The Murphy Studio

Here are some of the characteristics that make working with Misti Murphy such a rewarding experience: Comprehensive—From my first meeting with Misti, it was clear that this wasn't only going to be about getting a floor plan and construction drawings. I knew I needed help with designing the interior spaces and choosing finishes, and before I even mentioned this, I was being shown interior elevations and examples of different options from which I could choose. Misti was adamant that she does a complete job, not just walls and exterior elevations. The interior is fully developed too. She looks at the house from all angles and takes everything into account. It's great to have someone able to see this big picture. The end product feels very well thought out and complete. Fiscal competency—Somewhere around my third meeting with Misti, she brought along the budget for the project. Not her bill (which was the only figures I had seen in past efforts at home design) but a line-by-line detailed accounting of the entire estimated cost for the house that was going to be built. For this house, this was a 10-page document, and we reviewed every line. When we finished, I knew the estimated cost for cement, site preparation, framing, windows, counter tops, garage doors, bathroom fixtures, cabinets, excavation, plumbing, light fixtures, insulation, paint, appliances, and even final cleaning and the onsite toilet rental during construction. . . to name just a few things. While the contract I signed to hire her included presentation of a building budget, I had no idea it would be this thorough. While it felt a little premature to have this much financial detail initially, it soon became obvious that the budget was an extremely useful tool. It helps to decide the level of finishes, what materials are used, and helps plan for how the project will be financed. The budget is also dynamic. As the plans evolve, so too does the budget. And even though it's changing constantly, Misti does an excellent job of keeping you on budget and not exceeding the original estimate without your approval. So if you do hire Misti and she says it's time to go over the budget, come prepared for a marathon session. Your head will be spinning, but you'll have an excellent sense what it will cost to complete your project. Creativity—I have lost count of the number of times where Misti's solution to one of my suggestions went so far beyond what I was hoping for that I'm now of the opinion that there is no problem she can't solve. Even little things, like the way she redesigned the laundry area and the master toilet, showed that she is a maestro at manipulating space and designing functional solutions. Don't underestimate Misti. Just tell her what you're looking for in as much detail as possible, and she will very likely find the perfect solution that will both surprise and impress. Give her a bit of space and she'll make you something very special. Technical skill—Architectural creativity without the means to build the building would be like a composer who can't conduct the orchestra. This is not an issue with Misti. She knows what's feasible construction-wise and designs accordingly. When discussing a change in the plans or a new idea, she usually knows what's possible and practical instantly or has the resources to know in short order. She does all her own drawings, including the final plans. She can also rework the design so fast that it gives the impression that she gets little sleep. In one of our last meetings on a Sunday we spent most of the day going over several significant changes: the living room, studio, guest bedrooms, and exercise room were all enlarged; exterior windows and doors were added or changed, and the kitchen was redesigned. Forty-eight hours later the drawingshad all been done. We were able to meet again before I left town to go over the changes, and it was obvious that house had once again been improved. While I've come to expect this level of dedication to the job from Misi, I was, yet again, astonished at all that she had done in such a short time. She knows what she's doing and can skillfully and efficiently do it. Flexibility—The last minutes changes mentioned above are but one example of Misti's flexibility. As we were talking about these I mentioned that it seemed a little late to be making changes of this magnitude. She agreed, but also said these changes would make the house better, and then simply went about making them happen. An even better example of Misti's flexibility on this project would be the basement. After looking at the exterior elevations and the way the house was placed on the lot, the idea of a storage basement seemed like a possibility. I was reluctant to bring this up as it wasn't in the original scope of the project, but building a house, at least for me, is probably a once in a lifetime event, so I was determined to at least discuss it. I had imagined the basement to be around 250 sq feet that would easily hold my accumulated possessions that I just can't part with. Misti's reaction was reality-based and enthusiastic. She took the current plan and quickly adapted it to accommodate a 350 sq ft basement that could someday be retrofitted to a spare bedroom. It will increase the design fees and construction costs, but for what I'm getting, it's quite reasonable. And what's really nice is that Misti has made the basement feel like a natural part of the house that was planned from the very beginning. I don't think any professional likes last minute changes, but Misti does an excellent job of going with the client's ideas and making them work in the best possible way. Rapport—Though I've saved it until the end, the one thing that I value most in working with Misti is the rapport of our professional relationship. It's unlike anything I've ever experienced and is what has made this house possible. The days we meet are filled with constant conversation, and they are big days, sometimes more than six hours straight. There is so much to go over and it's always a two-way exchange. There are options to look at, ideas to discuss, numbers to review, finishes to choose, and countless other things. The topics are all well-organized in advance by Misti, but they flow with a spontaneity that encourages constructive dialog. There is a true creative spirit in these meetings, and the house evolves and improves as a result. Misti now knows me, the way I live, and what I like better than anyone, and she has incorporated this into the home's design. So make rapport a fundamental element in choosing your architect. It will carry you through to a very satisfying end. Conclusion: It's been a really good experience designing a home with Misti Murphy. She has a very strong desire to help you get the home you really want and has the skill, resourcefulness, and commitment to get you there. At the very least, if you are looking for an architect, you should interview Misti Murphy. Regardless of the project, she will tailor her approach to your needs and show you options for new possibilities that you had not considered. If you're at all like me, some of these new ideas will become your favorite things as the project moves forward.

Ms. Misti was punctual and very detailed in her work. The research was completed in a timely manner, and our questions and concerns were answered.