A prospect came to me looking for a design that has a simple “shed” roof. I asked him why? Is he inspired by the shed form? He hesitated, and stated that it would save him money. I opined that it might, but that a shed roof still has its own additional costs – i.e extra wall surface and volume. I showed him these two examples. Could he see the difference? I hope so.

TWO HOUSES (scroll down for bigger images)

A house with a simple shed roof. Both of these projects meet that criteria. Yet to most, one is inspiring and the other…not so much.

It’s likely one of these projects cost more than the other. But, does just adding money, add value?

I can guarantee the inspiring project took longer to design. Yet, time itself does not automatically bring about an inspiring project.

But there is one trait, one ingredient, that contributed most to whether a project is inspiring or just…. meh. That trait is the skill of the designer.

While the inspiring house cost more design and construct, it could not have come about without a seasoned skilled architect.

Look again at the inspiring house image. What do you see?

Order - Seven beams create six equal bays that set the stage. The eye is drawn to order. Order is soothing.

Light - The upper level façade is mostly glass. It reveals the roof plane and diminshes the divide between inside and outside. Imagine being in the house and looking out at an inspiring view of a lake, or a mountain, or a meadow.

Structure Glorified - Those beams are supporting a planar roof. Yet, they are more than utilitarian, they are an esthetic motif. There is beauty found in simple exposed beams.

Beauty in Simplicity - I see the beauty in the second house. I struggle to see it in the first house. Do you see beauty in the simple form of the second house?

Subtle Variety - The first house contains no variety. Indeed it is monotonous. The Second house has subtle contrasts - the simple shed with the flat roof, - the light and airy glass wall with the dark base and the mostly solid flat roofed form. This subtle variety engages the mind.

GOOD DESIGN DOESN’T JUST HAPPEN. It requires the skills and diligence of a talented architect. Hopefully you see it.