I should have stated that I've already had one set of plans drawn up in a great shingle style house, but it was too big and too expensive when it got priced out. And I also had a gut feeling that wasn't content with that style exactly. I really like it but just not sure it would do it for me to live in that house. That's why I posted - I'm wondering what to do with a person (me) who likes too many things! Renovator, we have already addressed most of your great questions. I'm just struggling with what feels like "home" to me - what makes me LOVE a house and not just like it, you know? It's been an interesting experience! And I already have an architect ... two in fact. We recently moved and I have been working some with my "old" architect in Ohio (we used her for lots of projects there) and also with my new one here in Illinois. Both are women who work part time from hom but have extensive experience - one is an architectural engineer (Ohio) and does extensive remodeling and addition work, although she's done several whole houses. The other spent years in an arch firm and also has a architect hubby who has been helpful, as well. They are both extremely reasonable on an hourly basis and like to have the other look over their thoughts. It's been helpful. And yes, I'm paying them both, but it's not outrageous ... yet. I think the problem isn't the architects, it's ME! ;) But I took some great advice off here and went to Illinois architect yesterday and said, "floor plan only" and which of course she totally agreed was the right course of action for now. We did come up with some great ideas.

With its wide overhangs...low pitched roof..."stucco" exterior (above the stone base) beam ends at the gable..arched doorways...and decorative horizontal banding above the front door, the house has a mediterranean feel to it. However the shutters on the windows may be confusing the style somewhat. You may need to further enhance the style by using clay tile roofing...stained wood beams...etc) If you really like the house as it is drawn, it may be in your best interest to mount the elevation on foamcore and have it colored in earthtone shades to give the review board a better idea. I dont know if you are working with an architect, but he/she may be able to help you with that. If you got the plan from a book, there may be a color rendering to work with. With minor revisions (shingle style siding...mullioned windows...green colored roofing) the elevation could also be made to have a craftsman appearance. Good luck.

Les, that was an incredible report on your evening with Candice!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! It sounds like the Smithe brothers did a lot of fine tuning for the evening compared to when I attended last year. We had the same welcome at the door by two of the brothers. I even asked them to sing the Smithe song which they did without hesitation. Where they've improved since my visit is with the store set-up. At that time, we were in the back of the store and altho they had a "stage" area and some chairs set, many people, including me and my girlfreind, were standing wherever we could the whole time because there was only one screen for the slide presentation. They did, however, offer the same wonderful food and beverages, as well as the complimentary copies of Candice's book. And you are so right, she is so friendly in person. And wasn't it fun to get more background information on the show itself as well as some of the projects they've done? After reading about the evening, I'm really kicking myself for not attending. I don't dare share your report with my SIL, tho. She'll really be upset that she didn't go. I sure hope they have another signing in the near future. This is the second time they've used the Oak Brook store. They have their newest store in the Lincolnshire area which is just as nice and they've had only one event at that location. Thank you again for taking the time to write such a great recap of the entire evening.

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