Home Design Podcast: Inside, Outside, & Upside Down

home design influences
What makes a home look the way it looks? How do you approach designing a home based on where you are designing it and what style do you like? In Episode 85 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and architects, Laura Davis and Holly Hall talk about home design influences.

In this episode

  • How we are enjoying our new office
  • What does a vacation to Hawaii have to do with home design?
  • Designing from the inside out vs. from the outside in
  • Classical architectural styles vs. site responsive design
  • Geeking out over vernacular architecture
  • How a San Franciscan deals with a hot car ride vs. a Texan
  • Home Design Tips on Choosing Windows: available materials and choices in operation

Designing from the inside out

Beach House Kilauea Kauai Hawaii
The shape and layout of this home on the island of Kauai in Hawaii is driven by the rooms on the inside and how they relate to the view of the ocean. The tropical house has large sliding doors to capture the view and ocean breezes. Deep cantilevered roof eaves serve as floating patio covers with no posts to obstruct the panoramic view. Photo from realtor.com
Beach House Kilauea Kauai Hawaii Kitchen
No upper cabinets to get in the way of the ocean view. Unusual cabinet configuration allows for interaction with guests and enjoyment of the scenic location. Photo from realtor.com
Park City House mountain views
Orienting the house to take in the mountain view and maxing out the windows is common in custom  homes in Park City, Utah. Photo from realtor.com

Designing from the outside in

Classical House Highland Park TX symmetry
A classical revival style is designed from the outside in and is absolutely dependent on symmetry. This home in Highland Park, Texas was built in 1928. Photo from realtor.com

Vernacular homes respond to the climate and culture of where they are built

Adobe Santa Fe home
In desert climates such as in New Mexico, adobe homes were the vernacular style developed by the native Americans to keep their homes cool in the heat of the day and warm at night. Photo from realtor.com 
Humid Climate House Savannah, GA built 1894
Home design influences of historic homes in hot, humid climates tend to include large windows, deep wrap-around porches, and raised foundations. This classic style house is in Savannah, Georgia and was built in 1894 when natural ventilation was a key. Photo from realtor.com
Humid Climate House Savannah, GA bathroom

Designed from the outside in… In classical architecture homes the style, proportion and placement of windows take priority over what is inside.  This bathroom in an 1893 home in Savannah, Georgia has two large windows. Photo from realtor.com

Thank you to our sponsor!

Renlita Custom Opening Solutions offers custom, vertical, operable openings. Check out their website at www.renlitausa.com.

Renlita Custom Opening Solutions
Renlita

If you are viewing this in a podcast app, these show notes and episode can be found at https://www.hpdarch.com/home-design-podcast/.


 

Laura

VP, Architect, hpd architecture + interiors
Laura Davis is a Texas and Colorado registered architect and interior designer, and a co-founder of hpd architecture + interiors. With a diverse portfolio spanning residential, commercial, retail, and historical projects, Laura’s heart lies with her specialty in Historic Preservation. She loves to revitalize older properties, cherishing their character and the stories they hold. Her true passion lies in understanding her clients deeply, uncovering their desires and motivations, and crafting designs that turn houses into cherished homes.

Architecture Podcast Sponsorship / Guest Opportunities

Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast?
We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interest of our listeners.
Please complete the Sponsorship section of our Contact Form and we will be in touch.

Laura Davis is a registered architect and interior designer in the state of Texas and Colorado, and a founding member of hpd architecture + interiors. Laura's extensive experience includes residential as well as commercial and retail projects.  She also has a particular interest in restoration, holding a certificate in Historic Preservation. She is energized by the character of older homes and the stories of those who have lived there. Responding to the needs of the current owner, while also honoring the personality of the original home is a delicate process to be enjoyed.

Laura Davis

Vice President, Architect, Interior Designer Principal , hpd architecture + interiors