Meetings and negotiations

During the spring and summer of 2005 we went through a series of meetings with Henry and David that focused on the details of the design and construction, and worked towards finalizing the price:

David and Henry,

Here is a summary of our discussion today, plus some
additional comments on the proposal:

Floor panels: We prefer a simple, natural colored
hardwood floor. The small size of the space really
needs to feel light and airy. The important thing is
that the material is stable under a wide range of
humidity and temperature conditions. We do not need
the removable floor panel in the center.

Ceiling: Keep the inverted pyramid shape, but use a
natural (and light) wood panel or veneer that gives
the
impression of panels. We have pictures that we can
show you.

Roof and eave structure: Is there a less expensive
material (and requiring less labor)that can be used?
Is it possible to use a metal roof?

Window trim: Since the ceiling is will not be
mahogony, we think this should be a lighter wood. It
does not really need to stand out.

Door: It should be very simple and flat. Even a
painted steel (or wood) would be fine. A finish color
that gives the appearance of slate would be ideal.

Fence: Are there any other options for the fence? Is
there any product that gives the feeling of being very
solid and smooth, but understated. It needs to have
very clean lines. It should not really stand out or be
noticed.


For all these possible changes we would like to cut
the budget by 12-14 k, so that the subtotal is under
$110,000. We prefer the fixed fee so a contingency
can be added to this amount.


Andy and Sara

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So the price was higher than we had hoped. We continued to discuss details and ask for revisions that might help to reduce the price. There were also concerns about the size of the steel beams that would be required to hold the teahouse in place. The initial drawings from Henry looked terribly large and looked like they might overwhelm the teahouse. In the meantime, Summer passed into fall.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sept 12, 2005
Henry was supposed to get a status email out last week. When I visited his
shop last week he had all the window extrusion mockups, which he needed to
determine the weight to give to the structural engineer so he could resize
the beams to a lighter (and more cost effective section). I had lunch with
the engineer on Friday and he said he will jump on the project as soon as he
gets the revised info from Henry.
I would expect he will get the email out today or tomorrow with your
prompting.


-----Original Message-----

Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2005 6:08 PM
To: henry@rkiinc.net; djameson@davidjamesonarchitect.com

Subject: Re: teahouse

Henry and David,


It's been 6 weeks since the last contact. Any chance
that the figures and design is done so we can get
started?

Andy and Sara

--- Henry Kawa <henry@rkiinc.net> wrote:

> David,
>
> I'm just getting back from vacation.
>
> Per our conversation earlier today, we are getting
> closer on finalizing the teahouse.
>
> I hope we can review figures later this week, and
> get the project underway.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Henry
>
> Henry Kawa
>
> RKI, Inc.