Swan Architecture specializes in all things residential. Whether you’re in need of a kitchen remodel, sunroom addition, or new home or cabin, our main objective is twofold: Providing premium professional design services while guiding and protecting you, the client, through what can be both an exciting and daunting journey to the best of our expertise. We understand that you’re hiring us to actually listen, and more importantly, understand your vision, so that your home reflects your spirit and personality, not ours. Above all else, when the project is finished, we want you to LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE. We believe that authentic design transcends fashion and trend. We draw upon our rich traditions of the past while modernizing them to suite the way we live today. Throw in a bit of whimsy, and we’re on our way to a home that will suit many for generations, but distinctively suits your life today. Prospective and past clients often react favorably to our whimsy page, which comes as no surprise, because whimsy is the perfect mix of ambiance and unexpected lifestyle that makes a structure not only a house, but your spirited home.
This first phase includes all of the discussions, thought, and exploration that lead to the moment when you realize you need to build something new. We can assist with this preliminary planning effort and oftentimes we do. The phase ends with your decision to move forward with the project and with us as your Architect.
Whether we are helping you realize your vision through a referral of a relationship you have in place, such as a builder or interior designer, or you need us to assemble the right team of industry partners, that decision is entirely up you. At our initial consult, we will discuss your program and project objectives, any relationships you might already have in place, any resources you may have, and discuss the right service and process package for you. We offer the flexibility to cater our services to your needs, and not vice versa.
Here are a few questions to consider that will help start a productive dialogue when we meet:
If you’ve chosen or are considering specific sites, begin to match your list of needs to what the actual properties offer. We can help you identify unusual or troublesome site conditions such as soil irregularities, drainage difficulties, or problematic slopes. We can also guide which site would best suit your program goals, taking into account sun angle, views, breezes, etc.
Consider what you want both aesthetically and functionally from your project. It can be very useful to come prepared with precedent / inspiration images, from internet based apps such as Houzz, Pinterest, or clips from magazines or books. Even if you do come with inspiration, we will work with you and develop an inspiration pallet using our valuable collection of books, past projects, and magazines in our library.
We will consider personal aspects of your lifestyle, like your desire for privacy, plans for family, entertaining needs, etc. We will also take into regard your future expected uses of you home. Every question we may ask may not be an easy answer, but we believe that the more questions we ask, the better we can understand your lifestyle and meet your expectations for the project.
We will discuss how much a project such as yours might cost. Sometimes clients choose to start the process by ‘designing to the dream,’ and then soliciting estimates from contractors early on to gauge how much the project may cost. Others come with a maximum price, and we work our project around that fixed fee.
What are you hoping to gain from hiring us? Did you know that we are a licensed residential Architecture firm? Did you know that that most residential designers are not licensed Architects? Not many are aware of this, or the different between a licensed Architects vs. a non-licensed residential designer. There are considerable added benefits and security to be gained by using a licensed Architect.
For the 2018 Artisan Home Tour, City Homes is pairing up with Swan Architecture on Home #20 in Edina. With panoramic views of Minnehaha Creek and an exceptional location just blocks from 50th & France, this thoughtfully designed home will be treasured for years to come. Custom details, mixed metals, and a breezy color palette come together with casual-glam sophistication. With 5100 square feet, five bedrooms, five bathrooms, A/C and ample storage, there is plenty of room for the whole family. And friends, too—you’ll love entertaining in this home, with its large great room, four-season porch, and lower-level theater, exercise room, and rec room with bar. For more information on this home, go to the Artisan Home Tour website.
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