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Architecture/lake view lot, difficulty finding a house plan with the living space on front.

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Expert: - 6/26/2004


Question
We've spent $600 trying to get a plan we feel comfortable with.  Putting stairs in a 1800 sq ft single level/2 bedroom; 3 bedroom would be ideal;great room/dining/kit; laundry; mudd room; powder room; another full bath; 3 car garage; and a porch to look out at the lake. We've spent hours looking at plans at Barnes & Nobles.

We've found a plan that uses every inch of space efficiently but of course everything is oriented for the back yard.  Do you know of any resource that would be of any help for us?  We've been working with an architect.
Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.

Answer
Rue:

Thanks for your question!

I was following along with your comments until you said you are working with an architect - hasn't he come up with a plan you like?

If not, then either you haven't clearly articulated to him what you're looking for, or you need to find another architect.

Is this person truly an architect or a "designer"?  I'm asking because $600 is a very, very low price for an architect.

You're not likely to find a plan in a book that has the custom features you're looking for.  Plan books houses are generic by design.  Your architect is the one that should be helping you.  Find out what he needs from you to do his work properly, or find another architect.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com

Architecture

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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