Living with Nature: The Quiet Luxury of Custom Residential Design
There’s a feeling that washes over you when you step into a space where nature is truly present—not just seen but felt. It’s the [...]
Custom Home Design: The Crucial Role of Early Cost Estimates
Embarking on the journey of creating your dream custom home is an exciting venture. However, this exhilarating process comes with its own set of [...]
Our Unique Approach To Staying On Budget When Building a Custom Home
Staying on budget in custom residential design is a challenge we understand all too well. It's a topic that resonates with homeowners, builders, and [...]
Balancing Budget and Design: How Custom Homes Stay On Budget
Embarking on the journey of building a custom home is an exciting endeavor, but it's crucial to strike the right balance between budget and [...]
Building on a Challenging Site: The Power of Architectural Feasibility Studies
Embarking on the journey of building a custom home on a unique undeveloped property brings both excitement and challenges. It's essential to navigate these [...]
Architectural Feasibility Studies for Custom Homes
Do you have a great idea for a project, or are you eyeing a beautiful piece of land for a new custom home? Do [...]
What to Know Before you Start a Custom Modern Home in Ohio
Are you considering designing and building a custom modern home in Ohio? Building any home is a new experience. Building a custom, modern home [...]
Behind the Design (Part II): The Shimla House
This project spotlight is Part III of a comprehensive design process for an exceptional custom modern home in central Ohio. Find out more about [...]
Behind the Design: The Shimla House
This project spotlight is Part II of a comprehensive design process for an exceptional custom modern home in central Ohio. Find out more about [...]
Behind the Design Concept: The Shimla House
This project spotlight is Part I of a comprehensive design process for an exceptional custom modern home in central Ohio. Find out more about [...]
Huron Studio Receives AIA Columbus Honor Award
We are excited to announce that our Huron Studio has received a 2022 Honor Award from AIA Columbus in the Small Projects category! [...]
4 Massing Strategies for Building on Sloped Sites
There's something exhilarating about building a house on the side of a mountain or hillside. It's like you're on the precipice of the world [...]
What Makes a Home a Custom Home
Do you know what makes a custom home, custom? As we have conversations with more potential clients, we realize that many people don't know [...]
Characteristics of a Custom Home
In talking with more and more potential clients who want to build a modern custom home, we're learning that people have different ideas of what [...]
Behind the Design Concept: Rhodhiss Retreat
This project spotlight introduces a new contemporary lakeside house on Rhodhiss Lake, NC. Find out more about this project on our project page. In [...]
Designing Without a View
As suburban neighborhoods become denser and privacy becomes harder to come by, we're faced with an interesting design challenge for the single-family home. We [...]
Design Inspiration: Wooded Lakeside Retreats
When designing lake houses, providing an abundant amount of windows to frame views of the surroundings is paramount. While lake houses exist throughout the [...]
Where Do I Start? Starting the Custom Home Design Process
The custom home journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The design process is exciting and creative. And there's nothing quite like seeing your vision come [...]
Keeping Water Out: 7 Design Techniques to Control Water Movement
Roofs, exterior walls, and foundation assemblies are constantly working to protect your home against a barrage of natural forces. But it's not surprising that [...]
Travel Journal: Resonating With Place
Over the past few years, we've shared some of our favorite travel adventures with you. Often, we deliberately choose to share places that are [...]
Timeless Design: Qualities of Exceptional & Enduring Architecture
Buildings and homes are revered because they're timeless. Tadao Ando, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Peter Zumthor. Their works stand out because they have a [...]
Behind the Design Concept: Ontario Off-Grid
This project spotlight features a Concept Design for a modern off-grid home in Ontario, Canada. Find out more about this project on our project page. Whether [...]
Exterior Design – What to Know Before You Start
The all-important exterior design: It's what people see first, and it's what makes a lasting impression. Some of the most frequently asked questions we [...]
Behind the Design Review: Waterview Garden
This project spotlight shares a Design Review for a new single-family residence in Arkansas. We're sharing another recent design review with you. The [...]
Rethinking Home Design in a Changing World
As the coronavirus continues to spread, we find ourselves spending more and more time at home. Rooms where we once spent only a few waking [...]
![5 [BIG] Design Moves](https://i0.wp.com/yr-architecture.com/wp-content/uploads/5-BIG-Design-Moves.jpg?resize=320%2C202&ssl=1)
5 [BIG] Design Moves
Whether building a new house or renovating an existing one, the design process starts with the big picture ideas and then winds its way [...]
Behind the Design (Part I): Lincoln Bluff
We're very excited to introduce our Lincoln Bluff Residence - a new custom home in Eastern Washington. It's a unique house for a unique site [...]
Key Considerations When Building in Remote Locations
The idea of building a home in a remote location is something many people dream of. There's plenty to love: the privacy, the peaceful [...]
