Sarah Susanka’s best selling ‘Not so Big House’ book series

The Not So Big House books by Sarah Susanka bring to light a new way of thinking about what makes a place feel like home—characteristics that many people desire of their homes and their lives, but haven’t known how to verbalize.

How big is Not So Big? Not So Big doesn’t mean small. It means not as big as you thought you needed. But as a rule of thumb, a Not So Big House is approximately a third smaller than your original goal but about the same price as your original budget. The magic is that although the house is smaller in square footage, it actually feels much bigger.

See her books, newsletters, video interviews and more at: notsobighouse.com

More from Sarah Susanka in a 2016 interview with Mindful.org.   Some great reminders about paying attention to how spaces make us feel and working with architects to create what feels best for us. Check it out at: http://www.mindful.org/space-to-breathe/

‘The Accessible Home’ By Deborah Pierce

The Accessible Home goes beyond ramps and grab-bars to help aging boomers, or those faced with disabilities, accomplish home accessibility on a deeper level. Architect Deborah Pierce leads readers through the steps of universal design—from hiring the right architect to creating a pleasing space with the final details. Plus, an insider’s look at 25 case studies shows that the best design is built in, not tacked on, and that “accessible” can be both beautiful and functional. The Accessible Home empowers people of all ages and challenges them to create homes that restore independence and the grace of daily living.

Building Science Corporation Information Publications

Information for understanding the interaction of air, water vapor and liquid water with  building systems, from basic concepts to highly technical topics.  ‘Building Science Information provides objective, high-quality information about commercial and residential buildings. This resource combines building physics, systems design concepts, and an awareness of sustainability to promote the design and construction of buildings that are more durable, healthier, more sustainable and more economical than most buildings built today.’

Universal Design, Design-for-All, or Lifespan design

Universal Design is the design of buildings, products or environments to make them accessible to all people, regardless of age, disability or  other factors.”

Working with an Architect

From the American Institute of Architects ‘Topic A, Where the topic is always architecture’:

the Design At Home page offers articles highlighting areas where your architect can make a real difference in the design of one of your greatest investments, and most personal places, your home;

and the Work with an Architect page provides even more information on the value of working with an architect, including Six services architects provide on residential projects .

The Boston Society of Architects Homeowner’s Project Handbook has advice about finding and working with your architect, as well as a searchable list of AIA architects in Massachusetts, and other helpful information. 

Some of my architectural and building industry colleagues

Royer Architects
Marshall McLean Architect

Theodore & Company