5 Design Strategies in a Tough Market
Just when we think we have it figured out, the market throws us another curve ball. As architects, we anticipated taking a hit due to the pandemic, and we did at the beginning, but then the building market took off and suddenly we were busier than ever.
Now, construction labor shortages and staggering material costs are causing chaos. Our advice to those getting ready to build or renovate? Slow down and give a little more time to the design process.
Here are five design strategies to think about:
Plan well. Now is a good time to start planning a project with an architect, while you wait for the market to calm down. More time is always better for design work. Give your project the time it deserves to be fully thought out and documented, ready to go when the time is right.
Create a master plan. Similar to the above strategy, but expanding on the project that might be priority #1. Projects are often linked and taking them on one by one, can create duplications in the work or rethinking of the original priority. Get a master plan done with an architect that can be implemented in stages, making sure it all works together in the end.
Be creative. Can’t get that specific siding or flooring? As architects we’re always looking at alternatives, and this added pressure might be just the thing to get you to think outside the box and use interesting and durable materials.
Simplify. It might seem like simplifying would be, well, simple. But to do this in a building design takes an architect's focus and time. Paring down the design noise is a process of distilling to get at the essence of a place, shape, material or color. Fewer material choices simplifies the construction schedule.
Think. Often clients underestimate the time it takes to evaluate and digest the designs we create. Give yourself the luxury of pondering the effects of each design decision. Slowing down the process can be a great way to increase the quality of your design.
