An Interview with Sharon Ranney and Eric Michaels

How long has Ranney Michaels Architects been in business?

Combined, Sharon Ranney and Eric Michaels share over forty-five years of outstanding work in the field of architecture, design and construction. After successfully and seamlessly collaborating on projects since 1998, Ranney Michaels Architects, LLC was created in 2003. Our clients have benefited ever since.

How is Ranney Michaels different from other architects or contractors?

Ranney Michaels Architects has established itself as a high-end design firm. To ensure our projects are executed as carefully as our designs warrant, we offer complete building services. We are an Architect led Design/Build company. We offer an integrated "Master Builder" approach to design and building. We work in parallel with architecture, engineering and construction. This method allows the key players to work together and provide a cohesive team to implement our projects.

The Greek root of the word Architect is architekton, meaning Master Builder. Historically the Master Builder understood the architectural design, structural engineering and construction methods and materials necessary to construct a building.

The modern architect/builder relationship may be adversarial and produce a fragmentation in the construction process causing miscommunications. This miscommunication often results in higher pricing, costly change orders and inferior quality in construction methods and techniques.

We pride ourselves as principles of the firm as being involved with every aspect of a project to ensure its success according to your terms. What makes Ranney Michaels stand apart, is that we are intimately involved with every detail from start to finish. This method allows our projects to be consistent and cohesive from conception through completion of the minutest of details, ensuring our clients' delight with the final project.

For those who wish to have their own contractor, Ranney Michaels is pleased to act as the Architect in the traditional Design, Bid and Build scenario. Being so intimately involved with our own construction projects, we understand the building process and thus are able to produce designs and documents that not only produce beautiful buildings, but are also comprehensive and builder friendly.

What types of projects does RMA specialize in?

We are known in the marketplace for extraordinary high-end projects, both on a residential basis and on the commercial end.

Our residential work includes new homes, historic renovations, additions and alterations as well as total home transformations. Our scope of services range from 10,000+ square foot homes to Manhattan penthouses and apartments, as well as exceptional kitchen and bath remodels.

Commercial projects vary from medical, dental and corporate offices to retail establishments and restaurants. We have designed shopping centers as well as automotive dealerships and facilities, always with an eye towards superior design and function.

Are there projects you won't work on?

Being known for high-end projects we do cherry pick our clients and must sometimes turn away certain projects. In recent past, we have turned down a few projects not suited for our level of expertise.

Will I recover the investment I put into your services?

Absolutely! We find that our projects have increased the value of properties significantly. We have doubled, and even tripled, the total all-in costs for clients' homes.

We do this by bringing value to every aspect of the project. We know how to design to maximize construction and minimize costs. We know where and when to focus design attention and were to place more elaborate or decorative details.

Sounds great, how will we work together?

The first thing we do when we begin a project is to determine the program and stylistic characteristics the client is looking for. They may have certain requirements for special spaces and functions. Sometimes they have seen a building they love and would like to use it as a reference.

We ask that you collect photos and ideas and present them to us. We review these with you to help determine what is the special feature or detail that you are drawn to. We discuss your needs and help establish the design program. We welcome your input and encourage you to be as involved with our process as you wish.

Describe the RMA design process.

1. We begin the process with a technical investigation. We review the site conditions and zoning regulations to determine the requirements of the local municipalities.

2. Once we have established the design parameters, we begin feasibility studies and schematic design.

3. We review the Owner's wish lists and budget requirements for their project.

4. We discuss the required program, style and characteristics that will make the project special and unique.

5. After presenting schematic designs to the Owner, we review and revise the drawings as necessary to satisfy the building and Owner's requirements.

6. Upon reaching a successful design, we furnish a preliminary bid to establish the construction budget.

7. When the design and budget are in synch, we begin the Construction Document Phase. These drawings describe in detail all construction, materials and specifications to be included in the project.

What do your Interior Design Services include?

Our Interior Design Services include everything from selection of interior materials and trims to recommendations for tiles, colors and textures. Our services are fully comprehensive. We review all aspects of a project including kitchens, baths, built-ins, custom furniture and lighting design.

When our clients hire us, they hire a team. We view each project from an architectural, decorating and construction perspective. Our designs fuse modern glamour with functional simplicity to create a classic elegance. By providing comprehensive design/build services, we ensure that the initial vision remains consistent throughout all aspects of the project. We pride ourselves in bringing each client's vision to life and exceeding their every expectation.

What do your Construction Services include?

Our building services are fully comprehensive and cover all aspects of the project. From site development through finish carpentry, kitchens and built-ins, our team works directly under our supervision to ensure the finest level of craftsmanship and professionalism.

How long will the process take?

Depending on the size and scope of the project, the process can vary considerably:

Is there an existing structure that we are modifying?

Maybe the project requires knocking down an existing building or doing site investigations to determine what may be built on the property.

Naturally, the process is planned out based on these many requirements.

After establishing what can legally be constructed or how the existing buildings can be modified, we are able to produce a schematic design within thirty days. After developing an approved design and meeting budgetary requirements, Construction Documents begin.

Construction Documents could take a month or two depending on the complexity of the project. On certain projects we may "fast-track" the job. This method allows us to begin construction before all the documents are completed. We can begin our excavation and foundation work long before finished details for Kitchens and cabinetry is required.

For an "all-inclusive" price, we will complete all drawings required to determine the actual costs of the project.

I don't have much time to spare. How much time will you need from me?

Depending on your time availability and interest level you can be as involved as you like. We have had clients who wanted to be involved with every material and decision. We also have clients who have said, "We're going away for three months, just do what you do and make it beautiful" and were extremely pleased with the outcome.

It's really up to you to determine your schedule; we are happy to work around your availability and interest level.

Why will I like working with RMA?

First and foremost, you'll find that in addition to our expertise, you'll like our down-to-earth personalities and sense of humor. We take great pride in our work, but also in the relationships we've created with our clients over the years, both residential and commercial.

Because this is a creative process with potential for stress and frustration during construction, it's important to have a team that you enjoy speaking with guiding you through the process. It's crucial to be able to speak to your architectural / design/build team in a way that makes it enjoyable, while getting things done.

We are that team, and as you get to know us, you'll see how much this makes a difference in the outcome of the project.

Can I contact some of your former clients to see what it's like to work with you?

Absolutely, in fact, we encourage it! The best references for our work are from our countless ecstatic past clients. When you're ready, please contact us so we may refer the appropriate client and similar project type to suit your needs. You'll hear direct from the source why it's important to work with us.

OK, I'm ready to get started. How shall I contact you?

Sounds great! Simply give us a call at 203-221-3005 to schedule an initial consultation or email us at sharon@ranneymichaels.com. or eric@ranneymichaels.com

We'll invite you to meet with us in our Westport, CT office or we can schedule to meet at your location, whichever you prefer.

I have a couple of additional questions before wanting to get started. Can I call you?

Yes, absolutely! Feel free to call us anytime at 203.221.3005. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can also e-mail us at sharon@ranneymichaels.com. or eric@ranneymichaels.com.

Once we've answered your questions and you're ready to begin, we will schedule a get acquainted consultation to meet in person and see how we can help.