SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONWe asked homeowners a few questions about their homes and the process of working with an architect. Here’s what they had to say:
Q. How did you select this architect?
Q. How did you select this architect?
A. Homeowner: Ruth
Home #7: CityDeskStudio
We knew our design aesthetic, and researched local architects. We quickly narrowed down our search to two firms, then interviewed both groups and walked through various homes. We chose Christian at CityDesk because we really liked his design, and felt we could easily work together.
Homeowner: Sara
Home #8: Swan Architecture
We selected Swan Architecture because of the wide variety of homes they had designed in the past consisting of both contemporary and traditional styles. We felt they understood our vision for the house.
Homeowners: Amy and Daniel
Home #10: David Heide Design Studio
Before we decided to purchase the home, we were questioning whether or not this was the right place for us. We loved the fact that it was already a duplex, with matching floor plans and decent square footage on each floor, but it was very gloomy and neglected with a long dark hallway and stagnant rooms. Our realtor suggested we meet with David Heide who looked at the home with us several times and assured us that he and his team could transform the space. We were able to see other projects completed by David Heide Design Studios and we were very impressed with the quality of their work.
Homeowners: Ginny and Bill
Home #11: Acacia Architects
We selected our architect, Jeremiah Battles, after viewing many of the homes on the Fall 2008 AIA Minnesota Homes by Architects Tour.
Homeowners: Nancy and Mark
Home #14: SALA Architects, David O’Brien Wagner
We noticed David’s work while looking at the SALA Architects website. Later, he was recommended to us.
Q. What was your design intention?
A. Homeowners: Amy and Daniel
Home #10: David Heide Design Studio
We love the blend of classic style with modern minimalistic sensibilities. DHDS was able to design a space with modern features while remaining respectful to the original “story” of the home. The ideas were ones we never would have thought of on our own. One of our favorites is the kitchen walk-in pantry in the same colors as the updated kitchen, but with the classic cabinetry and countertop of what may have been in the original kitchen. Another was the suggestion to open up part of the wall from the entryway into the family room, but not leave it open (as may be appropriate for a contemporary home), but sculpt detail around the borders of the opening to fit with the Mediterranean style of the house.
Homeowner: Sara
Home #8: Swan Architecture
To design a home that was contemporary and sophisticated, yet comfortable and warm with plenty of open, usable spaces. We desired clean lines but didn’t want our home to feel cold and overly modern.
Q. What type of home did you want?
A. Homeowners: Ginny and Bill
Home #11: Acacia Architects
The type of home we wanted was one that was easy to entertain in—lots of space to seat people for dinner, parties, or picnics. We wanted it to look inviting so guests would feel at home right away, and could leave feeling refreshed—as if they had been on a retreat.
Homeowner: Ruth
Home #7: CityDeskStudio
We wanted a modern, clean, beautiful, functional home that reflected our lifestyle and family. Our last house had a lot of small spaces we didn’t really use, so this time we wanted a smart use of space. We wanted the home to have a natural flow and natural light. We wanted to take advantage of views of the park and all of Minnesota’s seasons, which we accomplished with a deck. And we wanted to be environmentally conscious.
Homeowners: Nancy and Mark
Home #14: SALA, David O’Brien Wagner
We wanted a small, contemporary, rectangular house with large windows facing an expansive view of the Mississippi River Valley. In addition, we wanted enough natural light in the house so that we could read during the daytime without turning on interior lights. Finally, we wanted passive solar and radiant heat, and efficient use of space.
