ver the course of many years as an architect, I’ve figured out that designing a home doesn’t begin with the style you want. In fact, no matter where you plan to build or what kind of home you envision, style is what I add at the end of the design process, not the beginning. Just as a pilot first takes a view from 5,000 feet and then glides lower and lower as he nears the runway, so I approach design projects by first taking in the big picture and gradually zeroing in on the details. I refer to the process as the hierarchy of design—a sequence that begins with the neighborhood (the big picture) and then drops lower and lower to focus on the lot, floor plan, and style.

Step One: The Neighborhood

The first decision you’ll make when building or renovating a home is what neighborhood to live in. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of choosing one that appeals to you and your lifestyle. Why? Because one house alone can’t change the character of an entire neighborhood—no matter how perfect your own home is. I also remind clients that it’s important to choose a convenient neighborhood: one that’s close to work, school, and basic shopping. You want to be able to enjoy the sanctuary of your home instead of spending much of the day in your car.

Step Two: The Lot

After you’ve found the neighborhood that’s right for you, you’ll need to select a lot. The one you choose will end up influencing your home’s design—whether you’re renovating an existing house or building from scratch. For example, I always consider privacy issues when sketching floor plans. Lots are getting smaller and smaller, so factoring in privacy for my clients without sacrificing outside views is an important part of my design process. I’ve seen far too many gorgeous master bedrooms that lack privacy, prompting the homeowners to install heavy blackout curtains that turn the room into a cave. And that’s a shame, since outdoor views are psychologically important, providing openness, sunlight, and a sense of connection to your surroundings. Other considerations from the lot itself that influence design include soil conditions, drainage, and whether the utilities will be above or below ground. And if the lot is an unusual shape, all the better—I’ve found that the challenge of building on an odd lot often leads to a more interesting home.

Step Three: The Floor Plan

After I’ve considered the neighborhood and the lot, I turn my attention to your family’s lifestyle. My goal is to design a floor plan that fits you like a custom suit of clothes. For example, if your family is an active one with kids involved in sports, I’ll include a drop zone by the garage entrance equipped with individual lockers where everyone can stash their gear. I think carefully about what each room in your house needs to accommodate and how the rooms flow together within zones, both inside and outside. I also consider the experience that guests have as they approach the house, as well as the functionality of the floor plan when you host larger groups. The end result is a livable and accommodating space for your family’s everyday use as well as for entertaining.

The Final Touch: Style

Only after I’ve created your home’s floor plan do I begin to consider style. Style is the outer layer of a home and comes at the end of the process—much like dressing a model in a tailored suit or flowing gown: same model, different style. To determine your likes and dislikes, I spend time absorbing the style file you’ve created of images that resonate with you. This is where I zero in to fine-tune the details: Do you like a light and airy feeling? Wood beams? Hard materials like stone? After I’ve developed a strong sense of your individual style, I begin to apply those elements to my design, dressing your home in a way that’s unique to you—one that not only reflects your style preferences, but has a comfortable functionality perfectly suited to your neighborhood, lot, and family.   Schedule a Design Consultation

© 2012 Kevin Harris, Architect, LLC
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"Kevin Harris is an award-winning residential architect, international speaker, champion of culture-based design, an LSU and Harvard GSD graduate, father of 3, Eagle Scout, blue water sailor and Fellow of the AIA. For more information on Kevin or the firm go to www.kevinharrisarchitect.com."