Are you tired of seeing the same building designs repeated over and over, in neighborhood after neighborhood? Maybe you're looking to break out of the standard box with commercial buildings that will draw people in, not repel them. Or perhaps you want to make a contribution to your community in the form of architectural planning that inspires.
As many consumers move away from the sprawling mansions of a decade ago, they're placing a new emphasis on smaller homes that are packed with details. In response to these consumer demands, architects are putting their stamp on homes that maximize space, offer custom touches and pay attention to energy-efficiency. When you're looking at architectural plans, consider the following.
1. Bigger is not necessarily better. As we become more aware of how our actions affect our precious environment, we need to adjust accordingly, and that includes architectural plans.
2. Think about how you can add variety to your neighborhood by choosing an innovative architectural design plan.
3. Decide which commercial building plan will both suit your potential tenants and positively change the feel of the downtown streets.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Consider architectural planning that makes a positive impact in the community
When you're looking for a plan to satisfy a discriminating customer, consider architectural designs- not just house plans drawn up on the computer by a draftsman or a builder. What's the difference? With architectural design plans, you can expect more attention to detail and more concern about maximizing all available space in the house. Expect a higher degree of accuracy from archictectural plans.
I recommend: Architectural House Plans is a company that produces unique building plans created by notable architects. Explore Maple Forest Cottage, one of the company's premiere designs.
Today's building plans feature smaller homes
Are you looking for architectural design plans that evoke the past, but include the features of today? With architectural plans for smaller homes, you can find wide porches, multi-level rooflines and wide windows, as well as the open interior spaces that are so popular.
I recommend: Ross Chapin Architects' 1635 sq. ft. Plumrose House offers a happy medium between the old and the new with peaked roofs and a broad porch, perfect for sipping lemonade on a hot day.
Attractive architectural designs makes a difference in business curb appeal
What can you add or take away from a standard office building that will make it more attractive to consumers? Think about details you can easily add to the architectural plan that will add warmth to the structure, including aged brick, awnings over windows, good windows and shutters.
I recommend: Nelson Design Group has many different choices for commercial buildings. Their 8,000-square-foot architectural plan for multi-tenant office building can hold four tenants. Their inviting design features a mix of exterior materials, multipaned windows and welcoming awnings to shield customers from rain or to offer shade on a park bench.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Make sure you order enough architectural plans so that your subcontractors can quote the job accurately.
The official source of Architectural Plans is the Architectural Plans page at Business.com
Subscribe to
Try our free weekly WhatWorks newsletter, with business how-to advice
& resources from Work.com.