Top 5 Discussion Topics for Your Design Meeting

Once you’ve established the fundamentals—your budget, financing, rough timing, and most importantly, the lot we’ll build your house on, it’s time for the next step. You’ve done all the hard work, now it’s time for the easy and fun part – designing the house itself.

Tell us about your household…

Who will be living in and frequently visiting your house?  What are their ages and stage of life (i.e. pre-schoolers, high schoolers, empty nesters, adult parents, etc.)? Does your family include pets? Other key things we should know about your household include any mobility issues or work-from-home requirements.

Home Design Sketches of a new home in Vancouver WA

Which rooms are most important to you?

Tell us how you currently spend your time at home and how you’d change those patterns if you had the rooms designed just the way you like.  Anything out of the mainstream that we should be sure to accommodate? Have you been dreaming of an outdoor kitchen with a fire pit?  Or maybe you’d like a proper home office instead of using the kitchen table? Also, tell us about your storage needs, furniture layout, types and number of vehicles, etc.

How many bedrooms do you need?

How many rooms do you need, and what particular furniture should we accommodate in each one? Would it make sense for any bedrooms to serve a dual purpose, and if so what do you have in mind? Often once kids leave for college, parents convert their bedroom into a gym or craft room.

What’s your style?

Do you like things simple and clean-lined? Do you appreciate built-ins, unique details, and character? Does your home include treasures on display, or would you prefer an uncluttered look with a place for everything?  Do you prefer wide-open expanses or a cozier feel? Light colors, or warm and bright? Is there a well-known label for your style (i.e. Craftsman, Contemporary, etc.)?

What is your lifestyle, and what does home mean to you?

For some, home needs to be comfortable and easy to take care of. Others need a gorgeous and luxurious place full of special features and eye candy. Some people don’t spend a lot of time at home while others are there all day every day. Does your home, or part of your home need to be a calm retreat? Do you have an intense and busy schedule and would you appreciate features that are low-maintenance and help you stay organized? Do you entertain often? Are your visitors mostly adults or kids? Do you prioritize by functionality, style, energy efficiency, or aesthetics?

Whatever matters to you is important to us. The better we understand how you spend your time at home and what makes you happy, the more effectively we can design a beautiful home that truly suits you and your financial situation.