The design of a new home all begins with an idea, a direction. It is a journey, littered with forks in the road and often no clear destination when the process begins. I understand that selecting an architect to guide you through the design of your home can be difficult, but it is one of the first and arguably the most crucial decisions in reaching your design goals. As you consider your design service options, it is important to understand how logical design and creative thought can impact your

construction investment. There is an old cliché: Good design does not cost, it pays. Although I wholeheartedly believe in the merits of that sentiment, the reality is that in the scope of your project, design is a very small percentage of your cost. The difference between our proposed service and that of a “plan shop” product is typically less than 1.5% of the estimated cost of your construction. To put that in perspective, a greater cost differential exists within the

selection of many finish materials or appliance packages. Equipment, materials, and finishes can be substituted and exchanged with minimal effect on the final outcome of the space. But without a competent builder to execute the design, quality architectural design is the only indispensable expense you will be faced with in achieving a successful outcome.

Of the many analogies for architecture and the design process, one is the comparison between an automobile and architecture. In the automotive world, there are many different makes of cars available to the market.

Be it a Hyundai or a Mercedes, they all share basic similarities: shiny paint, an engine, four tires, a steering wheel, windshield wipers, etc. And yet, one car may cost 10 times that of the other while performing the same basic function. Like architecture, the difference in price exceeds that of the cost of materials and manufacturing. It is the design.

It is the artful efficiency of how well one accomplishes one’s purpose. Where the comparison fails is that cars are produced, evaluated, refined, and adjusted for years. You will have only one chance to get your house right. You are building in a community that has historically valued and supported a high level of design quality.

The underlying charm of such hamlets is their architectural character. These areas are not like the mass-produced builder production neighborhoods any more than a Mercedes is like a Hyundai. That is not intended to be an indictment of those communities; it is simply to point out that, in the context of quality, an inferior product is, by contrast, exposed. So, what is the tangible difference in our service as compared to an unlicensed home designer?

Of the myriad aspects of the design process, I believe you can reduce them to 3 fundamental, interrelated objectives. Budget and Pragmatic Function: These two

items are interconnected because initially, the scope (size) is the only way to respond to budget limitations. Architecture is, in many respects, the art of providing the Client more by virtue of intelligent and efficient problem solving. This is not a subjective evaluation. A room configuration either efficiently solves the functional requirements, or it does not.

Although there may be more than one solution, it is always evident when a concept requires more funding to accomplish the goal, and therefore reduces the funds available for other purposes.

Tankersley: “When I am designing, I don’t always think about the beauty. But if the solution is not beautiful, I know that it is wrong.” Artistic Beauty and Detailing: Of all the noted objectives, artistry is the area most often compromised. Architecture is an art form that is all too often sacrificed at the expense of production efficiency. Neighborhoods are littered with large,

expensive plan-shop-designed homes, plagued by the same unappealing, ill-proportioned shapes and inaccurate, awkward detailing conditions that mass-produced track home communities are forced to accept. That level of design diminishes not just your enjoyment of the project but the return on your construction investment, Particularly In an area that understands good design. Given a canvas and paint,

the quality of the painting is limited to the talent of the painter. Wright: “Architecture is life, life taking form”. A well-conceived home that has been designed for its occupants is the literal manifestation of their daily existence. Client Services: I have a well-earned, excellent relationship with my clients. I listen. I do not dictate to them. I owe them my truthful expertise,

but respect their wishes and will always defer to their ultimate instructions. I provide a logical, timely delivery of documents and ultimately will do virtually anything to ensure your satisfaction. My Architectural path began in elementary school. I pride myself on my ability to provide the firm blends of Creativity, Precision,

and Innovative ideas for each and every space.The highest degree of pragmatic, artistic design, and technical competence available anywhere. I can confidently say that among the architects who produce a similar level of quality work, there is no more cost-effective alternative than CA Nelson Architects. I appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely,

Clayton A. Nelson: AIA, IIDA, NAHB President; CA Nelson Design Group LLC