Building a custom-designed home probably ranks high on every homeowner’s dream list. At Suncadia, we know how important it is for members of our community to build a home they will love for years to come, one that fits their lifestyle and that they are happy to come home to weekend after weekend. That’s why we have partnered with some of the best home builders and architects in Washington. Meet Galen Page, President of Page and Beard Architects.
Established in 1990, Page and Beard is a full service design firm that helps clients through the site development and building design process. “We have designed traditional northwest style homes, Suncadia craftsman and what is now being called modern mountain designs,” says Galen. “Our passion is to understand what our clients want and provide quality design solutions that satisfy their needs and desires.”
Over the last 15 years, the architects have designed more than 50 homes in Suncadia. ”Some of my more recent clients have expressed interest in a little different style of architecture,” says Galen. Indeed, what he calls the “Modern Mountain“ design style is becoming increasingly popular and luckily, the Suncadia Design Review board has been very receptive to this style of design. “I think it helps provide a more diverse and interesting community and still maintains the quality and character of the resort’s design intent.”
Here, Galen talks about the design process and building a dream home for every client.
Understanding the Client
When working with a new client I always ask them to provide examples of what they like and dislike about a house. Using terms like Traditional Northwest Design, Craftsman or Modern Mountain Design can be misleading. I want to find out what my client means by those references. Designing a custom home is very personal. What I design for my clients should be a reflection of what they want and love about a house. I need to get to know as much as possible about how they live and feel about design and architecture. The internet is a great resource to communicate ideas and materials and I encourage my clients to come prepared to talk about everything and anything that gets them excited about design.
Design Practice
I think that my practice is different than others because I am involved in the design from the start to the finish of every home. I have a personal interest and connection with every client. I have designed dozens of custom homes in Suncadia and I know the Design Review Guidelines like the back of my hand. I also know most of the builders and understand the development process.
Nature As Influence
I think the home designs in Suncadia reflect the northwest character they were designed to express. Because Suncadia has a diverse climate, the homes must function to respect that seasonal influence. The orientation of the homes must not only face the views but also respect the other elements like the sun, wind and snow. Covered outdoor spaces have become very important year round. They provide shade in the summer and protect from snow in the winter. Providing spaces that are in the sun and out of the wind become a very integral part of the Suncadia design concept.
Home As An Expression of Character
A custom home should not only be functional and efficient, it should also reflect the design character and structural expression imposed by the occupant. A custom home should somehow express the character and quality of the structure. Exposed framing and natural materials can add a quality and detail that can emphasize the beauty of a space. Natural light and windows can bring the qualities of the exterior environment deep into a space and provide a direct connection to its surrounding and potential views. Some of the most successful spaces that I design are the ones that connect the inside spaces with outside spaces.
His Dream Home
I think my house might look a little different than some of the other homes in the community. I would design a house that was very energy efficient. I would like to put some of it underground. My house would not be very large. I think I could live in a house that was under 2,000 square feet and it would be heated with hot water generated from the sun’s energy. I would also like to be off the grid and have space on my roof or site for solar collectors that provide electric power with battery storage. I think my house would have a very simple roof line and exposed structure that expanded well beyond the footprint of the house. I would have a large amount of glass in just the right places and a huge stone fireplace that would look like it supports the entire house.
Interested in learning more about custom designing your home or viewing a home designed by Page & Beard Architects? Contact a member of the Suncadia sales team at 509-649-6000.