“Form follows Function” as Frank Lloyd Wright said, but while that is somewhat true homes also (including Mr. Wrights) have forms that do not necessarily follow with the function creating unusable spaces and structures that don’t work as they are intended.

Great design in homes comes from good processes in developing the plans using the following steps.  There is no excuse for a custom home to be designed poorly.

1. Everything starts with the land.  Where are the views?  What is the topography like?  How does water flow onto through and off of the lot?  What is the impact of the sun during the year on the site?
2. What does the floor plan need to have to meet your needs?  Walk through each room mentally and take an inventory of the uses it will have.  Make sure to allow for enough space for the purposes and to allow for adequate storage. 
3. Lay the floor plan on the lot at the desired location.  Understand how the house will be affected by the topography and adjust either the floor plan or the engineered site plan accordingly.
4. Design the exterior elevation of the home to the desired style.  Minor modifications to the floor plan might occur.  Make sure to allow for patio covers and other items that can make the home more efficient.
5. Design the hardscape and softscape of the landscaping to complement the rest of the home and to take advantage of view corridors from the home and street presence of the home.
6. Add the details that make the difference.

In future blogs, we will discuss additions to existing homes and how to get the most out of your efforts.

Can we help you get started?