Current Ask The Designer - Debra Purvis

Featured Designer: Debra Purvis
Principal of DesignHouse Inc.

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Before we start, can you tell our readers a little about yourself. For example, where do you live, what is your background, how long you have been a designer etc?

Debra: I live in South Mississippi. I am a CPBD (Certified Professional Building Designer) with the National Council of Building Designer Certification. A professional member of the AIBD (American Institute of Building Design) I have been designing homes for over 20 years.

What are some of the reasons why someone should consider designing their own house or buying a plan as opposed to just going with what the builder has to offer?

Debra: One of the best reasons to think about designing your own home or working with a designer is being able to “get what you want”. The home can be customized to fit your needs.

Are housing styles really tied closely to geography? Can you build a cape code home in California, or a Mediterranean style home in the North East, or do the designs really work best where they are popular?

Debra: I think home styles should relate to the area they are built in. You want something that “feels” apart of the surroundings not out of place. Also there are design features that work better in different climates than others. Wider overhangs usually work well for southern homes, etc.

How has the housing market changed since you first started designing homes? Have you noticed any trends? Did the events of the past two years change what we are looking for in a new home?

Debra: I think the market has changed in a sense that people have more options for plans. The internet has opened the doors for some really great designers that would never been able to publish their work using print. BUT it has also opened the doors for some “not so great” designs to be easily published also. I think 9/11 made people focus more on family and friends, that will be reflected in clients desire for a place to relax and enjoy them more.

How do you go about designing a new plan? How much of the design process is based on the demands of the market, and how much of it is based on new ideas?

Debra:I usually sketch on graph paper or at my computer. I maybe after a certain look but most of the time I start in one corner of the house and “get inspired” from there, it just kind of “flows” out onto the paper. There are things that you try and design around... things home owners are asking for but you always like to through out something totally new. You never know what might inspire the next "trend".

How much effect has computers or the Internet had on the design profession. Do computers limit the creative process, or expand it. Do you design entirely on a computer, partially or not at all and why? What software do you use if any?

We use Chief Architect and Cadsoft Build which allow us to get 3d views of the homes as we design.

Is it true that 80% of the sales are from 20% of the designs?

Debra: I've heard the 80/20 rule before and it is true. A lot of times we can design a home thinking it will be a great seller (seems to have everything everyone keeps asking for) then when it gets on the market it flops. Then you have a design that you feel OK with but never dream it will be “as big as it is” it is strange how that works.

What percentage of your plans are modified by the buyer? What type of modifications are the most common?

Debra:I would say 70% at least are modified to some extent. The most commen changes I see homeowners doing is: 1. Adding or removing a fireplace. 2. Changing windows. 3. Making a room bigger/smaller. 4. Changing the roof style.

Where do you see housing design being in three, five, ten years from now? Any thing drastic on the horizon?

Debra: I see it being more customizable.. in other words the plans having more options, more ways the client can make changes without having them redrawn.

With the high cost of energy in many parts of the country, is there any increase in demand in energy efficient homes? Do you think solar homes will make a comeback?

Debra:I don't really see solar homes coming back in our area but I think people will think about paying more up front for better building materials. Homes are better insulated today than they were even 10 years ago. Windows and doors are better and people are realizing that those materials can help a lot when that power bill comes in! Insulated Concrete homes are also on the rise.

What advice would you give a prospective home plan buyer on how to pick their dream house? What things are most often overlooked and where should they start?

Debra:Write down everything you and your family want in a home plan then start from there. Reality will bring the home into scale soon enough.. but try and list your wants as well as needs first.

Looking into the future, try and make the home work for you now and be able to adjust it to meet your needs in the future. I worked with client years ago on a two story house that designed an area for a future elevator so they could still enjoy their second floor if they were wheelchair bound.

We have a section on our website where we list the designer's personal favorite design. Do you care to share your personal favorite design?

Debra:I can't share it at this time... it is "our" dream home we are working on right now. :-)

Thank you Debra for your insight and participation.

Next Issue: Kirya Duncan of Design Evolutions Inc.

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