Your property is unique, and you are unique. You want a skilled professional who will listen to you, help you define your building desires and pay attention to your specific requirements. A licensed architect can take into consideration your lifestyle, needs, functional requirements, budgetary constraints, and turn out a highly individualized and satisfying product. You will end up with more than a building that is merely functional – it can greatly enrich your quality and pleasure of life.
When should you involve an architect? Since you are reading this, you’re ready to make that decision! Architects provide important pre-design services and can help discuss various items and options for your consideration. Involving an architect early can help avoid costly or timely missteps, and increase the likelihood of your satisfaction with the project!
Sensitivity to the unique features of a property and attention to views are of utmost importance to me as an architect, and I take these factors into serious consideration while designing. In most areas of this state, desert and mountain views are often the primary benefits of a site. Attention to these view “corridors” becomes a major design criteria, whether through a window that creates a framed scene, or through vast window walls opening up a beautiful panorama.
For most people, our American lifestyle (and western lifestyle in particular) is of a more relaxed nature, with less formality. Open floor plans lend themselves to this general criterion. The indoor and outdoor relationship is important in our climate, for outdoor living is possible pretty much the whole year. Interior spaces that flow easily to the outside, can be quite delightful, and the use of glass, flooring, and wall surfaces that start on the inside and continue to the outside can enhance that flow and add to the spacious feeling of the residence.
And this spacious feeling does not have to mean additional square footage. Smaller homes can have a feel of expanded living spaces by use of the above ideas.
Different ceiling heights and treatments factor into the comfort of a space, creating visual interest and appeal. Lower ceilings create a sense of shelter and protection; higher ceilings offer expansiveness, grandeur and generosity. Proportion and a proper sense of scale for different areas will add enjoyment on the home: an alcove with a lower ceiling in front of a window can provide a cozy place to read. A higher ceiling in a larger space can add drama and formality.
Natural light and openness are very important qualities to be incorporated. Daylight, through generous use of windows, skylights, and clerestory glass can fill the home. On a seasonal basis, most people welcome winter sunlight into areas of the home. But the direct, unshaded hot summer sun usually causes people to draw their window coverings. So roof overhangs placed and sized strategically will allow this desired light to enter, while providing just enough shading to prevent too much sun or glare.