Our philosophy and inspiration Recommended reading:
Creating the Not so Big House: Sarah Susanka
B&H Architects are proponents of Not so Big. While the American family has gotten smaller, our homes are getting bigger still. WWII era houses were a mere 1100 s/f for a family of 4.5 and now at family size of 2 with 2400 s/f, are homes are not as spacious and well used as they should be. We believe that all rooms should be lived in and contribute to the quality of life.
In Western New York many of the homes feature the 20th century parlour, front porch and little used Dining Room at the front of the house, while the back of the house features the mud rooms, family rooms and decks and outdoor rooms where family is more likely to be found.
Saving size means saving cost in construction and in ongoing utility cost, so going for quality over quantity is a win, win.
Creating the New Old House: Russell Versaci
We are proponents of traditional building design and believe in finding the tenets that give a home its character and identity. An idea that runs through the house may be a particular detail, material or proportion or be based on historical precedent as far as style. A successful addition, new home or reinvention will build on the assets a home has and “fix” the deficiencies.
Green from the Ground Up: David Johnston & Scott Gibson
We promote healthy building materials and find this resource to provide a wealth of information on all things “green” from the choice of floor tile to the photovoltaic tiles on the roof. Sustainability and durability are 2 key components of both the design and product selection. When the architectural solution relates to site and climate and culture, when the house opens up to the winter sun and sits in the summer shade, we call that successful design.
Smartdesign: is part of our design strategy. It entails making all the spaces work, whether designing a new home or a remodeling project, we are advocates for built in beds, loft beds, window seats, bookshelves or storage walls or plain walls. Finding or creating usable space in the attics’ nooks and crannies rather than building 2 story walls.
