The Elements of Style

When people ask me how I approach the design process, I tell them it's always based on three things:  The clients' ideas about what they want; the site's characteristics; and the architecture of the home. If I had to pick one of those factors that's been the most challenging for me to master, I'd have to say it's been gaining a firm grasp on architecture and the details that make up architectural styles.  And when I've been asked where that kind of background can be gained in the form of a reference book, I've always been at something of a loss to make a recommendation.   Basically, it's tough to narrow things down because architectural design is so huge a topic.  Without an architect's educational background and training, I've been left to pick up what I can mostly by paying attention to what I see around me - a challenge in itself in my area, where most

When people ask me how I approach the design process, I tell them it's always based on three things:  The clients' ideas about what they want; the site's characteristics; and the architecture of the home. If I had to pick one of those factors that's been the most challenging for me to master, I'd have to say it's been gaining a firm grasp on architecture and the details that make up architectural styles.  And when I've been asked where that kind of background can be gained in the form of a reference book, I've always been at something of a loss to make a recommendation.   Basically, it's tough to narrow things down because architectural design is so huge a topic.  Without an architect's educational background and training, I've been left to pick up what I can mostly by paying attention to what I see around me - a challenge in itself in my area, where most