Good to Know: Working With An Architect - A Conversation with Clayton Vance
Last week, we got the chance to talk with Clayton Vance, the architect who worked on my house! Clayton is an extremely talented, classically trained architect based in Salt Lake City. Today for Good to Know, we’re sharing a few takeaways from our conversation, and talking about values, our processes and what home owners can expect from working with an architect.
Images by Lucy Call.
Why is design integrity important?
From our experience as an interior design firm, we sometimes get asked whether we design for different styles, especially styles that we don’t currently have in our design portfolio. We’ll tackle any style, as long as it has integrity. By this, we mean that the design is rooted in meaning or history, instead of just being based on trends.
We want everything we do to have a thought behind it. Why are we using it? Why do we like it? Why is it speaking to us? What is truly resonating with us?
What do you have against trends?
We are not completely against trends, but we want to make sure that your home is a representation of you, not what the internet says is the hot new thing. Our homes are the most personal place for us, they should not be where trends matter in your life.
Trends can have value in educating ourselves about design, but try to seek out what resonates with you, and what you truly love. It’s okay to do something that hasn’t been done before as long as it reflects you and what you like!
What is the benefit of having a builder, an architect, and a designer?
We are well aware that budgets can get in the way of plans, but whenever possible, we want to encourage people to hire an architect, a builder, and a designer for your project. As we’ve talked about in this blog post, all three groups are looking at different aspects of the home design, so you need all three for the best possible result.
The architect is typically responsible for the outside of the home, as well as the general interior floor plan. For architects like Clayton Vance, the utmost attention is given to the outer look of the home, and whether changes on the inside are impacting the overall look at the exterior. Clayton Vance sees himself as the creator of the framework for socialization in the house, and wants to create spaces for great experiences for every client that he works with.
The designer is focused on finishes and furniture, but also on how the space functions for our clients. We are concerned with flow and how our spaces work for our clients.
The builder is looking at the safety of the space, as well as making sure that everything is up to code and on budget. Ultimately, the builder and their team are responsible for executing the vision that the architect and designer have created.
Because everyone on the project is looking at different aspects of the home, it is vital to have all three involved. Ultimately, the collaborative process between all three groups is what allows for great design!
Questions to ask yourself before hiring your design team
For architects, designers, and builders, it’s our job to answer the questions that you never knew to ask. When our design firm takes on new clients, we ask a ton of questions about how you live, and what about your current living situation is working and what is not. However, there are some questions that you should ask yourself as you’re selecting your design team. We want to help people know themselves and what they want before they undergo this process, so answering these questions will help you find a team that aligns with your vision and style.
What is my budget? Do I have the budget to hire an architect and a designer, along with the builder?
What do I need from this new build / remodel? Is my current home supporting the way that my family and I live? Is there a layout that might function better for our needs?
What is the purpose of the home? How much space do I need for children and visitors? Do I want to entertain large groups? What do I want to accomplish while living in this space and how can I curate a space to encourage that purpose?
What design and architectural styles have I been drawn to throughout my life? What resonates with me?
What styles are trendy right now, but might not age well in a few years? More importantly, will those styles be difficult or costly to replace with more timeless options once they are out of style? For example, am I picking something trendy for my windows, countertops, or cabinets?
How long am I planning to live in this house? Am I planning on selling it and retiring somewhere else someday? If I want to live here for the rest of my life, how might getting older might change what I need from my home?
Things to Know before hiring an Architect
If you have a new build or a major remodel that you’d like to hire a team for, we recommend that you try and hire the builder, the architect, and the designer at the same time. Although you might not actually need the designer’s services for several months, they can consult and provide feedback on the design plans. As we talked about in this blog post, we’re constantly thinking about how the home functions. We love being in on the planning level and helping to make sure that the home functions as well as possible for you and your needs.
Hiring your whole team at the same time also allows everyone to be involved in regards to the budget. This helps for overall planning, and aids your team in producing the best home for you! Doing this work early in the project ensures that you are not going to run out of money before the design portion begins.
At the end of the day, good architecture and good design are all about making spaces that house good experiences. Designers and architects like us just want to help make your dream home a reality!