Travel Journal: Design Observations of a Simple Modern Cabin
Here's 8 design observations of a simple modern cabin. Recently we took a trip to Joshua Tree, CA with one agenda: to relax, unwind, [...]
Entry Sequences: Designing an Entry with a View
We're having fun designing a home for clients who have an amazing view of the Columbia River in Washington (coming soon!). As part of [...]
Architectural Book Review: House Rules
Book Review: Architectural Book Review: House Rules: An Architect’s Guide to Modern Life Written by Deborah Berke, Foreword by Rick Moody An Amazon recommendation, [...]
Behind the Design Review: Tioga House
This project spotlight shares a Design Review for a new single-family residence in North Carolina. Find out more about this project on our project page. Many people [...]
Behind the Design: Huron ADU
This project spotlight shares the design process for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Columbus, Ohio. Find out more about this project on our project [...]
7 Reasons To Love Simple Modern Design
We all like simple modern home design, but what exactly do we love about it: the clean lines, the straightforward appearance, the simplicity? At YR Architecture [...]
Design Inspiration: Small Modern Houses
If you're considering a simpler lifestyle, living with less, or even downsizing to a smaller space, check out these inspiring small modern houses. Taking cues [...]
Travel Journal: Early Modernist Lessons in Placemaking
Architecture and travel. Anyone who knows an architect knows we love to travel. We love seeing new places, experiencing new things, learning about new cultures, [...]
Designing Your House to Respond to the Sun: An Intro to Solar Orientation
At YR Architecture + Design we're a big proponent of taking advantage of the earth's natural resources to help improve and regulate the spaces we [...]
Behind the Design (Part II): Howard Addition & Renovation
This project spotlight shares the design process for a modern house addition in Columbus, Ohio. Find out more about this project on our project page. [...]
Blending Architectural Styles
Many times as architects, we're asked to do the seemingly impossible task of creating a cohesive design that incorporates two different design aesthetics. Whether a [...]
5 Strategies For Finding Land to Build a Small Affordable House
Do you want to build a small house but are having trouble finding a lot to build it on? Finding land to build a small [...]
Behind the Design Concept (Part I): Howard Addition & Renovation
This project spotlight features a Concept Design for a modern addition in Columbus, Ohio. Find out more about this project on our project page. Designing a home [...]
Over Budget? How to Reduce Construction Cost During Design
A common problem when designing houses is that the estimates come in and the project is over budget. Now, what do you do? Do [...]
Modern Additions to Older (Traditional) Houses
Doing a modern addition to a traditional or older home? Check out these inspiring projects for design inspiration and how to make them work. With [...]
Book Review: Heavy Timber Structures
Book Review: Book Review: Heavy Timber Structures, Creating Comfort in Public Spaces by Anthony F. Zaya and Tim Diener We received this interesting timber framing [...]
The Importance of a Design Concept
Before we jump head first into designing a project —getting deep into detailing the project— we must get the design concept right. A design concept in architecture [...]
Architectural Fees for Residential Projects
How much do architects charge for their services? This article is Part II of a discussion about architect's design fees. In the previous post, we [...]
How Architects Charge For Design Services
Thinking about using an architect for your home design and wondering how they charge for their services? Here’s some answers. If you're confused about how [...]
Our Wish: Improve Our Relationship With Our Homes
The New Year brings with it a fresh start and a sense of rejuvenation, rebirth, and positivity. By welcoming the new year on a positive [...]
10 Affordable Gift Ideas for Architecture Lovers
Here's 10 great affordable gift ideas for architecture lovers. These gift ideas are great for any occasion: birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day, or even just [...]
Making a House Look Modern: 9 Tips To Modernize a House Design
Designing a modern home is not easy. It takes patience, skill, and thoughtful deliberation. But what constitutes modern home design, and how do you know [...]
How To Choose an Architect for Your Home Project
One of the first steps in designing and building a custom home is selecting your architect. Working with an architect from the very beginning adds [...]
Modern [Exterior] Window Details
Window details play a huge part in making a house look modern. Here are 6 modern exterior window details to choose from for your modern home.
![5 Simple Modern [Interior] Window Trim Details](https://i0.wp.com/yr-architecture.com/wp-content/uploads/5-Simple-Modern-Interior-Window-Trim-Details.jpg?resize=320%2C202&ssl=1)
5 Simple Modern [Interior] Window Trim Details
To create a simple modern home design, you need to get the window details right. Here are 5 simple modern window trim details to unify your modern space.
How To Boost Your Creative Thinking
Creativity is a learned skill. Learn how to think more creatively and explore design ideas you never thought possible with the help of these strategies.
Attic Conversions: Regulations, Requirements & Design Considerations
Attic conversions are an affordable way to add livable space to your current house, but consider these regulations, requirements, and considerations first. With the [...]
