We utilize two somewhat divergent strategies in designing our custom homes and we believe that each of these approaches is inseparable from the other and both are equally important in determining the success of our projects.

At the outset of the design process, we typically meet with our clients at their site to discuss and see firsthand the opportunities and constraints imposed by the land itself. Typically, this will include a range of issues: existing topography, views from the homesite, driveway access, sun exposure, existing trees and other vegetation. During this initial site visit, we will discuss any preconceptions or ideas our clients may already have regarding how they would like for their new home to respond to the existing site conditions.

Information gleaned from this initial site visit, along with other pertinent background materials--including a soils report, topographical survey, and a review of relevant Design Regulations--provide us with necessary guidance to initiate design of the home "from the Outside/In". Or, to put it differently, these various site-related issues can be thought of as "external determinants" or outside forces that shape project design.

Equally important to the overall success of the project are "internal determinants", which also tend to shape the project, but they impact the project's design "from the Inside/Out". Primary among these factors is the client's Design Program, which typically includes the client's overall goals, needs, and preferences, in addition to the more tangible physical and spatial requirements. Physical requirements of the project-that is, the individual spaces or "rooms" to be included in the design, as well as specific features and elements included within each space-and the inter-relationships among spaces are important considerations and we focus on this information while preparing our initial floor plan layouts.