About the Author
James Crisp has been an architect for well over 20 years. His architectural firm, Crisp Architects, designs projects throughout New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. In April of 2007, Taunton Press published 'On the Porch' by James M. Crisp and Sandra Mahoney.
Renovations Archive
-
Our New Web Site
Posted on August 23, 2011 | No CommentsI am really excited to announce that after many months of hard work our web master Sven Nebelung completed our new and improved Crisp Architects web site. Sven created the previous web page almost 10 years ago when a lot of people were using dial-up... -
5 Choices for Kitchen Floors
Posted on August 2, 2011 | 3 CommentsThe selection of a kitchen floor is another example of how our wealth of choices makes those selections all the more difficult. The criteria for a kitchen floor includes the following: 1. It must be attractive-a very broad and subjective requirement, which is often in the... -
‘Treasure Discovered Between the Floorboards!’ (You Have to Crack Some Eggs…#5)
Posted on May 27, 2011 | 8 CommentsI have worked on many old homes over the years, including my own. The ‘Holy Grail’ of old home restorations is to find an artifact that reveals something about the early or original owners. Those who are lucky enough to find an artifact, solidify the... -
5 Additions That Especially Add Value to a Home
Posted on May 3, 2011 | 3 CommentsIn a completely unscientific review of past and current projects, I find that five types of additions are requested more than all the others combined. The reason may be that homeowners value these five additions the most or it could be that most homes lack... -
Ugly Duckling Phase (You Have To Crack Some Eggs….#4)
Posted on March 8, 2011 | 1 CommentEvery project reaches a phase during construction, which only an architect can love. There is that point in major renovations, when structural elements have been completed, but little of the trim or details have been put back in place. None of the proportions, which make... -
Perfect Pergolas
Posted on January 7, 2011 | 4 CommentsI love pergolas. They give shade and add detail and interest to any structure, although I have to admit that there is no pergola which is perfect for all situations. We sometimes create free-standing pergolas, however most are connected to a home or out building. Materials... -
6 Renovations That Can Change the Way You Live in Your Home
Posted on January 7, 2011 | No CommentsI have renovated and added to my own home for many reasons, including the fact I hated the existing kitchen. I added a porch and a bedroom because I love porches and my oldest daughter needed a room of her own. Many people renovate a... -
Entertaining Made Easier With a Wet Bar
Posted on December 4, 2010 | No CommentsWhether you are serving a Diet Coke, a glass of wine, or a cocktail, a wet bar simplifies the process. In one place you can have all the raw materials for festive refreshments, and at the same time contain the mess. A wet bar can... -
The Pub Down Under
Posted on November 3, 2010 | 5 CommentsWhat do you do with the underground, windowless space below your house? Make it an authentic English Pub of course! Don’t get me wrong, this is not our fathers’ shag carpeted lounge with a Tiki lamp and a beer sign. This basement is a place that if... -
You Have to Crack Some Eggs…
Posted on June 15, 2010 | 3 CommentsWe will be checking in periodically with the progress made on the renovation of an eighteenth century farm house(actually an Inn) which was saved from slow deterioration by a young family who wanted to bring it back to life. They are both artists and plan...