Our evolving preferences

So we wanted "a modern, single-story house in the 2500 sq ft range" and now we were needing define what modern specifically meant to us. In addition, the architects' houses we had seen added to the list of what we liked and occasionally didn't like, in terms of overall design, key design elements, and interior finishes.

While such architects will (truthfully) tell you they can design all types of modern houses we inevitably saw preferences in design elements, such as how one favored horizontal wood elements on doors and balconies, while another favored metal for siding and to face garage doors. While we have often noted and liked houses that use such elements we were also conscious of some possibly looking out-of-date in the future -- and remember this is our "last house" which we hope to live in for a long time.

So it was back to looking at more house photos and the breakthrough came when J articulated that we wanted a modern home, with "mid-century modern" influences, that would look "timeless," such as many of the homes we had seen on our Palm Springs visits.

Remember, we are still not at the point of agreeing an actual design, but getting to the next level of direction -- to help us select, and then instruct the architect.