Week 5: One More Architect

We interviewed the last architect today. It wasn't easy as a house across the street was burning down at the same time. Apparently, in the course of the fire, a propane tank exploded causing someone to call 911 and report an explosion. Well, an explosion ten blocks from the US Capitol beings law-enforcement types out from everywhere. The DC Police, Capitol Police, FBI, ATF and probably others were there as well. I got a call from the architects on my way home, as I was leaving Union Station, and I met them a block away. We snuck through the alley and in through the back door. Three houses burned. About 30 years ago, the same three houses burned. That time, someone died. This time it was only a dog. Four fire fighters were injured, one seriously.

We both had the same impression of this architect: that he would be telling us what our house would look like rather than building our house. He is very good, but we have concerns that his personality may not be a good match with ours. His fees are also the highest of any of the architects we have interviewed. The guy with him noticed changes made to the living room in the prior remodeling may be contributing to problems in the upstairs hallway. Good eye.