era | Time
how long does it take to design architecture?
How long does it take to build architecture?
How long does the process take?
What are your expectations?
All good questions!
But what is the answer??
Being in the process can sometimes feel like you are taking a lot of steps and going no-where.
It can take a while to get to a point where you are ready to commit to design and build architecture.
You make the decision.
You just want to get started!
You want to build your dreams!!
.. and then someone tells you that there are lots more things to do before you can get there.
It can be frustrating because you just want to start building so that you can get to the end and to live in the architecture you have been dreaming of!
Why can’t you start building now?
Because, if you start putting a spade in the ground right now, there will be all sorts of unexpected problems along the way that you have to make up solutions for on the fly.
If you are making up solutions on the fly, they cost you money and time.
It is much better to work out as much as you can before you start digging, so that you can get the best solution without surprises along the way.
But why spend the time? Why not just get going and deal with the consequences?
Making up things as you build means that you haven’t looked at your architecture in all its parts from the outset to find solutions that satisfy everything and work together to make architecture specific to you. Architecture that fits you in the best way it can. You will be making things up that work for one part of the build that you have a problem with, but be completely unsuitable for something else that then crops up later on which you will then have to find another solution for.
Why is that a problem?
It means that the final outcome - the architecture that you will live in - will be a mess of problems solved in the moment, rather than solutions considered to suit you, your place, your budget, your time frame and your purpose.
Your decision to design and build architecture is the very first step that starts a process that will eventually take you to your end goal.
How long does the process take?
i t t a k e s t i m e
It takes time to gather information, to put all of the information together and to build architecture that will work for you in every way it can.
It takes time to to understand the problem and interpret a solution that works best for you.
It takes time to consider all of the options and see the best one that will work for you.
It takes time to put all of the parts together in a practical solution that also holds the beauty that makes it special and specific to you.
t i m e
I once heard someone say that in the entire length of time from beginning to end, you should spend two thirds of that time designing and planning before you put your spade in the ground.
t i m e
Even the simplest process of putting together a building involves time to work things out before you can move in.
For instance, if you are buying a pre-fabricated building, like a shed, and having someone deliver it to your place and put it in position, there is still information to gather and things to work out before you can move in.
how will it be used? | what existing things does it need to connect to? | where will it be located? | where is the water running across the land so it doesn’t get flooded? | what height should it sit on that land so it matches in with everything else? | what layout suits its use? | will it be a shell, or do you need certain things inside it to make it work for you? a bench? a sink? | what services need to be connected to? | what style or ‘look’ are you after? | single pitched roof or double? | what materials will it be made from? | what colours will they be?
t i m e
But it is not just about the outcome, it is also the type of process you take.
The type of process you choose that best suits you will impact the time it takes to move through that process.
The expectations you have about that process will make a real difference to how you feel about the time it takes.
And the way you feel about how you travel through through the process will affect the experience you have.
t i m e
‘Time is free, but it is priceless.
You can't own it, but you can use it.' HARVEY MACKAY | Author
Before you jump in and start digging, take the time to make a plan for the process you will follow to reach your end goal. It doesn't have to be every little detail, but try to have an idea about how things will unfold.
c h o o s e a p r o c e s s
If you can get your head around what you can do and can't do, what your constraints are, what you want and what you don't, it can help you put together a plan that will suit you.
Look at your own skillset.
What can you offer, what do you want to do and what aren't you keen on?
Look at what you are missing.
What do you need help with and who could help you?
Take a look at your place.
Is there anything about your place that would make it tricky to build there?
Think about your budget.
How much do you have to spend?
Think about your time frame.
When would you like everything to be done?
Is there a process you are aware of that fits all of your answers?
Happy days! You are on your way!
If not, have a chat with someone who can run you through the options to help you find the one that is right for you.
It won't be a short journey - it will take time - so before you begin, give some thought to how you will go about making your way through.
It could make all the difference to you.
‘A goal without a plan is just a wish.' ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPERY | Writer
take the time
The architecture you design and build now, will be part of your life and the lives of others for a long time.
Spend the time in learning and finding the information that will make your architecture, so that when you build it, it will fit you like a glove.
Take the time now to find your architecture before you build it.
There is SO much to talk about when it comes to finding a process and understanding your expectations of the time that process will take to prepare architecture that is
SPECIFIC TO YOU.
My hope is that you have the best possible experience as you make your way through the process!
Your Place.
I have set up a special place where you can find little things and little ways to help you design + build your place.
I will add things to this place as time goes by and I would love to hear if there is anything that will help you! Connect with me and let me know what would be useful for you to see there.
Til next time!
Start the process to find your architectural language and make your little ideas a reality.
Click here to see the little things I have made for you, or click here if you would like to work with me one on one.