"Mike was easy to work with, he took time to discuss what I was looking for in my basement remodel. I was provided 3 options for my space in the timeframe established. He is open to changes and input and easy to reach for questions or concerns."
"My experience with them was outstanding, the details were excellent, they turned around the project in a short amount of time, I have nothing but a graceful experience, one of the best experience I ever had."
"I am having a full master bath and kitchen remodel done with new layouts in both rooms and knocking out a wall. Evolution worked with me to quickly get a drawing done of the new layouts so that the contractor could get started on the project. They made sure to include me in the process so that the design would be done exactly as my wife and I envisioned. They communicated effectively throughout the process and were always courteous and professional. I recommend them to anyone with drafting needs."
We have the experience and we are committed to providing quality workmanship and superior customer service on all our applications. We at Architectural Design Group strive to maintain our reputation as a high quality, very service oriented company with our main focus being customer satisfaction.
"Stephen and Amanda are a pleasure to work with. Stephen is very thorough and open to input. I feel like my job is in very good hands and trust him completely."
"I had a wonderful time working with Gabrielle. She is a talented and empathetic designer who listened to what I sought in my office remodel. She was mindful of my budget and offered great advice on repurposing a few essential items I already had. The final product was so lovely I could use my office as a recording space for a work video! Gabrielle made my office into an excellent space that my whole family enjoys. I also worked with her on my house purchase and was able to initially use her expertise to look over home inspections, view houses via video chat and help me make a decision on the feasibility of said homes. Gabrielle's knowledge was imperative in my home buying decision. Furthermore, she was also pivotal in a kitchen remodle that I did in my small cottage home, attached to my main house. She helped us think of a strategy for removing a partial wall and also how to best position, construct and install a kitchen island. Needless to say, Gabrielle is a one stop shop for any building, interior and consulting needs that anyone has while building, buying, renovating or decorating a home. I highly recommend her services!"
Founded in 2009, Firm Ground Architects & Engineers is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of design and building code standards combined with creative ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, good stewards of their budget, and make their concerns the basis of our business.\n
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts
Structural engineers draw structural plans, which include detailed drawings of the structural components of a home only. Complete house plans will require additional work from an architect or draftsperson, whose drawings will take the structural drawings into account. They’ll also include more details about the finishing materials and layout of a home, including everything from roofing and flooring materials to the position of furniture, light fixtures, switches, and plumbing fixtures.
The best way to determine if ceiling cracks are structural is to hire a ceiling contractor to inspect the cracks and provide a professional opinion. That said, you might be able to make an educated guess based on the size and appearance of the crack. Larger cracks, cracks accompanied by sagging or discoloration, and cracks that travel from the ceiling down the walls are all signs of structural issues.
It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria.
The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you’re designing and building a new home.
According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.
The Lauderdale, MN homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total in Minneapolis, MN.
Find out the average beam installation cost in Minneapolis, MN. Learn what you can expect to pay for materials and structural engineers for your project.
Spotting deep foundation cracks or sagging floors? Learn about structural engineering costs, serious warning signs, and how to hire the right local pro.
It can be hard to choose the right pro for any job, but it matters. Learn how to hire a structural engineer who'll get the job done right from start to finish.