Another question came in, this time from Chris:

We're new to the Boston area and are having a really hard time finding a nice, modern, good quality - sleeper sofa. Do you have any ideas on furniture stores that we should visit?

We found one we like at Crate & Barrel but we were hoping to look at a few other options. We like the Axis and the queen-size Nuevo at C&B (comfy, modern, both about $2500).

Thanks in advance!
Cheers!
Chris

Chris, I know your frustration. There are a ton of great, modern sofas available, but few high quality modern sofa beds. I looked and looked for a suitable modern sofa bed for months, and ended up moving to a larger space before I actually found the right one.

I like the lines of the C&B Axis sofa, but the mattress in the Nuevo sofa is much more comfortable, and is what I would recommend if you're going to be sleeping on it nightly (disclaimer: I worked at C&B on Boylston St for a while).

Does anyone have a recommendation for other quality sofa beds?

Another question came in to me today, and I'm hoping you can help:

Have been trying to find a telephone that isn't totally goofy, and want an old fashioned ring.....Brrrrrrrrinnnnnnnnng

This may be out of order to ask, but if you have any idea of where one might be found, would you let me know?

Thanks!
Margo

Do you have any good ideas for Margo? If so, leave a comment!

In reviewing some of the trends on designboston over 2007, I've noticed a number of readers contacted me with questions. By asking me questions, these readers were directly telling me what they want to hear, read and know.

I would like to build this into a regular feature on designboston. Are you looking for a designer or architect for a project? Wondering about a new shop , gallery, or product? Whatever it is, if it's about design, designboston (along with my great readers) can get an answer.

Depending on how many questions you send in, I may run a new question ever other week, or even every week.

Hopefully this "Ask DesignBoston" column will be well received and helpful for everyone!

A new question came in, and I'm hoping some of you can help. Joyce recently bought a condo and is looking to polish the concrete floors of the space.

Good morning,

We need your expertise on finishing our cement floors. Hopefully you can help. We have unfinished cement floors and we would like to get them polished. Do you who or where or how this can be done (cheaply)? Oh and we need it done fast! Thanks for your help :)

Joyce

Does anyone have any advice/information/referrals for Joyce?

Another question! This time, from Guillermo in the South End:

Hi Gradon,
I've stumbled upon your blog, which I think is a great idea.
I was wondering if you could point me to an architect or architectural
firm who specializes in deck building in Boston's South End, and who
could handle the landmarks commission approval process, etc. I'm about
to buy a place with potential for a rear deck but would like to
consult someone first.
Thanks a lot,
Guillermo

Wow, enough space in the back for a deck? Lucky guy in such a tight neighborhood. I would recommend someone like Daniel Sugarman, a local architect that recently finished his own South End loft.

Daniel Sugarman Design
617-267-2588
danielsugarman@aol.com

Do you have anyone that you would recommend?

A new question came in, this time from Kristine Leavitt:

Hi there,

Great blog! Who would you say are the top 10 interior designers (*traditional to transitional style ) are in Boston?

Since it seems like you have a pulse on what happening there...thought you may have some input?

Are you going to architecture school?

Would love to get your opinion.

Thank you,

Kristine Leavitt

First, let me thank Kristine for the compliment. And second, no, I'm not yet in architecture school, but I am in school to be an interior designer. In a few years, I'll add myself to the "best in Boston" list (hopefully!).

As far as the best interior designers in the city, I'm not sure. I did a quick search, and got this "Best of Citysearch" page. And we can't forget about Boston Magazine, who does their annual Best of Boston showcase, in such categories as Interior Design and Interior Design - Kitchen.

Who would you say is worthy of the title "Best Interior Designer in Boston"?

Another email that I feel you may be able to answer for me:

Hi

Great Blog. I wonder if you know anyone in Boston who designs, makes, and
then sells his/her own t-shirts. I am not familiar with the fashion scene
here in Boston but perhaps you know or can point me in the right direction.

Thanks,
Oscar

Oscar, thanks for the compliment. I don't know any T-shirt designers off hand. Can anyone help Oscar out?

Another question came in that I would like to pass on to my lovely audience:

Do you know of a "hot" technical illustrator who can create hand drawn interior and exterior sketches similar to the ones used architecture studios use to pitch a project? This is for a retail store design. It could be a free-lancer or associated with a studio.

Thanks

Jack

Do you have any recommendations for Jack?

Michael Tracz from Design Continuum is asking for our help: he is looking for a place that he and the 20 or so others from their West Newton office can get together and talk business. Not your typical boring, corporate meeting place (they are designers, after all), but a cool space with interesting architecture, art, good food nearby, or a nice view. Do you know of any galleries, outdoor venues, or even some of the boats on the Charles and in the Harbor that might fit the bill?

Speaking of Design Continuum, they will be at DWR on Mass Ave. in Cambridge this Thursday to discuss customization and collective design. It starts at 7:00.

