The first meeting is an opportunity for us both to interview each other. It is very important that everyone that will be involved in the design process be together at the interview so that we all get the chance to ask questions and get a sense for what it would be like to work together.
"What do you need from us?"
Brief written description of your goals for the project, including:
- list of "must-have" items, "would be nice to have" items, and "don't want" items (Note: If all of the people living in the house don't agree about the goals, it is helpful to know what differs.)
- budget for the construction cost of the project (for more insight into costs, see HOW MUCH WILL MY PROJECT COST?).
- timeline for the project (when you will be ready to start design, begin construction, and move in)
- Inspiration photos from magazines, books, vacations, etc. (Note: It is not necessary that these photos be "the answer" to your goals, so don't exhaust yourself trying to find that! It is more helpful that you find photos of things you like, even if the photos represent a variety of architectural styles. A photo of a "cozy corner" may look different for you than it would for someone else, so photos really help me tune into your own personal taste and learn what those words mean to you visually and experientially. Even photos of something you really DON'T like can be helpful for comparison.)
Information that you may have about the house and/or lot, such as:
- old blueprints - whether original or from previous remodels
- survey
- "Improvement Location Certificate" - Sometimes found in your mortgage documents, this is a drawing that shows the outline of your house, garage, etc. (the "improvements"), with dimensions of the structures and of the lot itself. Sometimes, easement information and encroachments may be included in this document. If you do not find a one in your file, you may want to check with your title company to see if there was one obtained on your behalf. I have found that the drawing does not always make its way into your loan document package.
- copy of previous appraisal
- if you're changing the exterior appearance of the house, it is helpful to know if you anticipate problems with your neighbors
- neighborhood covenants, if any
"Walk and Talk" One of my favorite things to do is to be guided around a house by potential clients, listening to what they do and don't like about their homes. It is fun to learn what they wish for, what they've already changed, and how they see themselves living there.