Designs usually develop with floor plans first. The existing floor plan is laid out on the site plan and the setbacks are added to reveal the build-able footprint of the house.
Within this foot print the new spaces are laid out. I often start with one plan but if there are clear options that have equal merit I may present two or more alternate plans.
The first plan(s) usually reveal the major possibilities and trade offs. Most clients when presented with a clear plan that grows out of their stated goals will need time to absorb the full implications of the plan. Most often they will want to revise it as they get closer to what they actually want and what can actually be achieved. Frequently discussion will reveal previously unstated criteria that will generate a modified scheme that more sensitively responds to the possibilities.
There is no one right way to move from the first plan to the next second plan. I usually give my clients a choice, would they like me to send the plans out first and then meet or just meet and have me review and discuss the first plan with them. Both approaches have real merit, if the plans are sent out first the client has more time to review it and make a response at their own pace. If the plans are presented in a meeting I can explain the complete reasoning , sometimes this creates a fuller understanding. Either way we arrive at a scheme that the client likes and has confidence in.
Once the plan is establish I then study the exterior and interior – first in two dimensional views (elevations) and then three dimensional views (perspectives). The study of the exterior may suggest changes to the plan to yield a better looking design.
Sometimes clients like to have plans and elevations presented at the same time. This takes more design time but can help some clients better understand the design as it progresses.
My usual method is to develop the design in stages with the client and to not become attached to any design idea before the client validates the direction. Another approach is to develop the whole scheme in detail and then present it to the client. I have found that different people receive and process ideas differently. For this reason the interaction and design process with each client winds up being unique and custom tailored.
