Energy Efficient Building 

dh2w, inc,architecture-planning in Michigan City, IN aspires to fulfill the vision of its principle, Roger F. Potratz, who for over 40 years has been promoting energy efficient building through sensible design. dh2w, inc, architecture – planning believes in designing affordable projects which are aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious. We have also been awarded the U.S. Department of Energy Conservation Award for 1985-1986.

Our History 

The original company “dh2w architecture-engineering, inc.” was established in 1971 as the partnership of two architects, Hal Driggs and Jerry Hyndman, and two engineers, Pat Haas, a civil engineer and Ray Warren, a mechanical engineer. The acronym “dh2w” was derived from the first letter of the last names of the founding partners – Driggs, Hyndman, Haas, and Warren. The company was created to formalize a partnership between the individual practices to provide a full-service company for projects requiring all of the professional services provided by the individual disciplines. In its original form, the firm is was responsible for the design of many projects in Northern Indiana while based in its original office space at 705 Franklin Square in Michigan City, Indiana.

In 2003, an existing building was purchased and remodeled at 813 Franklin Square, roughly a block south of the original space that the company had occupied for over 30 years. To date, dh2w has amassed an extensive portfolio of work, encompassing all types of projects, from small residential additions to complete industrial complexes. As we move into the future, dh2w will continue to provide the highest quality design and consistently deliver successful projects
for their clients.

Roger F. Potratz

Roger F. Potratz is President of dh2w, inc – architecture-planning. Prior to joining dh2w in May, 1988, Roger provided architectural services in Wyoming under the name RFP Registered Architect. His experience as an architect dates from his first registration in the State of Iowa in 1972. He is currently licensed to practice architecture in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Wyoming where he has extensive experience in all phases of the profession. His practice includes a strong background in energy efficient and solar assisted design in a variety of projects including government buildings, correctional facilities, housing facilities, churches, schools, commercial facilities, and homes.

As a member of the Michigan City community, Roger has been active in a variety of civic groups including Michigan City Habitat for Humanity, Michigan City Lions Club, Michigan City Chamber Of Commerce Community Development Committee, Michigan City, North End Advisory Team and as President of the Michigan City Mainstreet Association. He is also a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he serves in a variety of capacities including Elder. He serves on the Board Of Directors for the Indiana District, Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod and for Duneland Lutheran High School.  

We are Associated with:

• ALA (Association of Licensed Architects)
• Board Member, Social & Learning Institute
• LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Michigan City Chamber of Commerce
• Michigan City Lions Club
• Michigan City Mainstreet Association
• Michigan City North End Advisory Team
• NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards)
• US Green Building Council

Professional fees are determined on an individual project basis.

Fees Can Be: 

• Hourly (such as to provide design and preliminary estimates when the scope of the project is still undetermined)
• Percentage of Construction Cost (when the scope of the work and the budget are already determined)
• Flat Fee (when exact detail and scope of the work are known)

Fees Include: 

• Architectural Design
• Specification Writing
• Structural Engineering, If Required
• Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, If Required
• Landscape Design, If Requested
• Secretarial Time
• Submittal of Plans and Specifications to The Indiana Department of Fire and Building Services for Mandatory U.B.C. Code Review (This is normally required to obtain a Construction Design Release. This requirement applies only to public and commercial work.)

Reimbursable Fees Would Be Items Such As: 

• Cost of Soil Borings
• Model of Proposed Building If Requested
• Photographic Record of Construction, If Requested
• Long Distance Telephone Costs
• Travel, If Required
• Cost of Plans and Specifications Submittal to the State

Budget

Budgets are determined by the Owner/Client and will be observed to the best of the Architect’s ability by balance that budget based on the current market standards and the requests of the Owner/Client. To provide an efficiently functioning project from beginning to finish an Owner/Client: must be willing to spend part of their budget on, but not limited to:

• Architectural Fees – to ensure a professional completion of all documentation needed
• Permits, Required and Variances, if required – to begin construction
• Soil Borings – to correctly design foundations and septic systems*
• Site Survey with Topography – to correctly design foundations and septic systems*
• Consultant Fees – Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, and PME Engineering, etc.*
• Change Orders – changes made to the plan by the Owner after the bid period*
• Special Fees – LEED inspection, Energy Monitoring, etc.*

The Owner/Client should be willing to spend part of their budget on, but not limited to:

• An Energy Efficient Building – Windows, Lighting, Natural Ventilation, etc
• Environmentally Sound Design – designing a building to fit the site and environment with the least impact possible.
• Innovative New Products – Functionally and Aesthetically
• Specific Building Styles – Victorian, Modern, Tudor, Federalist, etc.

The Owner/Client could be willing to supplement and upgrade their project by spending the additional budget on, but not limited to:

• Construction Systems, Promoting Further Energy Conservation and Specific Design Types
• Higher End Finishes
• Higher End Appliances
• Furnishings, Integrated With the Building’s Design
• Leed Certification

The Architect helps the Owner/Client to review not only the “first cost” but also the “lifetime-cost” of using the building. *As determined by the scope of each individual project.