Destination Big sky 2012 1

Destination

BIG SKY

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Live the AdventureIssue 2 2013-4

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Soul Searchinga custom home is like a fingerprint; it is an expression of its owner. and like a fingerprint it should be unique. this goes beyond determining program spaces such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms a home has to actually finding its “heart & soul.” When a project has heart and soul you know it, because you feel it.

if a client wants to meet the end of a project with this type of success, he or

she must have a strong relationship with an architect that knows how to listen to his or her needs and can follow through with a design that validates what was heard. in a phrase, it comes down to client service.

at Cta architects engineers, their design philosophy is that they won’t impose one on their clients. there is no hidden agenda, just a desire to exceed the client’s expectations in giving them a project they will love

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because it expresses who they are. Cta has been continuously reinventing this gentle approach to residential design in the mountain regions of the United states for the better part of 75 years.

But good design does not occur in a conference room with the client at the other end of the table; there are many factors that work together to bring about a successful, responsive design. “While there are many variables, there are three underlying elements that generate inspiration for a new home: the dynamics of the building site, the neighborhood character or context, and the personal desires of the client,” Cta architect David koel, explains. “the physical site provides a set of undeniable, natural facts that shape the design in both plan and character. in a perfect situation, it’s a gentle response to the needs of the natural environment around it.”koel says that while many elements of the design are flexible, the needs of the site itself are not.

“the site informs the building’s orientation, allowing it to maximize access to natural light and views, while protecting occupants from prevailing weather patterns. the site also sets the tone for character. the home should harmonize with the natural environment, yet remain distinctive and unique.” koel continues. “ideally it tells a story on behalf of the site, and on behalf of its occupants.”

“We want the client to be an equal member of our design team,” says Cta architect Brad Hoyt. “When it comes to custom residential projects, it’s very personal and the client should have input at whatever level they desire.” their designers wear many hats during concept development. they are coaches, detectives, and, occasionally, marriage counselors. they see their role as one that requires them to listen and observe, putting a very elaborate puzzle together. the design team encourages the client to be extremely vocal from beginning to end, and takes special care to listen for descriptive words and phrases. this is where the “soul” is found, in carefully considering what the client is saying.

PHotos:

opposite: exterior - Private Pool House, Whitefish, Montana

Right, above: exterior, Private Pool House, Whitefish, Montana

Right, Below: interior hot tub, Private Pool House, Whitefish, Montana

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“We encourage clients to bring in pictures, books, websites, really anything that inspires them,” says koel. “the imagery does not even have to be architectural. it’s the spirit behind it that we’re after.” once Cta has a clear picture of what the client’s wants, needs and expectations are, they create several concept drawings to dig even further.

“i hand draw a lot of my concepts the old fashioned way,” says koel. “it’s important to keep the concepts simple and loose. i steer clear of fully formed schematics and detailed floor plans for a while, because i don’t want the client to feel as though we’ve made decisions without them, or that it’s too late to study new ideas.”

the concepts that the team explores can run the gambit from classic to contemporary, based on the information gathered from the client.

above – Private Residence, Jackson, Wyoming

Center – kitchen, Private Residence, Jackson, Wyoming

Below – Living, Private Residence, Jackson, Wyoming

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“While we do strive to give (the client) everything that they want, sometimes we challenge them,” says Hoyt. “it’s important to explore all options to find the best design solution. We have to find out what is essential to their concept of a great vacation home or we aren’t doing our job as their trusted advisor.”

the team continually asks questions of their clients; they need to know if a client will want a house that makes a statement, with a traditional design and custom decorative accents, or a more contemporary design that remains understated and doesn’t compete with the beautiful scenery.

“these projects are so much more personal than, say, a commercial development,” says Hoyt. “this is someone’s home. it is where they are going to choose to spend their downtime. it’s where they are making memories.”

the team truly understands the “home” aspect of these projects. they know that everything has to feel personal and unique to the client, right down to the floor boards.

they spend a majority of their time investing in the client relationship because they care enough to get to know them on a personal level in order to deliver a truly personal home.

“someone once asked me what my favorite part of each project has been, and it wasn’t hard to come up with an answer,” says Hoyt. “it’s working with the client.”

“it is such an amazing feeling to see the look on their faces as the project jumps from our drawings and into reality,” says koel. “it’s rewarding for us because we had the opportunity to really empower that particular client, to allow them to make the design choices. Choices based on what they wanted, not just what was available.”

so when a client is ready to place their fingerprint on the landscape, they can feel comfortable knowing that Cta will be there to guide them from beginning to end.

- Joe Black, Cta Boise

interior Living, Big Mountain Residence, Whitefish, Montana