If you're building a new home or remodeling your current one, fire resistance may not be the first thing on your mind—but it should be. Wildfires...
Blog Topics: architectural advice
As a homeowner, do you ever wish you could ask for some expert architectural advice? When it comes to improving an investment as important as your home, you want to get the most value for your money. Guidance from someone who’s “been there, done that” can help you make smart decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
You’ll find topics like:
- How do you know when you need an architect?
- How to obtain a home building permit?
- How to design a fire-resistant home?
The questions surrounding home improvement are numerous and in this section Dallas and Denver residential architects Laura and Holly from hpd architecture + interiors, share their architectural advice, tips and pointers based on questions that they have been asked by their own clients.
Is Your Home Ready for a Change?
Your home needs a change but does it need a renovation or a remodel? Alternatively remediation may be in order or a sensitive restoration because you have a historic house.
Navigating Construction Contracts: Advice for Homeowners
Starting a home renovation or new home build project is exciting, but it comes with its share of challenges. The contract between you and your...
Tips for Aging in Place Remodeling
Most people want to live in their homes for as long as possible. Unfortunately, many existing homes and new residential construction designs do not...
Obtaining Building Permits From the City Permit Office
Obtaining building permits through the City Permit Office can be a frustrating experience. These tips will help the process go smoothly.
Building a Modular Home
Find the second installment of our series on building a modular home,as we get updates on progress and developments.
Renovating Historic Homes
If you are lucky enough to own an old stately property, you might be wondering about where to start renovating historic homes.
Importance of Architect Certification, Licenses and Registration
What is the importance of architect certification, registration and licenses and how are they achieved and maintained?
Staircase Design + Renovation Ideas
A stunning staircase design can be the architectural centerpiece of a home and a great investment in your property. It is a highly-involved process that requires the input of an experienced architect.
From Texas to Colorado: Local Culture and Climate Influences Home Design
Moving from one state to another, or purchasing a vacation home in a different region of the country, can be exciting. Discovering all that’s “new...
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House?
How much does it cost to build a house? Who better to ask than experienced Dallas architects: hpd architecture + interior design
Questions to Ask Before Designing A House
Ready to design your dream home? What questions to ask before designing a home? We often receive phone calls from homeowners looking...
Is Your House Exterior Set in Stone?
It’s exciting to focus on the interior of a new build but you should also be sure about house exterior materials and specifications.
The importance of the construction frame walk through
Why is the frame walk through on a new home build so important? Laura Davis of HPD Architecture explains what to look for.
Window Types and Considerations
When building or renovating a home, considering window types, material, size, shape and function makes a huge difference to the end result.
5 Questions To Ask Before Renovating Short Term Rental Property
Before you set about renovating a property for the short term rental market answer these five questions about the choices you will be making.
Why You Need Architectural Drawings for Home Improvement Projects
Interior design color trends move with the seasons so is it time to ditch the gray? Here are some easy ways to add color to a room.
Bump-Out Additions – Home Renovation Trends
What are bump out additions and is this home renovation trend right for your house? Click through to find out.
Before Beginning a Home Renovation Project…
If you are thinking about remodeling your house, there are three things you need to know before beginning a home renovation or remodel project.
Home Remodel – Raising the Roof
Whether you are thinking about raising the roof or building a second story, here are a few things you should be thinking about.
6 Tips for Starting a Home Restoration Project
Considering launching into a home restoration project? Click here to check out our top tips before you get started.
Renovation Road Blocks Your Home (or Future Home) May Be Hiding
How do you know if a home is going to be easy to renovate? What secrets could your home (or future home) be hiding? Each time a new client...
When Do I Really Need an Architect?
Who do you call when you are about to start a home renovation project? A contractor? An interior designer? An architect? All three? This list of...
California Solar Panel Mandate in Residential Construction – A Texas Architect Responds
Recently, Holly Hall, owner, architect, and interior designer at hpd architecture + interiors was quoted in an article about the new solar panel...
Designing a Home? Take a Vacation
There are a few situations that cast a magnifying glass on family dynamics better than a family vacation. Make that a vacation with ten family...
5 Tips for Do-It-Yourself Home Projects
As a residential architect, I’ve seen the results of bad owner do-it-yourself home projects. Here are my top 5 DIY tips for homeowners.
HGTV: Reality or Unreality TV for Those Looking to Remodel Their Home
A huge shout-out to HGTV! Thanks to hours and hours of binge watching, we think we now know how to remodel a home. We had just been going about it...
Buy or Renovate? NOW is the Perfect Time to Remodel!
Dallas is booming and the housing market is hot. It is the hottest it has been since before the recession. And, a number of our clients are...
Ready to Sell? 14 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Home
When our clients decide to purchase a new home to remodel or build a new home from the ground up, they are faced with selling their current...
Transitional Design Combines Contemporary and Traditional
Recently, we have been helping a couple plan the renovation of their home. His tastes are a mix of rustic, urban, masculine, relaxed, and refined....
Living in Smaller Homes
Updated March 24, 2018 Less is more. Whoever came up with that saying never bought a house in Texas. We like to say everything is bigger in Texas,...
Is Your Relationship with Your Architect a Summer Fling or a Long Term Commitment?
In a recent email from a homeowner, I was asked this question, “Do architects prefer to be involved only if the plan will be worked on from start to...
To Be or Not To Be Your Own General Contractor
You think, “I’m an educated person. I work with people, respond to deadlines, and deal with budgets every day. I know my way around a spreadsheet...
The Architect’s Three Magic Words
I am not fond of receiving cold calls. Any business owner can tell you how time consuming and sometimes...
How Homeowners and Architects Work Together
Homeowner Personalities If you’ve seen one, then you’ve… well, you’ve seen one. Each home owner is as unique as the home they own. Our clients are...
4 Tips for Home Protection Against West Nile Virus Mosquitoes and Other Insects
With the return of students to school and football games to the TV, I am energized at the thought of cool, crisp, fall days. One obvious benefit of...
Stuck for Home Remodel Inspiration?
Start with Art If you’ve been putting off starting a home remodel or redecorating project because you have no idea where to begin, I’d be willing to...
Designing Exterior Living
Dallas Architect shares ideas for designing exterior living spaces to be as enjoyable as your interiors. One of the biggest obstacles to really...
Quality is in the Details
During our summer vacation trek from Dallas to Pine Mountain, Georgia, we chose Jackson, Mississippi as our stopping point on Day 1. Road trip...
5 Tips for Improving Outdoor Living
Modern backyard designed by Holly Hall, AIACrickets singing, fireflies flickering, beautiful sunsets, and warm, humid nights. Along with pool...
Creating a New Outdoor Room
With some planning and design, you can design a new outdoor room or renovate the existing space enhance your outdoor living experience. When...