What makes exceptional design exceptional?

A recent article by Diego Rodriquez explored the parallels between the creative process of Jerry Seinfeld and the team that designs Porsches.  Both are dedicated to their craft, and I found similarities in both of their processes and the process of creating exceptional custom home design.

1.  Insist on great fundamentals

To start the design process off right—you need to point the rocket in the right direction.  That is why we spend a great deal of time upfront with our clients during the architectural design process to determine the essential objectives of the design function and feel.

2.  Obsess over details

Even things that the average person may not specifically notice—are noticed.  The overall experience of the joke, or the car, or the custom home is "shaped by myriad details whose sum is greater than its parts."  Details always matter.

3.  1% inspiration and 99% perspiration

The path of least resistance does not lead to exceptional design.  Put in hard work and thought and review, and then put in some more hard work and thought and review.  After the fundamentals are established and the details are evaluated, think and review multiple times to elevate the design to the extraordinary.

Home Values are on the Rise....

Trulia researches and track trends in the real estate market.  According to their recent findings, the listing price for homes on the market rose 7% within the last year.  At the same time as these prices were rising, the affordability gap between renting and owning a home remains very favorable for home ownership.  In fact, their research indicates that it is 44% less expensive to own a home than to rent.

Low mortgage rates play an important role in the price of current home ownership.  Although rates were rising in March, the 30-year fixed rate (according to Freddie Mac) dropped from 3.9% to 3.5% between February 2012-2013.  These rates are historically quite low, and make the current home buying and building market quite attractive.

We are encouraged by the increase in the market activity, and are optimistic that we will continue to see an increase in the market demand for home ownership and home building.

Spring is a good time for...

April is here and spring is on the way.  When the weather warms up and the buds start to pop—it is a good time to make sure your home is in good shape.  Here are a few ideas:

1.  Inspect the outside of your home to determine if the roof, chimneys, exterior walls, and windows need attention and maintenance.

2.  If you have a battery back up on a sump pump system, it is a good idea to make sure it is in working order.

3.  Change your HVAC filters or schedule your spring maintenance with your HVAC service provider.

4.  Clean the range hood to eliminate accumulated grease build-up.

5.  Clean your dryer vent and vacuum lint out of the edges of your lint filter.

6.  Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order with fresh batteries.

7.  Double check that you have fire extinguishers placed in key areas throughout your home.

8.  Clean your deck, patio, or screen porch.  Then as the weather improves, kick back with family and friends and appreciate the breeze and blooms of the new season.