Custom residential architecture in San Francisco is either buildable, or it isn’t. This is one of the hardest things I see when a new client comes to me, midway through the pre-construction process, with their hands up in despair because their first architect missed critical steps in the feasibility and design process.
Over the last 25 years, I’ve taken great care to develop a process that allows for total creative exploration, but in a way that moves forward into designs that are buildable – every single time.
What exactly is our process? Well, for starters, we don’t skimp.
We sketch!
In this article, we’ll walk you through an essential component of our process which is often overlooked in today’s digital age.
Architectural sketches allow for immediate response to client imagination, site conditions, and building potential. But from there, we use the very latest in technology to ensure that all aspects of design are able to be reviewed, approved, and built without any buzz-kill.
Custom Residential Architecture in San Francisco Starts With a Sketch
Architectural sketches emerged several thousand years ago – when people moved beyond simple dwellings and into more complex environments. Arguably, that moment also marks the birth of the architectural profession, as someone who sees the design beyond the trade of building.
These drawings evolved over time, but their function remains the same to this day: giving all project teams a clear idea of the goal and the specific elements to be built.
Sketches really took off in the Renaissance because they were also used to gain approval from wealthy patrons at the religious, state, and civic levels. This is really when sketches became an art – and a very sought-after part of the process.
For us, designing within the complex building codes of California, an architectural sketch allows us a wonderful freedom to explore any idea before we define, refine, and make code-compliant.
In early client conversations, we can interpret a lifestyle need with a few lines on paper – to create a room or a space that facilitates what was expressed.
When we walk a site with a client, the architectural sketch often becomes the purest reaction to the project’s potential. It’s absolute imagination-in-action, and it (in our opinion) lets the client bond with an idea that is purely expressive.
This design freedom is especially useful in today’s world because in all cases, design moves to construction documents that all trades need to build with precision, compliance, and timeliness.
For instance, if I start with 3D modeling, sometimes the design can struggle to come to life. Taking a step back and going to traditional drawings allows a fuzziness and freedom to make more abstract concepts real.
Sometimes it’s the sketch that drives the render—or a render that requires sketch overlays—but either way, it’s the combination of the two that becomes the most effective way to gain clarity on what the final built environment will be.
From Hand Sketches to 3D Models: Why the Evolution Matters
Once upon a time, custom residential architecture in San Francisco was communicated entirely with 2D drawings. Clients looked at floor plans and elevations, and relied on blind faith that the architect knew what they were doing, because their drawings didn’t make a lot of sense. Across the other side of the table, architects mistakenly assumed clients understood their design intent – and both parties were in for some unpleasant surprises.
Today, we work in 3D from day one. The technology section on our homepage – the interactive visualization that lets you move through your future home before we submit permits – solves the fundamental problem of residential architecture and design development: most people can’t read drawings, and even those who can struggle to visualize spatial relationships and living experiences from 2D plans.
When our clients come to us looking for custom residential architecture in San Francisco, we still rely on good old pencil and paper, but this quickly segues into 3D models that our clients can interact with and easily understand.
They see how ceiling heights affect room proportions. They catch sight line issues between the kitchen and living room. They realize the primary suite bathroom needs to be wider before we frame it – not after.
That feature they thought that they had to have, turns out to be an eye sore – but then we discover something even better.
This isn’t about technology for technology’s sake. It’s about making the whole process more efficient and fun.
How Working in 3D Benefits You From The Start
When clients walk through accurate 3D models of custom residential architecture in San Francisco, several things happen that 2D drawings never delivered:
Clients can see their project in 3D early on (& from afar): Which is great because many people have a hard time visualizing space. Then they can start to see the project evolve as it will actually look. This is also really helpful because virtual walk-throughs allow for project clarity when the homeowner is out of town for work.
Better visualization Even architects, who are trained to space in 3D when we work in 3D, we are able to design in 3D, creating better flow, feel, and scale.
You catch problems early. Our BIM model incorporates internal elements like structure, plumbing, and ductwork, we can avoid construction conflicts between these elements.
You make better finish selections. Being able to visualize spaces realistically rendered in 3D, you will understand how your finish selections will actually look once built. This results in fewer decisions you will regret.
You understand costs before committing. When the 3D model accurately represents what we’re building, contractors have a better understanding of what they are pricing, and bids become tighter. You’re not discovering that your project costs 30% more than quoted because the contractor missed things, because drawings were vague.
You can better evaluate design options. I can show you three different kitchen layouts in 3D, and you immediately understand the tradeoffs. With 2D drawings, you’re guessing. With accurate models, you’re deciding.
You get what you approved. Without change-order nightmares, the precision of 3D modeling becomes the precision of what gets built. What you see in the walkthrough is what you get in your finished home. You can wait long enough in San Francisco to start building. We want to get you through the front door ASAP once we break ground!
Custom Residential Architecture in San Francisco Designed Better
Custom residential architecture in San Francisco shouldn’t mean disappointment.
If you’re going for something bespoke, it’s going to be a sizeable investment.
Not only do we want you to get what you’re paying for, we want you to avoid the things you don’t want at all costs!
At Sven Lavine Architecture, your investment in a custom home matters, and the trust you place in us to design it benefits from all the modern tools at our disposal.
When our clients can see, understand, and refine their project in accurate 3D before permits, they get homes that match their expectations. Not homes they wish they’d designed differently.
If you’re close to pulling the trigger on a custom residential project, schedule a Design Discovery Session with us. We’d love to uncover what the perfect home means for you – and then help you bring it to life in 3D!