Every home project starts with the land—understanding what I can actually build there based on local zoning rules. At the same time, I take a close look at the natural conditions of the site. Which direction do the winds come from? Where are the best views? Are there noises we might want to block out? I also think about how to use the sun to my advantage—like capturing warmth in the winter through smart design. By paying attention to all these details, I can find the best possible spot for your home on the site, making it comfortable, efficient, and perfectly suited to its surroundings.

Once I have figured out the ideal spot for the home on the property, I use 3D models to study how sunlight moves across the house throughout the day and year. This helps me see where natural light will hit the exterior, so I can make smart design choices—like bringing in more sunlight where it is wanted, and adding shade where too much sun is not ideal. It is all about making the home feel bright, comfortable, and energy-efficient

After creating the initial massing model, I sit down with my clients to start shaping the interior layout of the home. We talk about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need, and what additional spaces—like a home office, mudroom, or guest suite—might be important to you. Once we have defined the spaces, we look at how they connect to each other. How do you imagine moving through the home? Which spaces should feel open and connected, and which ones more private?

From there, I start layering in what we have learned from the site analysis. We think about which rooms should capture the best views, and where we can use the sun’s natural heat in the winter—especially in living areas that get a lot of daytime use. I also consider how to bring in natural light throughout the home while minimizing glare and overheating. These are key principles of passive design, which help make the home more energy-efficient and comfortable year-round.

At this stage, the design of the exterior starts to take shape as we align the flow of the interior with the unique opportunities the site offers.