When your 'dream project' becomes a 'big problem', and not in the way you expected

Frustrations of being overcommitted and overwhelmed.

real estate, philosophy, residential design, design, renovation projectJulie DunneSeptember 7, 2022renovation blog, construction problems, women architects, self employed blog, home renovation, real estate agent blogComment

Thinking about better ways to approach residential design.

A wish list and discussion about new ways to approach residential design.

residential design, design, philosophyJulie DunneApril 22, 2020design blog, architect blog, architectural theory, modern home design, green designComment

Taking a second look at an old house, or, Why not try something besides the modern box?

To buy a modern box, or renovate a vintage home. Is the trend of teardowns producing too many sterile white boxes?

house flipping, real estate, residential design, designJulie DunneSeptember 29, 2019real estate blog, real estate trends, chicago real estate, chicago realtor blog, chicagoland real estate, architect blog, real estate investing, realtor life, architect realtor, real estate agent search, contractor, women architects, historic homesComment

'I don't think I can like this, because it's not what I'm used to...', and other lies we tell ourselves.

Pitfalls of having infinite choices, when house hunting or otherwise.

real estate, residential design, philosophy, designJulie DunneJune 25, 2019house hunting, real estate trends, architect realtor, realtor life, modern home designComment

why we need The House to be important....even when they are ridiculous.

Let yourself be challenged by design you don’t like - use the experience to think about why you disapprove, and how you can do it better when it’s your turn. I think this is probably one of those concepts that’s true in life as is design, but I read the latest editorial in Architectural Record about the failing importance of the house, and that’s what got me thinking….

design, philosophy, residential designJulie DunneApril 10, 2019architect blog, organic architecture, design theory, modern home design, architect's home, design blogComment

today's ramble about building materials...

Examining the problems with standard use of materials in our homes, and how we might be able to shift our thinking to something more harmonious.

design, residential design, philosophyJulie DunneMarch 5, 2019organic architecture, architect blog, architect's home, women architects, design theory, architectural theory, modern home designComment

in defense of the 'midcentury modern' trend - because sometimes trends are awful.

musings on why I feel attracted to the architecture that emerged in the last century. thoughts about designing in a way that acknowledges our place in the natural world, not ignores it.