Creating Place

As architects, creating a better community is at the heart of what we do. In many circumstances, we do this by honoring the past and building into the future. After all, a home must change over time to meet the evolving needs of the people who live within its walls.

We’ve all looked through the carefully curated, professional photos of beautiful houses in glossy magazines and thought, “That’s how I want my home to look!” But unless it’s a grand residence set on its own estate, most houses exist within neighborhoods, each with their own unique character. So, before we think about designing something new to match those glossy photos, it’s essential that we look at the surrounding properties to understand the context behind them.

In the United States, neighborhoods and communities often have specific characteristics that shape their identity. They bear the hallmarks of the era in which they were constructed (you know a 1980s house when you see it!) as well as echoing a broader regional identity - such as British Colonial in New England or the Spanish influence in the Southwest.

This wonderful, distinct character is what truly differentiates one neighborhood from another. Some neighborhoods preserve their character by establishing historic districts, which can impose strict guidelines and significantly influence the final design (for example, see Atlanta’s resources on Historic Preservation – City of Atlanta and Atlanta Code § Chapter 20 – Historic/Cultural Districts). Other neighborhoods opt against such restrictions, choosing instead to embrace the occasional randomness (and sometimes chaos) that can arise from this less regulated approach.

Regardless of the specific circumstances, we recognize that our work extends beyond the immediate desires of our clients, who often choose to buy in a particular neighborhood because of its character. They saw something in the larger neighborhood that made them want to set down roots - trees, schools, walkability, a certain feel, or a historical significance.

Because of this, we hold a strong conviction that our projects should contribute positively to the surrounding area. A well-executed renovation, for instance, can have a tangible impact on the value of neighboring properties. By extending a home's lifespan and improving its aesthetic appeal, the broader community benefits from increased property values and an improved standard of living. When it’s appropriate, we also employ adaptive reuse - keeping the character that defines a place while updating the building for how people live today. That could be the renovation of a church into a community center or condominium building. 

It is not uncommon for a single renovation on a block to spark a ripple effect, inspiring others to undertake similar improvements. This phenomenon, once colloquially known as "keeping up with the Joneses," ultimately contributes to an increase in property values throughout the block. This organic evolution is a natural and healthy part of how cities and towns grow and adapt over time.

However, in recent decades, this natural evolution has often been labeled "gentrification," a term that carries a more loaded, and often negative, connotation. The unintended consequences of property improvements are often felt most acutely by older residents who may struggle to maintain their homes or face increased property taxes.

I firmly believe that a change in tax policy could offer a viable solution to this complex dilemma. Instead of implementing blanket property tax increases across entire neighborhoods, a more equitable approach would be to base taxes on the sales price of a property, with the tax rate tied to the rate of inflation. This policy would provide older residents with the opportunity to remain in their homes, allowing them to continue contributing to the vibrant and rich tapestry of the communities and neighborhoods they have long called home.

We don’t advocate for copying the past to fit in, but for well-considered design with appropriate scale, materials, and relationship to the street. All of this helps create a better community. After all, neighborhoods, like homes, are constantly evolving.