What is residential architecture? Most simply, it’s the design of the places you live.
Architecture can be divided into many categories. The most basic distinction is between residential and commercial design. Residential being where you live, commercial being where you work and play. There are many different categories and specializations in the world of architecture, but that is a story for another time.
Today we’re talking about your residential design project, and going through some of the basic goals you’ll want to establish and how your architect can help you make them happen.
First off, you need an architect. While most architecture firms work on a variety of projects, from houses to restaurants, chapels to schools, renovations to restorations to breaking new ground, it’s important to find one whose work you like, ideally with experience doing the type of project you’re planning. Good design is good design. But there is value in experience, especially as you get into more specialized or technical project types. Do your research. Find a firms whose work you love. People whose values mesh with your own. And come in prepared to have real conversations to assess whether they can get the job done for you.
Organize your Ideas and Goals
Secondly, it’s important to think about the things that are most important to you. You can try to have it all, but sometimes there are budget concerns, site requirements, and so on, at which point its good to know your priorities. It’s also a valuable exercise as you’re starting your project to be able to clearly communicate what you want and what you don’t want.
Here are a few examples to consider are you’re thinking about your project:
- Curb appeal: I’m sure we’ve seen the TV show enough to get the idea. What do you want your project to look like? How do you want it to address the street and the neighborhood? How do you want it to feel? What do you experience as you walk up to it, or come down the driveway? Is there a size, style, shape you imagine? Are there materials and details you like? What have you seen on your travels that has affected you?
- Character: What gives a place it’s character? It’s an intangible. You know it when you feel it, whether or not you can pinpoint what it is, exactly. Is it refined, formal and symmetrical? Is it quirky? Is it the patina of time, small details, big moves, lush landscaping? It’s not easy to get it right. Your architect is there to help.
- Comfort: There is a great deal that goes into making a space comfortable. Good lighting, well proportioned spaces, easy flow throughout, ergonomics, materials that feel good, acoustics, air quality. Again, good design will consider all of these, but there are wide ranges of how they can manifest.
- Performance: How your building performs and withstands the elements is a big part of your experience. This is a product of your assemblies: how your walls, roofs and floors are built; the design of your systems: how your space is heated and cooled; and your design: how much sun gets in your windows, and so on.
- Durability: Sadly, not all architecture is built to last. In our opinion, if you’re going to the trouble and expense to build something, you might as well make it good. This means choosing materials and using details and techniques that have been proven to hold up to your specific climate and conditions.
- Wellness: A big priority at our firm and through our work is to design buildings that help make you feel better, rather than the other way around. With the prevalence of Sick Building Syndrome and other environmental illnesses, wellness focused architecture has become vitally important. If thinking of your project more holistically aligns with your goals, you are in the right place.
Third, you should know a little about the process. Choosing an architect that can get your design looking right is important, but there is a lot that goes into this beyond drawing up nice plans. From concept through construction, it is a complex process. Your architect is responsible for navigating many details and relationships. Not only do you want to make sure they can get the job done, but also that their process aligns with yours.
We have written in greater depth about the architectural process. But here is a brief summary of some of the steps and duties that your architect is taking on for you. As you’re having initial conversations with your design team, it will be helpful to know a bit more about what to expect:
Typical Duties of a Residential Architect
A residential architect’s duties are diverse and involve a range of tasks that manage the intricacies of a residential project. Here are some typical duties:
- Client Consultations: Meeting with a client to discuss your needs, preferences, and budget constraints. This involves understanding your lifestyle, dreams, goals and specific requirements for their living space. The frequency of these meetings will vary depending on the phase of your project, and also the terms you agree upon in your contract.
- Concept Development: Creating initial design concepts and sketches that reflect the your vision. This stage is about the big ideas, setting up how the building sits on the site and starting to establish possible building forms, types, styles; how you want your spaces to feel.
- Detailed Design: Developing comprehensive architectural plans, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and detailed drawings. These plans are essential for obtaining building permits and guiding construction. This includes the Schematic Design, Design Development and Construction Documents phases of the design process, with each phase bringing developments and zooming in to closer detail.
- Material Selection: Choosing appropriate materials, finishes, and fixtures that align with the design concept and the client’s preferences. This includes everything from structural materials to interior finishes. This selections process starts by setting up the look and feel in the early phases, creating an outline spec in the Design Development phase and putting together the final specifications during the Construction Documents phase.
- Project Management: Coordinating with contractors, engineers, and other professionals involved in the construction process. The architect is working hard behind the scenes so that the project stays on schedule and within budget.
- Site Visits: Understanding the site is an important part of designing the buildings that will sit on it. Your architect will make visits to the site at the beginning of the project to get to know it. They will likely check in on the site as the design progresses, to make sure their initial assumptions hold up to the design. They will then make regular visits to the construction site to monitor progress, address any issues that arise, and check that the work is being carried out according to the plans.
- Code Research and Permitting: Ensuring that the design and construction comply with local building codes, zoning laws, and other regulations. This includes submitting necessary documentation and permits on your behalf.
- Client Updates: Keeping you informed about the project’s progress, any changes or challenges, and obtaining your approval for any significant decisions.
The Benefits of Hiring the Right Residential Architect
Good residential architecture benefits your quality of life and adds to the fabric of your community. While you can maybe find ways to build your project without using an architect, here are some key advantages:
- Customization: Finding the right architect will help you get the design you want. When you want to get the design right you want to find an architect that will take the time to get to know you and develop a design that is unique to your goals and needs.
- Form and Function: Thoughtful residential design makes the most of your space. Efficient design not only makes for better proportioned spaces that flow nicely from one to the next, it can help you get more bang for your buck. Effective space planning leads to more practical, comfortable living environments.
- Aesthetics and Beauty: At it’s core, architecture is an art form. Your architect will incorporate their knowledge of design, geometry, proportion, history, construction techniques, materials and more to bring your project to life.
- Performance and Sustainability: Architects are required to keep up to date on technologies, systems and design principles that help get you a building that performs how you want it to. These practices reduce the environmental impact of homes and contribute to long-term cost savings for homeowners.
- Property Value: Well-designed homes often have higher property values. Quality architecture and attention to detail can make a home more attractive to potential buyers, increasing its marketability and resale value.
- Quality of Life: A well-designed home can significantly enhance your quality of life. Living in spaces that make us feel good, that are designed with spaces that fit our lives, that support our health and wellness has obvious universal benefits. The process can be intimidating, but you’ll find that in the end it was more than worth it.
Conclusion
As you get ready to start working on your project, whether you are renovating your apartment, restoring a classic building, or building your dream house it’s always a good idea to get help from the experts. Review this guide to help you organize your ideas and to help you get the most out of the process.
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Andrew Mackie
Andrew is a Certified Building Biologist who studied architecture Yale University's School of Architecture and art at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, all of which furthered his passion for old stuff, old places, and classic details. Prior to starting his architecture career, Andrew co-owned and ran a 'Healthy Home and Lifestyle' store for a dozen years, helping people protect their kids, and make homes beautiful and safe. Andrew is currently traveling around the country in an RV with his family looking for cool ducks.