We need to hire an architect to design the backyard cottage we want to build at [[Brandon]] and [[Shelley]]'s house, and possibly other future components of the [[SolSeedVillage]] as well. Here are some guiding principles that will help us choose the right person or firm:
* Experience with green building projects and standards.
** Passive temperature control and ventilation designs
** Insulation, "super-windows"
** Solar arrays (PV and hot water)
** Rainwater collection
** Possibly composting toilets
** Possibly small-scale wind power
* Focus on making a comfortable, inviting space, despite the size constraints.
** Experience with other small cottages is a plus
* Able to balance livability, durability, and the green building aspects.
* Willing to accept input from stakeholders (including neighbors?) on the cottage's exterior appearance and how it will fit into its surroundings.
** Avoids too much focus on making an artistic statement
* Affordable rates for design work.
=== Potential Architects ===
* [http://www.swiftarch.com/ Swift Architecture] ... they did the [http://www.pockethousepdx.com Pocket House]
** Green building experience: green roofs, PV systems, recycled materials, daylighting, natural/passive ventilation, stormwater infiltration (rain gardens?), insulation
** Size constraints: have built small living spaces before
** Balance: not sure, they do talk about "checks and balances of practicality"
** Stakeholders: "We see ourselves as the vehicle for your ideas"
** Rates: unknown
* [http://www.orangesplot.net/ Orange Splot LLC] ... they did [http://orangesplotllc.blogspot.com/2010/02/ruths-garden-cottages.html Ruth's Garden Cottages]
** Green building experience: "salvaged and sustainably produced building materials," graywater recycling, PV and solar thermal, tankless water heater, EnergyStar, insulation, edible landscaping
** Size constraints: have built small living spaces before
** Balance: focus on spaces for community/cohousing model, as well as "durable construction materials"
** Stakeholders: "Provide opportunities for participation in design by the future residents, especially with respect to interior and exterior common spaces"
** Rates: "Include units more affordable than are typically produced in the market" (maybe only referring to large cohousing projects here?)
* [http://seed-architecture.com Seed Architecture + Construction] (they sometimes do the construction too!)
** Green building experience: "super-insulated ICF envelope," green roofs, passive heating/cooling, HRV (heat-recovery ventilator?), radiant floor heating, "whole-house automation system to manage resource use," natural light, local recycled materials and materials-use minimization, bamboo, dual-flush toilets, tankless water heater, PV, rainwater reuse
*** Members of the US and Cascadia Green Building Councils
*** "Designed to exceed LEED-H platinum, [the Zoom House] development is aimed to achieve Cascadia's Living Building Challange of zero footprint."
** Size constraints: no apparent tiny-house experience
** Balance: aesthetics/views with green building features, not sure about other aspects
** Stakeholders: input may be balanced with architects' modernist artistic goals
** Rates: have operated on a "shoestring budget" in some projects, can do "very efficient initial project feasibility and budget estimating"
* [http://portlandalternativedwellings.com Portland Alternative Dwellings]?
** Very new, apparently founded in early 2010
** Construction company, but they say "we can work with you to create a PAD that fits your needs."
* Whoever built the [http://portlandgardencottages.com Cottages of upper Albina] ... [http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/2008/10/found_materials_give_these_new.html article] ... contacted seeking contact information