We frequently have developers who stop by to discuss their need…or want…for a new building or home design.  The first thing they ask is…Where do I start when designing a new building or home design?

Start with Need Before Want

We start our strategy sessions with asking what is needed in the sign first.  Once the client lists out all of the things they need to be included in the design we turn to discussing what they might ‘want’ in the design.

Sometimes the ‘I Want’ discussion is preempted by the question that always comes up..’What is your budget?’.  However, it always good to get what someone ‘Wants’ documented.

Nonetheless, once the needs are listed the building design process can start.

Addressing Wants

What a client wants in a building design is always on our mine throughout the entire design process.  Most of the time many of the ‘wants’ can be added to the ‘Needs’.  That is why it is very important that all of the ‘Wants’ are listed during the strategy session.

Gotta Haves

Many times the Needs turn into the Goota Haves.  Usually, these are code requirements and the other features of a building they Gotta Have before it will clear code inspection.  Sometimes it is good to list the ‘Gotta Haves’ so the client can have input on how they would like the ‘Gotta Haves’ to look.

Turn Gotta Haves Into Art

Nobody says a fire escape has to be a Blah looking door to a staircase.  We can make it look like part of the wall and the staircase walls colorfully designed.  There is no code violation making the handicap entrance a pathway through a well-landscaped garden.

We strive to make all of our client’s designs as artful as we can. It is their clients who will appriciate their thoughtfulness.

Bring a Dream to Life

So, you start with the ‘Needs’, address the ‘Wants, and outline the ‘Gotta Haves’.  That gets the design started.  Then the dream continues with looking at the rough design.

From the rough design comes the finished design and from there the road to building the design begins.

It is very satisfying to go through the development of a building design with our clients.  Many times the client leaves excited knowing that their ideas for a building or home can be designed.

Let us help you get started with your building design ideas.  Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.