Pre-Design Questionnaire Expand a section to see its description and prompts. Fill in what you can and submit when ready. Primary Contact Name Email Project Address Preferred Phone Anything we should know upfront? Main Objectives Designing and building a home for yourself is a privilege but also a challenge. These prompts are about first principles — the Who, the What, and the Why. What are the most important goals of this project? Who are the people who will live in the house (names + ages)? In a few words, describe yourselves How long do you expect to live in this house? What’s the single best thing about your current house? What’s the worst? What could easily be improved? What’s best left alone? Every house has both “Financial Value” (Resale) and “Use Value” (The pleasure of a well designed Home) . . . Do you Agree ?, and if so, Where does this home lie on the spectrum? The Site A house that relates positively to its surroundings often has a connection with sun orientation, views, and breezes. Other factors of the surroundings make a place into a home. Could you give us a few thoughts on the East End? Thoughts on the immediate surroundings of your home? Where should the front entrance face? What image should it project? The Outdoors Your relationship to the outdoors influences how we shape your home. We work with “prospect” — open, expansive outlooks — and “refuge” — sheltered, private areas. The right balance creates spaces that feel both connected to nature and comfortably protected. Outdoor living with fire pit vs outdoor dining — which and why? Pergolas vs full rain protection? Should outdoor and indoor spaces flow together, or remain distinct? Is there a gardener in the family? Do you prefer formal or informal grounds? Who maintains? Late summer day: open doors with fans, or keep inside climate-controlled? The Indoors The interior arrangement of a home establishes relationships among occupants. Prospect means openness and light; refuge means comfort and privacy. Large, open interior space or discreet, separate rooms? What rooms/spaces or combinations do you require? Kitchen — emphasis on entertainment or daily use? Dining area — emphasis on entertainment or daily use? Living Room and Family Room — how should they differ? Laundry room — approximate size and preferred location? Bathrooms — counts, Jack & Jill, tubs? Pantry — approximate size and location? Utility room — storage needs (brooms, mops, vacuum, etc.)? Any specialty rooms — crafts, hobbies, surfing? Primary Bedroom The bedroom is your personal sanctuary. We’re interested in light, privacy, comfort, and how you use this space. Likes/dislikes about your current Primary Bedroom? Early risers? Private bath? Sitting area? Fireplace? Terrace/balcony? Mirrors? Privacy, time in suite, materials, lighting, TV, etc. Primary Bathroom Functional and indulgent — your preferences influence layout, materials, and daily routines. Material — floors How many sinks? Countertops Walls Whirlpool? Tub/shower? View to enclosed sunning garden or grounds? Sauna? Bidet? Toilet nook? Fireplace? Colors — muted, earthy, bold? Any other thoughts? Kitchen The kitchen is often the heart of the home — gathering, nourishment, and ritual. Who cooks? Likes/dislikes about your current kitchen? Entertainment vs personal use Type of countertops Range/oven Gas or Electric? Microwave Grill Dishwasher Compactor Pantry closet Disposal Type/number of sinks Oversize fridge Freezer Pot storage Wine storage Kitchen office Lighting Other Dining Dining is a social and spatial experience. Everyday dining pattern — where are meals usually eaten? Guest meals — elaborate, simple, lengthy, short? Do you serve drinks and appetizers? Is a separate, formal dining room required? Family Space Everyday life unfolds here — games, conversations, lounging. Where will the family spend most waking hours? Activities/interests? Is a “great room” (kitchen, family, dining) appropriate? Comments Living Room A space for hosting or reflection. Is a separate, formal living room required? Size and furnishings? Bedrooms Beyond sleep, bedrooms can be places for study, play, retreat. How many bedrooms do you have currently? How many bedrooms do you need? Use strictly for sleep/clothes, or also homework, hobbies, TV, crafts? Baths: en-suite, shared common hall, or one bath per two adjoining bedrooms? Balconies/terraces? Library / Study For reading, focus, or storage of ideas. Would you like to have a study? Where should the study be located? Shelving needs? Cabinetry? Special electronics? Special Pieces & Art Unique objects tell your story — art, furniture, heirlooms. Special or large pieces needing nooks/alcoves? Artwork or collections needing designed display? Home Office If work happens at home, even occasionally, dedicated space matters. Will anyone conduct business or do work at home? Require separate entry or special privacy? Special electrical? Domestic Help / Nannies / Aging in Place Do you currently or expect to have domestic help live in? If so, what accommodations will you provide? Laundry Efficient, discreet, and integrated into your routines. What part of the house will laundry be done in? Laundry sink, built-in ironing board? Laundry chute or cart? Garage & Storage Planning for movement, storage, and tools. Would you like a garage? For how many cars? Extra storage for yard/pool/other equipment? Separate space? Workshop/workbench needs? Tools: anything large/extensive? Special power requirements? Mechanical Comfort and sustainability start with systems you don’t always see. Current heating and cooling system? Preferred heating and cooling system? Is passive or active solar important? Woodstove? Fireplace? Material? Air filtering system? How many heating zones, and where? Heat in the garage? Electrical Lighting, power, and smart systems shape daily life. General lighting vision (dimmers, low-level spots, etc.) Low general lighting + task lights, or high overall level? Natural vs automatic lighting? Cable TV locations? Telephones? Computer outlets? Alarm system? Smart home/energy maintenance? Audio/video systems? Other? Exterior Materials The exterior expresses identity and durability. Likes/dislikes about your current exterior? Preferred exterior materials? Walls Roof Patios or decks Doors and windows Driveway paving Garden walks, retaining walls Interior Materials Daily textures and finishes define how your home feels. Overall interior materials/finishes by space Hardwood with Orientals or wall-to-wall carpet? Painted or natural trim? Drywall or wood ceilings? Rooms to consider (Living, Dining, Kitchen, Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Decks, Garage, Pantry, Laundry, Utility, Other) Financial Budget clarity guides good decisions. Expected spend on renovation Expected spend on landscaping Expected spend on furnishings Expected spend on other Any phasing of construction due to financial considerations? Submit Design Brief Clear & Back to Top
