Services

Elizabeth is dedicated to listening and paying close attention to her clients’ needs. Based on her long time professional practice, Elizabeth brings two very important skills to bear: creating a distinctive client-oriented architectural environment and managing all phases of the process. From initial consultations and architectural sketches through design and construction supervision, Sharkov Design Studio provides services in the following areas:

Services:

• Single family custom residential design and remodeling

• Design and tenant improvement for commercial properties and small-scale health care facilities

• Adaptive reuse

• Restaurant design

• Kitchen and bath design

• Historic preservation and restoration

• Outdoor living and landscape design consultations

• Real Estate Evaluation – Re-Design Potential

  Note - Specifications provide the roadmap for your design. They are the instructions that ensure each element on a drawing is created and implemented as intended to achieve the end goals of the project.

  A CLASSIC EXAMPLE is when a prospect receives the architect’s proposal.

  What do they do?

  They skim, or completely skip, much of the quality they will receive making the proposal compelling and justifying the architect’s fees. They are blind because they don't know what to look for.

  They are completely blind!

  Because most of us have been trained by big retailers to look for the label with the price: special this, discount that, 2-for-1 third thing … It's never-ending.

  The unfortunate thing is that many consumers take these bad habits and apply it to the services industry, like architecture.

  To the Clients’ of mine – If you have plenty of money to trough it down the toilet you don’t need to read more.

  BUT IF YOU HAVE A FAIRLY REALISTIC BUDJGET AND YOU WANT TO GET THE TOP QUALITY OF EACH OF YOUR INVESTED DOLLARS, READ THIS FIRST:

  1. At the very first communication with your architect, explain to him/her your needs – why you need to do this project!

  2. Then provide your monetary budget, which will translate into the scope of work, the quality of the project and will shape realistic expectations you will have.

  3. Discuss all your options with the architect and access together what will be feasible to do based on the amount of money you are willing to invest.

  4. Be HONEST!!! It will serve YOU!!! You will turn your investment (no matter how big or small) into some way to improve your quality of life in your immediate surroundings! It is your wellbeing – your health and your personal day to day experience for many years in a row, before you can improve things even better.

  PLEASE, THINK ABOUT IT, IT’S IN YOUR PERSONAL INTEREST!!!

  GOOD LUCK!

REAL ESTATE EVALUATION

Buying a home is a major commitment. Learn more about the potentials and pitfalls of any property that you’re considering before you make an offer!

From deciding on a budget to approaching your contractor, Elizabeth Sharkov can provide technical zoning advice and design suggestions that will make your post-purchase plan of action most effective.

Think about it as a ‘what to do’ step-by-step list from building codes to zoning. Elizabeth’s long service as Chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council Urban Design and Preservation Advisory Committee can help you understand the maze of requirements if you’re considering significant renovations or an addition (such as setbacks and height limitations).

Elizabeth will help you understand:

• How to frame out a budget that balances vision against cost constraints

• How to choose a contractor (and what mistakes not to make)

• Which materials to use and which to avoid (and where to find the best)

• What questions you need to ask throughout the process to ensure that your contractor understands your vision

Sharkov Design Studio landscape design and consultations can enhance the curb appeal image of your property or merely create a more desirable, comfortable space in which to spend time.

The Plan of Action

At the time of the consultation a work plan can be provided based on your particular needs (as illustrated in the site drawing at right). Elizabeth can develop for you a set of do-it-yourself guidelines including:

• Hiring a surveyor to provide you with property survey and a topographic map;

• Consulting a soils engineer for depth of deck foundations in Hillside areas;

• Consulting  a structural engineer about the integrity of existing structures, for example a deck for which you want to add a Jacuzzi;

• Understanding materials and where to buy the best for your project, as well as colors and finishes; and,

• Identifying appropriate plants for privacy and aesthetics complimentary to the existing structures.

Of course if you prefer ongoing professional advice, Elizabeth is available throughout your project’s path for consultations concerning landscape design. Sharkov Design Studio can provide a roadmap for the entire process to help alleviate stress and keep you on track and on budget. You will benefit from a complete project work plan when Elizabeth is involved as a consultant from pre-purchase to supervising construction.

Learn more about the property that you’re considering before you make that offer. Call Elizabeth at Sharkov Design Studio before you buy or undertake a serious remodeling project!