Discovering Your Design Vision

"Home" means something different to everyone. For some, it’s a retreat, a place to escape the outside world. For others, it’s a hub of activity where family and friends gather. But while you may have snippets of a vision of what you want, how do you convey that to an architect? 

That’s where the art of reading between the lines comes in. An experienced architect deciphers your needs, habits, and lifestyle to create a home that’s uniquely yours.

More Than Words

An architect will ask a lot of questions about how you live in order to design a home that supports the lifestyle you want. 

When a client says:

• Mornings are chaotic

• We LOVE entertaining

• The kids are always underfoot

• I need nature

• I value my privacy

An architect hears:

• An organized mudroom will stow backpacks, coats, and shoes

• Double kitchen islands will keep guests close but away from food prep

• A play room near the kitchen will allow parents to keep an eye on kids

• Large windows will give a view to the garden

• A luxury primary suite that’s separate from other bedrooms

How Architecture Affects Our Lives

The best homes strike a balance between functionality and emotional resonance. We not only need our homes to make our lives easier but they need to make us feel good too.

Here are just some of the ways architect affects our lives:

• Establish healthy habits: A wellness or fitness space can help us stay in shape or unwind from a long day.

• Simplify: Intuitive storage solutions, charging stations, and drop zones provide a place for everything and everything in its place.

• Fosters connections: Creating space for family dinners or comfortable places for guests to feel at home are the foundations of healthy relationships.

• Adapts to change: Homes should anticipate and adapt to the growing needs of your family. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU), for instance, give space for occasional guests, kids home from college, and aging parents needing extra care.

An architect helps your home become an extension of who you are, offering a sense of comfort and identity every time you walk through the door.

The Takeaway: Get to Know Your Architect

Architects need to get personal. They will ask about your habits, both the ones you want to break and the ones that make you healthier. They are trained to deeply listen to what you are saying (and not saying.) This is how they create a home that’s uniquely yours.

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Looking for an architect who truly gets you? Let's talk. Urban Building Workshop brings 25 years of experience in architecture, construction, and real estate development. We serve residential and commercial clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and across California.