A Design Process

A Design Process

Good architecture should harmoniously blend functionality, aesthetics, and the unique needs of individual clients - it’s an intricate balancing act of often competing needs. In the realm of one-off homes, we feel the design process becomes even more intriguing, as we endeavour to create spaces designed around how our clients wish to live. Here we briefly explore this creative journey, highlighting the iterative design process that fosters collaboration between architects and clients, resulting in truly unique homes.

The first step in the design process is understanding the client's vision. Through in-depth discussions and consultations, we delve into preferences, lifestyle, and aspirations. This allows us to gain a comprehensive understanding of their requirements and sets the foundation for the entire design journey. By actively listening and asking relevant questions, we identify the key elements that will shape the design.

We believe a design process is best realised as a collaborative approach that allows clients to actively participate. It involves a series of stages, where we present concept designs, incorporate client feedback, and refine ideas until a final concept is reached. This process fosters open communication and enables clients to see their ideas come to life, ensuring that the end result exceeds their expectations.

However, design is often a messy, scary, and exciting process, and involves brainstorming, sketching, and creating initial design concepts. For the uninitiated it can be a daunting process, one which we are able to help guide and navigate when needed.

We believe site-specific design, particularly in the context of landscape, to be central to everything we do. The landscapes we work in are diverse, encompassing rugged mountains, dramatic coastlines, rolling green hills, and urban contexts. A site-specific design approach acknowledges these features and responds to them by taking cues from local vernacular architecture, materials, and traditional building techniques.

We often draw inspiration from historical architectural elements such as traditional stone walls, pitched roofs, and fenestration patterns, which are reinterpreted in a contemporary manner. By honouring the natural and cultural context, our houses become a harmonious part of the landscape, and seek to embody a timeless aesthetic that blends tradition with innovation.

Furthermore, site-specific design takes advantage of the natural surroundings to optimise energy efficiency and sustainability. Large windows are strategically positioned to capture views and maximise natural light, while carefully considering solar gain. Sustainable materials, local sourcing, and green building practices are embraced to minimise the ecological impact of our houses.

As a result of this every project is deeply connected to its surroundings, and rooted in the history and natural beauty of the wider area. By engaging with the unique characteristics of the site, we craft homes that react to and compliment the landscape, while offering spaces perfectly suited to modern living.

After initial design concepts are developed, the refinement and detailed design phase begins. We work closely with clients to refine the design, making necessary adjustments, and incorporating specific requirements. This stage involves fine-tuning the spatial arrangements, selecting materials, and structural considerations. Architectural drawings, sketches, 3D models, and virtual reality simulations may be used to help clients visualise the design and give them the confidence in the spaces we are creating together.

The creative process for bespoke houses is a journey of collaboration and innovation. We look to forge a partnership with our clients, which will enable us to create restful spaces which deliver on all the thinking, planning, and dreaming, which we all do when considering our forever home. The process involves a deep understanding of client vision, followed by concept development, refinement, and detailing. With each iteration, the design evolves and improves, culminating in a final design that truly represents the client's individuality. By embracing this creative process, we transform clients' aspirations into reality, crafting houses that are as unique as the people who inhabit them.