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 ______________ __________________________________________ ____ ______________ __________________________________________ ____ ______________ __________________________________________ ____ ______________ __________________________________________ ____ ______________ __________________________________________ ____ 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 nd Kitchen Nook Office / Study Laundry 2 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