Harris/Day has built its practice on successful school and commercial design projects for the most part, and we’re very proud of that fact. However, it’s a nice change of pace when a residential project presents itself and an architect can be creative and have fun helping someone design their dream home.

“One misconception people have is that having an architect involved in designing your home is a very expensive thing,” said Matt Sutter, H/D Vice President. “The reality is that the cost to develop a house design (floor plan and exterior elevations) that meets the owner’s custom needs is usually less than 2% of the cost of the home.”

According to research, we spend up to 50% of our time in our homes. And just as schools have increased test scores with better environments, better designed homes have a greater impact on how we feel and respond to others every day.

Harris/Day earned the Best New Home 2005 award from the Summit-Portage County Home Builders Association in its Condo, Cluster, Townhome category. The H/D designed home built by Fieldstone Villages Construction is located in Chenoweth Crossing in Green (OH). The 1,900-2,100 square foot home received the following accolades from an HBA judge. “Good use of space and ceiling lines, good circulation patterns, a well thought out condo unit that everyone should see.”

Harris/Day is currently working on two new residential projects, but each with a different design theme and style. One home features traditional architectural design lines and elements, while the other home is based on the Craftsman/Prairie style reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Building a home or undertaking an addition/remodeling project can be an exciting, but often difficult process if done on your own. “We work closely with the client to advise them every step of the way,” said Sutter. “We’re there from concept, to design, and through construction.”

If you’re looking for someone with proven design skills and know-how just to look over your shoulder and guide you, H/D can do that too. They have a two-hour design consultation service available for clients who are looking for a design critique, or just some guidance from an expert.

Design Has Gone To the Dogs...but that’s a good thing!

In any other situation, if an architect was told his or her design had gone to the dogs, you’d definitely have a bruised ego on your hands. However, when the project is for Barkitecture, you consider it a compliment and an invitation to be as creative as possible. Harris/Day will be participating in ‘Barkitecture, Another Doggone Fundraiser’, an event sponsored by the Canton Museum of Art, Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland & East Central Ohio, and the Building Industry Association of Stark County. “We’re still in the concept-brainstorming stage,” said Jeff Day, H/D president. He joked, “We’re already experiencing conflict – our architects are envisioning all kinds of creative designs, and the construction managers are trying to set up a rigid schedule to follow.” Entries must be completed by May 1st. They will be on display for public viewing at Westfield Belden Village in July.