During the design phase, your ideas will be transformed into comprehensive architectural drawings and floor plans. These will capture everything from spatial arrangements and dimensions to architectural details and structural considerations.
Think long-term when you consider your home’s needs – for example, will you have children or care for elderly parents in the future? Taking this into account will help ensure your house will work for years to come.
1. Functionality
When designing a new house, architects need to think about how the different areas of the house will work together. They need to consider the natural lighting in each room, how sound will travel through the spaces, and other factors that can affect the overall design of the home. Keeping all of these elements in mind can help to create a functional space that will suit the needs of the family living there.
One of the most important aspects of the design process is deciding what type of style you want to achieve for your dream home. This will help you narrow down your search for an architect who has the expertise to bring your vision to life. It is also helpful to find out if the architect you are considering has any special skills in specific styles or building materials.
Once you’ve chosen an architect, it’s important to be able to communicate with them clearly. The more engaged you are in the design process, the more likely your project will be a success. Be available to review drawings and material suggestions promptly, and speak up if you have any concerns or disagreements.
When you’re working with an architect, be sure to ask for references from past clients. This can give you a good idea of how well the architect works with people and their budgets. It’s also a good idea to find out whether the architect will provide you with an estimated cost for the entire design process, including site surveys, 3-D modeling, and any other services that may be required. Additionally, be sure to find out if the architect’s fee includes any revisions to the initial design.
2. Comfort
Your home serves many roles. It’s your refuge from the world, where you entertain, and where you hold special memories with family and friends. It’s also your most expensive investment. It’s important to find the right architect to get the best home design for your budget and lifestyle. To help you in your search, there are online services that match you with architects who offer the type of work you need.
Before you hire an architect, ask for references, especially for projects that are similar to yours. If possible, visit those homes to see their designs in person. It’s also a good idea to find out what the architect’s typical design fees are for projects like yours. Also, find out how long it will take to receive blueprints for your project. Blueprints can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000.
Once you’ve hired an architect, be available for meetings and review drawings promptly. It’s much easier to enlarge a closet or move a room when it’s still on paper than once construction has started. And the more your architect knows about how you will use your new space, the better he or she can design it to suit your needs.
A good architect can save you money in several ways, including through value engineering. This means devising a way to get a feature you want at a lower cost, such as substituting one building material for another. They can also help you avoid mistakes in materials or design that you’ll regret later and end up costing you more money. This is particularly true when you’re working with a tight budget.
3. Style
The style of your house is an important element that should not be rushed or overlooked. This is especially true if you are building a custom home. The best way to make sure you get the design you want is to be available and communicate with your architect regularly. Review drawings and material suggestions promptly and be decisive when it comes to changes. It’s much easier to enlarge a closet or move a hallway on paper than after it’s framed, and your architect will appreciate your input because it will help them stay on schedule.
Another great way to narrow down your style is to explore new sources of inspiration. Look through periodicals, interior design Instagram accounts, friends and celebrities’ homes, and even visit surrounding areas to see what you find aesthetically pleasing. When you’re done, compile your findings and create a vision board featuring all the architectural design details that are most appealing to you. This will give you and your custom home builder a clearer picture of the desired design for your house.
You’ll also want to discuss your budget with your architect. A good architect will be able to offer suggestions and ideas that will make the most of your space without overspending. They will take into account factors like the amount of natural light you want and the number of bathrooms you need.
Finally, it’s important to talk to your architect about zoning regulations. These can have a significant impact on the size of your home and how it is situated on your property. It’s best to do this early on so you can be informed and make the most of your available resources.
4. Energy efficiency
As the climate crisis worsens and the demand for energy in homes increases, architects are taking a proactive approach to reducing building energy consumption. This can be achieved through design decisions, innovative products or construction techniques. The trick is to avoid sacrificing aesthetics or comfort in the process.
When engaging an architect for a new build or renovation, look for one who specialises in sustainable practice. They should be able to provide cost-effective solutions for space efficient and climate-responsive buildings. Their services can often save homeowners more than the cost of their fees, by reducing upfront costs and ongoing energy expenses.
An architect should also be able to explain the benefits of various green features and how they can be incorporated into your design. For example, they might suggest adding thermal mass to your home’s walls, which will absorb the sun’s rays in winter and release them in summer. They might also recommend that your home’s windows face the south, to maximise sunlight for heating and lighting.
It’s also important to be available and responsive to your architect throughout the design process. This means promptly reviewing any drawings or material suggestions and providing feedback. The more input you give, the less likely it is that you’ll be unpleasantly surprised by delays or costly changes during construction.
You should also ask your architect for references from previous clients and see examples of their work. This will help you gauge whether they have the skills and experience to deliver your project. It’s also worth finding out if they use the latest technology, such as 3D rendering software, to communicate their ideas with you. This will allow you to better visualise your finished product.
5. Sustainability
There are many benefits to building sustainable homes. These include reduced energy consumption, better indoor design with less Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and lower water usage. Sustainable architecture also contributes to a smaller carbon footprint and helps protect local ecosystems.
Designed for a client who shared the practice’s love of mountain climbing, this house in Farnham embodies the spirit of sustainability. Rather than updating the modest bungalow that stood on the site, the owners and architects decided to build from the fabric up, using an eco-friendly construction system.
The result is a modern home with an ethereal form, clad in locally sourced larch and ply timbers. The house is both rugged and sophisticated, and showcases Price’s unique approach to design – he calls it ‘cosmopolitan, ecologically driven and formally sophisticated’.
Incorporating sustainable features into your home is easier than you think, particularly if the design process is managed in stages and costs are kept under control. It is best to consider energy efficiency and sustainability features early on, before they are locked into the final design. This will help ensure the right options are incorporated without cost overruns, which can be difficult to change later on.
The use of low VOC paints and glues is one of the simplest ways to incorporate sustainable design into your new home. Another option is to choose furniture made from recycled or second-hand materials. Finally, there are a range of renewable energy technologies that you can integrate into your new build, including solar panels and wind power. These are not only good for the environment, but they can also reduce your electricity bills. A professional architect will be able to advise you on the most effective solutions for your project.
