New Home Construction Architect
There’s nothing more exciting than a blank slate. When you start with a pristine site - whether that be a city lot, lakeshore plot or an acre of meadow - you have endless possibilities.
How a Home Architect Sees Space
You have a vision. This, combined with the site, my skills and experience we can create the perfect space for your life. I can ensure that we make efficient and effective use of the site and space. If, for example, the site is next to a tall apartment building on one side and another home on the other in the city, we will design a home that provides plenty of natural sunlight while creating a private space. Good design means you will not even know you have buildings on either side. Likewise, if the site is on a lake, all of the views will take advantage of the lake and ambient light. Every site offers unique opportunities and challenges. An architect will ensure that the design is in sync with the site.
The Importance of Light
Light is crucial to the success of any home experience. This includes natural and artificial or ambient/task light. The light can make or break a project. But understanding light and how to use it takes years of experience. Think about the way you use space: do you sit on the couch and read? Then design this space with a big window or sliding door to let in the most natural light. Do you cook in the kitchen? Create task lighting, over your center aisle, above the sink and under the cupboards and over the counters so that you can see what you are doing no matter where you are. When I plan a home, light is first and foremost on my mind.
Efficient Use of Space: Flow
I listen to the way you live and then incorporate your lifestyle into the design. There is never wasted space or “walkthrough” rooms when we plan your home. Instead, every square foot is carefully planned. The way you move through the home is what dictates the plan: do you come in through the back door with muddy boots and a wet dog? Then a mudroom makes sense in the back of the house. Do you entertain in the kitchen? Then plan a center island with stools that allows for guest seating and meal preparation at the same time. Do you want a private space on a small city lot? A rooftop terrace may be just the design solution.
No matter what your site: a teardown in the city, a placid lake lot or a suburban subdivision, an architect can ensure that your home is custom to your family and lifestyle. Want to know more about how my experience and expertise can create your dream home? Call to arrange a $750 new construction bundle (typically 2-3 hours with a followup call). I can answer your design questions and give you an idea of what your project might cost, what to do and what not to do and how long it all might take. We can discuss making your dream home a reality. Call 651-210-7042 or email me.
Five Phases of Architectural Planning
Predesign Phase:
This includes our initial meeting at your home and the discussion of options, possibilities and budget. We can create a wish list of which spaces are important. Also, an overall bud-get should be put put together in this phase. From there I will collect information from the city such as: what site restrictions there are like, what the setbacks are, what is the height limit, and lot coverage, etc.
Schematic Design Phase:
I will develop conceptual designs. These are preliminary bubble diagram/ rough sketches that incorporate your design ideas and wish list. There might be several different design options for floor plans and location on the site. This process will go back and forth with you until we are happy with the design and have settled on a sketch.
Design Development Phase:
After choosing a design to move forward with, I will refine the floor plans and overall look based on your comments and the reality of building i.e. thinking about small details, light, flow, your lifestyle and any special accommodations (such as using universal design to allow for aging in place).
Construction Documents Phase:
This is the final step for drawing. The CDs will show all the information needed for the builder to construct your new home. Depending on the level of detail we decide to show, the CDs can show just the minimum required to get a building permit or can be more descriptive to show elements such as interior elevations, finish trim and window grids, electrical plan, lighting placement and other facets of design. Having more detailed drawings also enables the builder to give us more accurate pricing. So, instead of a ballpark number that has a span of tens of thousands of dollars, with detailed CDs the builder will know which materials he will need to use and the skill and time required to implement the design features shown. In my experience, the more detailed the drawings are, the less room there is for misunderstanding and error.
Construction Admin Phase:
In this phase, I ensure the home gets built the way the drawings show. I coordinate with the builder regarding timelines, materials and method of installation and finish carpentry. I do site visits as needed (typically once a week for one to two hours) but during the height of construction when things move at a faster rate it might be twice a week. In addition to onsite personal supervision and quality assurance, my presence on site is conducive to improved communication between the builder and me. This also allows me to answer your questions and immediately address any concerns. When builders are unsure of a design feature or misinterpret a plan they typically just move forward based on “the way we’ve always done it.” When I am on site I discuss with the foreman and team member show things should be done to achieve the look that is depicted in the drawings. I have over 40 years of construction experience and have personally built and remodeled 5 of my own homes. I know how a structure is put together, the tools needed and the steps required to do things right. I do not allow for cheaper material substitutions or cut corners. This onsite supervision, client advocacy and flow of communication prevents a loss of time and money and I have found is crucial for overall quality.
Before you sign up with any contractor ensure your best interests are being taken into account. I am working for you and not the bottom line.