Mark Beck
Eric Beck
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ABOUT US
HISTORY
Mark Beck has been in private practice for over forty years. In that period of time he has been involved in every type of building design. His true love, however, has always been custom residential design.
DESIGN- STYLES & PRINCIPLES
We work in many different design styles. We choose the style for a home jointly with our clients. Some homes are mostly white, both inside and out. In this case the idea is to create a piece of sculpture which sits upon the land. Other homes are enhanced with brick or stone and contain lots of natural wood. Still others follow traditional models of brick materials and usually colonial exteriors. What is important is that our clients are comfortable with the jointly arrived at approach and that the design fits into the surrounding landscape and development.
In addition to the above, we tend to see architectural design as sculpture and art. Working with changing light patterns and the seasons allow us to bring change and dynamics to living in a piece of work. We suffer from a static environment much to much in our current society. Some aspects of this can be addressed in architectural design.
DESIGN- BALANCING SIZE VERSUS QUALITY
We encourage our clients to create the smallest project that will fit their needs. We tend to build things to large in our culture. Being modest in size allows higher quality and a more "green" approach to building design.
DESIGN- PROCESS
I have often taught younger architects that we are more in a communication business than a design business. When the requirements and constraints are clearly determined the design portion begins to come rather easily. Basic principles of the design are arrived at in conjunction with our clients. Our ability to listen is very important. The steps in arriving at the final product, in very simplified form, are as follows:
Program
determines the requirements relative to sizes of spaces, client lifestyle, budget, site parameters, code requirements, etc.
Preliminary Design
determines the arrangement of spaces, massing of the elements, placement on the site, outline specification of materials and systems, and other client or project specific requirements.
Detail Design
develop elevations of the building, detailed floor plans, locate & size windows & doors, electrical lighting plans, deepen the specifics of the specification.
Construction Documents
expand on existing documents and add the detail necessary to allow contractors to bid and build the project including filing for building permits.
Field Administration
answer questions arising out of the construction process, visit the project to coordinate with the contractor relative to achieving the design intent, review submissions for payment from the contractor, approve material submissions, etc.
There is often overlap in the above work delineation as the project is refined and moves forward.
It is important to us that our clients are comfortable and enjoy the entire process. It needs to be fun and also a positive learning experience. Our job is to present the options so that we can mutually choose the best solutions for the design of our client's home.
TYPE OF PROJECTS
Our job is to serve the clients needs. In some cases this will amount to no more that a one hour consultation. At the other extreme is the complete design of a new home. In between are many variation of additions and renovations. All are equally important.
ENERGY CONSERVATION & GREEN DESIGN
The firm is noted for it's work in energy conservation and "green" design. The two most recent residences completed used geo-thermal heating & cooling systems. One of these houses has an active solar system to supplement their electrical needs.
Considerations must be given to multiple sources of energy, building materials and building design elements, use of glass, control systems, natural lighting, landscaping and many others. The whole subject is a very large one and we would be happy to discuss it in detail with you.
OUR CLIENTS
I think we get the finest clients that anyone could ever want. Almost never do they have unlimited budgets. The opposite is usually the case.
They want homes that will:
easily adopt to their present and future lifestyles
be easy to take care of and maintain
will be energy efficient
will reflect their lifestyle and interests
MARK BECK BIO
I attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, received B.S. in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati (6 year coop program), received Master in Architecture and Masters in Urban Design from Catholic University in Washington D.S. Also has a Masters in Business Administration from Loyola College in Baltimore. Completed almost all credits for a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Loyola College.
I have four children, one of which, Eric Beck, I have named as President of the firm.
I am a member of Third Haven Friends Meeting in Easton, Md.
Throughout my career I have been heavily involved in community work, mostly involved with issues involving children and their development into caring, contributing adults. I also has held many posts in the Baltimore & Maryland chapters of the AIA.
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