A disturbing trend is emerging where good building design and architecture are sacrificed for over-the-top interior fit-out. It’s a bum-about notion and one that will not fair well for the long-term enjoyability of your home.
Your home build project will have a particular budget, most of which will be allocated to the actual build. But investment is also needed to prepare for your build. Pre-project design and supporting consultants should never be seen as robbing your build budget but rather as protecting it.
Here is a model I call- ‘Katie’s Hierarchy of Project Needs’. (Yes- a total adaption of Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs). These are the services typically required before the construction commencement of your new home. The hierarchy determines the extent of design and livability impact.
The base or founding layer is the architecture or building design and includes energy efficiency measures. It is the master plan relative to your ambitions and site conditions.
The second is interior design. This is where the finer interior details and specifications come into play. Interior design may be a continued service offered by your architect or building designer, carried out with an independent interior designer, or even done yourself if you have the time, energy and desire.
The third is supporting consultants. Various engineering designs and technical reports will be required to support your project. The extent will vary depending on the site conditions and statutory obligations.
When you deliberately rob from the preparation stages to feed high end-finishes, you are compromising your new home’s form, function and livability.
Expensive tiles can’t compensate for a poor bathroom layout.
Exquisite marble benchtops can’t compensate for a poorly functioning kitchen.
Detailed wall panelling can’t compensate for the main bedroom being positioned inconveniently.
And
Stunning sheer curtains can’t combat poor orientation pumping westerly sun into your main living area.
You get the gist.
Your home’s overall success and livability, not just how beautifully it photographs, is determined in the pre-build stages. So, investing in good pre-project services to protect your build is a smart move.
