Choices are not always a good thing.

Being able to choose is not all that it is cracked up to be.  Too many choices can add to confusion –it clouds and distracts one from their original intentions.  When you limit the choices the opportunity to select a less desirable choice decreases.  Examples: Apple iphone- black or white?

Psychologists and marketing experts have figured out that in our busy lives that having too many choices can lead to “choice overload” and cause one to become paralyzed. 

As an Architect, my clients often come to me with a stack of images.  They range from open air villas in Europe to a perfectly staged NYC apartments.  I know that what they are dreaming of.  It is an organized thoughtful living space where the messiness of life is nowhere in sight.  They are looking for a lifestyle where the ‘to do’ list is three items on a cute black board in the middle of a clean bright kitchen. A place where laundry is always clean and folded in elegantly lined baskets and a bathroom that reminds them of the spa they went to on their last vacation.

The overwhelmed and overworked families that reach out to my firm (www.clawsonarchitects.com), have often come to the conclusion that if they just embark on a home addition and renovation that this life of order could all be realized.

But where does one start?

Step one:   Purge.  The 19^th century designer William Morris said “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” 

Step two:  Have a budget and goals. 

Often what is familiar and cost effective trumps the right choices.   This is why it is critical to establish a budget and goals right from the start.  The budget and goals together will  be the “thing” that really helps to inform the solution process by really honing in on what is most important to you.  Contrary to popular opinion, the right solution for you is not necessarily the most expensive. Furthermore, expensive things won't render your home organized, useful  or thoughtful.

Step three:  Choose a professional. 

There are many stores that will offer free design services.  Or they are selling a system or product and they will customize it for you.  That means the emphasis will be on their product.  And about the “Free” ...well, not really.  The cost is buried in the price of the product. I recommend that you choose a true Professional:  A licensed Architect.  An Architect will be able to refine and edit the selections for you and give you limited choices based on what you have shared with them about your living style and your budget. Their solutions will be specific to your home.  They will tailor the selections and educate you on the options giving you the confidence to make choices that are in alignment with your budget and goals.

Architecture does not end with the buidling envelope.  It is about creating space and flow.  It is about problem solving. The AIA (www.aia.org) has suggestions on how to find an Architect and questions you should ask yourself before calling on one.  This again is to help you make the right choice by limiting the selection to educated and qualified individuals that specialize in your area.