In thinking about what makes the DNA of a home, I wrote a list of what I see are important markers. With the number of items on this list, it’s easy to see how there’s an infinite number of ways to design and build a home.  Without guidance, there is a huge learning curve, which is why it’s important to have a time tested process and work with someone who knows how to make the right decisions.  With hourly consulting we can make sure you site your home correctly, maximize your home’s use of the natural features of your site, develop a good circulation flow, use natural light throughout the home, and generally design the best home possible for your budget.

Below are some characteristics that define a home:

ENVIRONMENTAL
Surrounding Nature (forest, water, etc)
Climate (tropical, dry, temperate, continental, polar)
Sunlight exposure (full sun, part sun, shade)
Prevailing Winds (N, NE, E, SE, S…)
Slope/Drainage
Frost Line
Water Table
Soil Type
Noise Levels

SITE & ORIENTATION
House Footprint size (700 SF to 10,000 SF)
Location on the Site
Sun Orientation
Views to highlight/block
Driveway location
Garage location
Attached vs. detached
number of car bays
workshop area?
floor coating and other materials
Slope

LAYOUT
Number of Stories
Open vs. closed floor plan
Circulation Flow
Room Adjacencies
Zoning (quiet vs. active areas)

FUNCTIONAL
Shelter (from Shoji screens, to insulation, to fire protection to earthquake..
Privacy (open to fully enclosed)
Comfort
Temperature Control
Noise Control
Space for daily routines (lounging, sleeping, eating, bathroom)
Entertainment Areas
Workspaces
Storage
Natural Light
Natural Ventilation
Passive Solar Design
Thermal Mass
Energy Efficiency
Durability

PHYSICAL
Roof Type (Inhabitable, occupied attic)
Roof Shape (flat, Shed, Custom)
Roof Pitch
Roof materials (metal, wood shingle, asphalt)
Gutter Style
Soffit/trim design
Exterior Walls (Opaque, Transparent floor to ceiling glass, Kinetic, Operable)
Exterior Cladding (Metal, stone, )
Exterior Color Palette
Window style (Floor to ceiling glass, horizontal, vertical, operable)
Window Size
Window placement
Window Frame materials
Windows Double or Triple Paned?
Windows Sliding vs. Casement
Window U-factor
Window Tinting or Coating
Structural Columns Visible?
Skylights
Porch Type, Materials and Size
Interior Walls (Material)
Exterior Doors Style, Material and Size
Interior Doors Style, Material and Size
Flooring material (Wood, Stone, carpet)
Ceiling Heights (8’ to 20’)
Ceilings (open, drywall
Ceiling beams visible?
Kitchen (Island, L-shaped, linear, galley)
Countertop Material
Backsplash material
Cabinet Style
Cabinet Color or Material
Type of Soft Close hardware
Open shelving vs. closed shelving
Bedroom Sizes (sitting area or not, desk space, closets)
Bedroom outdoor access (door to patio or balcony)
Bathroom Designs (Size, materials, cabinets, fixtures, lighting)
Living Room Design (Size, materials, circulation, lighting)
Dining Area Design
Staircase Location (Center, edge, visible, hidden)
Staircases
Fireplace Type (real or gas)
Fireplace Surround Style, Material and Size
Built-in-shelves location, style, material and size
Entrance
Ambient Lighting Fixtures (w/ Dimmers)
Task Lighting Fixtures (w/ Dimmers)
Accent Lighting locations (sconces, LED strips)
Smart lighting system
Daylight bulbs vs. warm bulbs
Basement/No Basement
Hallway width
Doorway width
Built-In Furniture

EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL QUALITIES
A sense of belonging
Warmth
Safety/Security
Peacefulness/Relaxation/refuge from the world
Place for Self-Expression
Feeling “rooted”
A sense of control

SOCIAL
Space for gatherings
Space for celebrations
Rituals (meals, holidays)

AESTHETIC
Visual Harmony
Architectural Style (Contemporary, Classical, Renaissance, Colonial, Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, Post Modern)
Interior Design Style (Transitional, Traditional, Contemporary, Minimalist, Bohemian, Modern Farmhouse, Shabby Chic, Coastal, Rustic, French Country, Scandinavian, Mediterranean, Asian Zen, Hollywood Glam, Southwestern,
Color and Material Palette
Lighting Strategy
Scent or Fragrance
Sound Environment
Landscape Aesthetic
Texture Variety