My husband and I are gearing up to build a smaller house as soon as the last kid leaves in a year. I am trying to combine Retro-modern with Contemporary Craftsman designs, and have found all the wonderful ideas from Sarah Susanka to be ideal. Does anyone know an architect that would be willing to draw up plans based on our general ideas? We are not new to the process, and do have a little experience. I work in the furniture industry and my husband has done tile prfessionally, as well as built and remodelled several homes. I like the idea that less is more, and really want a completely useful house with nothing extra added. Any suggestions anyone?
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Just start asking around and having meetings with most any architect you find. I met with at least 7-8 designers/ architects/ builders before I met the architect who was perfect for our job. I can't wait to use her again when we save up enough money. :)
Also, on her website, I looked up architects for my state. I found that the ones that were listed and were in books that I liked (Taunton's Classic American Houses :Capes to be specific) many were way way out of our price range but were all very helpful in recommending architects who were more in our budget and were interested in smaller projects. Just call around and keep asking.
Also, if there are any renovations that you admire in your area, go up to the owners and ask them who designed. Most owners are so thrilled to talk to someone who is interested in their project that they will answer most any question willingly.
Carolynn:
Susanka's 'Not So Big House' web site includes a directory of building pros who've indicated an interest in 'small house' design and construction. try:
http://www.notsobighouse.com/listings/index.cfm?fuseaction=cListing.displaySearch
...and for a great source in the small house vein try 'Lucia's Little Houses' at
http://www.knightarchitect.com/LLH.html
Edited 10/13/2004 1:37 pm ET by mikefortytwo
Carolyn,
I don't know the area in which you live, but we have been well-pleased with Kenneth Dahlin of Genesis Architecture (http://www.genesisarchitecture.com). He has won the Better Homes and Gardens architecture contest several times, and has done some very beautiful modern, prairie, and Craftsman homes. We settled on him after interviewing several architects. He had the nicest aesthetic, and he was, what a nice surprise!, the most reasonable.
Good luck!
Sarah
We're having a plan modified from http://www.thebungalowcompany.com . You might find one of their plans suitable.