Design


Is Building Smaller Just a Matter of Preference?

Is building smaller a matter of preference or a benefit to all?


A reader recently asked if the not so big concept is just a preference or is it a real benefit to everyone who is planning to build a home. For those not familiar with this concept, it is described by author and architect Sarah Susanka in her book, The Not So Big House. “Not So Big doesn’t mean small. It means not as big as you thought you needed. But as a rule of thumb, a Not So Big House is approximately a third smaller than your original goal but about the same price as your original budget. The magic is that although the house is smaller in square footage, it actually feels much bigger.”


Why do I need an architect?

Why do I need an architect?


As I prepare for the Midwest Home Show (Nov. 19 – 21), I wonder who will be the first to ask me, “Why do I need an architect to design my home?” It’s almost like a challenge or a dare. People walk by my booth and see photos of well designed homes. They know there is something different about these homes than most of the homes they encounter. They can’t say what it is, but they see it just the same. So they comment on how nice the homes look and then ask the question.