Does the thought of taking on a construction project seem overwhelming? Who is going to help with all of those interior decisions that need to be made - and make things not only function correctly but beautiful as well? Today I interview Interior Designer Ann Ludwig Allied Member ASID. Her company, All Design Group, is located in the Western Wisconsin, in the east Twin Cities metro. Here are some of the things we discuss: -What is the difference between an Interior Designer and Interior Decorator?-How do people find the right Interior Designer?-How do you work - what is the process?-Is the approach different for remodeling projects versus new construction?-What trends are you seeing today? Ann's website is www.alldesigngroup.netCheck out my site at www.mhuberarchitects.com Search for the Design and Other Fun Stuff podcast on iTunes.

Today we speak with Tom and learn about the icing on the cake for every project - the finish carpentry.  This work is instrumental in determining the character and feel for every project.  Some of the items discussed include: - The role of the finish carpenter in context with the overall project- The types of work included- Integration into the design or who comes up with the design- Tools and equipment- Favorite woods and projects Visit Tom at www.carlsgaardcarpentry.com Please subscribe to these podcasts also via iTunes. Search for the title 'Design and Other Fun Stuff'.

Winter is coming!  For us that means a season of heating, energy usage and bills!  We speak with Mike from Anderson Heating who helps us understand things we can do ourselves and when to bring in an expert.  Some of the topics covered include: -What do we need to do to our mechanical systems to prepare for winter?-What are the different types of systems and their efficiencies?-How do you begin to evaluate a mechanical system for a new project?-How do energy codes affect your mechanical strategies?-What types of rebate programs are out there? You can contact Anderson Heating at 715-549-6297 if you have more questions and please visit our website at www.mhuberarchitects.com

It had been a while since my last video discussion with Scott Glowe of St Croix Insulation.  We are specifying more and more spray foam insulation in our projects and thought it would be great to have a conversation with Scott about the product.  Some off the things we discuss are: -What is spray foam insulation?-How does it compare to other types of insulation?-How is it applied and in what applications?-What are the costs and benefits of spray foam insulation? Please visit www.mhuberarchitects.com for more information and other posts!

I thought it would be fun to sit down with a fellow architect and have a general conversation on architecture.  John Kalmon AIA LEED AP  is a friend of mine and has an office in the St Croix River Valley.  Some of the things we discuss are: -What is your process of working with Client's? -How do you charge for services? -Differences in remodeling versus new construction. -Thoughts on sustainable design. For more information visit www.mhuberarchitects.com Feel free to contact John through his website or via email at John@JPKalmon.com

Today we speak with Mike Langer from Langer Construction about the mysterious gas 'Radon'. A few questions discussed include: -What is Radon gas and where does it come from? -How does Radon get into our homes and what are the health risks? -What are a few misconceptions? -How do you test for Radon and what do the various levels mean? -What are the options for removing the gas from your home? Feel free to contact Mike Langer at 651-261-1830 Dave Langer at 612-987-1878 or email Dave at langer427@gmail.com Please subscribe to these podcasts also via iTunes. Search for the title 'Design & Other Fun Stuff'. See www.mhuberarchitects.com for more information.

Today we speak with Chris Matson from Environmental Landscape Management, Inc. A few questions discussed include: -What is your approach and philosophy to landscape design? -Walk me through the process of working on a landscape project. -Are you seeing trends to a more 'natural' landscape vs traditional or formal? -How do you integrate the design/plant selections with the site and architecture? For more information visit www.mhuberarchitects.com

Today we speak with Tom Graf, founder of Concrete Arts.  Tom is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about concrete.  His company is on the innovative edge with chemistry, finishes and the basic limits of concrete. A few questions discussed include: -What is the history of concrete? -What ways is concrete being used today? -What types if finishes and sealers are available? -Explain the sustainability of concrete. For more information visit www.mhuberarchitects.com

Today we speak with Bill Gautsche III of Pella Windows and Doors.   Bill guides us in understanding what is important when selecting windows for your project. A few questions discussed include: -What are the basic components that make up a quality window? -What are the different types of windows? -Clarify the difference of R-value versus U-value. -What options are there for glass and what is important to be aware of? -How are windows installed? New construction versus replacing existing units. -What future technologies do you see related to windows? For more information visit www.mhuberarchitects.com