Cost-Effective Alternatives to a House Addition
With the expensive nature of home additions, consider these cost-effective alternatives using your existing footprint.
4 Window Wall Design Tips For Your Home
Want large window walls in your home? Learn the 4 most important window wall design tips that will help you create the home design you've always wanted.
Modern House Design & How You Can Afford It
If you set good project goals at the start, plan early and often to meet them, and remain mindful throughout the process about budget concerns you can create an affordable modern home.
Affordable Modern House Design
Affordable modern house design can be achieved because modern design is inherently simple in design and construction. Simple floor plans and details help make it possible.
What’s the difference between an architect, a designer, and a drafter?
When it comes to designing your home, there are various people who can help. So what's the difference between architects, designers, and draftspeople - and who should you work with?
Simple Modern Roof Designs
An article sharing the most popular simple modern roof designs, their aesthetics, uses, technical construction methods, and planning considerations.
How To Share Your Exciting Project Ideas With Your Architect
To design a house project, it's important to understand your goals, wants, needs, and design style. It's equally as important to be able to communicate all this to your architect. Here's how.
Characteristics of Simple Minimalist House Plans
Minimalist architecture can be characterized by one word: simple - reducing a building down to its most basic form, function, and essence. Nothing over [...]
3 Thoughtful Gifts for Minimalists, Creatives, & Social ‘Do-Gooders’
We're not big on gifts at YR Architecture + Design. As minimalists ourselves, we cherish quality time over gifts any day. But we thought [...]
How To Confidently Create the Perfect Floor Plans For Your Home
This project spotlight features an Architectural Design Review of a new single-story home in North Carolina. Check out our previous article to learn more details about design reviews. Do [...]
Home Design Review: How To Gain Confidence In Your Home Design
Have you ever tried creating something you've never seen or done before? Did you think about it for a while, trying really hard to visualize [...]
How To Select High Performance Window Walls For My Home
You've made the all-important decision to go with large window walls for your home. In your heart, you're convinced by all the amazing window wall [...]
5 Things To Consider About Window Wall Quality and Durability
Most building components need some sort of maintenance and upkeep, and windows are no exception. Material durability varies by location, exposure, and other environmental factors. [...]
What Type of Glazing Is Best For My Window Walls?
With so many different types of glazing out there, it's sometimes hard to know which glass is best for your project. There are various thicknesses, [...]
Window Wall Types: Learn the Basics
As you research manufacturers for your new window wall project, you soon realize there are A LOT of companies to choose from. Each company says their windows [...]
6 Valuable Benefits of Window Walls in Your Home
Love the look of window walls in modern homes? We do too! There are many valuable benefits of window walls in your home. Whether the [...]
Window Walls – What You Need To Know (before you start designing)
Most people would agree that modern window walls look pretty awesome! Of course, there are many benefits to using them - versatility in design options, [...]
Affordable Home Design: Efficient + Cost-Effective House Construction
Building a house is expensive. It's probably the single biggest investment of your life. And as such, it takes time and effort from you, your architect [...]
Affordable Home Design: Energy Efficient Design
Wouldn't it be nice to design a home that has lower utility bills and operating costs? The average home in the US spends $1,900 a year [...]
Affordable Home Design: Cost-Effective Materials + Simple Detailing
Brick. Tile. Metal. Stone. What do all these materials have in common? When installed properly they all look amazing. They are all durable, require little [...]
Affordable Home Design: Simple House Design
A simple house design that is compact, efficient, and straightforward can considerably reduce the cost and time it takes to build your home.
Affordable Home Design: Efficient Floor Plans
The cost of building a new home depends on many factors: geography, size, complexity, quality of materials, design aesthetics, etc. But one thing is a [...]
Affordable Home Design: Good Site Planning
Our previous article gave an introduction into creating an affordable home. In this post, we take a deeper look into one of the first places [...]
Affordable Home Design: An Introduction
Would you like to create an affordable home? If you're one of those people who are deciding to build a new home over buying an [...]
3 Effective Design Strategies for Small Modern Homes
Building smaller, compact homes is gaining momentum. People are realizing that living in smaller well-designed modern homes has many benefits, both quantitative and qualitative, over larger traditional [...]
We’ve Got Big News!
You may have noticed that we took a small break in the Fall from posting blogs and providing updates on our projects. Yes, of course, [...]
Reclaimed Timber: How To Prepare Reclaimed Wood for Reuse
Many people love the look of reclaimed timber beams in their homes. The character of the beams, the story they tell, and the structural [...]
Reclaimed Timber: A Timber Design Process for Homes
In this article, we talk about designing with reclaimed timber beams. If you're considering using salvaged timber for your home or small project, follow [...]