The Puzzle of Designing a Custom Home: He Wants, She Wants, We Want -- What's An Architect to Do?????

I've discovered that architect Jeremy
Sommer is good at challenges.  With the discipline of his classic architecture training and experience, his vision and creativity to take advantage of natural amenities with a complex design on a tight homesite, and the patience of a saint with an easy-going personality, Jeremy (Sommer Design Studio) was the perfect choice to design a custom home for me and Bruce at East Beach.


The CHALLENGES
Our homesite is located on 24th Bay Street in East Beach, about three lots back on the block.  With the right design, we hoped to capture some views of the Chesapeake Bay from the first- and second-floor front porches  -- even if just a sliver.

Across the street from our homesite is a beautiful stand of Live Oak trees on a linear park  (thank you +Mike Watkins for your masterful land plan).  The trees are illuminated at night.  As someone who works from home, I hoped that Jeremy could figure out a way that I could enjoy the view of the trees from my office. Bruce and I also wanted Jeremy to maintain the view of the trees from our kitchen and living room, too.  That's not too much to ask, right???

Add to the SHE WANTS list were a vaulted ceiling with exposed trusses, tons of light with multiple dormers, and a back screened porch and garden courtyard that would expand the open living area for entertaining and relaxation.

On the HE WANTS list, Bruce needed a spot for his office work where he wouldn't have to worry about Monica's neat streak.  Most importantly, he wanted a family and friend gathering space that would accommodate their combined family of six kids and five (almost six) grandkids. AND, Bruce wasn't ready to give up the pool table from his soon-to-be-over bachelor days, so the house would need to have a room big enough for a pool table and lounge area. (Smells like a man cave to me!)

The WE WANT list included having privacy, a rental apartment that could be used for income upon retirement (or earlier!), and bedrooms for family and guests.  Also, having room for a third car and for our little dog Beau Beau to run were important, too.

Jeremy worked tirelessly on the plan and Bruce and I couldn't be more excited!  Bruce and I LOVE the design and feel that Jeremy hit a home run in addressing the SHE WANTS, HE WANTS, and WE WANTS.  Jeremy's thoughtful design resulted in a home that will be comfortable, welcoming, and very livable for our active lifestyle.  THANK YOU JEREMY!!!    Take a look and see what you think.

Building a New Home (and Life!) on the Chesapeake Bay

Bruce and I have been dating for three years (as of November 17).  I love that he's a funny guy, playful and smart.  On March 23 of this year, Bruce popped the question in a very romantic restaurant on the Eastern Shore (think "Marry Me" by Train, a man on bended knee, a proposal written in chocolate, and a restaurant full of people very excited to have a ring-side seat).  You better believe I said, "yes!"  (I would have even without the chocolate incentive.)

It was time to get cracking on our new home!  

We had already decided that the wonderful New Urban neighborhood of East Beach in Norfolk, Virginia was where we wanted to live. I had moved there from Warwick Grove, (a LeylandAlliance traditional neighborhood located in the Hudson Valley of New York), and loved the lifestyle and sense of community of these special neighborhoods.  It was an extra bonus that East Beach is located on the Chesapeake Bay, although I would have loved this DPZ-designed neighborhood regardless.

So Bruce and I bought a lot, hired a WONDERFUL architect, Jeremy Sommer of Sommer Design Studio, and jumped right in!

Designing a custom home is an exciting process -- one of sharing a vision, finding someone who can articulate that vision, and working through the ups, downs, frustrations, and joys of a very complex and emotional process.  

This is the love story of designing and building a home, and a life, together.  This blog is for my dear Bruce, for those who love homes as much as I do, and for our dear friends and associates who take great joy in creating special places.