[FAQ Series] Can I design my own house?

We are continuing our blog series about Frequently Asked Questions. These are compiled from Google search suggestions, so we know that a lot of people have the same questions in mind. Today’s entry is for those who want to participate in the design process for their own home.

• Can I design my house by myself? Can an Architect work with my design?

  Clients approach us with extremely varied levels of preparation - from the ones with a blank sheet, just seeking ideas; those who have been thinking through, collating Pinterest boards or magazine clippings over time; to clients who already have a floor plans or the outcome in mind. No doubt that with the advent of digital tools (and even more so with the introduction of AI), we’ll see more and more that clients may approach Architects with sketches or even sets of plans in hand.

  Can you do this? Yes. Should you do it? Well, it’s complicated.

  We love working with clients who have strong ideas, but our strong recommendation is to hold your design loosely with open hands. Take it as a starting point. See what it can evolve to as you work with your Architect.

  To say to an Architect “just draw this!” is to misunderstand the skills and insight that we bring to every project.

  As an analogy, think of a skilled and passionate chef. You could say to them “Just cook me this, exactly as I want it.” Can the chef accomplish the task with skill? Yes. Would you be missing out? Absolutely. A good chef would know the local produce - what’s fresh, what’s available. They’ll have a deeper understanding of food - how it ties in with culture. They’ll have a vision of how the food ties in with the dining experience to create something memorable. By all means, tell them what you like and dislike - that will help them craft the experience just for you. But limit the possibilities too tightly, and you would be the one who misses out on what their craft and skill could bring.

• Can I provide CAD drawings by myself?

  For those with CAD skills, I would say again - by all means, do your early preparation, try and create something. But hold it with open hands. Use it as a starting point. Be open to how it may evolve and change.

  One point I always want to make is that the drawing set itself is a language of communication - it’s what the linework represents that really matters. In other words, we often “translate” matters of design - in use, how it makes you feel, how it shapes behaviours and life - back into linework as a language of communicating with Builders, Engineers and Certifiers. Sure, we work hard to make the Documentation set accurate, but it’s what the plans represent that is used and felt everyday.

  If you are merely developing a “house plan” - thinking of the pragmatic needs of rooms, sizes and features without considering the design or emotive aspects - then you may be able to provide an accurate plan, but what it represents wouldn’t generate a good outcome. To design a house strictly in CAD is almost a guarantee that the spaces will be there, but it will be lacking in joy and richness. Tools shape outcomes after all, and using CAD to design will definitely affect what you get in the end.

• Can I employ an Architect for the Concept stage only?

  We’ve sparingly done work that was Concept-only before, and we’ve also participated in a project where we’ve carried forward work that other Architects or Designers have started.

  I would strongly advise against working this way. These projects never seem to turn out as well as they should.

  Personally, I understand the temptation to minimise Documentation fees. The trouble is you while you make small savings on Consultant fees, the repercussions can be permanent, and likely to be felt throughout the life of the building. Taking short-cuts for design and consultancy is a false economy. Don’t do it. You may save a few grand, or even tens of thousands - but an imperfectly or clunkily resolved build will be felt, and I’m sure that has impact on its resale.

  Keep in mind that whatever drawings, specifications and schedules you provide form part of your Contract with the Builder. The less detailed it is, the less prepared and protected you are.

  It’s also important to note that in Australia, the copyright of the design usually lies with the Architect or Designer. In other words, in paying or engaging an Architect, you are actually purchasing a single-use license to use the design on a specific site. For Concept-only engagements, I would strongly recommend obtaining a written acknowledgement or release from the Architect or Designer so that you don’t run into problems with matters of copyright.

  In recent years we have had two projects where our Engagement has ended after the Design stage - and these were for people who are already in the trade. We’ve never stood in the way of them choosing to approach a project this way, and have been happy to release our copyright for others to build upon our work. But I’m pretty sure that, for us, the outcome will need to be photographed either in snippets or from 50 metres away. Take short cuts, and there’s no hiding its ramifications.

At EVER we will lead, but we also believe that projects thrive through collaboration.

We love working with people who are passionate about design, especially with their own homes. We see our role as being a trusted guide - walking with the client, involving them in the process and the decision-making - so that, just as understanding an artwork makes it far more enjoyable, they understand how their home and its spaces came to be.

For the right client we’ve even run workshops in our studio - to give a glimpse of our world, to participate in design, and to get real-time feedback on developments or changes.

We value your collaboration.

But the client who knows exactly what they want, and isn’t open to walking the process together, is not someone we would work with. You could find another draftsperson or Building Designer or perhaps a service-oriented Architect to help bring your plans to life.

But in the end, the person who misses out would be you - and that’s not a trade-off that we’re willing to participate in.

If you have a project in mind, we would love
to chat with you about how we can help.

Give our Director Billy a call on 07 3726 5430,
send him a quick email (billy@everstudio.com.au)
or click here to Contact Us today!