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Taos Kitchen William S. Briggs, architect, p.l.l.c.

In one way or another, all projects begin and end with one simple concern: cost.  No matter the size, the budget allotted to a project is either near or at the heart of all design decisions. When allocating funds to a new construction or home renovation project, it is important that sufficient money be dedicated to ensuring the functionality of the home. As I’ve said many times before, good design must be both beautiful and livable. 

I understand why homeowners come to me ready to dive into the details of their project. Truly, there are many fun and exciting decisions to be made about cabinets, appliances, materials, fixtures, and finishes. But, there is little joy in designing a perfect kitchen on paper only to realize it will not fit within the homeowner’s budget. This is why I have a specific design process that I like to follow for each project.

When I’m working on a design, I find myself less concerned with the final details at the start and rather more concerned with how many linear feet of cabinets or square feet of flooring are required. I like to look at multiple levels of appliance packages and lighting qualities. A kitchen could be beautifully decorated, but if it does not provide the cook enough space to work in it is useless. I also take into account how the space serves its homeowners. Hallways must be wide enough to maneuver in, the flow of the rooms in the home must be in order, and the materials should stand up to their intended uses and the space in which they are located. Once the floor plan is clear, we can revisit the budget to see what appliance package makes sense for the kitchen and what kind of flooring is both affordable and attractive. 

By deciding on the budget before and during the design process, homeowners save themselves time, frustration, and money. As I work with clients during the drawing process, we start with the big issues and overall vision and work down to the minutiae. This ensures that all key components of good design are examined and decided on before the project begins. Seeing renovations come into being can be fun, not a stress.

214.696.1988

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

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Taos Project William S. Briggs, Architect, p.l.l.c.

As an architect, I regularly design projects that utilize luxury materials like Carrara marble, travertine tile, and high-end appliances. While it’s enjoyable to anoint a space with the finest finishes, a client does not need to have an endless budget in order to achieve good design. When designing a new project, I lavish the same attention to detail, scale, and proportion on it regardless of the size or scope. A well designed home or project should be born from the notion that form and function must work seamlessly together.

During a project in a neighborhood near our Dallas office, we used rather mundane exterior materials to great aesthetic effect. Off-the-shelf cementitious siding was transformed into an interesting and patterned façade. Doric columns set off the front door. A pergola over the front porch adds depth, while a small shed roof and balcony on the second floor add yet more dimension and visual interest. Rather than use regular shingles for the entire roof, metal roofing was added to set off select areas like the entryway and a few other windows.

It is always important for us to find a willing partner in such a process. We were able to work with a contractor who shared, even drove, our vision and they were able to execute this project at the highest level. The Greenwells’ ability to craft the materials chosen for the home’s exterior brought our vision to life.

When working with ordinary materials or a limited budget, some homeowners may feel like their options are limited. I’m glad that I can share this project with them as an example of the kind of extraordinary project that can be achieved when good design is the priority. 

William S. Briggs, Architect, PLLC
214.696.1988

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