Designing Your Perfect Home: Lessons from an Architect

William J. Hirsch, Jr. AIA
Dalsimer Press, Inc. (2008)
ISBN 9780979882036
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (11/08)

 

Needless to say I was thrilled to receive this book for review.  I have helped my husband, who is a home builder, design many homes and am always looking for the newest ideas and trends in the industry. I’m also looking for ways to make the house a home and create the “wow” factor for the prospective buyer.  William Hirsch’s book is certainly helping me take my designing to the next level.

I like the first sentence of the Preface.  Hirsch says “The book is for people who care enough to create a house that is uniquely their own.”  The important words are “care” and “uniquely their own” and throughout the book he focuses on ways for the homeowner to do just that – create a home that not only suits their lifestyle but one that is magical, yet comfortable and livable.

Hirsch divides his book into lessons; the first lesson being “Beginning the Journey.”  Here he explains about the architectural components and how to start.  The lessons are in a step-by-step concept, and address things like:  Unifying the Design, Choosing a Perfect Site, Putting Pencil to Paper, and The Budget.  Although every lesson is very important, I believe lesson eleven is one that needs the most energy and time dedicated to it.  It is titled “Thinking Through the Places Where You Live.”  Referred to as “the heart of the home,” the kitchen is a place where most families spend a lot of time in.  Combing the kitchen, family room and the breakfast room together creates this heart, making it an important room in the home.  Hirsch gives a series of questions to ask oneself while planning the kitchen area. There are also a series of important questions to ask oneself when planning areas such as the bathrooms.  Hirsch also covers rules on door swings and placements, lighting, closets, and sleeping areas. He gives the prospective homeowner the tools to create “your” perfect house.

This is such a good book!  I’ve seen many while trying to create homes for prospects but not one as detailed and user-friendly as “Designing Your Perfect House.”  Hirsch certainly is providing a guide on creating a house that becomes a home.

 

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