In the first century BC, Marcus Vitruvius Pollio described good design as including the three qualities of firmness,
commodity, and delight. Technologies and tastes have evolved since, but it is as true today as it was then. I like to
put it in more modern terms as providing shelter for the flesh and space for the soul on a budget.
Architecture exists in the context of both the cultural and the natural worlds. At its best it can provide a bridge
between the two. At its worst it can be destructive of both. Good design can cost more at the start, but can ultimately save
the client money both in construction and in operating expenses.
Much of today's housing is built speculatively, in a sort of one-size-fits-all philosophy. A good house, like a well
tailored suit, should fit the client well, looking good and feeling comfortable. The Architect performs the function
of the tailor - measuring the client and accommodating his or her personal idiosyncrasies and bringing expertise acquired
over time to the design. This well fitted house (or other building) can evolve to meet the changing needs of the client over
time. It can eliminate the unnecessary allowing more value to be given to that which is most important to the client.
