Ceiling-to-floor windows, oversized planters, and gleaming floor tiles – there is plenty of design inspiration readily available on the internet. Whether one prefers a digital vision board app like Pinterest or an online magazine, new homeowners can find unlimited colour combinations, textile patterns, and even wallpaper designs- just by a tap. While in conversation with an experienced architectural design professional, however, this access brings with it a whole new set of challenges. For example, a new homeowner currently residing outside of Pakistan, in Canada or the United Kingdom, may insist upon cutting-edge heating technologies for their residential project. The catch is that their new house is being built in a tropical, warmer than average locale – such as Multan or Karachi. Here is where years of expertise and a commitment to satisfying the client’s needs combine during the critical pre-planning phase. Nothing should discourage a person from enjoying their favorite home renovation shows, but it would be best to exercise a little caution when building a new house.
A “Realty” Check
Here are some other reasons why impractical designs should be avoided by prospective homeowners:
- Outside of Pinterest, magazines, reality shows and other visual media also help people conceptualise the ideal living space. During the initial planning phase, it is easy to overlook the practical side of construction: locale, terrain, climate and local zoning restrictions.
- Let’s take for example the trend towards all-white or grey-white walls and carpeting. For a growing family with multiple children under the age of ten, this is an extremely unsuitable option. Similarly, metal tiles look great but can rust or tarnish in the bathroom or kitchen area.
- While requesting a particular layout or design feature is simple enough, the responsibility of carrying it out rests on the architect and the contractor. If there is any miscommunication between the homeowners and the design team, there is a risk of approving an impractical design with a short ‘shelf-life’. Over time, a property built without any serious consideration to the local terrain, or climate may result in higher-than-average energy costs, rainwater build-up, or water seepage in the basement area.
A responsible architectural design team will take the time and make the effort to explain why a certain design feature or addition should be scrapped. This approach ensures that the clients as well as the architects are equally informed and working in tandem for the duration of the project.
As home construction in Pakistan can be a daunting task, obstacles must be eradicated as soon as possible. At Amer Adnan Associates, we believe in delivering achievable, sustainable, and practical design services to our clients. Anything which we know can be detrimental to your home is immediately scrapped at the concept phase and we suggest alternatives or replacements for it.