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Designer Sketch: Jean Dufresne
A Chicago architect finds inspiration in clients, laments the McMansion and explains why designing for resale value isn't always essential
Jean Dufresne of SPACE Architects + Planners in Chicago knew he wanted to be an architect when he was just a child, begging his mom to go to open houses in his neighborhood. A love for building homes has certainly been there since the beginning, but more importantly, he treasures the long-lasting impact his designs have on clients and the relationships that blossom from his projects.
"We spend so much time with the family, talking about the kids, play areas, home offices and in-law suites, that we become part of the family," says Dufresne. "I knew we had hit a home run with a project the day a client sent us an email from the delivery room announcing the arrival of his new baby girl."
Profile: SPACE Architects + Planners | Find an architect or designer
"We spend so much time with the family, talking about the kids, play areas, home offices and in-law suites, that we become part of the family," says Dufresne. "I knew we had hit a home run with a project the day a client sent us an email from the delivery room announcing the arrival of his new baby girl."
Profile: SPACE Architects + Planners | Find an architect or designer
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What's the most exciting thing you're working on now?
We are working on a home addition for a client’s summer home in Michigan. They want to improve it and enlarge it to make it a 12-month retreat.
It will be challenging and a unique opportunity to work on a larger site. We are used to Chicago lots and work within a more rural vernacular.
When did you know you wanted to design houses?
When I was a little boy, I would drag my mom to open houses in our suburbs and take the brochure plans home to change them around and redesign the home.
Which iconic architect would you love a chance to work with?
Glenn Murcutt, an Australian architect
We are working on a home addition for a client’s summer home in Michigan. They want to improve it and enlarge it to make it a 12-month retreat.
It will be challenging and a unique opportunity to work on a larger site. We are used to Chicago lots and work within a more rural vernacular.
When did you know you wanted to design houses?
When I was a little boy, I would drag my mom to open houses in our suburbs and take the brochure plans home to change them around and redesign the home.
Which iconic architect would you love a chance to work with?
Glenn Murcutt, an Australian architect
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| What inspires your designs? Our clients are our inspiration. I believe that being a good architect is about being a good listener. We never impose our style onto our clients. It's about responding to and solving the problem at hand. Where's your go-to place for inspiration? Trips to Europe and walks through Andersonville and the Renegade Art Fair. Where in the world do you want to go next? For travel, I want to go to Asia. For architecture, I want to return to Scandinavia. I love the combination of minimal aesthetic and warmth. |
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Do you still draw, or is everything on the computer now?
I still draw. All architects must know how to draw by hand. Several clients will not be able to understand floor plans or other architectural drawings. It is up to us to sketch and represent to them what we are talking about.
Applications like Houzz also help. We can scan for similar conditions or ideas and show them to the client for reference. The key is to make sure that clients understand the language of plans and drawings. We are the interpreters of their ideas. We make sure that the client is understood and that the contractor understands what to build.
Who’s one of your favorite artists?
Mark Ryden. His paintings and drawings are gorgeous and unique. They often make people uncomfortable. I like that in art.
The most important thing on your desk is ...
The picture of my husband. He is my biggest fan and strongest supporter. I would not have gotten this far without his support.
What's your favorite classic furniture piece?
The Saarinen Tulip chair and table set in my great-aunt's house.
I still draw. All architects must know how to draw by hand. Several clients will not be able to understand floor plans or other architectural drawings. It is up to us to sketch and represent to them what we are talking about.
Applications like Houzz also help. We can scan for similar conditions or ideas and show them to the client for reference. The key is to make sure that clients understand the language of plans and drawings. We are the interpreters of their ideas. We make sure that the client is understood and that the contractor understands what to build.
Who’s one of your favorite artists?
Mark Ryden. His paintings and drawings are gorgeous and unique. They often make people uncomfortable. I like that in art.
The most important thing on your desk is ...
The picture of my husband. He is my biggest fan and strongest supporter. I would not have gotten this far without his support.
What's your favorite classic furniture piece?
The Saarinen Tulip chair and table set in my great-aunt's house.
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| If you could change one thing about home design it would be ... The desire for more of everything and the constant consideration for resale value. So many homes are overbuilt. The McMansion serves no purposes but one of consumption. Several of our clients will speak of resale value as a deciding factor in their design choices. It is a valid consideration if they plan on staying in the home for less than five years. But for any family wanting to invest in a home for five-plus years, all decisions and choices should be made for them, for their family and how they live. In seven to 10 years, if they sell, someone purchasing the property will do the same thing they are doing: They will remodel, change the dated kitchen and update the bathrooms. What's your favorite new website? Bubble and Squeak What's your favorite up-and-coming design company? Ted Harris. He designs the most unique and amazing lamps. Your ideal client is ... A client who is open to new ideas, is willing to explore a variety of options and is honest about what they wish for and expect. Design is about feeling and emotion much more than it is about sizes and specific elements. I love a client who can speak about wants and wishes and with whom I can communicate openly and creatively. More: Tour one of SPACE Architects + Planners' projects | Find an architect or designer |
Ideabook updated on March 1, 2012.
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