In the world of luxury design, differentiators are paramount. When I was President of Architecture at Toll Brothers, we spent a lot of time collaborating with the marketing folks discussing value propositions, or value props. These value props helped us focus on what set us apart. Luxury home building is a crowded space, so we needed to explain why we were different. As an Architectural Digest Pro, I quickly learned that many prospective clients were overwhelmed with choice, and many were more similar than they were different.
As the client, you’ll need to understand how to find the right architect, which means digging into their value proposition and understanding what makes one architect better than another for your project.
Here are all the factors that you should consider when searching for the right architect to build your luxury custom home.
Considerations for Luxury Home Architects
Ask these questions, both in your search process and when speaking to potential partners in your first consultation. You want to be sure that you choose an architect who not only matches your desired aesthetic and style, but one who communicates according to your preferences as well.
- What is your approach to design? Do you have a distinct style that will draw your clients? Or, do you create homes, or environments that are a reflection of the client and the site?
- How do you engage your clients? Do you have a quick meeting, ask a few questions and dive right in? Or do you spend extra time at the front end developing the architectural program and working through thought exercises to identify the clients style choices?
- How do you evaluate the site? Do you look at pictures and site plans? Or do you meet the client at the site to identify the best possible home location and orientation.
- What is your understanding of the local market and regulations? Are you well versed in local codes? Have you built in many markets across the United States?
- How do you, as the principal, stay involved with the client? Is your firm large enough that you hand the client off to a project manager? Or do you stay closely enmeshed throughout the entire process?
- What is your approach to collaborating with builders? Do you hand off the drawings and expect the builder to work out all the details? Or are you hands-on throughout the entire build process?
- What is your technical expertise? Has your exposure to the profession, however extensive, been as an observer? Or are you a craftsman who has hands-on experience in the construction industry?
- What is the depth of your experience? Is the luxury space new to you? Or have you spent many years building a reputation?
Beyond that, review websites with scrutiny. These include process transparency, client testimonials, and of course, portfolios. However, keep in mind that many clients in this space relish their privacy and a portfolio may not showcase the entire depth and range of work an architect is capable of.
Beautiful imagery and a stunning site, while convincing and important, shouldn’t be the only criteria you use to make your decision. Reviews, referrals, and word of mouth from friends or neighbors can help you determine the reliability of an architect or home builder. Social media and press can help you understand their personality and perspective. Doing thorough research will help you find the right connection.
The Power of Experience and Iteration
Be sure to specifically ask for details about an architect’s experience.
A personal anecdote: It’s often said that architects do their best work in their fifties. As a young architect, this was hard to swallow. However, true mastery requires years of refining one’s craft. According to research by Malcolm Gladwell, it takes 10,000 hours to become a master. However, there is such a strong interplay between structure, materials, systems, and emerging technologies, that for architects it can take longer. Additionally, location plays a key role in luxury designs. Understanding the effects of winds, seismic, climate, and variable soils are key factors.
That’s not to say a younger architect can’t achieve your desired results or provide a fresh perspective. It’s important to question experience to make sure whichever partner you choose has the right combination of knowledge, expertise, and capabilities.
Your Custom Build Team: Collaboration with a Custom Home Architect
Architects are responsible for the concept and details of design, but they also must collaborate to get to the finish line. Regardless of the number of professionals you have helping you, getting to the finish line involves an expert build team. The build team will execute all that you’ve prepared. How these teams work together will determine the outcome of the project. A good architect will engage the build team early in the process. This leads to more streamlined design decisions, better collaboration in the field, and better results for you.
Studio 314’s Perspective on Custom Luxury Homes
Luxury design is about more than just the look and feel of the home. It is about experience, collaboration, and execution.
Studio 314 has a history of building coalitions of professionals and collaborating strongly before, during, and after the construction cycle. We have been through thousands of repetitions in home design and construction in nearly every major building market and geographic archetype. We grew up working in construction and still craft furniture pieces in our spare time. Our process was designed to engage early and often, ensuring client success. We have a structured approach to help you identify your desired style, identify the architectural program, provide a beautiful design and complete construction document package, and work with you and the build-team providing end-to-end concierge services.
To learn more about our perspective, get in touch.
