MY APPROACH
A home is not just a building – it represents the people that live within it and its connection to the surrounding environment and community.
Listen Carefully. Understanding how the owner lives and their aesthetic preferences is the most important input into designing a home that is comfortable, efficient and aesthetically pleasing to the homeowners.
Look at the “Big Picture”. A home is more than a building; its design should consider the neighbourhood, the landscape around the home, the home’s exterior features, its construction (all the important details that you don’t see), the layout, interior details and finally it’s furnishings. Omitting any of these design components could result in a home that has not reached its aesthetic potential.
Respect the Site. Never work against nature, take advantage of the site’s views, orient the home for solar gain and be creative when addressing it’s less desirable features.
Lots of Light. Allow as much natural light into the home as possible, providing windows on 2 sides of each room where possible. Equally important is a good electrical lighting plan to make the home efficient to work in and to create ambiance.
Connection to the Outdoors. Plan the exterior spaces while designing the home to ensure efficient access and enjoyable outdoor spaces.
Plan for Existing or New Furniture. Ensure the layout includes space for your current and future furnishings. Open concept homes mean fewer walls for placing furniture and artwork.
It’s in the Details. It is the details that can make a home special, especially when you add features you can relate to, add interest, or elicits a fond memory. It is also important to respect design elements that humans innately respond to, such as color, scale and proportion.
Energy Efficiency. Building an energy efficient home creates a comfortable and affordable living space that is good for the environment.
