Architecture/Expert Profile


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Expertise

Residential architectural questions concerning houses designed between 1900 and 1950, where the question pertains specifically to styles, designs, plans, building materials, color schemes, paint colors, interior finishes and so on. I am NOT qualified to answer engineering questions or issues involving construction methods, plumbing, electrical and the like. For example, I can describe what an appropriate color scheme would be for a vintage 1920s kitchen, or sources for plans for Storybook Style houses. I can not tell someone how to replace the electrical wiring in their old home.

Experience in the area

I have been researching old houses and writing about them for more than five years. (See www.antiquehomestyle.com, which is my site.)

Organizations

Oregon Historical Society Architectural History Center, Portland Oregon

Publications

www.antiquehomestyle.com

Education/Credentials

B.S. History, Minor in Architectural Design

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

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    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
Ilya11/20/0910101010Thanks, Rikki. Your opinions and ideas are .....
Julie10/10/0910101010Thanks so much for all of the .....
Catherine09/29/0910101010Thank you- especially for the referral:)- catherine
Scott Rick08/09/0910101010 
Christine08/07/0910101010Thank you, Rikki! Those are some good .....

Recent Answers from Rikki Nyman

2009-11-16 Color:

Ilya - Thanks for writing. For the gables, you could go a number of different directions depending on what kind of look you ultimately want to achieve. Considering the clipped gables, I would opt for

2009-11-14 Dutch Colonial Addition:

Robin - That gambrel roof line is a challenge when it comes to additions. The images I have seen of such remodels generally are just the lower level with a sun room or porch below and an open porch

2009-11-02 Queen Anne roofing materials:

Queen Anne style houses were falling out of favor by 1910, but those that were built were commonly roofed with composition-style shingles that were light and relatively malleable ... an advantage in buildings

2009-10-24 Type of colonial? & adding a porch?:

One of the primary characteristics of a Colonial Revival is its symmetry. In looking at your home, I think you have several possibilities. First, you could do very little to the house itself and simply

2009-10-12 Balcony Railing Style for Chicago Brick "Colonial" Home:

Hi! Is there anyway you could post a picture of the balcony and house? Depending on the style of the house, either could be fine. It depends on whether it's a traditional Colonial Revival or a modern

 

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