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DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND PHILOSOPHY

Building Architect Louis Henry Sullivan

“Form follows function.”

– Louis Henry Sullivan

Building Designers often develop their design principles and philosophies based on their experiential knowledge and priorities when it comes to designing a structure. These philosophies go on to define the style of an era and become essential milestones in the development of residential design.

Our design principles and philosophy incorporate not only years of professional expertise but also an essential part of the designer’s personality. It is the core motivation, the base for every successful project in understanding how we will effectively solve a design problem better than current solutions.

Celebrated designer Louis Henry Sullivan’s famous axiom, “form follows function,” became the touchstone for many in the building design field. This means that the purpose of a building should be the starting point for its design. This principle is highly regarded and adopted in every design. The more considered approach to home design takes into account all of these details and more in order to create a home with the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

At the outset of any well-executed project is the crafting of the project’s vision. Without a collaborative vision between a homeowner and the building designer, the dreams and aspirations of a project erode. A great design philosophy is woven directly into the project vision. The design philosophy defines how every aspect of a project is approached – from motivations, investment goals, regulations, to opportunities, and great aesthetics. The size of a project isn’t always irrelevant, because good design principles and philosophy can be applied and executed to any project. Now, that’s not to say that all design philosophies are created equal, because the truth is, that they aren’t, and we need to be adaptive to each individual project.

WE DESIGN
BEAUTIFUL HOMES, EXTENSIONS AND RENOVATIONS

Anabode Design & Drafting Founding Director, Andrew Slattery, has practiced building design and residential drafting for over 25 years in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs. Before founding Anabode Design & Drafting, Andrew honed his expertise as a principal registered drafting practitioner at several prominent building design firms in the Eastern Suburbs.

Andrew is a leading expert in his field, passionate about residential design and drafting for the construction industry, and a committed collaborator to the built environment within Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs.

“Building design is not just about producing a symmetrical, well-facilitated building or developing something exciting and original. It is the building designer’s understanding of the family’s fundamental physical and psychological needs in social or private spaces which will determine their home’s success and significance.”

TIMELESS AND CONSIDERED RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE

Anabode Design & Drafting provides clients with exclusive home designs which are custom created and never repeated. We work with you from the outset to ensure your vision and your design are always aligned.

Andrew Slattery is design-driven. He promotes considered, appropriate, and exceptional residential design that drives great spatial design and adaptable living, which is at the core of every great home. Anabode Design & Drafting is passionate about each client finding their home building journey enjoyable and inspiring.

MASTERING SPATIAL DESIGN IS THE MEETING OF FORM AND FUNCTION.

Alongside aesthetic, quality, and comfort, good residential spatial design maximises space in a way that is practical and conducive to everyday living.

At Anabode Design & Drafting, we have had the privilege of working on many ‘Dream Home’ projects, renovations, and extensions for clients over the years. It is our responsibility to turn our clients’ vision into reality. We do this by understanding their spatial requirements and organising them in a way that takes advantage of their site and context, along with their specific personal living needs.

SPATIAL DESIGN AND PLANNING IS KEY

Before making any changes to your home, it’s important to consider planning and research about what you and your family truly want. Developing a brief for any work is critical to making the right choice. Factors to consider include:

  • Your desired use of relative space for now and into the future
  • Your budget
  • Your likes and dislikes
  • The space’s attributes and restrictions
  • You and/or your family’s lifestyle and how you use each space
  • How long you intend to live at this address and how appealing the design is for any future resale value or higher investment return

 

Once these details are discussed, a brief is created and used as a reference for the work. This ensures the final space is functional and designed and drafted to suit your lifestyle and needs.

During the early consultation stages of designing and drafting a project, Anabode Design discusses the process that helps each client translate their needs and wants into a spatial design solution. We start by asking questions about the relationships they are seeking between spaces and their relative importance. For example:

  • “The kitchen is the heart of our home; it should have a clear visual connection to the living room.”
  • “The living room and dining room should have a seamless connection to the garden or a secluded recreational space.”

 

Andrew Slattery utilises his skill and broad knowledge of spatial planning and function, helping each client visualise how spaces relate to each other, which in turn benefits the home’s performance as the family grows and needs change.

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