Architectural Guides, Resources, and Information

What is the highest priority when designing a waterfront house? The view, of course. I designed my first waterfront house in 1997. It was built on the Potomac River just outside Washington DC in 1998. The house was very expensive to design and build because the entire...

Building your forever house on your own land is potentially more fulfilling than building in a subdivision. The journey will likely take longer and cost more, but for the right person or family, it is worth it. Why does it usually cost more to build on your own lot?...

Designing and building a custom home can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. This process offers a unique opportunity to incorporate many of the upscale features available today in your dream home. It is nearly impossible for one Architect or one Home...

Homeowners who are outgrowing their existing home often struggle when trying to make up their mind whether to expand their existing house or build a new house. Having designed over 500 additions and new homes since I started my own architecture firm in 2005, I have...

If you are building a new home or a significant addition, you will likely find yourself considering various options to insulate the exterior walls and attic. Each option has a stated “R Value” which measures the resistance to heat loss. The higher the R Value the...

Do you have a physical limitation that makes it difficult to use the stairs or a bathroom in a typical single family home? These difficulties can jeopardize your sense of confidence and even cause you to give up your independence. My architecture firm, DRF DESIGN, is...