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Big Living, Small Footprint

Technology today empowers designers to provide so much more in smaller footprints. In large part the plan I designed above was influenced by living “in the cloud” and Flat Panel Displays (FPDs). Did you know that FPDs were invented in 1964 and so was the Touch Screen! The 1960’s were one of the most influential decade for today’s way of life & open concept living. Who would have thought that aiming for the moon back then would have made such an impact! Genesis 1:16

Contemporary Ranch 48′

I was asked to sketch up a design for a Ranch Style home that is 48′ wide. Here is one of my designs. I was inspired by some of the homes I’ve toured in CA and FL. Ranch style architecture is generally single story and hug the ground. You may not know that the ranch style is pretty much regarded as an American style of architecture. Today’s challenge is lot size! However, the smaller lot means that adorning is more affordable.

48′ Rosewood Sketch

Today I had some time on my hands so I sketched this for one of my favorite builders in South Carolina. This really seems to be a popular style home right now! He likes the contemporary garage and entry door style.

Industrial Meets Residential

I recently drove a neighborhood here in my hometown of Frisco TX and notice a new style of design. It wasn’t my favorite but it did get me to thinking about next level architecture for in-town executive communities that would sell between $350 to $800k. This is a quick rendering I sketched.

Here in north Texas, flat roof construction has been mostly relegated to commercial and multifamily. However, the super high end builders have been constructing flat roof design for nearly a decade now. There are several reasons for why this type of design makes since at the $350 to $800 price point. The key will be finding dirt dedicated to this genre. I’d look for a regional builder to jump in soon.

Dreams Do Come True

“I don’t care as long as it looks great, it’s easy to build, and sells fast. Oh, and the home owner brags about how great it is!” This is one of those plans but with a unique twist… the garage is front and center. I shared the elevation along with two others; one with the Entry in the center, and the other with the Study front and center. They were all liked or loved but this one was loved the most. The interior design was super exciting too!

The Art of Rendering by Hand

Renderings are a great tool to display your desire to build a home for a specific client. Some of the best builders I know will ask me to sketch something for a potential client. And in return the client is asked to make some sort of commitment. It could be as simple as adding color to a current plan and labeling the home “Smith’s Residence”. It’s fun when the dream makes it to paper. Renderings also make great gifts at closing.