William J. Hirsch Jr. AIA - Designing Your Perfect House: Lessons from an Architect

This book is an excellent guide for anyone wanting to design the house of their dreams.

Sarah Susanka, FAIA, architect and author of The Not So Big House series, Home by Design, and The Not SoBig Life

I just finished reading your book, and Ilovedit! Very helpful, very well written, and very smart. Sadly, I am one of those people who cannot afford to hire an architect, so I very much appreciated your tips for helping my home feel right. Thank you!
Trish T., Minnesota

Mr. Hirsch, I love your book. It puts into words all the things I couldnt when viewing houses! Your book and your advice have helped me immenselyyou should have a TV showyou really hit the mark!
Cathy Beville

Hirsch explains in a friendly, conversational tone many critical design components that may not be obvious to most peoplefor example, what it means to make a space comfortable for humans or the importance of scale in room design. It becomes clear that we intuitively understand these concepts but never had them articulated before.

DesigningYourPerfect Houseconsists of twelve chapters or lessons covering topics such as choosing a home site, finding an architect, and figuring out a budget, but this really isnt a how to formula. Hirsch delves into many fine points of building not just a great house but a house thats perfect for its occupants. His experience working with first-timers and sensitivity to both architectural concepts and the emotions involved in home design make this an excellent read for those in the trade and would-be home owners.
Luise Bolleber, ForeWord Magazine

I recently read your excellent book,DesigningYourPerfect House. I have read numerous books on house design and building, but not found any that so effectively integrates design philosophy and practical considerations. The discussions of spatial relationships provide very good guidance. Your sidebar checklists are also very helpful. You have done an exceptionally good job. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Good work.
E.J. Ritchie, Houston

Your book has helped me so much; it was the best investment I ever made! Your advice has been invaluable, and I just want to thank you for sharing your design knowledge with us.
Luci S., New Jersey

I like the first sentence of the Preface. Hirsch says This book is for people who care enough to create a house that is uniquely their own. The important words are care and uniquely their own, and throughout the book he focuses on ways for homeowners to do just thatcreate a home that not only suits their lifestyles but one that is magical yet comfortable and livable.

This is such a good book! Ive seen many, but not one as detailed and user-friendly asDesigningYourPerfect House. Hirsch certainly is providing a guide on creating a house that becomes a home.
Irene Watson, Reader Views

It was a real pleasure reading your book in preparation of building our own house (in Switzerland). I loved your photos, clear examples, and easy flowing writing style.
RLS, Switzerland

I am enjoying this book a lot. I go back and forth to it. After which I had the privilege to know you Bill. Thank you for such a good book.
Mohamed A., UAE

This is a definite must-read for anyone building a house. It opened up a lot of dialogue between the two of us regarding our lifestyle and how we envision the housethe flow, the individual rooms, the light/sun, the terrace, and pool areaand the thousand other details mentioned in the book.
Rochelle and Steve Prystowsky

This book is a must-have for everyone who plans to build a home. [Hirshs] book is an invaluable tool to guide the way.
Tracy Gibson

2008, 2017 William J. Hirsch Jr.

Printed in China by Four Colour Print Group, Louisville, Kentucky. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval systemexcept by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, or on the Webwithout permission in writing from the publisher. For information, please contact Dalsimer Press, Inc., 1131 7 LKS N, West End, NC 27376.

Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of information contained in this book, we assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any inconsistency herein. Any slighting of people, places, or organizations is unintentional.

DISCLAIMER: This book is intended to express the views and opinions of the author and is neither written as, nor should be interpreted to be, professional advice regarding code compliance, safety issues, engineering, or financial issues. Readers are advised to retain locally licensed consultants and to always consult local authorities, codes, covenants, and regulations before starting any construction project.

PHOTO CREDITS: Page 41Dan Addison/U.VA Public Affairs; Page 58Richard Davis; Page 65Barbara Paul Robinson and Charles Rascob Robinson; Page 101Jim Steinhart of www.TravelPhotoBase.com; Page 161Illustration courtesy of National Charrette Institute; All Other PhotographsWilliam J. Hirsch Jr. AIA

1st EDITION (978-0-9798820-3-6): 1st printing 2008 2nd printing 2010 3rd printing 2012
2nd EDITION (978-0-9798820-0-5): 1st printing 2017

ISBN 978-0-9798820-0-5
LCCN 2017938089

ATTENTION CORPORATIONS, UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES, AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: Quantity discounts are available on bulk purchases of this book for educational, gift purposes, or as premiums for increasing magazine subscriptions or renewals. Special books or book excerpts can also be created to fit specific needs. For information, please contact Dalsimer Press, Inc., 1131 7 LKS N, West End, NC 27376; (910) 400-5379.

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Envision a House

Built to stand the test of time

Meant to be the home

Matt Hirsch

Acknowledgements

Endless thanks go to my wife, Maureen, for her unwavering support and valuable suggestions. I also thank our children, Kristi, Dan, Ben, and Matt, for patiently listening to me tell them how this project was actually going to be a book some day.

I could never have written a book like this without having the chance to gain knowledge and experience. For that knowledge, I thank the former Dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Virginia, the late J. Norwood Bosserman. He stood by me when few others did. For my experience, I thank each and every one of my wonderful clients. None of the projects you see and read about in this book would have ever become a reality without them. They taught me much.

If you read this book and feel the words flow easily and clearly, you can join me in thanking my friend Michael Levin. His skills as a writing coach and advisor played a large role in achieving that end. And the expert layout, cover design, and quality of the book itself are due to the professional guidance and skills of Debi, Scott, and Cathy at About Books, Inc.