An Architect's Tips on Building the Perfect Home for Your Family

Have you ever felt like your house just doesn't quite fit? Like you're constantly bumping into furniture or squeezing past appliances in illogical locations?  

As an architect, I see this all the time.

It happens because most houses are built for a generic buyer, and not for the specific needs, habits, preferences and routines of the people who actually live there.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the reasons that a home feels like a sanctuary, and share my tips for briefing your architect so you can build a home that truly reflects you.

Building a Home with Harmony

If you’ve ever lived in a home that doesn’t work for your family, you’ll know what a huge impact it can have on your day-to-day life.

Imagine starting your morning dealing with limited bench space, which leads to feeling rushed through chaos to get out the door. It’s not exactly a recipe for a stress-free day!

On the other hand, a house that’s designed for the way your family works, can be a haven: streamlining your routines, reducing clutter, and even boosting your mood, giving you more time and space for the things you enjoy most.  

Here's why designing your house around your family, routine and lifestyle makes such a difference: 

Flow and Functionality  

This is the difference between reversing out of a driveway every morning and pulling straight out. A well-designed home that moulds itself around your routines and needs creates a smooth flow for your daily tasks, saving you time and frustration.

Your Stuff, Your Sanctuary

Our belongings reflect who we are. A good home design incorporates storage solutions that keep your favourite things organised and easily accessible. When you can effortlessly find what you’re looking for, your home will give you a sense of calm and order.

De-Cluttering for De-Stressing

Clutter anywhere in your home only increases the feeling of chaos that can weigh you down. A well-designed home will make sure there’s a place for everything that’s important to you. When everything has a spot, it’s easier to keep things tidy and reduce mental clutter.

My Tips for Building the Perfect Home for Your Family

So with these things in mind, how do you design and build a home that reflects you?

Here’s my tips for briefing your architect so you achieve a home design that’s right for you:

Tip 1: Start with the Essentials

Building the right home starts with the basics.

You’ll need to consider the natural elements of the building site, any limitations you might face thanks to local building regulations and of course, the things that are most important to you based on your family’s unique needs.

Tip 2: Consider How You Like to Live

This part of the brief is where your dreams and desires should come into play.

Think about how you live, where you work, and how you relax. Do you need a home office with a view? A zen room for yoga? A bigger than usual kitchen? A reading nook? 

Sharing your vision with your architect is key to ensuring that you get a home that brings joy and harmony into your life.

Tip 3: Sustainability Matters

Today's homes consider the environment.  

Natural light, energy-efficient materials, and even incorporating passive cooling techniques are all part of building a sustainably responsible and comfortable home, that will deliver comfort (and energy savings) now and into the future.

Tip 4: Planning Your Budget 

Sharing your budget with your architect early will help them to make clever choices so you can incorporate all your priorities into your home design.

Whatever your dream home might include, there are ways to make it a reality, from staged construction to exploring smaller, more affordable options.

Tip 5: Don’t Forget to Future Proof  

Life changes, so consider how your home can adapt.  

Multi-use spaces and accessible design features can ensure your home remains a sanctuary for years to come.

Tip 6: Safety and Security  

A well-designed home puts safety first. 

Work with your architect to ensure your home meets all building codes and incorporates features that keep you and your loved ones comfortable.

Your Architect Should Be Your Partner in Building the Perfect Home

A great architect will work with you to build your brief and guide you through the design process, from initial sketches to building permits and construction.

Ready to stop living in your house and start living with it? 
I work with families to design and build new homes and renovations that brings harmony to their way of life. If you’re embarking on a home build, get in touch with me to chat about how to design a home that reflects your unique style and needs.

Photo by Daniil Silantev on Unsplash