AN ARCHITECT’S GUIDE
TO BRAINSTORMING FOR YOUR DREAM HOME
Copyright William Merriman Architects LLC 2016 ______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
Residential Architecture is simply telling a story about what your home will be.
It is a creative process of problem solving, collaborating and making thoughtful decisions.
It’s important to think about how you currently live and how you might live in the future.
By putting our thoughts on paper, we can begin to make decisions about what is important for the design.
We ask questions so that as Architects we can better understand who our clients are.
By listening to our clients, we can help them achieve their dream home.
______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
DATE of BRAINSTORM
______
CONTACT INFO
Mailing Address:
Contact #1: ______Contact #2: ______Phone: Phone: Cell: Cell: E-Mail: E-Mail:
______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
FAMILY
Names Work, Study, Space, Special Needs Age
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______
______
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Who is going to live in the house now, who will visit, how might things change in the future?
______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
Are there any additional family members or needs that should be considered in the design?
Do you have any pets that will be sharing this space? Do they have special requirements?
Any other considerations?
GENERAL BACKGROUND
What is your main goal or desire for this property / home?
Is this a permanent residence, retirement property, vacation home, investment property?
How long do you plan to remain in this home?
Is this a home that you will pass along to children or heirs?
______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
SITE INFORMATION
Lot & Block: ______
Zoning:
Approximate acreage:
What do you like about your site? What features would you like to highlight?
Are you aware of any challenges the site poses?
Do you foresee any future developments with this land that should be considered?
Are you aware of any open permits, covenants, restrictions or design review board requirements?
______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
BUDGET AND TIMELINE INFORMATION
Person(s) responsible for project decisions: ______
What is the approximate total budget for this project?
What is your desired square foot budget?
Will you require financing?
What is the preferred timeline for Architecture? For Construction?
Is there a preferred move in time period? Winter Spring Summer Fall
Constructed all at once or in phases?
______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
GENERAL SIZE & SCOPE
What square foot size would fit your living space needs? What square footage is your current home?
Would you like a garage included? Attached? Size?
Special Garage Requirements? Any larger vehicles? (RV’s, campers, etc.)
Basic configuration – Single level, Two level, Three level?
Would you prefer main living spaces up or down?
Other space needs?
Are there specific views to be highlighted? (ie. mountain, water, trees, sunrise, sunset, etc)
______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
LIFESTYLE
Entertaining: Formal Informal Combination or both
We Entertain: 1-2 times / week 1-2 times / month 1-2 times / year
Average # Guests: 1-6 7-12 More than 12
Entertaining Type: Meals Music Games Video games Drinks Watching TV/movies Other ______
What cooking facilities are desired? Average Above Average Elaborate 2nd Kitchen
Does more than one person cook at a time?
Where do you eat most of your meals? Dining Table Kitchen Table / Nook Kitchen Counter Family Room ______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
ACTIVITIES, HOBBIES, SPORTS & MUSIC
Are there certain hobbies that you need active space or storage areas for?
Do you have a piano or musical instrument that needs its own space?
Do you need space for a children’s play area or toy storage?
STORAGE What are your current vehicle and parking needs?
Do you have extra sporting equipment / machines that need to be stored in the basement or garage?
What are your kitchen and pantry storage needs? Food storage needs?
Do you prefer garage, attic, or basement storage?
What are your clothing storage needs? Minimal (rod and shelf) Medium (some additional built-ins) Extensive
Do you prefer clothing, shoes, etc. to be visible when stored or behind cabinet doors? ______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
SPACE PLANNING
What rooms/ spaces would be important to include in the design?
