How Do We Begin to Design a Home? A Look at Space & Mark’s 5 Key Considerations
Designing a home is a journey from concept to reality, filled with thoughtful choices that bring a vision to life. While the process has many layers, we’re sharing five foundational considerations that guide us at Space & Mark when we move from pre-design into the design phase.
During pre-design, we gather all the parameters needed—details from you, insights from the site, and requirements from the municipality. With this framework, we transform initial program diagrams into real spaces. Here’s what we always keep top of mind as we work:
1. Site Orientation & Environment
The site itself is a primary factor in the design process. We consider how the home will sit on the land, aiming to frame the best views, track the path of sunlight, and respond to natural elements like trees, topography, and wind patterns. This helps us maximize beauty and harmony with the surroundings, whether we’re capturing morning light in a breakfast nook or setting up a room to take in a stunning sunset.
2. Functionality & Flow
For us, a well-designed home supports efficient movement and comfortable living. We think carefully about the flow of spaces, from the entrance to private zones, and ensure that public and private areas are thoughtfully connected yet distinct. Every room is sized to support its purpose, creating a layout that feels both natural and functional.
3. Client’s Lifestyle
No two clients are alike, and we believe every home should be as unique as the people who live in it. Your routines, needs, and preferences shape the design, from how you cook and entertain to how you relax or work from home. Each feature and space is tailored to support your daily life, creating a home that truly feels like yours.
4. Aesthetic Style
While function drives design, aesthetics bring it to life. We work closely with you to establish a cohesive architectural style that aligns with your vision, choosing materials, finishes, and forms that balance beauty with practicality. From modern minimalism to rustic elegance, each aesthetic decision is made to bring warmth, texture, and visual harmony to your space.
5. Budget & Construction Feasibility
A stunning design is only as valuable as its feasibility. We keep a constant eye on the budget and the construction requirements for each feature, ensuring that every element can be built as planned. Practicality in design means considering details like material availability, construction timelines, and budget realities from the outset, helping the project stay within scope and on schedule.
These five considerations are interconnected, informing each other throughout the process to create a design that is cohesive, functional, and beautiful. Whether we’re building from the ground up or transforming an existing structure, Space & Mark is committed to crafting homes that reflect your vision, respond to the site, and feel uniquely yours.
Curious to learn more? Reach out to us—we’d love to help bring your dream home to life!
