ESP Architects

10/26/2026

Just like architecture, have to practice more than the flashy driver. Working my 54 degree to 7 iron to driver. Can hit any one alone consistant but to fully work ans understand all phases to get better.

10/23/2026

"Well, that was unexpected!!"

If you've ever renovated an existing building, there's a good chance you've heard something similar.

You open a wall and find plumbing that wasn't on the drawings. Electrical wiring running somewhere it shouldn't. Structural modifications that nobody seems to know anything about.

And my personal favorite, something that makes absolutely no sense, leaving you wondering what the person who installed it was thinking.

These discoveries could be minor or alter the design of the entire project.

That's part of working with existing buildings. We don't always know what we're going to find until we start looking.

But that doesn't mean we shouldn't investigate as much as possible before construction begins.

I'd rather spend a little money opening a wall during planning than spend considerably more money figuring out what to do after construction has already started.

I remember reading about a renovation in Chicago where a forgotten Masonic space was discovered above an old theater. Pretty interesting what can be hiding in these buildings.

And sometimes, you might just find something interesting hiding in there!

Strategy First. Design Second. Success Always.

10/22/2026

The easiest answer isn't necessarily the best answer.

I recently saw a discussion about a damaged roof truss and whether it should be replaced.

My first thought was, does it actually need to be replaced?

We can't ignore the damage, and any repairs need to be properly engineered. But before we start tearing things apart, shouldn't we understand what happened, how bad the damage is, and what options we have?

Replacement could be the right answer, but an engineered repair might accomplish the same thing without all the additional work and expense.

I think we need to look at existing buildings the same way.

When someone is considering a renovation, addition, or even changing how a building is used, we should be looking at what's already there before deciding what needs to be replaced.

Take the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for example. Are they in good condition? Do they have enough capacity for what the owner wants to do? Can we modify or upgrade them to meet the new requirements, or do we actually need to replace them?

Replacement may make sense, but there are also times when the existing systems can be reused with some modifications.

And that can make a pretty big difference in the overall cost of a project.

But how do we know if we haven't taken the time to investigate?

Strategy First. Design Second. Success Always.

10/19/2026

**“It's only a small addition. How complicated could it be?”**

Famous last words? Sometimes. 😂

An owner sees an opportunity to grow their business. Maybe another office, additional warehouse space, or a few more treatment rooms.

An architect sees that opportunity, too.

But we're also thinking about occupancy classifications, allowable building area, fire protection, accessibility, existing systems, zoning, and a dozen other questions.

Not because the addition is necessarily complicated.

Because **a small change to an existing building can have consequences well beyond the space being added.**

And just because a building complied with the codes when it was constructed doesn't automatically mean an expansion will meet today's applicable requirements.

That's why understanding the owner's objectives and investigating existing conditions before design can be so valuable.

Sometimes the best investment isn't immediately drawing the addition.

It's understanding what adding it might actually require.

**ESP Insight 05: The Expensive Consequences of Overlooking Existing Building Conditions**

https://esparch.com/insights/existing-building-conditions-expensive-mistakes

**Strategy First. Design Second. Success Always.**

10/17/2026

The Chicago Building Codes are changing. Are you ready?

Several changes take effect December 1, 2026.

Do you know what they mean? How they might affect your project? Or even where to begin?

I'll be talking about these changes and other building code and construction issues every Saturday, along with additional information on my ESP Insights page.

Feel free to ask questions or leave comments about topics you'd like to learn more about.

**ESP Insights:** https://esparch.com/insights

**Strategy First. Design Second. Success Always.**

10/16/2026

**An existing building isn't automatically a good investment. Neither is replacing it.**

Earlier this week, we talked about why square footage alone doesn't tell you whether a building will work, and how changing its use can introduce unexpected costs.

But here's the other side of that conversation.

An older building might have tremendous potential.

Renovating it could preserve valuable infrastructure, reduce the need for new construction, and create something that serves its occupants for decades.

Or the cost of making it work could exceed the value it creates.

**The answer isn't always renovation. And it isn't always new construction.**

It's understanding the purpose, evaluating the options, and making an informed investment decision.

That's where architecture should begin.

**Strategy First. Design Second. Success Always.**

10/15/2026

Remember Monday's discussion about square footage? And that little movie reference? 😂

Well, here's another reason square footage can be misleading.

You find a 10,000-square-foot building. You only need 7,000.

Perfect, right?

**Inconceivable!**

The building may have more than enough room, but changing its use or occupancy classification could trigger additional building code requirements.

Fire protection, accessibility, exiting, mechanical systems, and other improvements can add substantial costs to what initially looked like a great investment.

The building might be big enough.

**The budget might not be.**

That's why understanding what a building can legally and practically support matters before committing to it.

Strategy First. Design Second. Success Always.

Read more: https://esparch.com/insights/architectural-feasibility-study-existing-building

10/15/2026

Wow! Just wow! I have no words.

10/12/2026

An existing building isn't automatically a good investment. Neither is replacing it.

Earlier this week, we talked about why square footage alone doesn't tell you whether a building will work, and how changing its use can introduce unexpected costs.

But here's the other side of that conversation.

An older building might have tremendous potential.

Renovating it could preserve valuable infrastructure, reduce the need for new construction, and create something that serves its occupants for decades.

Or the cost of making it work could exceed the value it creates.

The answer isn't always renovation. And it isn't always new construction.

It's understanding the purpose, evaluating the options, and making an informed investment decision.

That's where architecture should begin.

Strategy First. Design Second. Success Always.

10/09/2026

I bet you never thought the English language and architecture have a lot in common.

Ever heard Michael McIntyre talk about silent letters? The English language is riddled with them—and, as it turns out, so are our buildings.

The extra space nobody really needs. Think douBt. Why is that B there? It's taking up space and contributing absolutely nothing.

The hallway that's there because it's always been there. Kind of like the W in Wrong. Nobody knows why it's there, but apparently we're keeping it.

The requirement somebody thinks is required. Like the K in Knowledge. Somebody, somewhere, decided it belonged there and we've all been following along ever since.

The expensive finish nobody stopped to question. That's the B in deBt. You don't hear it when you say it, but you'll definitely notice it when the bill shows up.

The architectural feature somebody added because they thought the building “needed something.” Gnome, anyone? Why is the G there? It doesn't do anything. It's decorative. It's basically the architectural equivalent of putting a garden gnome on the front of your building.

Buildings are full of silent letters.

They don't make much noise while we're designing.
BUT THEY CAN GET PRETTY DAMN LOUD WHEN THE BIDS COME IN.

Good architecture isn't always about what we add. Sometimes it's figuring out what never needed to be there in the first place.

Tell me about your gnomes.

Every line on paper represents a decision. Every decision either creates or destroys value.

Website: https://www.michaelmcintyre.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.f...