Texas Hill Country - Need Help With Plans

5 years ago

We are looking to build within the next few months in the Texas Hill Country on about 10 acres. We've hired an architect who has proposed some initial plans that we aren't crazy about. We are looking to build a 2800-3400 sf home that is 4 bedrooms plus an office. Single story. Anyone know of any plans that you really like that would fit the bill, at least as an interesting starting point?

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AnnKH

5 years ago

I've never worked with an architect, but I've read an awful lot of home building posts here. I would guess that a client is hardly ever 100% happy with the first draft from the architect - because it's impossible for the client to perfectly convey all of their wants and needs up front. Sometimes we don't even know exactly what we want or don't want, until we see it.

It seems to me that the next step would be to meet again with the architect, and tell them specifically what you do and do not like about the proposed plans, and why. The next iteration should be much closer to meeting your goals.

Good luck!

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Comments (17)

PRO
Virgil Carter Fine Art
5 years ago
Why aren't you "crazy" about the plans you have?

What sort of property and what sort of location do you have?

Who will use the house and how do they live?

What is your budget or is it important?

Your post raises more questions than it answers.

One thing is certain: you will get a much higher quality design and one that is tailored to the important questions above from an actual experienced and talented architect than you will ever get from a generic Internet plan factory.

Good luck on your project!
One Devoted Dame
5 years ago
Hey, there, I'm in Central Texas, too. :-)

That's rotten, that you hired an architect who doesn't seem to have connected you with a design you like. How did your interview(s) with him/her go? Could it be that they just need more information/input from you?

Are all of the proposed plans "start over from scratch" bad? Would you be willing to post them here, so we could take a peek? :-D

Anyone know of any plans that you really like that would fit the bill, at least as an interesting starting point?

Sadly, no. Every single one I've seen, from a floor plan website, needed too many tweaks that it wasn't worth squat, lol. A few posters here on GardenWeb/Houzz, have had what I consider to be excellent plans, but those plans were designed by a person of talent and experience. They wouldn't work *for me personally* but they were very well done.

10 acres is a fantastic piece of Hill Country to call your own. <3 It's so beautiful around here. If, at first, you don't succeed with this architect, either give him another shot, or try someone else. Don't give up! :-)
megamorph thanked One Devoted Dame
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PRO
Virgil Carter Fine Art
5 years ago
Be sure it's actually an architect with whom you are working.

The term "architect" is really thrown around carelessly on this forum...
PRO
Anglophilia
5 years ago
You might contact David Heymann, professor at UT Austin's School of Architecture. He designed George and Laura Bush's wonderful house on their ranch in Crawford <https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/laura-and-george-w-bush-prairie-chapel-ranch-texas-article?verso=true>; I absolutely adore this house! It represents everything people on GW constantly preach about vernacular style and site-appropriate.
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
5 years ago
If your architect is licensed in Texas, tell them what it is about the design you are not crazy about, and continue on with the design process.
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
5 years ago
Design is usually an iterative process. In my experience, most plans go through at least two or three revisions before finalizing the design. I don't think you need to throw away your plans or your architect because the initial concept isn't perfect.

Now that you've got an initial concept on paper, you can start refining it based on those aspects you like and those you don't.
dchall_san_antonio
5 years ago
Find as many plans as you can find on the Internet and see if you like any of them. Decide what it is you like and don't like about them, and pass that information on to your architect.
One Devoted Dame
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I absolutely adore this house! It represents everything people on GW constantly preach about vernacular style and site-appropriate.

I loooove vernacular architecture. It's just cool to be able to look at a building and say, "That's in Texas!" or "That's in Hawaii!" or "That's in England!!!" It's really neat to see how different peoples design their buildings/churches/homes; it gives you a little insight into the culture and geography.
Architectrunnerguy
5 years ago
The term "architect" is really thrown around carelessly on this forum...

Hey, watch it!!
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
Megamorph - I suggest you start some ideabooks on homes you like and features. Designing a home from the ground up is a delicate dance that takes time to evolve. If the plan doesn’t please you perhaps you need to revisit what your top priorities are, and start with orientation on your property. Has this architect visited your property? How often are you meeting? Communication is vital when utilizing an architect. They have varying abilities and if you don’t have a good connection and communication you need to find an architect you do connect with. You are at least a year from starting and construction if you don’t have a finalized plan now. This takes time. We can’t help you without more information.
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Virgil Carter Fine Art
5 years ago
I know, I know...
Holly Stockley
5 years ago
In fairness, sometimes the architects get thrown around rather carelessly on this forum. Being apparent gluttons for punishment, they always seem to come back.
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
I will give you an example. ( no offense to any licensed architect). I work regularly with 3 main architects. Each has special talents in different ways. I try to pair clients with the best fit for them. It has served me and my clients well. Have you secured a designer with construction experience? An experienced designer can be of immense help and save you time and money.
Architectrunnerguy
5 years ago
In fairness, sometimes the architects get thrown around rather carelessly on this forum.

Yeah, the last thing I thought would happen was getting heat for my annual 100 quote thread, but I did....LOL!
One Devoted Dame
5 years ago
Yeah, the last thing I thought would happen was getting heat for my annual 100 quote thread, but I did....LOL!

Mr. ARG, I am thrilled that the below quote *especially* applies to you and your 100 quotes!!!

Being apparent gluttons for punishment, they always seem to come back.
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
5 years ago
@ARG, I might need to get out more, but I always look forward to your year in 100 quotes. I guess others are more inclined to follow the wisdom dispensed by the Talking Heads in their classic, Psycho Killer: "Say something once, why say it again?"

Texas Hill Country - Need Help With Plans

AnnKH

Comments (17)

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One Devoted Dame

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