In this insightful Q&A, Des Ewing, the principal of Des Ewing Residential Architects shares his passion for creating beautiful and functional homes, his approach to sustainable design, and the evolving landscape of architecture. Join us as we delve into the mind of an architect dedicated to enhancing living spaces and delivering exceptional client satisfaction.
A: My name is Des Ewing, and I'm the principal of Des Ewing Residential Architects. As the name suggests, we focus exclusively on residential buildings. Most of our projects involve one-off houses, large, detached homes, and work in conservation areas.
A: Actually, no. I initially wanted to go into television production, producing videos, TV shows and that sort of thing. I pivoted towards architecture as I wanted to do something with involving design and the environment. Being from the countryside and loving greenery, I first considered landscape architecture but eventually found my way to building design.
A: Architecture is my living first of all which is very important but it’s something I really enjoy doing and would do it even if I didn’t get paid for it. It's fulfilling to create spaces where people live and thrive. While some parts of the job, like paperwork, can be dull, the ability to create a space, a building, or an environment where people live and thrive makes it all worthwhile.
A: I primarily work on houses, especially one-off projects. I find it incredibly rewarding to work closely with clients, solving the puzzle of their needs, site constraints, and design preferences to create spaces they love, and are excited about. It’s fulfilling to design a timeless piece of architecture that I am proud to leave on this earth.
A: The complexity of houses has significantly increased. There are many more systems, regulations, and consultants involved today. Despite these challenges, our goal remains to create simple, clean, beautiful, and cost-effective buildings.
A: The biggest impact comes from making houses smaller and more efficient. Many top-end houses are unnecessarily large, leading to wasted materials and energy. We aim to design compact, high-quality homes that are both luxurious and sustainable.
A: COVID-19 has shifted many of my meetings to virtual formats, saving a lot of travel time. While I miss in-person interactions, video calls have proven efficient for progress meetings, allowing more time for actual design work.
A: We rely on good technical support from suppliers to ensure we specify high-quality products. Clear, detailed information about materials is crucial for our confidence in their performance and suitability for our projects.
A: The future of architecture will focus on efficiency and quality over size. The trend will move away from showcasing large, unsustainable houses. Instead, there will be an emphasis on well-designed, smaller homes that use fewer materials but offer greater comfort and luxury.
A: One notable project was the renovation of a beautiful Victorian house. The client could see the potential in it and wanted to turn it into a stunning family home while preserving its historical charm as it was a former nursing home. We added a modern extension that complements the original architecture, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. The double-height space inside, with views of the surrounding trees, is a key feature and focal point that connects the house to its natural environment. The extension design prioritises functionality and beauty while ensuring minimal impact on the conservation area, remaining mostly hidden from the road.
A: The process begins with a detailed brief from the client. I visit the site and rely on my gut instincts to form initial ideas. The next step is tailoring the design to the client's needs and preferences. Communication is key, as I need to understand and incorporate what the clients want while guiding them with my expertise. The goal is to create a design that makes them happy and meets all their functional and aesthetic requirements.
A: Communication is crucial. It helps ensure that the design aligns with the client's vision and prevents misunderstandings. Effective communication involves listening to the client, explaining design choices, and adjusting based on their feedback.
A: Trust your instincts, communicate effectively, and always aim to make your clients happy. Designing a house is like solving a puzzle; it's about balancing practical needs with creative solutions. If you love what you do, the hard work is always worth it.
