Architecture
Think Like an Architect: How to Work With a Design Wish List
Build the home of your dreams by learning how to best communicate your vision to your architect
What is the best way to get everything you want out of your new home or remodel? How can you have a design that will stand the test of time and is flexible enough to accommodate life’s unforeseen changes? Communicating your home wish list will help your architect create a plan that works well for you now and in the years to come.
Put on your thinking cap and make a list of everything you desire for your project. Get it all on paper — no holding back. Next gather up all your ideabooks and that binder or folder filled with lists and sketches, and give it all to your architect.
Don’t worry about trying to think or talk like an architect. Your job is to explain and show your wish list in a way that makes sense to you. The architect’s job is to understand you and translate the essence of your wish list into great design.
Don’t worry about trying to think or talk like an architect. Your job is to explain and show your wish list in a way that makes sense to you. The architect’s job is to understand you and translate the essence of your wish list into great design.
2. Narrow It Down
I’ve found that what works best is when clients let me know what is essential and what would just be nice to include.
Remember your reality dish? Budget and space certainly help whittle down that priority list, and absolutely your architect should be part of this process.
Let’s say your backyard won’t accommodate your dream of an Olympic-size swimming pool. If your architect knows that you want an Olympic-size pool because you’d like a couple of 25-meter lanes for your morning lap swim, then perhaps he or she can design an alternative that will allow swimming without an entire Olympic pool.
There’s no easy way to decide what is a must-have and what isn’t. Budget and space considerations will take care of part of this, but allowing some time for introspection and a stab at predicting the future are equally necessary.
Only you can decide what’s essential for you. Each of us is unique, and our homes should reflect that. A good architect will explain the pros and cons of each item on your wish list to help you make an informed decision. But the decision making is up to you.
I’ve found that what works best is when clients let me know what is essential and what would just be nice to include.
Remember your reality dish? Budget and space certainly help whittle down that priority list, and absolutely your architect should be part of this process.
Let’s say your backyard won’t accommodate your dream of an Olympic-size swimming pool. If your architect knows that you want an Olympic-size pool because you’d like a couple of 25-meter lanes for your morning lap swim, then perhaps he or she can design an alternative that will allow swimming without an entire Olympic pool.
There’s no easy way to decide what is a must-have and what isn’t. Budget and space considerations will take care of part of this, but allowing some time for introspection and a stab at predicting the future are equally necessary.
Only you can decide what’s essential for you. Each of us is unique, and our homes should reflect that. A good architect will explain the pros and cons of each item on your wish list to help you make an informed decision. But the decision making is up to you.
After space and budget considerations, think about your lifestyle. Having children and pets may inspire certain choices, such as a mudroom, while erasing other choices, such as a glass sculpture in the foyer.
Think about where you live, too. A mudroom really isn’t necessary if you’re a city dweller in a 22nd-floor condo.
Compromise is a given in the process of creating a new home. But stick to your guns when something doesn’t ring true to your heart.
Think about where you live, too. A mudroom really isn’t necessary if you’re a city dweller in a 22nd-floor condo.
Compromise is a given in the process of creating a new home. But stick to your guns when something doesn’t ring true to your heart.
3. Let the Architect Translate Your Vision
Along with drawings and scale models, part of an architect’s job includes translating a client’s vision into a clear design concept. That translation job includes interpreting the emotion that the physical space is to manifest.
So how does an architect translate a wish list into great design? The first step is confirming an understanding of your wish list. This is mostly done in conversation. Does your architect repeat back your desires, or does he repeatedly push his or her own? If the latter, it’s time to rethink your choice of architect.
Then, to borrow a popular technology buzzword, the architect will take an “iterative” approach: He or she will create an initial plan and, with your feedback, keep “going back to the drawing board” until the plan is exactly to your specifications.
While no one can predict the future, you should always strive for a design that not only fits your current lifestyle, but will also be able to accommodate life’s changes. Consider complementing great design with materials that are either recyclable or renewable, and have been proven to stand the test of time.
Are you thinking about your wish list and aren’t sure what to include? Let your architect know what rooms you’re struggling with. Are the items on your list essential, or would they just be nice to include?
Tell us: Have you finished a recent project and gone through this process? Please share your wisdom with us in the Comments section!
More: Have It Your Way — What Makes Architecture Successful
Along with drawings and scale models, part of an architect’s job includes translating a client’s vision into a clear design concept. That translation job includes interpreting the emotion that the physical space is to manifest.
So how does an architect translate a wish list into great design? The first step is confirming an understanding of your wish list. This is mostly done in conversation. Does your architect repeat back your desires, or does he repeatedly push his or her own? If the latter, it’s time to rethink your choice of architect.
Then, to borrow a popular technology buzzword, the architect will take an “iterative” approach: He or she will create an initial plan and, with your feedback, keep “going back to the drawing board” until the plan is exactly to your specifications.
While no one can predict the future, you should always strive for a design that not only fits your current lifestyle, but will also be able to accommodate life’s changes. Consider complementing great design with materials that are either recyclable or renewable, and have been proven to stand the test of time.
Are you thinking about your wish list and aren’t sure what to include? Let your architect know what rooms you’re struggling with. Are the items on your list essential, or would they just be nice to include?
Tell us: Have you finished a recent project and gone through this process? Please share your wisdom with us in the Comments section!
More: Have It Your Way — What Makes Architecture Successful
Architects begin each job with what architects call a program: a specific wish list for a project that the homeowner and designer create together, whether the project is a custom home from scratch or a kitchen remodel. A program includes items like size and number of rooms, the style of the home, views and window placement.
From broad brushstrokes to the minute details of every nook and cranny, your wish list demands that you dream big. Don’t overlook a thing. Rooms, outdoor kitchen, closets, garage, faucets — they all deserve equal time in your imagination. The more information, the better, and the closer you’ll get to your dream home.
Once you’ve created your Technicolor fantasy, it’s time to whip up a dish of reality with two main ingredients: space and budget. This doesn’t mean to start ruling things out. It is only the beginning of understanding your priorities.