In this phase we sit down with the client and find out what they want in a new home.  We will sketch out some preliminary ideas based on what they tell us and start to compile a list of the characteristics of the house.  It helps if the clients come prepared with some images or plans they like from a magazine or internet search, or a sketch they've already done. 

Questions to consider during idea development:

• Where will the house be located?  How is the site accessed by vehicle?  On foot?

• What are some of the site characteristics (such as vegetation, slopes, rock ledges, etc.) that could affect the placement of the house?  

• Does the site have good solar access?  Which direction are the prevailing winds in summer? In winter?  Are there significant views we can capture with the design and orientation of the house?

• How big will the house be (the clients’ budget factors significantly into this question)?  How many levels (local codes may determine height and size restrictions)?

• How many bedrooms will the house have?  How many bathrooms?  Will it have a formal dining room?  How big does the kitchen need to be?  How will the location of the kitchen relate to the dining, living, bedrooms, etc?

• What other rooms need to be included?  Recreation room, media room, office, den, guest bedroom, mud room, dog shower, butler’s pantry, powder room, separate laundry room, sauna/spa room, bar, art/craft studio, etc.?

• Is there a particular “style” for the house?  Mountain Lodge, Victorian, Craftsman, Tudor, Contemporary,  etc.? 

• What is the general shape of the house – rectangular, square, L-shaped, irregular angles?  How does the roofline help define the shape – low roof, wide overhangs, steep pitch, dormers, shed roof, flat roof with parapets, etc.?

• What general materials will compose the facades of the house – lots of windows, brick, stone, lap siding, stucco, metal panels, shake or shingle siding, etc.?  How about the roof?  (These questions are for planning and estimating purposes at this stage.  It is understood that ideas may change.)

• What will be the mechanics of the house – in-floor radiant heating, forced-air heating and cooling, gas or electric furnace, etc.?

Phase Two - Schematic Design

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