Michael Gaertner Architects provides architectural and
interior
design services, planning and project management
of real
estate development design and construction projects. The firm
specializes in
unique or especially difficult projects including historic rehabilitation or
"fast-track" construction and has successfully completed nearly $200
million in historic development since its founding. We have special
experience
in Master Planning. Two of our projects are the now completed
rehabilitation of the historic E.S. Levy building
as
artist live-work space, and the Clubhouse for the Wilderness Golf
Course in
Other recent projects include the renovation of an offshore lighthouse, Alligator Reef, for the United States Coast Guard, Cornerstone Place, a home ownership opportunity for low and moderate income families, and a Nicholas Clayton designed church, Grace Episcopal Church in Galveston.
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Michael Gaertner founded the firm of Michael Gaertner Architect after graduating from Texas A&M University in 1977, and practicing with several small and medium sized firms. Today, the firm totals nine with two registered architects, Mr. Gaertner, and Robert Brown. Licensing Statement: The Texas
Board of Architectural Examiners, P.O. Box 12337,
Austin,
Texas 78711-2337 or 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-350, Austin, Texas
78701-3942, (512) 305-9000, www.tbae.state.tx.us, has
jurisdiction over
individuals licensed under the Architects' Registration Law, Texas
Civil Statutes, Article 249a. Melissa Martinez is an associate in the firm. The remaining technical staff numbers four, and there are two administrative personnel. |
Rehabilitation Projects
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In addition to the common challenges of any architectural project, rehabilitation projects add a layer of complexity as existing structures are adapted to new uses while retaining their historic character. It's been said that it is like blowing up a balloon inside a cardboard box. It takes more effort than usual and the fit is not always good around the corners. If architectural problem solving is gratifying, solving historic rehabilitation problems is the most gratifying. In addition, we enjoy working with clients, communities, committees and groups that are committed to getting the best possible project. |
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Our approach to adaptive re-use or rehabilitation of historic buildings is based on established preservation practices and the Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines for Rehabilitation. Further, we believe that the adaptive re-use must genuinely meet the needs of the community for a rehabilitation to be successful. In this way, the continued viability of the building is ensured and the building is most likely to perform cost effectively, be adequately maintained and survive to serve future generations.
Leadership
Critical to the success of a project are the use of leadership skills, consensus building, visioning, and conflict resolution. Rather than reacting negatively to criticism, the architect should value input of all varieties and sources. The first solution is almost never the best solution, so we communicate early solutions clearly so they can be understood by all. The resulting input, positive and negative, will ultimately result in the best design. Good communication, among both the internal and external teams will result in a smooth design process, and subsequently, fewer costly changes during the construction.
Michael Gaertner has demonstrated his skills both in the practice of
architecture and in considerable service to his community. He is
formerly
Chairman of the Chamber
of Commerce, a founder and Past President of the Downtown
Revitalization
Committee (a self-initiated
In rehabilitation projects, techniques such as team building workshops ($11 million Primary Care Pavilion), town hall meetings ($5 million Downtown Revitalization Plan, $5 million Pier 21 & Waterfront Plan, $7.5 million Seawall Boulevard Master Plan), visioning exercises (Seawall Boulevard Master Plan), charrettes (Downtown Revitalization Plan and Pier 21 & Waterfront Plan), and public hearings ($1 million Pier 19 Master Plan and $10 million Master Plan for Tax Reinvestment Zone 10) have been used successfully in the process of finding the best possible solution to a rehabilitation problem.
Public Projects
In projects that are publicly bid, with the contract awarded to the
lowest
and not necessarily the most qualified bidder, strategies for dealing
with
contract problems and disputes must be incorporated into the contract
documents. Michael Gaertner has considerable experience in construction
litigation, often called as an expert witness and having played a key
role in
the successful defense from a $4.5 million claim brought against an
owner. In
addition, Mr. Gaertner has related experience in Federally
funded projects (mass transit, UDAG, CDBG, FAA and TxDot
projects), and municipal projects. Michael Gaertner Architects and
associated
architects Peter H. Brown Civic Design completed the Master Plan for
the City
of
Federally Funded Preservation Projects
Special consideration must be given to the funding sources and the "strings" attached to certain projects by the use of Federal funds. The most restrictive and therefore, of greatest concern may often be those restrictions derived from the historic character of the building. While the Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines for Rehabilitation are the bona fide standard for adaptive re-use, the Section 106 review, and the requirement that there be a finding by the SHPO of "no adverse effect", may in some cases, prove to be less restrictive than the Secretary's Guidelines. As team leader, Michael Gaertner has completed numerous projects in compliance with the Secretary's Guidelines and provided preservation consulting in a number of projects requiring Section 106 review.
This
page last updated 10/23/07
mdg@mgaia.com
This site ©1998 Michael Gaertner Architects