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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

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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

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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