, 2009 – Dominick Tringali Architects is pleased to announce our partnership with DOW Chemical Company at the 2009 International Builders Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. This partnership, in addition to our educational programs through the NAHB University of Housing, as well as our continued participation at the AIA Plan Review Workshop, demonstrates our commitment to helping builders understand the value of good design in this difficult economy.

Dominick Tringali, president and CEO of Dominick Tringali Architects, was invited to be a guest presenter at the DOW Educational Theater on the show floor. Dominick will present at the DOW Theater three times during the week of the Builders Show on the topic of ‘Mainstream Green Home Design.’

In addition to our collaboration with DOW Chemical, Dominick Tringali will also be speaking about “Achievable Million Dollar Details’ through the NAHB University of Housing. This program will be given twice during the week of the Builders Show and will illustrate simple ways to achieve the look and feel of a high-end product line at a much more affordable price.

J.R. Ruthig, the firm’s Managing Designer, will be also presenting at the Builders Show. His program, titled ‘Boost Your Marketing Mojo – Winning Designs for Generations X and Y’ will be geared toward educating builders about design trends and lifestyles of this rapidly growing market segment.

Both Dominick and J.R. have volunteered their time and talent to the A.I.A. Plan Review Workshop at the Builders Show. They will each be available for complimentary plan review sessions during the week of the show. Builders can take advantage of this excellent service and have their existing plans and elevations reviewed by nationally renowned architects.

Lastly, we are very excited to announce that six of DTA’s projects will be receiving Best in American Living Awards this year at the annual awards event at the Builders Show. Some of these awards include Best Community Under 150 Units, Best Specialty Room, Best Detail, and Best Semi Custom Home Under 1,800 Sq. Ft., as well as in the over 4,001 Sq. Ft. category.

For more information about the International Builders Show, the times of DTA’s speaking engagements at the show, or for Dominick and JR’s availability at the A.I.A. Plan Review Workshop, visit www.BuildersShow.com or e-mail JamieQ@DTArchitects.com. ###

Dominick Tringali Architects is a custom architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com.

Residential Architect Gives Back to Community

PONTIAC, MI, January 07, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On Saturday, June 10, two single mothers each received a set of keys to their brand new four-bedroom homes in Pontiac, thanks to the teamwork of local building companies and an architecture firm in Bloomfield Hills. Dominick Tringali Architects, along with Bingham Development, Consolidated Development, Templeton Building Company, Palazzolo Brothers, Cohen Homes, Ivanhoe-Huntley Homes, Kellett Construction, Wellington-Chase Homes, and LaSalle Wealth Management, teamed up for Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County to construct two new homes for the 2006 Builders Blitz.

These 11 firms have actually been working on their blitz build since mid-February, when they met at Dominick Tringali Architects office in Bloomfield Hills to begin the planning stages of the two projects. Led by Gwen Joseph, the Director of Corporate Relations and Special Events for Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, the builders accepted the challenge of not only constructing the homes in two weeks time, but also obtaining all materials necessary for construction - everything from the lumber packages to the hardware, all through donations from their suppliers and vendor contacts. After five months of phone calls, meetings, and organization, the builders managed to achieve their goal and all materials were delivered to the job sites in time for their build.

Both of the four-bedroom, ranch style houses, located on Paddock Street in Pontiac, were completed and awarded to the homeowners on Saturday June 10, at a dedication ceremony and luncheon.

Dominick Tringali Architects is a custom architectural firm specializing in the methodology lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.

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Dominick Tringali Architects is a high-end custom architectural firm specializing in the methodology of lifestyle by design. To learn more, please visit www.dtarchitects.com or http://dtarchitects.blogspot.com.