OUR GRAPHICAL ICONS & WHAT THEY MEAN​
Here is a list of graphical icons used to summarize the activities of each project. They are used to help you quickly see what type of design and construction was in each project as well as the role that North Shore Design-Build, LLC played.​
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ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
This icon indicates that North Shore Design-Build, LLC performed some or all of the architectural design of the construction project. Architectural Design can consist of structural, exterior, interior, and even some site design.
INTERIOR DESIGN
This indicates that North Shore Design-Build, LLC did some or all of the interior design of the project. This can include kitchen or bath design, design of built-ins, selection of materials such as flooring and wall coverings, and selection of accessories or decor.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
This icon indicates that the building started from the ground up. It can refer to a building that is attached to another building, but in that case it would be a significant extension. Also, it is possible that the site was previously occupied by a building that was torn down.
ADDITION
This icon indicates that the build portion of the project included an addition to the building. It could have been an addition to the side of the building, like a garage, or an addition above, like a larger dormer or a complete second floor.
RESTORATION
Restorations of existing historically or architecturally important buildings require a delicate balance between that which is worth saving and that which must be artfully replaced. Projects with this icon indicate that North Shore Design-Build was involved in at least in part.
Renovation (sometimes called a remodel) is actually a very broad term that can mean just about any change to a home including and addition or site changes including a pool. On this website, however, it refers to build improvements that aren't part of an addition, new construction, or restoration.
RENOVATION
BUILT-INS
One of our specialties is custom designed built-ins and furniture. These can be constructed by local cabinet makers, or sometimes we construct them from various stock or semi-custom sources. We often use them for vanities, entertainment centers, home offices, and extra nice looking storage just about anywhere. This icon shows one of the many places where built-ins or furniture have turned up!
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Projects with this icon used sustainable design and/or construction practices.
ENERGY STAR HOMES
This indicates a new construction home that has an Energy Star Homes certification. To find out more about this program go to the website for this program that is managed by the EPA and DOE.
ACCESSIBILITY
This icon indicates that the building includes parts that are (wheelchair) accessible or adaptable. Adaptable means that part of the building can be made accessible without structural changes. Often, adaptable is approach used for homes that are being designed for age-in-place.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Projects with this icon were designed and built for those needing affordable homes for ownership.
Eastern Massachusetts has a housing supply problem in general which drives up the costs of all existing and future units. This creates a challenge for people of all income levels, but nobody is hit harder than those well below the median income in each community. North Shore Design-Build, LLC prides itself on it's contribution to the design and construction of affordable housing.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
These projects were designed and constructed with Habitat for Humanity North Shore now Habitat for Humanity Essex County. This was volunteer work usually collaborating with many other professionals and tradespeople.
COLLABORATION
Collaboration with other professionals such as other designers, Energy Efficiency Consultants, Structural or Civil Engineers, Cabinet Makers, or Tradespeople played a part in the design and/or other problems solving on projects with icon.
BEFORE PHOTO
This links to the before photo(s) for this image.
NEW PROJECT
Pics marked with this belong to projects that are new to the website.
UP
This link leads back up to the next tier up in the menu system.