Definition of Residential Design

Home owners who plan on interacting with an architectural firm can benefit from exploring residential design related concepts before the residential design meetings begin.

Significance

Once an owner outlines her needs, a residential design project launches. The creative activity behind meeting the desires of architectural clients is considered the first phase of residential design. The outcome of this effort is a home design plan, which will contain illustrations and informative details such as the required building materials, fixtures, appliances, hardware, doors and windows. This initial phase is refined until construction documents can evolve from the approved plan.

Expert Insight

Michael Malone, author of the "Architect’s Guide to Residential Design," states that regular meetings with clients are unusual during the creation of the construction documents that lead to the building of a new home. Architects tend to minimize client contact during this part of the residential design process because of the technical nature of construction documents.

Misconceptions

It is commonly understood that clients don’t need to participate during the construction process. However, architectural clients can benefit from reviewing the final kitchen and bathroom layouts to inspect matters such as cabinet organization. A client might wish to increase participation during this stage of home design.

Negotiations

The residential design process includes negotiating and bidding on the home’s materials. Architectural clients can leave this phase in the hands of the architect because providing administrative services is normally included in the residential design process. The home owner can participate during this phase if he wishes, but it is not necessary because the owner has the final say after reviewing costs before approving of the architect’s construction contract.

Considerations

Talented architects offer clients the support they need during the construction of a new home. The residential design process may stretch beyond the scope of traditional architecture and into matters related to landscapes, interior design and pool or water features.