Home Design

Local architect talks about the local trends in home remodeling Sparta - Thinking of renovating your home? Adding more space? Are you planning to sell your house? Giving your house curbside appeal and making it desirable to potential buyers is a must in today’s market. Do you have what it takes to design your own space? Or should you seek professional advice? We sought the advice of architect Suzanne Sowinski, of Sullivan and Sowinski Architects in Sparta, who provided us with answers to some common concerns and questions. Sparta Independent - Are folks reluctant to seek out an architect? Suzanne Sowinski - By code, law, a homeowner is required to hire an architect, unless they do the drawings themselves. But that doesn’t allow the builder to draw up the plans for the addition. I think people believe it’s too much money to spend on something they can do themselves. But if you’re spending $150,000-$200,000 on an addition, it’s foolish not to spend the $5,000-$8,000 on a set of professional drawings. SI - What are the benefits to hiring an architect? SS - I tell clients that my job is to create and design a space that they want to live in, whether it’s a small or large space. I must also make sure the structure works while offering advice for choosing a contractor, future projects, finishes, etc. People are seeing the value to good design. Most clients have an idea of their needs. It’s taking it to the next level that can be hard to do. SI - What is the difference between an architect and a designer? SS - Anyone with an ‘eye’ for design can call themselves a designer, whether they are interior designers, contractors, planners or artists. An architect, however, goes through 10 rigorous studio classes in design, plus, classes in interior design, history, art, and photography. We are all taught to design, but not all architects are creative, and a designer may not think three dimensionally like an architect has been educated to do. SI - When hiring an architect, what can be expected regarding the price? Will it be a flat fee or percentage of the job? SS - It differs. Sometimes I offer a flat fee, sometimes a range. Design services are hourly and construction documents are a flat fee. SI - Should we have a clear vision of our prospective project and how to utilize space, or should we rely on our architect’s expertise to guide us? SS - Your finished product will be as good as your architect. Just like doctors, we are not all as talented, and some architects have distinctive styles. Ask to see their work. Sometimes homeowners have ideas and sometimes they don’t. Sometimes it’s easy and there will only be one or two possible ideas. Or zoning regulations may restrict what can be done. But if you don’t want a box, you have to let your architect do their job…create the perfect space for you. SI - What architectural designs from the past have lost their appeal? SS - Bi-levels and split levels that have small spaces and long hallways. Both have very little character. Typically these designs have mini bathrooms and small kitchens, and often lack closet space and curb appeal. It is very hard to renovate and update these types of design without a large budget. SI - What designs are making a comeback? What would you, as an architect, like to see again in house designs? SS - Built-in china cabinets, book shelves, window seats and walk in closets. Anything that adds character to the overall house. Storage is a big request as is a large kitchen with plenty of storage. Dining areas need not be formal anymore, but the requests are for an area that can seat 10 to 12. The formal living room still exists, but in combination with the kitchen or as a library. I think the house has become more centralized, an open plan without it looking modern. A traditional, individual way of living is in.” SI - What is a common request you get from homeowners interested in renovating? SS - I see “add-ons” and second floor additions as one and the same. But now that I think about it, adding a second floor may be more common, especially when zoning prohibits an owner from adding on to the foot print. A variance (if needed) for a second floor without any increases to the foot print is easier to obtain than a horizontal expansion. SI - You mentioned that filling in two-story spaces and cathedral ceilings is a common call you get. Why is that? SS - We’re talking about larger homes that have two-story entries or a two-story family room. This is generally found in moderately expensive houses built after 1985. Closing in some of these 20-foot ceilings is an easy way to gain space and privacy upstairs without losing any space. It makes the two-story areas more inviting. Think about it: Entering the home may feel grand, but then proceeding into the family room where people sit, talk, and watch TV, now feels less cozy, personal and inviting with 20-foot ceilings. SI - What is your opinion about four season rooms and sun rooms to gain additional living space? SS - I think you have to first take into account the sun’s position and how it relates to the space. These rooms get very hot because the roofs are glass, making them hard to control heat gain. You can get the same effect of a conservatory/sunroom with a lot of windows and a conventional roof. Also, sometimes these four-season rooms resemble restaurants. Sowinski observed that although it may be cheaper to do your own designs and draw the plans, it is a double-edged sword. If there are any structural issues involved, she noted, you will need an architect and will benefit from ideas you may not have considered, thereby adding character to your project. “With all the design magazines available and home renovation shows, people are realizing why they need an architect, and the positive value that one provides,” she concluded.