Today we speak with EcoDEEP's Kevin Flynn AIA LEED AP about LEED. This is an internationally recognized green building certification program. A few questions discussed include: -What is the basic philosophy behind LEED? -Are there different classifications depending on the building type? -What are the categories within LEED and how does the point system work? -What do people need to be aware of when looking into doing a LEED project? -Basic steps to become certified -costs/paybacks? -What do you see for the future in terms of LEED -building codes, etc.? For more information visit www.mhuberarchitects.com

Today we speak with a AIA Minnesota's Communication Director Jennifer Gilhoi about 'What is the American Institute of Architects?'. A few questions discussed include: -What is the American Institute of Architects? -How does the National/State/Chapter arrangement work? -Why (and who) should think about becoming a member? -What are the benefits and opportunities? -What sort of Public Outreach or Community Interaction does the AIA get involved with and encourage? -Is there information or resources the organization provides to the general public for those interested in working with an Architect or for just learning about architecture? AIA Minnesota web: www.aia-mn.org Architecture Minnesota Magazine web: www.architecturemn.com AIA National web: www.aia.org Please subscribe to these podcasts also via iTunes. Search for the title 'Design & Other Fun Stuff' For more information see our website: www.mhuberarchitects.com

Today we speak with a Real Estate Consultant Kris Jensen about what you need to know in searching for that perfect piece of property to build your new home or cabin. Kris is an Agent with Keller Williams Premier Realty. A few questions discussed include: -What are the first/main things people need to be aware of when beginning the property search? -What questions do you ask clients to get a better understanding of their goals? -How do you present options? -What information do you gather about a property to make sure it is a good fit/value? -What typical costs are there associated with purchasing property? Feel free to contact Kris via email at kjensen@kw.com or phone 651-491-3030 Web: www.kjensen.com Please subscribe to these podcasts also via iTunes. Search for the title 'Design & Other Fun Stuff'. Visit www.mhuberarchitects.com for more information.

Most people have heard the term 'Rain Gardens' but don't really understand what they are and what they do... Today we speak with a leading expert in water resource management, Civil Engineer Kurt Luethold from Barr Engineering. Kurt and I have worked together on several projects in the past few years including the new offices for the Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District and the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (beginning construction this spring) among others. A few questions discussed include: -What is a 'Rain Garden'? -Describe the Rain Garden system -both large scale and small scale. -How do you determine the size, configuration, plantings, etc.? -How would a person get started in making a rain garden? -With all the available water in our area, why is a rain garden important? -We also touch on pervious pavers, rain barrels and other options for water management. Check out www.mhuberarchitects.com for more information

In this AudioPost we speak with Jay Wiederholt, President of Passive House Alliance Minnesota. Jay and I met at a lecture discussing the philosophy and implementation of Passive House design. I was excited to sit down and ask a few general questions explaining Passive House. Some questions included: -Summarize 'What is Passive House?' -How/where did this idea start? -Explain a few specifics that are critical to the philosophy. -What things do people need to be aware of if they are interested in this type of project? -Is there special training or documentation needed to have an 'official' Passive House? -Always the tough question of costs and paybacks. -How is this different from LEED? For more information see Passive House Institute United States, Passive House Institute, National Advocacy Group and the International Advocacy Group.

In this Audiopost, we speak with General Contractor Jay Cates of Cates Fine Homes. I have worked with Jay on several projects in the Twin City area and thought it would be a great idea to have him discuss the building process. Some of the topics include: -What is a General Contractor? -What steps or questions should people take or ask when looking to hire a Contractor? -When is the best time to get the contractor involved in a project? -What are the costs associated with hiring a contractor as well as any other project costs? -Briefly walk us through a construction project from beginning to end. -Any differences between new construction and a remodeling? -What if the Owner wants to complete some of the work themselves? You can reach Jay with additional questions at Phone: (651)-439-2844 or Email: jay@catesfinehomes.com

In this Audiopost, we speak with Insurance Agent Branden McDonald about what you need to know when starting a construction project.

We speak with Mike Anderson of Anderson Heating and learn the basics on geothermal heating and cooling.

Interview with Residential Loan Officer Jason Stoll of Associated Bank. What you need to know relating to construction loans.

Have to start somewhere!  This is a quick audio post to get my feet wet in the podcast world.  Meaningful, insightful and witty commentary will follow in future episodes as we discuss Design and Architecture... or we will at least be able to enjoy the theme music.