Great Expectations
Every client comes to us with expectations. Some crave a little more space, while others want to completely transform their homes. Some have Pinterest boards and spend hours browsing Instagram, while others prepare wishlists and budgets.
A client’s expectations, whatever form they take, are the spark that ignites our work. They set us afoot on a creative journey, and provide the context we need to create homes that are specifically tailored to each client.
As part of this journey, we’re often asked whether it makes sense to work with an interior designer. If clients have “Great Expectations” for their home, the answer is definitely yes! An architect and interior designer each have their own expertise, and when we work together, it brings a WOW factor to the entire project.
We have worked with Kristin Try, a talented interior designer (and fellow Alexandria Stylebook contributor!) on a number of projects with elevated client expectations. In each case, the home we created together surpasses the sum of its parts.
Why work with an architect AND interior designer?
In this article, we’ve tried to demystify the why. A strong architect and interior design partnership should provide clients with:
A shared vision. We help you identify your expectations, and create a unique vision of how your home could look and feel.
A holistic approach. By working in tandem, we bring cohesion to your house. We knit the inside and outside together in ways that are sometimes surprising and unexpected.
Support with decision-making. There are numerous choices to make and we’re here to help! From streamlining options (and emails!) to sharing mood boards and inspiration images, at each step we guide and simplify your decisions with an eye toward the vision for your home.
Advocates! We are your built-in sounding board – advocating for you as our client – and guiding you through the entire home renovation journey.
Here are two projects where our clients had great expectations and hired both Convene Architecture and Kristin Try Interiors. Read on to learn about our clients’ great expectations and how we helped them achieve their goals.
Case Study: Remaking a Rosemont Bungalow
“We’d like to transform our home: top to bottom, and outside to inside. We want a cohesive home that adds to our beautiful neighborhood.”
We began transforming the home by designing a new exterior and rearranging the interior spaces. When Kristin joined the team, we began collaborating to create the cohesive whole you see in these photos. Kristin weighed in on all decisions about the exterior color palette and how it would relate to the interior; Convene Architecture joined meetings at the kitchen cabinet shop and tile showroom.
By working together to consider the use of materials, natural light, and color, we created a bright cohesive marriage between inside and out.
Case Study: Family, Football, and a Fireplace:
“We want to create an outdoor oasis where we can gather with family and friends and watch football all fall.”
To give our client a great place to hang out, we created an outdoor space that has the fit and finish of a beautiful family room. We designed a soaring timber structure, a large stone fireplace (with room for an outdoor TV!), and retaining walls with steps that lead to the back yard. We collaborated with Kristin on all the exterior colors and finishes and her suggestion of a light-colored ceiling for the timber structure made the outdoor room feel bright and welcoming. She selected stunning light fixtures and comfortable seating to complete the palette.
Through careful collaboration, we created an outdoor oasis that our clients can enjoy throughout the year. Bring on the football!
Meeting and Exceeding your Expectations
Part of meeting and exceeding expectations is also working with extraordinary builders - huge shout out to Harry Braswell, Inc. on the Rosemont Bungalow project and BOLT Builders on the Outdoor Oasis project. Their craftsmanship and partnership were critical to the success of each of these projects!
What’s so fun and rewarding about the design journey, is just that, that it’s a shared journey! Thinking about your own home hopes and dreams? Maybe even have some Great Expectations? We look forward to hearing from you! Contact us here.
