Blog
 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
William S. Briggs, Architect

People love to share their renovation war stories.  It’s rare to go to a dinner party where guests aren’t commiserating about the cost of construction, delays, and budget woes.  When I hear these things, my first question is, “Did you use an architect?” and the answer is almost always a resounding “no”.  If only they knew how much trouble using an architect could save them.  Construction is not something you can make up as you go along, so a thoughtful and complete plan is a requirement.  

While it may seem optional to hire an architect, the process of working with them will help you save time in the end.  Professional architects and builders are experienced in dealing with local authorities and construction.  Navigating the permitting process to get approvals to build can be tricky, so having someone help you along can greatly reduce those headaches.  

Additionally, an architect will help you make timely and cost-conscious design decisions.  Making choices about everything from faucets to floors up front will help you stay on time and on budget.  Agonizing over a backsplash could cost you a month in construction time by creating an installation scheduling conflict.  Further, blueprints can help you truly visualize all of your design choices and then you can plan the costs accordingly.  A good budget can keep sticker shock at bay.  Finding out your construction loan is inadequate halfway through a project is a recipe for stress.  It’s no fun to live in a house you can’t afford.

The cost of good drawings may seem like a luxury, but I can assure you that they will pay for themselves in the end.  Less stress, quicker construction, and peace of mind are all worth the investment.  

William S. Briggs, Architect, PLLC
214.696.1988

William@WilliamsBriggs.com
http://www.williamsbriggs.com

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Architecture Designed by William S. Briggs, lllc

If you’ve ever watched HGTV or any kind of home renovation show, you have heard potential buyers wax poetic about their love for natural light.  I share their love for sunshine,  and look to incorporate it in many designs. On a moonlit night, great glass design will even give you the ability to walk through your house all hours of the day without even turning on a light.

With that said, too much glass makes it difficult to furnish a room and reduces space for art and other decor. So, the placement and size of windows should be considered carefully when building design decisions. Privacy can be an issue as well; too many windows leave a  homeowner feeling exposed. Consider using skylights or a clerestory windows to let additional light in while still maintaining your privacy.  

William S. Briggs, Architect, PLLC
214.696.1988

William@WilliamsBriggs.com
http://www.williamsbriggs.com

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Allman Pavilion at Lee Park, Arlington Hall Designed by William Briggs, Architect

We were thrilled to be part of the landscape renovations for Lee Park at Arlington Hall.  Lee Park has always had a landmark status in the City of Dallas.  Since being built in 2007 the Allie Beth and Pierce Allman Arbor Pavilion has been used for countless receptions, gatherings and celebrations. That said, this elegant structure may be among the most photographed places in Dallas. 

William S. Briggs, Architect, PLLC
214.696.1988

William@WilliamsBriggs.com
http://www.williamsbriggs.com

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Back Porch Renovation | William Briggs

Renovations are time-consuming, costly, and downright frustrating at times.  Why then do so many people renovate their home only to put it on the market?  Many homeowners say that they want to improve the resale value of their home.  Others think that they won’t be able to sell their home without improvements due to buyers’ fixation on “move-in ready" homes.  I feel that you should only renovate when you can enjoy the results.  

With that in mind, choose your renovation projects carefully.  Rather than tackling a huge project, choose one space in your house that could use a face lift or a new layout.  Perhaps your mudroom could use a more functional entrance and better storage.  Instead of gutting the kitchen, you can reface the cabinets and update the hardware for a whole new look.  There is no guarantee that you will  recoup the costs of the project in the sale of your home.  Take time to enjoy the rewards of renovation.  Consulting with an architect can help you unlock your home’s potential and help you find new ways to love your home again.  

William S. Briggs, Architect, PLLC
214.696.1988

William@WilliamsBriggs.com
http://www.williamsbriggs.com

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Limestone Home | William Briggs, Architect

It is so easy to be drawn to the many products are labeled as “green” or “sustainable” these days, but are these items actually saving the planet?  And are they really worth the extra cost?  When it comes to designing a new home or renovating an existing one, budget is no small consideration and paying extra for a label is not something we ever recommend to our clients.

The good news is that often an architect with some common sense and a good design can easily incorporates eco-friendly values and materials without labels or breaking the bank.  In fact, using local products like Texas limestone not only lowers the carbon footprint of the product, but also provides true Southwestern charm to a patio or walkway.  Reclaimed wood from an old barn or building can be used for built-in bookshelves or cabinets.  Repurposed stained glass windows can be integrated into a wall hanging or mosaic.  

Even the layout of a new home can be a part of a sustainable design.  This can stem from the type of insulation used and extend to  the way we position windows and openings to allow natural ventilation and natural light to flow through the home.  Low flow faucets and shower heads can reduce consumption and lower your water bill at the same time.  

With the right architect, I think you’ll find that green design and good design don’t have to be mutually exclusive- you just might need a little creativity to strike the right balance.  

