We all enjoy trying on clothes before buying them, right? Think of test fits as the real estate equivalent of trying on clothes. Lately, we've seen a surge in feasibility studies for potential properties, which are often referred to as "test fits". This increase may be a response to last year's freeze on short-term rentals in Orleans Parish, which left many developers wondering, "What else can I do with this property?" Let's explore some key questions that test fits are designed to address.
Read MoreIdentifying you style can be tough, especially when you are flooded with beautiful imagery on social media. It can be challenging to use one word to describe a style, so we don’t ask our clients to use words, instead we ask them to pin. Yes, we use Pinterest.com as a tool in our design process. We particularly like the aspect of client and architect sharing this board together as means of real-time collaboration. We do set those specific project boards to “private” so we can create virtually in the same confidence as we would in a face-to-face design meeting.
Read MoreIt can be humbling when a project with as much history as The Grigson-Didier House comes across your desk. The storied home has already been featured in the New York Times' T Magazine and national Antiques Magazine, not just for its own uniqueness but also for the love it has inspired in the eclectic and enthusiastic owners it has attracted.
Read MoreIn New Orleans, we have over 20 nationally-registered historic districts and 19 local historic districts. Any effort developing concepts in the planning phase needs to address the historic context of the neighborhood. The façade of the home does not only belong to the owner but it belongs to the city, to the neighborhood, and to the lovers of historic architecture who come from all over the world to New Orleans.
Read MoreDesign intent can be tough to convey; it is comprised of any number of ideas and goals, and all of the implications of achieving them successfully. It can be tough for owners to express what your intent is if you’re not fluent in the language of building - and why should they be? I can’t speak the language of medicine, or astronomy, and no one is expecting me to.
Read MoreExploring the challenges and design approach of living in a small urban home in New Orleans!
Read MoreOne challenge we encounter is learning how to adapt to a particular project's needs without sacrificing great design and service in order to satisfy our client's project goals. We do that by honing in on where exactly the client is seeking to add value, asking the deceptively simple question:
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