The decision to build our house was made quite swiftly: an architect it would be. Given the many specific wishes and requirements for our future home, the need for individual planning and the expertise of an architect seemed essential.
Our search for the perfect architect was exclusively conducted online (Google, Houzz, Bavarian Architects Chamber). We explored within a radius of about 100 kilometers around the future construction site, with the architectural style of previous projects being a crucial criterion. We specifically looked for architects specializing in flat roofs, cube forms, and wood-clad facades. Although the search posed a challenge, in the end, three promising architectural firms made it to our list.
A.punkt Architects from Zirndorf were our clear favorites. Before scheduling our initial meeting, we thoroughly researched their previous projects and design approach. The preference for flat roofs and cube forms, combined with the use of wood in facade design, thoroughly convinced us.
Preparation for the Project Meeting with A.punkt Architects
Before our first meeting with A.punkt Architects, we prepared extensively with a detailed project briefing. This briefing served not only as a guide for discussions with the architects but also as self-reflection to clearly define our own wishes and requirements.
The briefing was comprehensive, covering all relevant information:
- Plot: Information about the location, size, and peculiarities of the property.
- Construction form: Clear specifications for the desired construction form, particularly flat roofs and cube forms.
- Room layout: A list of desired rooms with size specifications to lay the foundations for space planning.
- Special features: Information about special features or requirements that are important to us.
- Building technology and equipment: A detailed list of requirements for building technology and equipment preferences.
- Facade design: Concrete ideas for the external appearance of the house.
- Outdoor facilities: Ideas and requirements for the design of outdoor areas.
- Budget and own contributions: Clear determination of the budget framework and our planned own contributions to the build process.
In addition, we presented a picture gallery with about 20 projects from around the world. This served not only as inspiration but also as a visual representation of our desired style. We will report on this extensive preparation in a separate article on the blog to provide other homeowners with insights into the preparation process and share tips for an effective project meeting.
First Meeting with the Architects
During the first meeting with A.punkt, we briefly presented our project and clarified fundamental questions. How would the planning process look like? What could the costs be? And above all, could our specific ideas be realized within our budget?
After this meeting and two days of consideration, it was clear for us: we wanted to realize our project with them. The feeling after the meeting was positive, and the architectural style of the firm exactly matched our visions.
We quickly arranged another meeting to discuss the project in detail, from the basic survey to the preliminary planning. The anticipation for the upcoming steps is great, and we can't wait to see the first draft of our new home.