William S. Briggs, Architect, PLLC
214.696.1988

William@WilliamsBriggs.com
http://www.williamsbriggs.com

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Kitchen Fixtures | William Briggs Architect Dallas

When approaching a construction project, it is easy for clients to focus on square footage and room layout, while forgetting to think about all the smaller elements that create each room’s form and function.  Often these smaller items are left in the builders’ budgets as ‘allowance’ items.  This means the builder has allotted an assumed cost for items such as towel bars, cabinet hardware, drawer pulls, and more.   Depending on how much has been budgeted for these items, the owner may find the selection of poor quality or incompatible with their design desires.  This often results in rising costs, potential delays, and frustration.

The reality is that items such as  door knobs and faucets are often the first point of contact with the house,, yet these items slip through the cracks in the design and planning stage.  Something as seemingly insignificant as cabinet hardware contributes greatly to a kitchen’s overall design look and functionality.  Traditional, modern, novelty, round, square, cup pulls, rings- all of these are types of cabinet hardware from which you can choose and each should be carefully matched with the style you are seeking.  Considering what you like and don’t like about you current kitchen’s layout and feel can help you hone in on the smaller details that will help you customize your new space.  

Making these selections with the architect during the design and planning stage will allow for better budget control, an easier construction process, and a more consistent design feel.  So don’t forget to sweat the small stuff- doorknobs matter, too!

William S. Briggs, Architect, PLLC
214.696.1988

William@WilliamsBriggs.com
http://www.williamsbriggs.com

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Park Cities Home | William Briggs, Architect

One of the best aspects of the Park Cities is the diversity in architecture.  Driving through the tree-lined streets offers views of homes of all sizes and styles- Tudors, Colonial Revival, Mid-Century Modern, and more.  The colors and materials used by each gorgeous home are only amplified by tasteful landscaping.  

When designing a home for the Park Cities a few years ago, I used a traditional style.  This home has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and four living spaces in over 5600 square feet.  The stone construction was accented with red brick trim and stained glass windows.  Natural light floods in from a myriad of large windows.  This home easily its into the rich variety by Highland Park and University Park homes. 

William S. Briggs, Architect, PLLC

214.696.1988

William@WilliamsBriggs.com
http://www.williamsbriggs.com

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
An Architect's Sketchbook | Williams S. Briggs

Here's a sneak peek behind the scenes of the design process.  These are some of my sketches I've produced prior or during the design phase. People may be under the impression that the ideas architects and designers come up with are arbitrary. The truth is we constantly think of ideas and different iterations of designs. It can start from one simple sketch and lead to multiple sketches. Sketchbooks are always at hand to jot down ideas whenever they come.  

William S. Briggs, Architect, PLLC
214.696.1988

William@WilliamsBriggs.com
http://www.williamsbriggs.com

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Miramar Home | William S. Briggs, Architect

Trends in the real estate market can often be at odds with good design.  Bigger is not always better, likewise, checking off a list of currently popular home features may not leave you with a home that feels like YOUR home.  If you’re thinking of building a house, working with an architect is the number one way you can ensure that you will get a well-designed home that has been built with your desire for quality and beauty in mind.  Here a few things to consider:

Will it live well?

Beauty AND functionality are important, and neither should be overlooked.  Obviously, you will be living in and around your home on a daily basis, so you want an environment that is pleasing to look at, as well as one that serves your daily needs.  Disposing of kitchen cabinets in favor of floor to ceiling windows is a decision to consider carefully.  Make a list of both functional and aesthetic features you must have in your home and be willing to compromise on the rest.

Square Footage is Just a Number

Focus on the layout and feel of the home rather than the overall square footage.  As long as the space is well utilized, the actual size is just something to put on a flyer.  Open floor plans are achievable in any size- you just need to use some creativity.  

What’s the Budget?

Every home has a budget.  The materials you use to build your dream home will dictate a large amount of the cost.  Is granite a must-have?  Heated bathroom floors a necessity?  Working with an architect can open your eyes to new materials available, as well as how to maximize elegance while still sticking to a budget.  

If you’re not sold on the homes available for purchase, consider new construction.  It can be just as affordable, while giving you control over the design process.  

William S. Briggs, Architect, PLLC
214.696.1988

William@WilliamsBriggs.com
http://www.williamsbriggs.com

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
S&D Oyster Company, Dallas

If the walls could talk, they would tell you what they’ve tasted, smelled, and heard over the last three decades from the kitchens and diners at the Dallas landmark, S&D Oyster Company.  They might also tell you they’re ready to show off their facelift  The two story addition to S&D Oyster Company is slated to open in early 2015.  

“Renovating a building as old and iconic as this has been a challenge,” said architect William S. Briggs who has been working on the project.  “It was imperative to maintain the structure’s historical character and New Orleans French Quarter feel, while updating it for a modern dining experience.”  Briggs brought an in-depth understanding of design and Dallas's unique sensibilities to the project due to his decades of experience designing homes and structures in North Texas.  Carrell Partners & Yost also worked on the renovation.  

Located at 2701 McKinney Avenue in Uptown, S&D Oyster Company has remained open during the entire two year construction project.  The addition, which doubles the existing square footage of the restaurant, will also include a full bar, two wood burning fireplaces, two full service kitchens, as well as courtyard for outdoor dining.  

William S. Briggs, Architect, PLLC

214.696.1988

William@WilliamsBriggs.com
http://www.williamsbriggs.com