Design
In this area, we would like to share some basic design principles with you. These principles serve as a foundation for what we do at Lifespan. As we grow and adapt our business to your needs, we will add to the information here. Enjoy!
For starters, there are Seven Principles of Universal Design
- Equitable Use: The design is useful and marketable to any group of users.
- Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
- Simple and Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand.
- Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user.
- Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintentional actions.
- Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably.
- Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach and use.
These were developed by the Center for Universal Design under the guiding belief that all designs, both product and building environments, should be useable by an one individual with regard to age, ability, or circumstance.
What is Design Build?
You have probably heard this term over the years and may or may not know for sure what it means. In the most simple terms, design build integrates two processes into one. While you are designing the project, you are also estimating and “building” the project. It’s a leap frog approach. Design a little. Estimate a little. And so goes the process. The beauty of this was of developing a project has many benefits:
- You won’t invest time and money in a design that ultimately will not be feasible to build.
- You will develop a great working relationship with your builder along the way.
- Your project is designed and specified prior to the beginning of construction.
- You know ahead of time what area you need to conserve or indulge in.
Over the years I can’t tell you how many times I have met folks that embarked exclusively on the design phase of the project and reached the end of that journey only to be horribly disappointed that they have designed a project that is too expensive. It’s a defeating outcome and a huge emotional set back.
Design Build is integrated. It’s the most effective way to develop our project. That is why we employ design build processes even to our small remodels. Our first goal is to understand what you are looking for and develop an initial ballpark. If the ballpark is in the acceptable range, then we spend more time developing and so the iterations go until we reach our goal of a fully designed and estimated project. Ready to build!
Walk Towards The Light
I was reminded recently about a basic design principle that is simple but very effective. ” Walk Towards The Light!” or, the placement of windows and lighting in areas that draw you into the space, is perhaps one of the best design elements to incorporate into your new home or remodel designs.
I have heard two great designers talk about this. One is Sarah Susanka, of the Not So Big House fame. The other, and one that I am more familiar with, is Tessa Smith of The Artisans Group. It was Tessa that showed me how to incorporate this basic designer feature into designs over and over.
When you walk around a corner, you should either walk towards a window or a lit area such as a wall that has a focal point or a nice little element. We are programed to like this at an instinctual level. Dark Cave? Danger! Pretty trees out the window? Pleasant! Last year I finished a wonderful custom home in Littlerock that Tessa designed. She really used the “walk towards the light” feature a great deal and it showed. Almost every hallway and site line featured a window or a lighted area to draw you into the space. This tidbit, and many other wonderful features in the home, won it the People’s Choice Best of Show in this years Olympia Master Builders Tour of Homes!
Look for this the next time you enter a home or walk through yours. You will notice the absence of this feature if you are looking for it and appreciate the pressence when it’s there!
