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Architecture
Charles Steele & Assoc, Inc. brings the site sensitivity of the landscape architect to the potential home owner to create a space that brings the outdoors into the lives of the occupants. Our designs are based on the Usonion style of design conceived by Frank Lloyd Wright. They are homes for the average family and without the artificial facade of the popular trend. Our designs are suggestive of a refuge overlooking a magnificent ravine or meadow. Trees envelope the home yet allow morning light to penetrate the kitchen for a glorious uplifting sensation. Hot afternoon sun is kept out through window placement and generous roof overhang. Most importantly the living space is open and invites interaction as it presents an exciting connection with the outdoors. As with Wright’s homes, the kitchen and fireplace are the center of the home—the place of refuge. Opposite the refuge are glorious windows presenting the outdoors and an invitation to explore.
This kind of sensitivity is most often thought of as too expensive for the average house design. Our fees are usually half or less than that of most architects. We have perfected techniques that allow us to design efficiently and still include exciting features. Our drawings are more detailed than those from the average builder or lumber yard yet we do not include written specifications or contract documents other than what we can place on the drawings. Color and design choices are left up to the owner with our input if desired. We offer guidance and suggestions for working with the builder but do not enter into the contract negotiations. These are areas usually handled by the owner and doing so saves design fees. Complete landscape plans are included, especially in the design of the walks, driveways, patios and decks. If given topographical information for the site, we will supply a grading plan.
Our sensitivity to the site including the sun, slope of the land, existing and proposed vegetation and views, makes our homes more ‘green’. Above all, these insights are integrated in a mathematical envelope for a perceived unity of design.