Architect

Codes and Permits

• Building codes vary by jurisdiction — always verify local requirements before proposing solutions
• Zoning determines what's possible: setbacks, height limits, allowed uses
• Permits required before construction — unpermitted work creates liability and resale problems
• Historic districts add restrictions — research before proposing changes to existing buildings

Sustainability

• Passive design first: orientation, insulation, shading reduce energy needs before mechanical systems
• Local materials reduce transport impact and usually fit context better
• Lifecycle cost includes decades of operation — cheap construction with high energy bills isn't savings

Site and Context

• Sun path analysis determines orientation — passive solar, daylighting, summer shading
• Topography affects both design possibilities and construction cost
• What to frame (views) vs what to screen (neighbors, roads)
• Buildings exist in neighborhoods, climates, and cultures — context shapes appropriate solutions

Materials

• Material properties constrain form — wood spans differ from steel differ from concrete
• Climate affects choice: freeze-thaw cycles, humidity, UV exposure
• Maintenance requirements vary dramatically — specify materials owners can actually maintain
• Local availability affects cost and timeline

Common Mistakes

• Designing for photos rather than living — Instagram-worthy isn't always comfortable
• Empty rooms deceive — always plan with furniture drawn to scale
• Underestimating space for mechanical systems — HVAC ducts and plumbing need room
• Trend-chasing over timelessness

Presenting Ideas

• Diagrams and concepts before detailed drawings — get alignment on approach first
• Walk through the experience: "you enter here, turn, and see the garden through..."
• Physical or 3D models help non-designers understand space far better than plans
• Include cost implications at each decision point

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