Mid-Century Modern Remodel

BUILD LLC recently completed the design and remodel of a mid-century modern home in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood and has some valuable information to share.   As with many of Seattle’s mid-century residences, this home was overdue for considerable updates.  The “bones” of these structures are typically very solid; the concrete and framing can be surgically retained and, oftentimes, featured for their richness and texture.  Efforts and funds can be directed toward reorganization of the space planning as well as the kitchen, bathrooms, cabinet package, surfaces and systems (heating, plumbing, electrical).

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The Process of Architecture

We’ve received some good questions lately about the process of architecture from the homeowners point of view.  What do the different design stages look like graphically?  When does the process go from diagram to actual architecture? Why do the graphics look the way they do?  How does the imagery evolve and become something you can actually build from and eventually live in?

All admirable questions and ones that should be better explained by us architects.  Given that it takes an average of 6 years to learn the architectural design process in school and another decade to really learn how to implement it in the practice of architecture – the process can be a bit esoteric.  This blog aims to communicate architecture in such a way that it’s more understandable and accessible to people.  So here goes… the quick and dirty guide to the architectural process.  Now take this with a grain of salt – this is just our process, it’s not the right way or the wrong way to design, it’s certainly not the only way.  Put ten architects in a room together and you’ll get ten different processes (in addition to a bunch of black turtle necks and acronyms you’ve never heard of).

Step 1: Interview and initial discussions
Often a couple of architects are interviewed, the homeowner(s) and the architect(s) figure out if there is a good fit with one another.  Sometimes a homeowner just knows who they want to partner with (based on a raving recommendation or a specific design philosophy, etc.) and they skip the interview step.  Typically the architects have a portfolio of past projects to review and possibly examples of their process.

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