Our remodel team

thought it would be a good idea to explain all the people involved in our project

1. G = Gerard, my brother. he is our principal designer/drafter and source of ideas on many design details. G also helped in getting the permit going. he'll also be overseeing the fence design since it'll be a bamboo fence using many of his products he sources. somehow he's managed to keep redrafting our house design between getting bamboo dna started, planning his RISD class in bolivia, and planning for coachella 2007 artwork. hopefully we'll get him to make us a few more chairs while he's at it ;)

2. Josh Birch is a artist, sculpture, landscape designer and contractor, as far as i can tell. kind of a jack of all trades but the guy is a creative and interesting landscape designer, so i've decided with the little time i have that he can take over the landscaping. he's also been helping run some demo work. his buddy Mauricio has been a huge help in working with our day laborers and is another sharp contractor so that has been another plus. Josh has also been helping us with procuring some items which is helpful in saving us a little $$.

3. Bob Ortiz is our principal contractor for the foundation and framing work. he came highly recommended by some friends and we have been super pleased at the quality and speed of his work. i'm really glad he's asking a lot of questions about some of the minor details around the house. his carpenter is Rick and electrician is Eric, who are also some sharp guys as well.

4. Ken Tomita is our cabinet and furniture guy. we know ken thru gerard, a RISD connection, and worked with ken out at burning man 06 on the Starry Bamboo Mandala. he'll be designing our cabinets, wall pantry, kitchen island and a few pieces of furniture like the media console, built-in dining bench, and dining tables. my guess is he'll also end up providing a lot of details on the house trim details as well.

we don't know yet who will do the drywall work, painting, and the floor installation for the family room and study. Josh has mentioned Mauricio has an eye for detail so perhaps we'll utilize him with the day laborers. We need to figure that out still.