Architecture & Design Advice

Residential Solar Installation — A Cautionary True Story

Lorianna Kastrop

Mar 2, 20228 min read

Residential Solar Installation — A Cautionary True Story

By Lorianna Kastrop, VP/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects This is the most difficult blog that I’ve written, but I think it is...

24 views

Communications for your Project—Mixing the Latest Technology with Best Practices

Lorianna Kastrop

Oct 28, 20212 min read

Communications for your Project—Mixing the Latest Technology with Best Practices

By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc., Architects Hello there, new client! Yes, we know you would like to...

10 views

Installing a Solar Power System for New Residential Construction

Lorianna Kastrop

Aug 2, 20216 min read

Installing a Solar Power System for New Residential Construction

By D. Michael Kastrop, A.I.A., Principal Architect and Lorianna Kastrop, VP/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Architects Adding solar energy...

3 views

Lorianna Kastrop

Jun 14, 20213 min read

ADU Costs: A Reality Check

By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects You want to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit on your...

6 views

ADU Construction: Homeowner Purchase & Install Decisions

Lorianna Kastrop

May 4, 20214 min read

ADU Construction: Homeowner Purchase & Install Decisions

By Lorianna Kastrop, VP/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects You’ve been working with a qualified licensed Architect and hired a...

4 views

Lorianna Kastrop

Feb 19, 20214 min read

Building an ADU: Part 3 Demolition

By Lorianna Kastrop, VP/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc., Architects This is a continuation of our series on building an ADU. Mike and I are...

4 views

Lorianna Kastrop

Jan 25, 20218 min read

Building an ADU – Part 1

By Lorianna Kastrop, VP/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects Today I will blog about what I am learning as the client of my own...

9 views

Architectural Consultations before you buy or lease property

Lorianna Kastrop

Nov 12, 20193 min read

Architectural Consultations before you buy or lease property

By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects We often get inquiries from people who wish to buy a home or...

5 views

When the drawings look nice, but aren’t adequate for permitting or construction

Lorianna Kastrop

Oct 7, 20193 min read

When the drawings look nice, but aren’t adequate for permitting or construction

By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects In the April 5th issue of Engineering News Record magazine...

4 views

10 Sure-fire Ways to Connect with an Architect

Lorianna Kastrop

Jul 18, 20183 min read

10 Sure-fire Ways to Connect with an Architect

The Bay Area has been in a construction boom ever since the recession ended (even a bit before!). During the recession, the American...

5 views

Skipping architectural design can be penny-wise, pound foolish

Lorianna Kastrop

May 21, 20183 min read

Skipping architectural design can be penny-wise, pound foolish

“I already have a design, I just need the plans drawn up.” This is a statement that makes architects cringe. In some cases, it will...

4 views

Residential Design: Include your pets in your plans

Lorianna Kastrop

Apr 6, 20183 min read

Residential Design: Include your pets in your plans

We consider the needs of children, possibly aging parents/in-laws, and our client’s tastes and desires when designing or remodeling homes....

1 view

“Statute of limitations” on unpermitted construction and other bad advice

Lorianna Kastrop

Dec 5, 20173 min read

“Statute of limitations” on unpermitted construction and other bad advice

We keep hearing from our clients of the bad advice that they were told when buying property. The top piece of bad advice, by far, is...

106 views

Residential Contractors for Commercial Projects: Proceed with care.

Lorianna Kastrop

Oct 19, 20172 min read

Residential Contractors for Commercial Projects: Proceed with care.

In the current Bay Area construction boom, some commercial clients have been hiring residential contractors to fill the need. Sometimes...

7 views

Check on who you are working with: Are they a licensed Architect?

Lorianna Kastrop

Feb 8, 20173 min read

Check on who you are working with: Are they a licensed Architect?

By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects We can’t emphasize this enough—a designer is not a licensed...

6 views

Lorianna Kastrop

Dec 21, 20163 min read

Design Considerations for Millennials

By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President, The Kastrop Group, Inc., Architects It is time for architects to consider the needs and lifestyles...

2 views

I like/I wish/What if: Working with Clients to Apply Design Thinking

Lorianna Kastrop

Nov 29, 20163 min read

I like/I wish/What if: Working with Clients to Apply Design Thinking

By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects “Design Thinking” is all the rage in Silicon Valley. People are...

2 views

Lorianna Kastrop

Feb 1, 20164 min read

Project Steps: A Quick Overview

By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects We are often told by clients (and potential clients) that they...

2 views

Lorianna Kastrop

Jan 7, 20162 min read

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Architects

By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects Resolve not to take on any projects that give you a sinking...

0 views

Follow-up on a lost project lead: We told you so, but aren’t happy about it

Lorianna Kastrop

Dec 8, 20153 min read

Follow-up on a lost project lead: We told you so, but aren’t happy about it

By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects “Upside Down House,” in Bispingen, Germany. I would like to share...

1 view

We've moved to our new location! New Address: 2000 Broadway, Ste. 273, Redwood City, CA 94063

We've moved to our new location!
New Address: 2000 Broadway, Ste. 273, Redwood City, CA 94063