Sketchbook

Happy beginning of summer here in Colorado! The weather is finally warming up and we are all eager to get rolling on those home renovations we’ve been dreaming up all winter. As you prepare for your first meeting with your architect, you may be wondering what you should bring (if anything) to the meeting. Today I’m going to share with you the best things to think about and prepare before your first meeting with your architect.

Bring some images

        Whether clipped out of a magazine or pinned on Pinterest, bring any images you have that show your taste or are interesting to you. It may be a really cool front door that you find especially dreamy, or a really interesting roof line that amazes you, or a kitchen that just simply speaks to you. Bring it along! The more we can discuss your interests, dreams, wishes, and pet peeves up front, the smoother the design process will go. Your architect cannot read your mind. Images are great tools to get us on the same page as far as your aesthetic preference for interior and exterior.

Furniture Dimensions

        Do you have an antique china cabinet from your grandmother that you are DEFINITELY bringing to this new house? Or maybe you finally bought your dream 10 piece sectional couch with reclining chairs and you absolutely cannot part with it. Perhaps you are a biking enthusiast and have 3 road bikes and 5 mountain bikes that we need to create easily accessible storage for in the garage. Whatever your big items are that you must have in the new design / renovation, bring along some dimensions, quantities, or at least some photos of the items. If your architect knows these things need to be accounted for in the design earlier rather than later, you have a much better chance of getting exactly what you need from the design.

Be ready to talk about YOU

        I know that sometimes it is HARD (with capital letters) to talk about yourself. But, architectural design is entirely about you. Sure, I can design and design until my brain is mush and my hands are too tired to draw any more, but unless what I’m drawing fits what you need and desire, the design is unsuccessful. I may be the design “engine” but you are the fuel. Without you, I cannot create to my fullest potential. So, be ready to talk about your daily routine and the way you interact with others in the house. Be ready to talk about what you’ve always dreamed of having in home (giant kitchen island and a cozy window seat with a killer mountain view anyone??) and, just as important, what absolutely drives you NUTS. All of these things are important and will help us get to the final solution that fits your life and your family like a glove!

A smile 🙂

        I know this may sound silly, but this is very important! The entire process of hiring an architect and designing/building a new home can be extremely stressful and daunting, but it absolutely does not have to be. I am here to lead you through the process. You don’t have to stumble down the path blindfolded and hope you come out unscathed on the other side. I will tell you exactly what you need to do or think about and when you need to do it. This is my passion. My dream is to help you create your dream. So, sit back, relax, SMILE, and be prepared to get everything you have ever dreamed of having!

Check out my blog — Sketchbook — for more interesting ideas!