Entry / Foyer Formal Living Formal Dining Family / Great Room Wood Storage
Kitchen Nook Office / Study Laundry 2nd Laundry
Master BR Master Bath Hall Bath Guest Bath Dog Wash
Bedroom(s) # ______Library Family dining Butler Pantry Safe Room
Arctic Entry Sun Porch Attic storage Basement storage Gallery
Home Gym Greenhouse Pool/ hot tub/ sauna Accessory dwelling unit Bar
Keeping room Potting room Sewing room Hobby space______Balcony
Wine cellar Root cellar Dressing room Family entry Cupola
Other: ______Home Theater Outdoor Kitchen Outdoor Other: ______Cedar closet ______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
SPECIAL FEATURES
What special features are you interested in including? (Check any that apply) Built-ins and special cabinetry Custom product design (ie. windows, doors, hardware, Window seat(s) masonry fireplaces and chimneys) Library Custom product integration (nana walls, lift systems) Home office Exotic material integration (salvaged materials, furniture, High-end kitchen cabinets, counters, appliances large slabs, unmilled lumber, etc.) Back-up generator Integration of ‘smarthome’ technology; automated blinds, Timber framing security, intercoms, soundsystems Existing structure/ remodel Detached structures and Outbuildings, sheds, Custom trim details/ profiles greenhouses, etc. Water features, bridges, special glass Bays, enclosed/ exterior porches, balconies, decks Swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, exercise rooms Chimneys Outdoor living spaces, patios, walkways, pergolas, site Extensive Timber Framing walls, fire pits, etc. Exposed structural elements (decorative metal plates, Hidden room, moveable bookcase, etc. bracing, tie-backs, etc.) Outdoor shower Workshop, hobby space, garden shed Fish & game processing space Unfinished spaces to be completed at later date
______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
LANDSCAPING
What is the general scope of landscaping and site work required? Minimal Moderate Extensive
Will landscaping be completed in stages or all at once?
Who will be completing the landscaping and site work? Homeowner Professional Landscaper Combination
What type of driveway material do you prefer? Gravel Asphalt Concrete Pavers
What type of landscaping do you prefer? Lawn Trees Gardens Mix Patio Deck
Would you like to include lighting in the landscaping design?
Do you require a fenced yard?
What activities will you use the yard for?
Do you require special areas for parking?
______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
ARCHITECTURE STYLE
What style of home do you live in now?
What styles of homes have you lived in previously? Is there a time period of home you like?
How would you summarize your preferred style: Traditional Contemporary Modern Rustic
Do you have any pictures or books that represent your style preferences?
What Architects or designers do you gravitate towards?
How would you prioritize your design goals? (number in order) ___ I am interested in achieving stylish / beautiful appearance ___ I want my home to function effectively for my household ___ I want my home to reflect our personal tastes ___ Other ______
What are you seeking to achieve with your new home?
Are there other design or style considerations worth mentioning? ______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
INTERIOR DESIGN
Do you require assistance selecting furniture, fabrics, lighting, paint colors, etc?
Who will decorate the home? Homeowner Interior Designer Decorator
Do you have existing furniture that will be moved to the new home?
What type of window coverings do you prefer? Shades Shutters Curtains Blinds None
Is there any art work or collections that you would like displayed in your home? Special lighting needed?
What are your preferred floor finishes? Wood Tile Carpet Stone Brick Cork Concrete
What kitchen countertops do you prefer? Quartz Granite Marble Wood Man-made Metal
What type of ceilings do you prefer? 8-9 foot 9-12 foot vaulted
What type of sinks do you prefer? Stainless/metal Ceramic/Porcelain Man-made Cast-iron/Porcelain ______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
CONSTRUCTION METHODS & MATERIALS
Are there certain construction products or methods you would like used in your project?
I am interested in the following (circle any): Cost effective materials Durable materials Fine materials
How important is it to you to include green design, products or elements in your project?
Do you have interest in passive house design, a super-insulated home or alternate energy sources?
What type of heating system are you interested in? Back up?
Would you prefer multiple heating zones within the house?
Would you like a fireplace, masonry heater or woodstove included in your home?
Do you prefer gas or electric appliances? Any special appliances?
Any particular brands / sizes for appliances? Hidden or visible?
______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
ARCHITECTURE & CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
Have you had a home designed/built a home previously?
Have you worked with an Architecture firm before?
Would you prefer to select a floor plan or have one designed from scratch?
What are your preferred modes and times for communication?
What is your general availability for meetings?
What level of three-dimensional visualization do you desire for your project? (circle one) Minimal- 2d only Medium- limited 3d High- full 3d views, video, models
What level of assistance do you need in selecting plumbing, lighting, flooring, cabinetry, paint colors, furniture, etc? (circle one) Minimal- advice and guidance Medium- product suggestions and guidance High- full selection by Architect
______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com
This is the end of the brainstorm, and the start of the design process!
Use this page for additional notes, pictures, doodles, etc.
______4011 Arctic Blvd., Suite 102 | Anchorage, Alaska 99503 | T – 907.929.2950 | www.merrimanarchitects.com