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Residential Solar Installation — A Cautionary True Story
By Lorianna Kastrop, VP/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects This is the most difficult blog that I’ve written, but I think it is...

Lorianna Kastrop
Mar 2, 20228 min read


Communications for your Project—Mixing the Latest Technology with Best Practices
By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc., Architects Hello there, new client! Yes, we know you would like to...

Lorianna Kastrop
Oct 28, 20212 min read


Installing a Solar Power System for New Residential Construction
By D. Michael Kastrop, A.I.A., Principal Architect and Lorianna Kastrop, VP/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Architects Adding solar energy...

Lorianna Kastrop
Aug 2, 20216 min read


ADU Costs: A Reality Check
By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects You want to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit on your...

Lorianna Kastrop
Jun 14, 20213 min read


ADU Construction: Homeowner Purchase & Install Decisions
By Lorianna Kastrop, VP/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects You’ve been working with a qualified licensed Architect and hired a...

Lorianna Kastrop
May 4, 20214 min read


Building an ADU: Part 3 Demolition
By Lorianna Kastrop, VP/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc., Architects This is a continuation of our series on building an ADU. Mike and I are...

Lorianna Kastrop
Feb 19, 20214 min read


Building an ADU – Part 1
By Lorianna Kastrop, VP/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects Today I will blog about what I am learning as the client of my own...

Lorianna Kastrop
Jan 25, 20218 min read


Architectural Consultations before you buy or lease property
Initial Property Evaluation Inquiries We often get inquiries from people who wish to buy a home or buy/lease a business property and want...

Lorianna Kastrop
Nov 12, 20193 min read


When the drawings look nice, but aren’t adequate for permitting or construction
By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President/CFO, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects In the April 5th issue of Engineering News Record magazine...

Lorianna Kastrop
Oct 7, 20193 min read


10 Sure-fire Ways to Connect with an Architect
The Bay Area has been in a construction boom ever since the recession ended (even a bit before!). During the recession, the American...

Lorianna Kastrop
Jul 18, 20183 min read


Skipping architectural design can be penny-wise, pound foolish
“I already have a design, I just need the plans drawn up.” This is a statement that makes architects cringe. In some cases, it will...

Lorianna Kastrop
May 21, 20183 min read


Residential Design: Include your pets in your plans
We consider the needs of children, possibly aging parents/in-laws, and our client’s tastes and desires when designing or remodeling homes....

Lorianna Kastrop
Apr 6, 20183 min read


“Statute of limitations” on unpermitted construction and other bad advice
We keep hearing from our clients of the bad advice that they were told when buying property. The top piece of bad advice, by far, is...

Lorianna Kastrop
Dec 5, 20173 min read


Residential Contractors for Commercial Projects: Proceed with care.
In the current Bay Area construction boom, some commercial clients have been hiring residential contractors to fill the need. Sometimes...

Lorianna Kastrop
Oct 19, 20172 min read


Check on who you are working with: Are they a licensed Architect?
By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects We can’t emphasize this enough—a designer is not a licensed...

Lorianna Kastrop
Feb 8, 20173 min read


Design Considerations for Millennials
By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President, The Kastrop Group, Inc., Architects It is time for architects to consider the needs and lifestyles...

Lorianna Kastrop
Dec 21, 20163 min read


I like/I wish/What if: Working with Clients to Apply Design Thinking
By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects “Design Thinking” is all the rage in Silicon Valley. People are...

Lorianna Kastrop
Nov 29, 20163 min read


Project Steps: A Quick Overview
By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects We are often told by clients (and potential clients) that they...

Lorianna Kastrop
Feb 1, 20164 min read


Just for fun: Different viewpoints on property value
By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President, The Kastrop Group, Inc., Architects The point that I’d like to make with this joke is that as we all...

Lorianna Kastrop
Aug 11, 20152 min read
The Impact of 3D Drafting on Estimated Architectural Fees
By Lorianna Kastrop, Vice President, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects To most folks who work outside of the construction industry,...

Lorianna Kastrop
Jul 21, 20154 min read
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