A new question came in to DB Central, and I would like to share it with the masses:

Hi Gradon--
We stumbled upon your blog and love it. We share your interest in modern architecture and design and are in the process of purchasing a brownstone duplex in the South End that we'd like to do some work on as soon as possible. It was renovated itself rather recently, but in a Pottery-Barn-ish aesthetic (for lack of a better term) and we're dying to make some changes:

Among the issues we'd like to address:
*replacing existing hardwood floors with exotic hardwoods
*replacing a traditional staircase, which connects two floors and a roof deck, with something more modern and airy
*kitchen remodel (new-ish appliances are great, but we may want to change the layout and definitely replace cabinet/counters)
*2.5 baths full remodel
*possibly built-ins

As I said, we are amateur modern design freaks with no actual remodel experience and just don't know where to start. We're excited, but a little overwhelmed. We'll only have two months before move in to do a bit of major work, if that's possible, and then imagine we'll do the rest as we reside there. We have a ton of questions, but initially would like to know what you or your readers would advise in terms of:

* Whom to work with. Do we need a designer/architect or can we work directly with a contractor? What are the pros and cons of each approach? Do you have any recommendations for local contractors experienced in modern design/remodels? Or recommendations for good, yet affordable, designer? What should one expect to pay hourly when working with a designer/architect?
* Where to start. Do we need to address the stairs first, along with flooring? Can/should we do the kitchen at the same time, since floors extend thru kitchen?
* Boston Design Center. They seem to be a kind of clearinghouse for the types of products we'd want to incorporate and also have design services. But are we going to pay through the nose? Are there other options?
*Other advice?

Thanks in advance for your help.
Stephanie & Steven
Boston, MA

Thanks for the compliment, Stephanie! If it was just a kitchen remodel, I would say simply call a contractor. Replacing the stairs and completely redoing the kitchen and two bathrooms, though, is indeed a large undertaking, something an architect/interior designer can greatly help with. They will not only help you design the aesthetic and structural changes you want made, but also guide you through the permitting process and be the liaison between you and the contractor(s). What one pays for a designer varies by job, and could even be different between various designers.

Based on the work he did on his own South End brownstone, I would recommend you contact Daniel Sugarman. His home was recently featured in the Boston Globe, and is going to be on HGTV's Small Space, Big Style.

Daniel Sugarman Design
617-267-2588
danielsugarman@aol.com

From what I understand, an architect will work with any contractor, but prefers to work with a select few that they know and trust. One contractor that I feel is worth looking into is Sustainable Construction Services Inc. They are a full service "green" contractor, so all of their work is done in an environmentally friendly way. I recently ran a feature on them.

Sustainable Construction Services Inc.
Daniel Glickman, General Manager
857-212-9596
dan@sustainableremodel.com

The Boston Design Center can be a wonderful resource. For your kitchen, I would highly recommend Alno, on the sixth floor of the BDC. They are a German company that makes some beautiful, modern cabinetry and countertops. Also, take a look at Poggenpohl on Newbury St.

For any built ins, I can throw a personal recommendation in for my friend Mark Heron. If you're interested in contacting him, send me an email and I will give you his info.

Does anyone else have any suggestions/advice?

This question just came in, and it's such a great question that just couldn't post it right away:

Hi there,

I have a bit of an odd question for you. I came across your blog and noticed your affinity for modern architecture and design (me too!). I'm looking for a contemporary or industrial space in the greater Boston area to host a wedding. I wondered if you might know of any interesting spaces? Any insights or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Kate

For a contemporary space, I would guess the new ICA, or the Intercontinental Hotel, could be worth looking into. For industrial space, I'm not sure.

Does anyone else have ideas for Kate?

Another good question came into DB Central, and I would like to throw it out to the crowd. It's a long one, but if you're familiar with architects in the city, you may be able to help Pete out.

Gradon...

I stumbled upon your blog page while surfing Boston design and architecture on the web. We seem to have quite a bit in common as far as taste and interests. I found your writings very entertaining.

I was wondering if you could help me, since thus far I have been unsuccessful. Maybe you could share any information you know of with me, or possibly write and article after some investigation.

I purchased a loft here and looking to do a build-out in it. I would like to have someone look at and advise me on my ideas, possibly suggest changes and ideas of their own. I think I have a good eye and know I have a definite concept in mind, but I also know there is quite a difference between amateur design and professionally schooled architects. I would guess from there, the architect would use an engineer to make those concepts into plans that then, a builder would use to make these ideas into reality.

And here, then, is my dilemma. The architects that seem to cater to my style and have websites to see their work all seem to be high-end level firms. Only one has returned a call or inquiry and although that one was informative, they did not really seem to want to take on a small job, and moreso, someone who wasn't offering them "carte-blanche", which I cannot, unfortunately.

I'm pretty handy with basic building skills, I've renovated two properties before, so I'm looking for design guidance and plans for the large structural elements and contractors to execute them, and then I could do the finish work in my spare time. Meaning, the architect would meld or revise my plans with theirs, advise on the details and materials, have plans made for the builder of the loft platforms and stairs (and fire sprinkler modifications created by them), run rough electrical and I could do the rest. I would also like to have a time line to do this work in the 2 months before I move in...

So, here is the question... How do I, or is it possible, to find a "new-grad" or struggling architect who works in the style I am seeking, that will work with me in a more non-traditional manner and has connections for contractors. Is there a resource guide for new architects working to establish a reputation and referrals that take on work like I desire? How would I know if they specialize in the style and work I seek? Any ideas? Maybe you have someone in mind?

Also, a friend suggested maybe finding a builder that deals in loft work and possibly they have an architect that they work with in conjunction. What do you think of this idea?

I appreciate any advice you can offer. If you need any additional information, feel free to contact me.

Thank you in advance for your response.

Pete

Pete, thanks for writing. I would recommend giving Daniel Sugarman a call. Having seen the pictures of his own loft, I would say he's a great pick. Here is his contact info:

Daniel Sugarman Design
617-267-2588
danielsugarman@aol.com

Does anyone else have any suggestions?

Another reader question that I'm forwarding on to the masses:

A question came into DB Central, and I'm turning to you to help answer it:

Hi,

I'm looking for a good upholsterer in or near Cambridge – want to use my own fabric and I'm a stickler for good work at good price. Any ideas?

Dannielle

If you have any tips for Dannielle, leave a comment. Thanks!